Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of lightning rod protection system is typically less than 2% of total cost of home and much less than cost of repairs or replacement damage due to lightning strike.

A lightning protection system may lower your insurance. When lightning strikes, it can be disastrous for the home, also for the insurance company.

Absolutely not. An experienced lightning protection designer and installer can customize the system so that it blends in with its surroundings. If a lightning protection is installed in the early stages of the building construction the down conductor for the system can even be concealed inside the walls.

Usually lightning rods are barely visible from ground. Lightning rods are 12 inches tall and 3/8" in diameter. When lightning protection system is designed during construction all of the lightning protection system, except the rooftop terminals, can be concealed and can be run inside the structure. Decorative finials can be used as air terminals, making the lightning protection an architectural accent.

Lightning rods do not attract lightning. Nor do they repel lightning. Lightning rods provide a resistance path to ground. If lightning strikes, the system attempts to carry the harmful electrical current away from the structure and safely to ground

No. The electrical ground is not designed to handle the lightning strike. It is installed to protect the internal workings of the electrical system in your building.

No. No matter where you are located there is a risk of lightning strike.

Lightning Protection rods are very effective in keeping structures safe. Because of this they are installed at airports on many government buildings, including The White House, numerous commercial buildings and houses. The NFPA has maintained a Standard for lightning protection for over 100 years.

No, nothing can can prevent the lightning from striking. The purpose of a lightning protection system is to intercept the lightning strike and dissipate it safety into the ground. A lightning protection system doesn't prevent a lightning strike; Lightning rods intercept a lightning strike and provide pathways to safely conduct the lightning to the ground.

Lightning protection can be installed at any time for existing structures and new construction. At Gorman Lightning Protection, our experts specialists can provide design, specification, consultation and installation services to develop a plan that best fits your project requirements.

Lightning protection is not a do-it-yourself project. Qualified specialists use UL-listed materials. This ensures the installation complies with nationally recognized Safety Standards of LPI, NFPA and UL. It is highly recommended you hire a professional installer to install the lightning protection rod who knows about compliance and safety standards. If it is not done properly it it will not provide lightning protection to your structure. Moreover, there are guidelines for connections, rod size, base thickness, cable configuration, etc.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) develops and publishes codes and standards aimed at reducing the risk of fire and improving safety. These standards cover a wide range of topics, including fire prevention, building construction, fire protection systems, and emergency response.

Some key NFPA standards include:

1. NFPA 1: Fire Code – A comprehensive fire prevention code covering fire safety regulations for buildings and premises.

2. NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers – Guidelines for the selection, installation, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.

3. NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems – Requirements for ensuring that fire protection systems are functional.

4. NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) – Safety standards for electrical wiring and equipment installation.

5. NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code – Standards for fire alarm systems and emergency communication systems.

6. NFPA 101: Life Safety Code – Provides criteria for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings to protect occupants from fire and other emergencies.

7. NFPA 1600: Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs – Guidelines for developing comprehensive emergency management plans.

These standards are updated regularly to incorporate new research, technologies, and best practices in fire safety.

UL Listed materials are products that have been tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global safety science organization. "UL Listed" indicates that the product meets specific safety standards and has undergone rigorous testing for performance, reliability, and safety.

Key Points about UL Listed Materials:

1. Safety Assurance: UL Listed products are considered safe for use in their intended applications, reducing the risk of fire, electric shock, and other hazards.

2. Wide Range of Products: This designation applies to a variety of materials, including electrical components, building materials, appliances, and fire protection products.

3. Testing Process: Products undergo extensive testing to assess their performance under various conditions, including exposure to fire, moisture, and electrical current.

4. Continuous Monitoring: UL conducts regular audits and inspections of manufacturing facilities to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards.

5. Labeling: UL Listed products typically carry the UL mark or label, indicating that they have been certified.

6. Regulatory Compliance: Many building codes and regulations require the use of UL Listed materials to ensure safety and compliance in construction and installation.

Using UL Listed materials helps architects, builders, and consumers make informed decisions about the safety and quality of the products they use.