Lightning conductors - warning

[helendj]

We have just had lightning conductors installed and found that the so called 'copper piping' is actually copper coloured piping, not the real thing at all. It was purchased from a reputable company but bearing in mind the dangerous situation that we could find ourselves in, we thought we'd like to warn anyone who is having this installed

[Keithcaley]

I'm fascinated!

I'd really like to know more please, if you could spare the time.

I've never heard of anyone here having Lightning Conductors installed in a domestic situation.

What was the basis / source of advice for the decision to have this done?

And, if the pipe was not copper, what was it? - and who discovered it?

[Deniz1]

And will you get your money back?

[greengate]

For your information

As far as i am aware - lightning conductors have to be made of solid copper strip or rods. Aluminium wire can be used to transfer the strike from the strip/rod to the ground where there is a possibility of chemical reaction with brickwork etc.

The rod is normally 2cm thick and the transfer wiring approximately the same thickness.

Hollow piping will not withstand a strike, and may not even earth out to the ground.

Additionally - check what the piping is affixed to - it should not be wood - this absorbs moisture and may be a quicker way for the lightning strike to 'ground' itself. But in the process it may well catch fire.

[WotNoDeeds]

Just been to the Yapi market (big new one) next door to the China Bizarre karakum and had a good look around (lot of stuff in there if you take a good look) upstairs they have thick solid threaded copper rods about 2-3 feet long not sure if these are lightning conductors or earthing rods but would do the same job.

[helendj]

I did post a reply but it doesn't seem to have been put on - oh well
anyway thank you WhatNoDeeds, we'll definitely check that out. Many thanks

[gates]

There are solid copper rods here have seen but can you tell me how many structures have been hit
I do know of one pool that was hit and the linner was blown off in places but bar that none and i do deal with lots of insurance Co
It did have a liner so perhaps that attracted it
I am not sure of the make up or the materials that conform the liners make up so not putting it down but no other pool or property i know has reported a hit