MVS TECH is committed to providing comprehensive lightning protection system (LPS) design, implementation and testing solutions per NFPA 780, UL 96A and UFC 3-575-01. Our expertise encompasses a range of techniques, including:
- Grounding System Evaluation: We utilize the three-point fall-off potential method, a highly accurate technique for measuring the resistance of grounding electrodes. This method involves placing current and potential probes at specific distances from the electrode under test, allowing us to determine its effectiveness in dissipating lightning energy into the earth. We apply this method to assess grounding rods, counterpoise (buried conductors), and grounding grids to ensure they meet the required performance standards.
- Bonding Resistance Verification: Proper bonding is essential to minimize potential differences between conductive elements during a lightning event. We employ the two-point method to precisely measure bonding resistance at critical connection points throughout your LPS. This includes connections between down conductors, grounding electrodes, structural steel, and equipment. By identifying and addressing high-resistance connections, we ensure a safe and continuous path for lightning current to flow to ground.
- Compliance with Industry Standards: Our testing procedures adhere to NFPA 780, the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for the installation of lightning protection systems. This ensures your LPS resistance is within acceptable limits, typically less than 25 Ohms for general protection and as low as 5 Ohms for sensitive electronic equipment or structures with explosive hazards.A robust LPS comprises three key elements:
- Strike Termination Devices: Air terminals (lightning rods), catenary wires, and integrated structural metal are strategically positioned to intercept lightning strikes and provide a preferred path for the lightning current.
- Down Conductors and Bonding: A network of conductors safely channels lightning energy from the strike termination devices to the grounding system. Bonding connectors create low-impedance pathways between the LPS and other conductive elements, such as metallic piping, structural steel, and equipment grounding conductors, to prevent dangerous voltage differentials.
- Grounding System: The grounding system provides a low-resistance path for dissipating lightning energy into the earth. This typically consists of grounding rods driven into the soil, counterpoise (buried conductors), or a grounding grid, depending on the soil conditions and the level of protection required.