Lightning Rods

Gulf Coast Lightning Rods is a leading lightning protection system company based in Florida. We have been providing lightning protection system for 3 generations. We have earned a reputation for excellent customer service, honest pricing and high quality work.

Lightning Rods

A lightning rod is a metal rod that is put on a structure to protect it from a lightning strike. If lightning strikes the structure, it will strike the rod and be carried to ground via a wire rather than going through the structure, where it could cause a fire or electrocution. Finials, air terminals, and strike termination devices are other names for lightning rods.

How does a Lightning Rod Protect against Lightning?

A lightning rod is a single component of a lightning protection system. To accomplish its protective role, the lightning rod must be connected to the earth.

A lightning rod and its related grounding conductors offer safety by diverting current away from nonconducting sections of the structure, enabling it to take the route of least resistance and flow harmlessly through the rod and its cables.

According to Lightning Protection Institute “The highly conductive copper and aluminum materials used in a lightning protection system provide a low resistance path to safely ground lightning’s dangerous electricity. These materials and components are UL-listed and specially manufactured for lightning protection. When a lightning protection grounding network is in place, the strike is intercepted and directed to ground without impact to the structure, occupants or contents. A lightning protection system that meets national safety Standards of NFPA 780 and UL 96, UL96A includes strike termination devices, down conductors, bonding, and surge protection. Failure to follow the Standards or use of non-listed materials or methods can result in inadequate protection.”

Schedule A Free Estimate

Rated as #1 Lightning Protection Company in Florida and Beyond. Whether you need a lightning protection system for your home, office, church, a commercial building, barn or trees we can help you! No matter where you are we’ll be there.

We offer special discounts for senior citizens and military – don’t forget to ask us about our discounts!

Shape of Lightning Rods

Lightning rods can be hollow, solid, pointed, rounded, flat strips, or even bristle brush-like in shape. The fundamental feature that all lightning rods have in common is that they are built of conductive materials such as copper and aluminum.

What is the size of a lightning protection rod?

Lightning rods are only 12 inches tall and 3/8″ thick. That’s about the size of a pencil. The rods are hardly visible from the ground when placed on a roof 30-50 feet high and 18 inches in from the roof edge.

How many lightning protection rods do I need for my house?

The number of lightning protection rods required is calculated by each “protection cone,” which extends conically from the tip 45° from perpendicular; a 12′′ rod will protect approximately 20′ of roof.

Where should lightning rods be positioned?

Lightning protection rods should be positioned within 2′ of ridge ends and outside roof corners. Each Lightning Rod should have a two-way path to ground, and one of the cables should have a horizontal or downward path to a ground rod or plate. – ground rods or ground plates should be set at least 2′ away from the structure.

History of Lightning Rods

The lightning rod theory was first explained by Benjamin Franklin in Pennsylvania in 1749, who later modified his invention and made further refinements toward a dependable system about 1760.

The lightning rod became a decorative element in the nineteenth century. Lightning rods were adorned with decorative glass balls (now sought after by collectors). These glass balls’ decorative appeal has been employed as weather vanes. The major aim of these balls, however, is to shatter or fall off to offer evidence of a lightning strike. If a ball is discovered missing or broken after a storm, the property owner should inspect the building, rod, and grounding wire for damage.