It has been over 250 years since Benjamin Franklin invented the lightning rod. Buildings did not have electricity, communication systems, or electronic gadgets at that time. Hence neither Franklin rods, nor any other form of protection against the direct lightning strokes to a building were ever intended to protect the electrical systems, the communication systems, or the electronic equipment within the building. This fact remains today, same as it was 250 years ago.

An unprotected building is at risk of lightning-initiated fire. It is also at risk of structural damage, which would occur when moisture within a structural component is converted into high pressure steam, which would then cause an explosion. Franklin rods were invented to protect against the above effects. When electrical, electronic and plumbing systems became part of our buildings, they introduced an additional risk of arcing between down wires and any adjacent metallic component of those systems. in addition to increasing the risk of fire, such arcs could damage those systems or cause shocks to the occupnats. Hence Franklin rod systems were modified by adding the requirement of bonding. Nevertheless, the main objective of Franklin systems remains the same: fire and structural protection.

Of course, a direct stroke to a building can damage the elctrical systems, the communication systems, and the electrical and electronic devices within it. The frequency of surges that enter buildings over electrical and communication wires is many times larger than the frequency of direct lightning strokes. Hence surge protection for valuable electronics is highly recommended even if the Lightning Risk Assessment indicates that the building need not be protected against direct lightning strokes.

In summary, Franklin rods do not protect the electrical systems, the communication systems or the electronic devices within the building. Similarly, surge protection devices do not protect the building against the fire and / or structural damage that would be caused by a direct lightning stroke!

For more information please visit www.surgesuppression.com or email us at
info@nolightning.com.

Download a product information brochure: brochure.pdf