[Dancing Queen]

Graciegirl or Lightning is the book called:
Lightning: Physics and Effects by Vladimir A. Rakov, and Martin A. Uman?

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

You can PM him. His name is Lightning on this forum. He is very well versed and selling nothing.

tks, I will when I'm closer to building.

[CarGuys]

Originally Posted by skyguy79

I'll bet the next thing you'll tell us is that his last name is Rod!

SKY!!!!!!! you are soooooooo Bad!

To tell you the truth I myself though Lighting Rods were a very good idea but that topic usually gets you zapped to death by anti- ROD -posters

[CarGuys]

Originally Posted by skyguy79

Can you get insurance coverage for "???"?

??? Cougars
??? Gators
??? Coyotes

[Lightning]

Graciegirl is right on. The installation of a lightning protection system is more complex than you think. You must have a working knowledge of NFPA 780, Standard for Lightning Protection Systems, LPI-175, Design - Installation - Inspection of Lightning Protection Systems, and UL 96 if you are going to install a code compliant system. I know of only once case of a do-it-yourself LPS installation and that was by a former electrcian. Working on the roof is not easy and can be hazardous. Last year my golf instructor (in his 40s) was doing repairs to his roof, fell off, needed an operation, and was out of work for over 7 months. Play it safe and leave it to the professionals - especially at this age.

[lovesports]

A good friend in Hadley had his house struck by lightning last night.
Took out all his electronics.

[MLBellis]

My best friend dated a guy that installed the lighting rods....he told us that it was a scam, they sell and install them cause people get so scared that they buy them....he said that the rods are designed to attract the lighting.....I lived in Fl for 12 yrs, my friend hads been here for 48 yrs.... we have not heard of anyone get hit, just the ones with the rods on top of their home......Just saying....and, by the way, she does not go out with him anymore, she did not like the fact that he ripped people off.... just wanted to put in my two cents

[getdul981]

Lightning rods are perplexing to say the least. If you notice, all the major structures in the squares have them. All the structures at Disney World have them. It seems that if they didn't work, why would the developer and the powers that be at Disney World go to the extra expense. On the other hand, your home owners insurance will not give you a discount if you have them installed. 'Tis a puzzlement!

[jimbo2012]

They are not a absolutely must have item, but the piece of mind to some maybe worth the investment.

It's the type of add on that after it's installed you never look at like wood floors, landscaping or granite counter tops.

Installers get perhaps $1500-2500+ to do the work.

If you have the extra cash.......it will get you a "cone of protection" in the lightening capital of the US.

[fromct]

In the interest of adding some more 'officiall' info to the discussion, I found the following:

The Straight Dope: Did they ever prove whether lightning rods work?

It's 'old' (2008) but, to me, the conclusion makes sense and echoes some of the other posts that state - how to get a proper install is the most complicated part of the decision.......

[2BNTV]

I for one will have lightening protection installed on whatever home I purchase.

Piece of mind is priceless.

[Fourpar]

I have it installed, and sleep better for it!

[fromct]

Lightning,

Do you have a presentation scheduled for August or September?

fromct

[NJblue]

I was at a presentation by Fire Chief Tucker and the topic of lightning rods came up. His comment was that if you are going to get them, have them done by someone who is UL certified. He said that improper installation can be worse than not having them at all. For the record, he does not have them on his own home.

[cgalloway6]

Originally Posted by NJblue

I was at a presentation by Fire Chief Tucker and the topic of lightning rods came up. His comment was that if you are going to get them, have them done by someone who is UL certified. He said that improper installation can be worse than not having them at all. For the record, he does not have them on his own home.

UL certifies products, I don't think they will ever certify a person or their capability. Maybe he meant UL certified lightning rod protection devices - if there is such a thing and installed by a licensed electrician.