Selecting Conductors For Your Lightning Protection System

One of the most important components of any lightning protection system is the actual lightning conductor. Conductors are available in two different materials, aluminium and copper and a range of different widths, the most common width used in the UK is 25x3mm.

Designers of lightning protection system will establish the correct width and length from the formulas needed to design the system to ensure the down conductors are capable of transferring the energy and forces of a lightning protection strike safely to earth.

To assist architects and designers of buildings conductors are also available in a wide selection of PVCs lightning protection is required for modern buildings there are a range of pvc covered colours for both aluminium and copper conductor tape. These colours such as black, green, grey, stone, white and brown have been selected to blend in with most modern buildings so the aesthetic impact of the conductor is reduced.

Conductors are also available in flat, solid circular and stranded versions. Flat tape lightning conductors are the most traditional and is also considered to be the easiest to install and where a degree of flexibility is required in a conductor there is also the option of fitting a copper braid.

Solid circular conductors are usually used in conditions where the aesthetic considerations are important, the solid circular conductors are still fairly easy to install but unlike the flat tape systems a straightening tool is required to achieve the desired finish, although it is rarely used in large applications there is also the option of using a stranded cable conductors.
If you require any assistance with the design of your lightning protection system or would like a sample of the products available please visit our ecommerce web site to request samples and assistance.

At Churchill’s we offer the complete solution from design to install however if you simply wish to purchase your lightning protection equipment and have it delivered anywhere in the UK within 3 working days this unique service is available via our on line store.

Lightning Protection - Metal Theft

The theft of metal is continuously on the increase and whilst ever scrap prices remain high unfortunately it is a trend that will continue to blight so many including schools, hospitals, hotels, railways in fact any building or structure fitted with lightning protection.

Lightning protection systems commonly consist of copper or aluminium and why PVC sheathing can be fitted to take away the initial obvious presence of either copper or aluminum thieves very quickly get to know and become more aware of where and how lightning protection systems are installed.

Lightning protection systems are installed to almost every new commercial building constructed in the UK however where new modern constructions allow the use of structural steels to be incorporated reducing the opportunity for theft, existing structures do not always have this luxury. As a result external copper and aluminium down conductors are installed and unless they are adequately protected become a very soft target for thieves and vandals.

As a conductor we have recently witnessed a huge increase in the amount of enquiries from local councils, hospitals and businesses requiring stolen down conductors replacing, often security at schools and hospitals is in adequate so any additional precautionary measures need to be considered.

To prevent the theft of copper and aluminium down conductors Churchills supply and fit vandal/theft guards that are simply fitted over the down conductor secured with anti vandal fixing thus fully protecting the downtape conductor and preventing theft/damage.

The vandal/theft guards are economical and quick to install and offer a complete deterrent against theft or vandalism.

For more information on the supply and installation of this very simple but highly effective product please contact us on 0844 504 9998 or visit our web site where guards can be purchased for self installation.