Installation of Lightning Protection

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Installation ofLightning Protection

• Joseph Bones
• Bartlett Tree Experts
• Exton PA

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Survey the Tree

• Check for hazards
• Design your system.

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Designing the System

• Tree Species
• Height of tree
• Tree spread
• Number of cables
• Underground utilities

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Create a list of materials and tools necessary
to complete the job.
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LP Hardware you should stock
190A Mini Drive fastener
3x mini straight splicer
297A Large MPC
22 - 14 strand conductor
119 Inline GR clamp
51 -5/8 GR Clamp Straight
297 Small multipurpose clamp
Blunt tip
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Hand tools used for LP installation
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Installing the Conductor

• Climb to the highest point possible on the main
  leader of the tree.

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Install a hand line
Follow the path where the conductor should go
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Blunt Air Terminal

• Fasten directly beneath terminal

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Conductor Installation

• Use spool holder for easiest installation
• Micro pulley aids in raising conductor

Kinks can kill! Lightning can sideflash from
kinked conductor. Make sure your installation is
smooth and kink free.
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Tying on the Conductor
Use something like this
Not like this
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Blunt Tip
Simulates blunt tip
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Attach the conductor as high in the tree as
practical (2 1/2 branches)
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Attach conductor to drive fasteners (2) remove
rope
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• If possible locate conductor off to the side of
  the lead. (Consider Future climbs)

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Bonding

• Connect LP system to metal conduit and cables in
  tree.
• Not required to connect PVC, plastic coated wire,
  water pipes or brace rods.
• Use multipurpose clamps

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Ground Terminals

• Trench for receiving the conductor may be dug
  ground rod may be driven while climber installs
  down conductor in tree.

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Ground Terminal Installation

• Locate ground rod at least 10 from trunk for
  trees lt40 DBH, 3X DBH if gt 40 DBH.
• Can install closer if tree is surrounded by
  pavement or rock, but expect root/tree damage.
• Locate all ground terminals away from foundations
  (gt2), underground utilities (gt10)if possible.
• Connect to metal water pipes, well casings or
  other lightning system if within 10.
• Do not connect to PVC pipes, electric lines, gas
  lines.

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Trench depth 8 minimum Chiseling in under turf
is not acceptable Receiving pit 1 X 1
X 1
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Avoid damage to large roots gt 2 dia.
Check for UG Utilities if they are likely to be
present
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Pre-drill hole

• Earth auger on gas or electric drill

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Ground Rod Installation

• Minimum 8 long 5/8 inch diameter

Ground Rod Driver
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Ground Rods What if you hit rock while driving?

• If GR is sawed off, drive at least 2 away from
  the first GR (10 sand)

Inline GR clamp IPC119 need spacer to tighten
with mini conductor
X 2 min, 10 in sand
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Finishing GroundingSystem
Mulch to Prevent Lawnmower Injury Replace
turf Map System including underground utilities
and fixed objects
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In root flare valley or on top of root? On flare
if mulched, safe area yard trees In valleys if
turf to trunk, high vandalism area - colleges
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Lightning conductor becomes less visible with age
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Overgrown Conductor

• Still effective if intact
• Needs to be electronically tested
• Replace entire system or portions that are
  corroded

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• Outdoor Installation.