Copper is a material providing numerous advantages from the viewpoint of lightning protection. Due to a low chemical activity of the material and oxide film formed on its surface, copper products have a very long service life. The use of copper allows making the most durable lightning protection systems. When copper products are coated with the dark-brown oxide film (usually, it requires maximum 1 year), they acquire both high resistance to the atmospheric corrosion and a noble appearance well accompanying various construction materials. Another advantage is its electrochemical compatibility with similar materials. Roof coatings made of a copper sheet (flange, sheet copper tiles, copper-plated flexible tiles, etc.) do not accept any "foreign" materials. Regarding its electrical characteristics, high conductivity of copper, even though not a very significant advantage in lightning protection, would also do well in such system.
However, the material has drawbacks. Probably, the key drawback of copper use in the lightning protection systems is its high cost. To compare, an average cost of copper exceeds the conventional steel cost by more than 10 times. Material's criminal attractiveness caused by the cost and simplicity of its exchange for money in the metal scrap receiving points also prevents its wide use in lightning arresters. Additional inconvenience is caused by the need in special separator plates made of stainless steel or bi-metal plates upon incorporation of elements made of zinc-plated, aluminum, or steel elements into the copper lightning protection system. Direct contact of metals with very different electrochemical potentials leads to the electrochemical corrosion, which in turn reduces the lightning protection reliability due to the increased transient resistance of contact points and reduced mechanical strength of securing points.
There is a way out! Using a copper-plated steel wire combined with the copper securing elements and connections allows creating lightning protection systems having major advantages of copper systems with critical addition in the form of a reduced price. Making a grounding arrangement of the lightning arrester with the use of a steel copper-plated modular grounding arrangement and steel copper-plated bar will also extend advantages to the underground part of the lightning protection system.
In order to secure steel copper-plated wire GALMAR (D8 mm) on the wall or roof GALMAR GL-11703M, facade clamp for current collectors with its elevation over the clamp by 15 mm (copper), GALMAR GL-11747M, clamp for the roof coated with the metal profile/special decking, for the current collector (copper), GALMAR GL-11568M, roof clamp for the current collector with its elevation over the clamp by 15 mm (copper), GALMAR GL-11564M, ridge clamp for current collectors with its elevation over the clamp by 15 mm (copper), GALMAR GL-11549M, clamp for the metal sheet edge for the current collector (copper). have been developed. GALMAR GL-11551M, clamp for connecting current collectors (copper) and GALMAR GL-11562M, control clamp for connecting current collectors "wire + bar" (copper). can be used to connect copper-plated current conductors GALMAR GL-11075, copper-plated bar (30 x 4 mm) and
More information on the equipment for the lightning protection and grounding is provided in a special section of the site.
Contact the ZANDZ Technical Centre to request a free calculation for the lightning protection system for your facility. In reply to your request, we will, within several days, send you a solution consisting of a lightning protection and grounding scheme, a descriptive part with the calculation, and a description of events and specifications of materials and equipment.
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