LPI-175
Lightning Protection Institute Standard of Practice
Lightning Protection Institute
LPI research indicates that lightning
protection for buildings, trees, and open structures can greatly reduce personal
injury from lightning. While danger of lightning death is gravest outdoors,
more people are injured inside buildings than in any other category or
location. And, if injuries under trees, at campsites and outdoor recreational
areas are added, indications are that the majority of lightning injuries occur
as secondary effects of lightning striking an object which can feasibly be
equipped with a protection system. The prime purpose of this Standard is to
describe and encourage use of lightning protection systems for personal and
structural safety. The LPI Standards Committee has considered proposed methods
of lightning protection other than interception, conducting and grounding.
Those proposals which have accreditation by code recognized testing laboratories
or long historical use in the United
States are included. Those proposals that do
not meet those criteria are not included. This Standard is based on the
fundamental principle of providing direct and easy low-resistance metallic path
for lightning current to follow to the ground, and making provisions to prevent
destruction, fire, damage, death, or injury as the current follows that path.
This Standard represents a concensus of authorities regarding basic
requirements for construction and performance of products classified under this
category. Requirements are based on sound engineering principles, research,
records of tests and field experience. They reflect an appreciation of the
problems of manufacture, installation, and use derived from consultation with
manufacturers, users, inspection authorities, and others having specialized
experience. Requirements are subject to revisions that further experience and
investigation may show are necessary or desirable. Observance of this Standard
is one of the conditions of system certification by the LPI. The Institute,
however, assumes no responsibility for the effect of such observance or
nonobservance upon the relations between the manufacturer or installer and any
other party or parties arising out of the sale or use of the product or
otherwise. A product which complies with these requirements will not
necessarily be eligible for certification if, when examined and tested, it is
found to have other features which impair the result contemplated by these requirements.
A product employing materials or having forms of construction differing from
those detailed in these requirements may be examined and tested according to
the intent of the requirements and, if found to be substantially equivalent,
may be certified.
Gracias.