Lightning Grounding of Mechanical Equipment

[ClausB]

We are locating new refrigeration equipment on the roof of an existing manufacturing building. The building does not presently have a lightning protection system. The owner has questioned that since the new refrigeration equipment is the highest point, does this need special grounding for lighting protection. My opinion is no, since it is tied to steel structure above the roof which is connected to building steel and the entire systems is grounded and additional grounding is unnecessary, short of putting in an actual lighting rod/protection system.

Opinions or comments?

-Claus

 

[VEBill]

Other investigations that could be performed:

Measure the discharge current in the system. If there ain't no current, then there ain't no effect.

Install the Lightning Prevention systems using thin 22-ga wire to ground. Of course, ensure that there is a legal parallel Lightning Protection system.


By the way, are you in the business of selling such Lightning Protection systems? If so, then a disclaimer would be in order...

A few years ago I ran across a guy that sold 'Whole House Surge Protector' systems - he seemed to think that they were a 110% solution to ~all~ lightning problems.

 

[rbulsara]

I can only smile...

 

[VEBill]

Snake-oil salesmen often do.

 

[rbulsara]

vebill:

I am sorry even to try to answer your question. Have a great day.

 

[VEBill]

It was ClausB's original question. I was taking exception to some of the answers along the way.

The jury is really still out (and that is being generous) on Lightning Prevention. It has never been proven, in spite of not being very difficult to prove.

Have a great weekend.