Historical Background on Lightning Protection
The first recorded lightning rod installation occurred in France in 1752 when Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment. This helped prove that lightning was in fact electricity and led to the development of early lightning protection systems. For over 250 years since then, lightning rods and conductors have helped shield buildings and structures from lightning strikes. However, the basic design and functionality of these systems remained relatively unchanged for decades.
Advancements in Materials Science Lead to New Product Options
In recent years, materials science has driven significant innovation in the lightning protection industry. New metallic alloys with improved conductivity are now used in modern air terminals and conductors. For example, copper has long been the standard material due to its high conductivity. However, copper is also prone to corrosion which can degrade the protection system over time. U.S. Lightning Product manufacturers now offer options made from aluminum, copper-clad steel, and stainless steel alloys which provide corrosion resistance without sacrificing performance. This has allowed for both commercial and residential lightning protection systems that offer longer service life even in harsh coastal environments.
Integrated Surge Protection for Critical Infrastructure
Beyond just diverting lightning strikes harmlessly to ground, modern systems also focus on preventing damage from powerful current surges. Critical facilities like data centers, utility substations, and cell towers now require highly advanced solutions. Lightning surge protectors are integrated directly into newly constructed air termination networks. These protectors work to shunt excess energy from strikes safely down conductors before it can enter buildings and disrupt sensitive electronics. They play a crucial role in protecting public services and national infrastructure from lightning-caused outages.
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