[BC] Lightning

[Jerry Mathis]

>From: "Bruce Doerle" <bdoerle at mail.ucf.edu>
>Reply-To: Broadcast Radio Mailing List <broadcast at radiolists.net>
>To: <broadcast at radiolists.net>
>Subject: Re: [BC] Lightning
>Date: Mon, 23 May 2005 18:34:33 -0400
>
>Alan,
>
><snip>
>
>a local FL PE did qualify our ground system as we designed it.  I have 
>written before, it works, and moreover, we don't have problems with the 
>numerous lightning hit we get.  (That is a cut at the guy who said if "I'll 
>take a 50% to 90% reduction in lightning strikes to my tower ANY day.")  
>You can lots of hits safely or you can take a few safely and suffer greatly 
>because you believe in something that really cannot prevent a hit. Alan, if 
>you you have it write, great.  I know you get many hits too, you are not 
>far off our corridor.  Keep up the good work.
>
>Bruce
>

First, I never said that I would install one of the lightning suppression 
systems INSTEAD of good lightning protection design. I may not have 
clarified that point, however....it's just as important to have good 
grounding whether you have the lightning suppression system or not.

Second, I really fail to understand why, even with a good and effective 
grounding system, you would not want to avoid as many lightning strikes as 
possible. It's my understanding that every lightning strike degrades your 
grounding system and protective devices, even if only by a tiny bit; but 
over time, that damage is cumulative. So, if you have the money to spend, 
why not try to eliminate the lightning strikes?




Jerry Mathis
Clear Channel Radio, Tupelo & Meridian MS