Lightning protection of thatched roofed structures

Abstract

Abstract This work describes the design of external lightning protection system for thatched roofed structures. Lightning is a natural phenomenon that has an unpredictable strike location. Therefore in creating an external LPS, it is possible to create a path for the discharge that minimizes its harmful effects to a structure. There are many international documents and standards that describe methods of providing lightning protection. It has traditionally been accepted practice to install lightning protection masts near a thatched structure. However in solving one problem a number of others may have been created. This work explores alternative lightning protection designs for thatched roofed structures. Tests were performed in a laboratory environment to determine the level at which that will ignite from a direct strike to thatch material. These tests were performed using a combination impulse generator. It was found that thatch started to smoke at 10 kA. And ignition of the thatch occurred at 20 kA with a charge of 45 C.