Lightning Protection Earthing Method?

[jimmycomeruk]

I am currently installing earth rods as lightning protection for shared satellite dish tv systems on blocks of flats.

My query is do I have to install an earth rod for lightning protection or can I earth to the electrical supply?

I'm pretty sure I should be able to earth to the supply but confirmation would be much appreciated.

 

[Mr Mark Sparks]

hi
542.4.1
in every installation a main earthing terminal shall be provided to connect the following to
(iv)
lightning protection system bonding conductor

 

[davelerave]

i would guess they should be earthed directly

with a bond to MET as well

don't know much

 

[Deleted member 9648]

hi
542.4.1
in every installation a main earthing terminal shall be provided to connect the following to
(iv)
lightning protection system bonding conductor

This is not the OP's query...the quote above concerns main bonding of lightning conductors ,NOT earthing.
Main bonding of lightning conductors should only be undertaken after consulting a specialist.
Regarding the op I would suggest this is a specialist area and if you dont know what you are doing you shouldnt be doing it.

 

[Mr Mark Sparks]

the point i was trying to make was that the lightning protection should be connected to the met
as you say though specialist needed lightning bs en 62305

 

[davelerave]

definitely agree - i wouldn't go near it

it's a highly specialized field

i'm still trying to picture you installing these rods-how are you doing it

hope you're using bigger than 2.5?

 

[jimmycomeruk]

Regarding the op I would suggest this is a specialist area and if you dont know what you are doing you shouldnt be doing it.

I know what I am doing and the method I am using is correct. HOWEVER on occassions the perimeter of some buildings do not have anywhere to install an earth rod and I wanted confirmation of whether I could use the MET of the buildings as lightning protection. I am using rods 16.5mm and 2m length. I test for continuity from the dish to the rod then peform a soil resistivity test.

 

[davelerave]

if you connect to MET 'only'- it won't be a lightning protection system then -it will just be be a main bond

 

[jimmycomeruk]

It would be a main bond. But would this be suitable as a route for lightning protection?!

 

[davelerave]

highly unlikely

 

[GStueyXR]

I think you would have to ask the DNO.... But I guarantee a big fat NO...

Bonding lightning conductors is just to ensure that should a mains voltage appear on the conductor, it is safely conducted to earth ad the overcurrent protective device operates. It is definitely not to send lightning type current back to the centre point of the transformer that's for sure.

Besides, lighting has no interest in the centre point of the transformer; it just wants the fastest route to earth....