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Installation of the Lightning Earth
Before installation of the lightning protection earth, consult site drawings of underground
services so that these are not damaged during installation of the earthing system.
An earth of ≤ 10
is generally required for the successful operation of LPI Guardian Plus terminal.
W
For standalone Guardian Plus installations, LPI recommends the installation of a radial lightning
earth, as shown in Figure 6.
∆
The minimum earthing system comprises 3 x 10 metre radials, typically utilising 25 x 3 mm
copper tape
∆
Each radial must be installed in a trench with approximate dimensions 500 mm (depth) x
200 mm (width)
∆
An earth rod should be driven at the end of each radial. The depth of the earth rod length
should be tailored to the soil resistivity profile of the installation location
∆
The earth rod material should also be matched with the local conditions, i.e., typically
copper-bonded steel, but stainless steel may be required in more aggressive soils
∆
The use of earth rod clamps to fix the tape to rods is recommended
Note: If space constraints do not permit the installation of a radial earth system per above,
consult with LPI or an authorised distributor for further advice.
If the Guardian Plus is installed within an earth grid, e.g., in a substation, then the earth grid can
substitute the radials. However, an earth rod of suitable depth must be installed at the base of
the mast supporting the Guardian Plus air terminal.
Some of the practical aspects of the lightning earth installation are as follows:
∆
Waterproofing mastic tape should be used on all mechanical connections
∆
The use of earth enhancing compounds is recommended around all earth electrodes
installed, e.g., LPI RESLO, LPI SRIM or LPI GRIP, especially in areas where soil resistivity is
moderate to high
∆
An earth pit should be installed where the end of the downconductor terminates to the
lightning earth (see Figure 6). The earth pit provides an access point for disconnection and
future testing of the earthing system
∆
When installing the earth rods, use driving heads to prevent mushrooming of the top of the
rod and when using coupled rods. Use a post or picket driver
Note: do not connect the lower termination of the downconductor to the earthing system at
this point in time.
www.lpi.com.au
LIGHTNING PROTECTION INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD
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