The Importance of Lightning Conductor Testing

Lightning conductor testing is very important and should never be overlooked. Read more about the importance of lightning conductor testing.

At Existatest, we are experts in electrical testing and are based in Coventry. As part of our services, we are pleased to provide lightning conductor testing, as well as maintenance and repair services.  Our dedicated technicians can help you with everything you could require when it comes to lightning conductor testing. Read on to find out more about these services.

Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Conductors

Firstly, we first need to clarify what is meant by lightning conductors. In general, they are made of a metal rod or wire, which is attached to an exposed part of a building or other tall structure. This means that in the event of lightning striking, it will be diverted to the ground in a safe way avoiding any damage. Conductors are used as part of health and safety requirements; therefore, it is necessary to carry out our periodic testing on lightning conductors. This ensures your site meets the requirements outlined in Section 5 of the British Standards 6651: 1999 / BS EN 62305, which states that all lightning conductors and earth installations need to be visually inspected and tested regularly.

Prepare for the Worst

Lightning conductor testing is not only important for businesses to carry out to follow the rules and regulations outlined in health and safety legislation, but because of what the consequences could be if the conductors are malfunctioning. By being prepared for the worst, your staff and business will be best protected in the case the building is struck by lightning.  A lightning strike could therefore result in potential damage to the building, and IT systems, and harm business productivity to wait for any necessary repairs.

Lightning Conductor Testing, Maintenance, and Repairs

Conductor testing is often not given priority as it is often overlooked by many companies. By organising a routine testing and maintenance routine for the lightning conductors or earth installations you will ensure that any necessary maintenance and repair work is done, should the worst happen. Unfortunately, many businesses find out the hard way whether their lightning protection system is working. However, the potential damage to the building is avoidable when you carry out periodic testing.

Ground System Tests

A Ground System Test is the process used at Existatest to test lightning conductors. This involves testing the grounding system to make sure that the continuity and resistance reading does not exceed 10 ohms. The measurement ‘ohm’ refers to the electrical resistance between two points of a conductor when a constant potential difference of one volt produces a current of one ampere in the conductor, the conductor not being the seat of any electromotive force. It is paramount that the ground rod is tested for resistance to the ground before making connections to the rod. Once this stage is finished, the grounding system is put together and tested for resistance to the ground. To get the most accurate reading, perform the resistance readings in dry weather. Should there be any wet ground conditions, a reading should be carried out after a 48-hour dry period to ensure the most accurate reading possible.

Contact Us

Located in Coventry, for more information about our lightning conductor testing, maintenance and repairs, please get in touch today through our contact form, or by emailing us at info@existatestltd.com. You can also speak to a member of our team directly, by calling us on 01676 483943. We will be pleased to help you with any queries you may have for us about testing conductors and any other services we offer.