Lightning Protection

[barb1191]

[Excerpted from JMAX Tips]

It is the season for LIGHTNING in The Villages. Is your computer protected?

Lightning Protection

The letter from Mark Lamendola, 2002 IEEE Outstanding Member, Region 5, was an interesting and timely message for Villagers. With my experiences regarding the requirements for recognized lightning protection systems, I have seen way too many homes with less than acceptable systems installed.

However, with due respect to Mr. Lamendola, my experience and research into the topic tells me that his message was a bit misleading, contained some misguided emphasis, and omissions that need to be clarified.

To begin with, there are three (3) organizations that have established recognized Standards for installations of lightning protection systems that provide detailed requirements for effective protection:

· UL (Underwriters Laboratory) Standard 96A

· NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) Standard 780

· LPI (Lightning Protection Institute) Standard 175

These Standards define all aspects of a proper lighting protection system, including such things as electrical measurements necessary to demonstrate effective dissipation of energy from a lighting strike; how to determine size of wire to use in the system; material composition of wire, air terminals, air terminal mounts, ground rods; and every aspect of an effective system installation.

Of interest is the fact that LPI is the only agency that actually tests and certifies contractors specifically for proper installation of lightning protection systems. Their web site lists companies/contractors who have Certified “Journeyman” (as a result of passing 2 tests), “Master Installer” (as a result of passing 4 tests), and “Installer Designer” (as a result of passing 5 tests).

The UL web site has listing for recognized contractors. However, UL does not test nor assume responsibility for certifying these contractors. The UL listings only provide a list of contractors who have agreed to use UL Certified parts and components exclusively. Although this is an essential element for compliance with the noted Standards, it in no way provides any confidence that the listed contractors can perform the job of installing an effective and Standards-compliant system.

And I might point out that IEEE does not have any Standards or contractor testing programs in place associated with proper installations of lightning protection systems.

Mr. Lamendola makes reference in his “Note” at the end of his discussion to “hire a licensed Master Electrician to come to your home to check your grounding system.” In Item 1 at the beginning of his discussion, he suggests that “it’s economical to hire someone who knows the right way to do this rather than to guess at it and burn things up.” It is unfortunate that Mr. Lamendola makes no distinction regarding appropriate qualifications of contractors for installation of lightning protection systems.

1. The very first thing that should be considered is hiring a contractor that, if not certified by LPI, is at least listed under UL for installation of lightning protection systems, but most importantly, will accept responsibility for having UL inspect and provide a “Master Label Certificate,” or at least sign an agreement that they will repair and make correct any defects in the installation that a UL inspector finds while conducting their inspections regarding compliance for a “Master Label Certificate.” Any contractor who does not know what a “Master Label Certificate” is, or refuses to be held accountable for any deficiencies identified by the UL inspector should be summarily dismissed. He obviously does not know what he is doing and can not be trusted.

2. Generalizations are inappropriate regarding what needs to be done associated with a proper installation of a lightning protection system, such as installing 10 foot ground rods. Actually, the depth of any rod into the ground is dependant on the soil composition and level of the water table at the home site. We had to bury the ground rods 30 feet deep at each corner of our house to get acceptable conductivity readings (which are required for a UL Master Label Certificate). In addition, the wire gauge to be used depends upon the class of the installation (Class I or Class II) as well as the length of the wire runs from air terminals to ground rods.

3. I personally would not only recommend using the assessment exercise that Mr. Lamendola suggests (www.harger.com/lightningprotection.htm), but also assess any instances of lightning strikes anywhere near your home site. Since our area in the Marion County section of The Villages has had two (2) homes totally destroyed by lightning strikes. In addition, we also had a home two (2) doors down from us suffer a glancing lightning strike that caused minor physical damage and loss of several electrical appliances. This was enough to convince us that we needed to take action. The Harger assessment would lead us to believe that it is not a necessary expense. In addition, I would caution readers to not lose sight of the fact that the Harger web site is a commercial for Harger parts and contractors who install systems using their parts.

4. Whole house surge suppressors and point-of-use surge suppressors will have absolutely no affect in protecting the home in the case of a lighting strike. These items only protect appliances, TV’s, computers, etc. from surges within the electrical distribution system alone. The only possible protection from lighting strikes is a properly installed lightning protection system.

5. One area of concern in my observations of lightning protection systems in The Villages relate to the following points:

o Height of air terminals (the actual lightning rods mounted on the exposed high points of a building) shall be absolutely no less than ten (10) inches tall. I have witnessed houses that appear to have six and/or eight inch high air terminals.

o An air terminal located at the leading edge of any house structure (dormer corner as an example) must have a down-lead (copper wire) going directly to an earth ground. The error I have witnessed is that the grounding wire from the house top-most air terminal dead-ends at a dormer air terminal. Lightning surges can not go back onto itself; therefore it needs a clear and easy path to earth ground.

o Although aluminum wire is acceptable (if it is of the correct gauge), however it does not seem to be a very good choice here in Florida. Aluminum will corrode too easily, and anyone familiar with use of aluminum wiring in house interior wiring knows that it suffered with rapid deterioration when used for heavy current drain appliances such as refrigerators, resulting in houses burning to the ground due to wiring failures.

6. If an individual is truly interested in safety and protection, the use of whole house surge suppressors and spark gap arrestors should be avoided. The utility most likely will be using lowest-cost/poor quality parts and systems, and will not, as mentioned in Mr. Lamendola’s article, be honored by the utility company. Again, use of a licensed Lightning Protection System installer is the only sure way of getting your moneys worth.


I hope that this provides a little better guidance regarding what needs to be evaluated regarding an effective and efficient lightning protection system. I might that our having used a “Certified Master Installer: and “Certified Installer Designer” actually resulted in a lower cost from what I heard other people taking about regarding the cost of such as system for our home. Most contractors I had initially contacted indicated that a system would cost around $2000. Our system, which has been certified by UL, only cost us just over $1000. Not a bad savings and we have some comfort that UL had actually certified the installation, so we know that it is conformance to the above mentioned Standards.

John L. Wright, Sr.
Resident of The Village of Chatham
The Villages, Florida

[Sidney Lanier]

We had a whole house surge suppressor installed, and we installed in addition lots of smaller surge suppressors on things like televisions and computers. However, in no way did we think this was protection against anything other than minor or even significant fluctuations in voltage, and certainly not against a direct lightning hit. In light of the situation of the house in Poinciana, maybe we need to think more seriously about what's involved in setting up a house that is truly protected against lightning. Given the covenants and restrictions in our deeds, are lightning rods even acceptable? What are the alternatives? Are there warranties covering any system that is supposed to protect a house against a lightning strike? The Poinciana thing should really provoke some food for thought; thank goodness no one was hurt there, but imagine returning home to a leveled house....

[JohnN]

This is an incredibly interesting thread and thanks to Mr. Wright for posting it.

However, I've seen a lot of conflicting advice and unsure who/what to believe.

Mr. Lamendola says not to use the utility company surge protectors. His obvious interest is in selling his lightning protection systems. Not saying he's wrong, just saying he is not a disinterested party.

Somewhere else on TOTV, I think it was said the fire dept said NOT to put up lightning rods, which seems the opposite of Mr. Lamendola (again, I may be wrong).

This isn't my specialty, but it seems a big enough problem in Florida that there'd be a consensus on "best practices"?????

[SteveFromNY]

Somewhere else on TOTV, I think it was said the fire dept said NOT to put up lightning rods, which seems the opposite of Mr. Lamendola (again, I may be wrong).



In the "Fire in Poinciana" thread someone said the fire department (I guess they really meant one of the firemen) said "don't put up rods as they attract lightning". It seems the official position of the fire department is a little different though.
Guess who has a lightning protection system installed? Yes that's right, THE FIRE HOUSE does! See for yourself - on Bonita right off Buena Vista.

I think these systems are definitely worth considering, and if you think deed restrictions are an issue look around. I did, after the fire, and there are houses EVERYWHERE with protection systems.

[Donna]

http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_lhm/InstallRods.html

[Sidney Lanier]

SteveFromNY: Do you have any info on particular lightning protection systems with recommendations (this one is good, that one is better to stay away from, and so forth)? If you do, can you please post it? Thanks!

[gfmucci]

The following quote excerpted from the original post reduces its' credibility ...


[Excerpted from JMAX Tips]

26.*If an individual is truly interested in safety and protection, the use of whole house surge suppressors and spark gap arrestors should be avoided.* The utility most likely will be using lowest-cost/poor quality parts and systems, and will not, as mentioned in Mr. Lamendola’s article, be honored by the utility company.**

No reason or logic is given for "avoiding" whole house surge supporssors and spark gap arrestors.* The purpose of these devices is totally different and separate from the purpose of lighting arrestors.* If he had stated "...the use of whole house surge suppressors ALONE will not reduce the damage to the structure of your house (as distinguished from the electrical system and anything connected thereto) from a lighting strike", then that is believable.

In addition, the SECO whole house surge protection system, whether owned or leased, provides a 10 year warranty on the system and connected components. http://www.secoenergy.com/surge.html

Insofar as lightning rods (arrestors) being allowed in TV, check out most of the buildings in the Town Squares.* Even the pavillion and gazebos have them.*

Keep this thread going.* I, too, want more information since we are located in "the lightning bullseye of the western hemisphere."

[SteveFromNY]

SteveFromNY: Do you have any info on particular lightning protection systems with recommendations (this one is good, that one is better to stay away from, and so forth)? If you do, can you please post it? Thanks!


I have only started researching since the strike last week. I started with the google question "Do lightning rods work?" and got an amazing amount of information. I read thru that and familiarized myself with some of the basic concepts (much of which is also stated above). I was a "non-believer" until I did this research.

I have a personal reference from someone on TOTV for a company that looks like they really know what they are doing - their commercial reference list alone is impressive. Their website goes into a lot of detail about what they will actually do to help prevent damage. They are www.a1lightning.com (http://www.a1lightning.com) , and I have absolutely no affiliation with this company, but I will be discussing protecting my house with them shortly.

[Sidney Lanier]

SteveFromNY: Thanks for the info; I will check them out too! Do you have any idea of their pricing, as I can't find anything about it in the website. And if anyone has any other company to recommend (or avoid...), please post it.

gfmucci: I am in absolute agreement with you regarding that self-serving comment about the utility company's whole house surge suppressor. In fact, I am sufficiently turned off by the comment that I would not even consider pursuing contact with that company.

[JohnN]

Steve, let us know what else you find out and what you do, please

[SteveFromNY]

I don't know about pricing yet. I have a call into them and will be finding out soon.

[pili]

Yes, please let us know. I went to the site but there is no information on pricing. Thanks for the link.

Pili :)

[Sidney Lanier]

I just spoke to the owner of A1Lightning; he's away at the moment and phoned me back from the message I had left at his office. He explained that every house is unique not just in terms of size but also its setting and its landscaping; they have to remove plantings to install the grounding wires/rods/whatever they are into the ground and then replace the plantings. In other words, he explained, a house with only grass is less labor intensive than one with extensive landscaping (which makes sense to me). He said that he's done probably a thousand houses in TV. He sounded knowledgeable. Anyway, I gave him our address in TV; he said he will check out the house (even though we're not there), see what's involved, and then get back to me late this week or early next week. Will post when I know more.

[samhass]

A-1 did my home. I thought they were excellent. Those guys walked the beams of our birdcage and ran rods all over it as well as on the main structure..

[JohnN]

verrrrrry interesting

[gfmucci]

I spoke with my home insurer (Sumter Marion) who said none of their carriers provide discounts on homeowners insurance for homes having lighting arrestor systems yet because they have not been proven to be effective. The agent inferred that there is some investigation ongoing, but the verdict is still out as far as the insurers are concerned.

The absence of an insurance discount at this time would not deter me from installing such system if demonstrated to be effective in reducing the risk of my house burning down from lightning. Insurance companies are big buraucracies that have to jump through many hoops to recognize technological change. So I don't expect them to be at the cutting edge of recognizing effective lighting arrestors.

Yeah, so our home is insured if it burns down from a lightning strike. Getting your insurance money back to rebuild your house is just half the aggravation. Having a year taken out of your life living in a rental unit, the stress of rebuilding and reequiping a new house and the loss of irreplacable collections of whatever cannot really be compensated by insurance.

[samhass]

gfmucci said
"Yeah, so our home is insured if it burns down from a lightning strike. Getting your insurance money back to rebuild your house is just half the aggravation. Having a year taken out of your life living in a rental unit, the stress of rebuilding and reequiping a new house and the loss of irreplacable collections of whatever cannot really be compensated by insurance. "

How true. I just know I'm very glad we installed the rods and also have professional surge protection on everything. I broker professional satellite broadcast equipment and was able to purchase the surge protectors wholesale. Buying retail still makes them a worthy purchase IMHO. Look for the joules rating. Granted, a direct hit is going to fry your surge protector. Nothing is going to keep your electronics safe from a direct hit. I'm just hoping to avoid that direct hit with the rods.

[SteveFromNY]

A1 is going to check out my house and call me back soon as well.

[Don H]

I think Sidney has a good question about whether lightning rods are even acceptable by The Villages covenants. I looked at the A-1 site and it seems that lightning rods play a significant role in protection. I don't live in TV yet but for those who are considering an installation, it might be better to contact whoever is in charge of the rules to find out what is permitted before speaking with a contractor.

[samhass]

Don, I would think that with the gas lines in the attic, TV would be very happy for you to install the rods.

[784caroline]

I just had cable and telephone upgrades at our house and both installers told me I was not grounded from the main feed line to my plastic box that connected all the lead wires into my house. They had to both add and grounding wire ......... As one one earlier said a direct hit will not stop anything but a ground wire at the feed wire into your house certainly is a first line of defense. Just pop the box cover off and see if you can see a ground wire (normally a clamp with a copper wire exposed)) leading to the ground AND connected to a metal pipe of some type. The telephone guy told me he has worked alot of overtime lately for lightning just blew the telehone box off the side of the house ..scary stuff and he reminded me to stay of the telephone when it is lightning outside.

[SteveFromNY]

I think Sidney has a good question about whether lightning rods are even acceptable by The Villages covenants. I looked at the A-1 site and it seems that lightning rods play a significant role in protection. I don't live in TV yet but for those who are considering an installation, it might be better to contact whoever is in charge of the rules to find out what is permitted before speaking with a contractor.


There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of homes throughout TV with rods. I'm not checking with anyone if I decide to put them on.

[JohnN]

Steve,
I thought all home modifications need to go through the ARB?? I'd guess if there are thousands, this is standard, but it's still part of the covenant procedure.

784caroline, WOW, seems the builder should be grounding this properly at the get-go????

gfmucci, I'm not surprised the insurance companies don't give a discount - even if they work. Sounds like my health insurance not covering lasik, even though I no longer file claims for contacts and glasses. Any way to save a buck, and insurance companies will do it.

[SteveFromNY]

I thought all home modifications need to go through the ARB?? I'd guess if there are thousands, this is standard, but it's still part of the covenant procedure.



:redface:

You're right. Let's just say I would be surprised if there was any issue.

[JohnN]

Steve,
I'd put 'em up too!!!

now maybe if we put up wind turbines (from another thread) the lightning would be attracted to them, eh? LOLOL

[784caroline]

JohnN
The builder only provides the inside cable and telephone wires which allows an installer from the cable company or the telephone service to "properly" install and ground the lead wire that connects to the house wires that are in your plastic boxes outside your house.

[Sidney Lanier]

Don H: I would suspect that even if a review is required to put up a lightning arresting system, it would be a routine rubber stamp. (Hope I won't have to eat my words....) The owner of A1 said he's done 1,000 homes in TV (and I would like to believe that he's being truthful...); for sure samhass mentioned in an earlier posting on this thread that they had their house done by this company and they did it very well.

Sam, did you have to get a review and their approval, or was it something that you were just able to go ahead and have done? Thanks, everyone, for info!

[samhass]

Steve, I think many of those rods you see were installed by less than qualified people. The man next door had an outfit in to do his at a special price. (1,500)I don't think there is a lick of copper on the whole job. ..and he did the whole job in a few hours. My job took three days to install. When we said something to the foreman of the next door job about using all aluminum, he got all belligerent and said "he had been doing this for 25 years". I feel sorry for all the people he "did" in the last 25 years. He "did" them alright.




There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of homes throughout TV with rods. I'm not checking with anyone if I decide to put them on.

[samhass]

Sid, A-1 handled everything.

BTW, for all of you that call A-1, you should tell them they need to place an ad on TOTV.

[Sidney Lanier]

A really important point, samhass--thanks for mentioning it! I don't know much yet about lightning systems, but I do know that aluminum is for sure the wrong material to use for conducting lightning to the ground; the stuff has a propensity to melt with enough heat!!!

[SteveFromNY]

Steve, I think many of those rods you see were installed by less than qualified people. The man next door had an outfit in to do his at a special price. (1,500)I don't think there is a lick of copper on the whole job. ..and he did the whole job in a few hours. My job took three days to install. When we said something to the foreman of the next door job about using all aluminum, he got all belligerent and said "he had been doing this for 25 years". I feel sorry for all the people he "did" in the last 25 years. He "did" them alright.





I don't doubt it. Funny how so many jobs go to the low cost bidder.
I am starting with A1 based on your recommendation, and will see how it goes from there.

[bimmertl]

Lightning info. Note #12 and 13.


http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream//lightning/lightning_faq.htm

[SteveFromNY]

bimmert1 - I'm guessing you meant points # 13 & 14 as being of interest.

That's exactly why I am considering getting a lightning protection system - since TV is in the lightning capital of the world!

[JohnN]

784caroline - the cable/phone installers do the grounding, got it! thanks.

[samhass]

Steve, that's what I was thinking. The storms here are amazing in terms of the lightning.
I figured done properly, it could only help.





bimmert1 - I'm guessing you meant points # 13 & 14 as being of interest.

That's exactly why I am considering getting a lightning protection system - since TV is in the lightning capital of the world!

[Sidney Lanier]

I too am going with your recommendation of A1, samhass--thanks!


Lightning info. Note #12 and 13.

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream//lightning/lightning_faq.htm


I can't get that link to work. Any suggestions, as I'd like to read it? Thanks!

[SteveFromNY]

I too am going with your recommendation of A1, samhass--thanks!

I can't get that link to work. Any suggestions, as I'd like to read it? Thanks!

It worked for me. Try cutting and pasting into your browser.

[gfmucci]

Here is a link to a useful document on the merits of lightning rods:* http://www.agu.org/focus_group/ASE/NFPAreport.pdf**

On the topic of "lighting rods attract (more) lightning and therefore should not be installed" as opined by one or more fire department personnel, I have the following logic to share:

The first part of the assertion is technically true.* The higher a conductive object is located, the greater the chance it will be struck by lightning.* Raising a conductive object 12" (the typical height of a lightning rod above the protected structure) will infintessimally increase the chance of "attracting" a lightning strike.* But the validity of the logic of the complete statement ends there.* The object of lightning rods is not to reduce or eliminate lightning strikes.* (There are other technologies that strive for that - but they are still in the experimental stage.)*

The object of lightning rods is to direct lighting into the ground that would otherwise tend to strike your house.* The rod(s) conduct the lighting strike away from the structure of the house, reducing the chance for fire or other damage to the structure caused by the lighting strike.* Properly installed lightining rods have proven effective in accomplishing this purpose.*

One properly installed rod on a house will not be effective.* There needs to be several, optimally not more than 10' to 15' apart from one another or from any other high spot of the roof.* The closer they are together, the greater the reduction of chance for the structure being hit.* There is a cost-effective point that seems to be in the vicinity of plus or minus 15 feet from one another across the extent of the roof system.

On a related topic, I have a call in to Mike Farrington (referred by Kim in the Ocala Offie) of TECO.* Mike is over all the service techs in this area.* His number is 352-401-3417.* My questions to him will include:

1)* Is there any significant difference in level of safety of gas lines installed in the attic compared to ground mounted gas lines in a lightining prone area.*

2) What modifications have been made to the gas connections in the attic over the years in The Villages to increase their safety.

3) How can I be sure that my attic gas line installation reflects that latest improvements and safety measures?

4) Are there any measures that can or should be taken by the homeowner to improve the safety of this system, given our lightning-prone environment?

Any other good questions you can think of to ask are invited.

And finally, here are two articles about the attic mounted gas line materials (corregated stainless steel tubing (CSST)) particularly subject to rupture by lightning strikes:* http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=8657223&ClientType=Printable*and* http://hawkeyehomeinspects.com/documents/CSST-DANGERS.pdf

It appears that this type of material is used in new homes with attic gas line installations in TV.* The question is:* Is proper grounding sufficient to prevent perforations from electrical discharge from lightning?* Or is replacement with black iron pipe or a lightning diversion system safer alternatives?

My admittedly unscientific conclusion after reading the above articles is this:

Grounded or not, CSST serves as an effective lightning-attracting ground - like having a lightning rod in your attic.* With the older, thick-walled "black iron" pipe used for gas transmission, a lightning strike does not perforate its thick wall, and the mega volts are conducted harmlessly into the ground.* In the case of CSST, a lightning strike will perforate its thin wall as it is conducted disasterously into the ground.

Comments and critiques from you electricians, electro-mechanical engineers, physicists and other logical types out there?

[barb1191]

We have also contacted A1 for a quote. Recd a response from them that they will evaluate our property and respond accordingly.

barb

[SteveFromNY]

We should all get together and see if we can get a volume discount from A1 - we're creating an increased demand, and they may be increasing prices as a result!!

[dadspet]

I just had cable and telephone upgrades at our house and both installers told me I was not grounded from the main feed line to my plastic box that connected all the lead wires into my house. They had to both add and grounding wire ......... As one one earlier said a direct hit will not stop anything but a ground wire at the feed wire into your house certainly is a first line of defense. Just pop the box cover off and see if you can see a ground wire (normally a clamp with a copper wire exposed)) leading to the ground AND connected to a metal pipe of some type. The telephone guy told me he has worked alot of overtime lately for lightning just blew the telehone box off the side of the house ..scary stuff and he reminded me to stay of the telephone when it is lightning outside.

I checked the cable inlet box on our new Ranch and the cable inlet wasn't grounded. A1 House inspector didn't find the problem BTW either. I called Comcast they they came our in a few days and grounded it.

[gfmucci]

On a related topic, I have a call in to Mike Farrington (referred by Kim in the Ocala Offie) of TECO. Mike is over all the service techs in this area. His number is 352-401-3417.


After another call to Mr. Farrington this morning, I have yet to receive a return call.

[jerseygirl008]

Great idea Steve. And thanks for posting all the info you gathered.

[jerseygirl008]

Oh, and thanks Samhass and others too. Very very informative. Thanks.

[barb1191]

Have recd a response from Jeff who is Pres of A1. I have a corner-lot, patio villa and he has quoted $1525. Will go forth when I receive his formal quote, which should be sometime this week. He was quite anxious to get this done as he noted that they are in the electrical-storm season.

We're having this done while we're here in MA. He needs access to the garage only, which is no problem as my neighbor will oversee and give him garage access.

Thx Sam for the reference; am relieved that this is being done soon. When I return my signed Quote, I'll also suggest that he may want to consider an ad in the TOTV website as there are a number of inquiries from peeps in the site. I had mentioned to Jeff that you were the person who highly recommended them as you being a satisfied customer.

barb

[samhass]

You should all tell A-1 they need to take out an ad on TOTV. Let's try to help pay for this wonderful site.

[graciegirl]

Here is a link to a useful document on the merits of lightning rods: http://www.agu.org/focus_group/ASE/NFPAreport.pdf

On the topic of "lighting rods attract (more) lightning and therefore should not be installed" as opined by one or more fire department personnel, I have the following logic to share:

The first part of the assertion is technically true. The higher a conductive object is located, the greater the chance it will be struck by lightning. Raising a conductive object 12" (the typical height of a lightning rod above the protected structure) will infintessimally increase the chance of "attracting" a lightning strike. But the validity of the logic of the complete statement ends there. The object of lightning rods is not to reduce or eliminate lightning strikes. (There are other technologies that strive for that - but they are still in the experimental stage.)

The object of lightning rods is to direct lighting into the ground that would otherwise tend to strike your house. The rod(s) conduct the lighting strike away from the structure of the house, reducing the chance for fire or other damage to the structure caused by the lighting strike. Properly installed lightining rods have proven effective in accomplishing this purpose.

One properly installed rod on a house will not be effective. There needs to be several, optimally not more than 10' to 15' apart from one another or from any other high spot of the roof. The closer they are together, the greater the reduction of chance for the structure being hit. There is a cost-effective point that seems to be in the vicinity of plus or minus 15 feet from one another across the extent of the roof system.

On a related topic, I have a call in to Mike Farrington (referred by Kim in the Ocala Offie) of TECO. Mike is over all the service techs in this area. His number is 352-401-3417. My questions to him will include:

1) Is there any significant difference in level of safety of gas lines installed in the attic compared to ground mounted gas lines in a lightining prone area.

2) What modifications have been made to the gas connections in the attic over the years in The Villages to increase their safety.

3) How can I be sure that my attic gas line installation reflects that latest improvements and safety measures?

4) Are there any measures that can or should be taken by the homeowner to improve the safety of this system, given our lightning-prone environment?

Any other good questions you can think of to ask are invited.

And finally, here are two articles about the attic mounted gas line materials (corregated stainless steel tubing (CSST)) particularly subject to rupture by lightning strikes: http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=8657223&ClientType=Printableand http://hawkeyehomeinspects.com/documents/CSST-DANGERS.pdf

It appears that this type of material is used in new homes with attic gas line installations in TV. The question is: Is proper grounding sufficient to prevent perforations from electrical discharge from lightning? Or is replacement with black iron pipe or a lightning diversion system safer alternatives?

My admittedly unscientific conclusion after reading the above articles is this:

Grounded or not, CSST serves as an effective lightning-attracting ground - like having a lightning rod in your attic. With the older, thick-walled "black iron" pipe used for gas transmission, a lightning strike does not perforate its thick wall, and the mega volts are conducted harmlessly into the ground. In the case of CSST, a lightning strike will perforate its thin wall as it is conducted disasterously into the ground.

Comments and critiques from you electricians, electro-mechanical engineers, physicists and other logical types out there?


I gotta say you have a good head on your shoulders! You have effectively defined the problem/problems, gathered facts and come to a very good conclusion. You are just not another pretty face, Mucci, you little woofer!

[gfmucci]

woof