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Hamilton Lightning Rods has put together some frequently asked questions.  If you have more questions please call us at 877-398-7037 or fill out our contact form.  We would love to hear from you.

A lightning protection system is a network of lightning rods, conductors, and grounding electrodes designed to intercept, conduct, and safely dissipate the energy from a lightning strike to protect structures and occupants from damage or harm.

Yes. They are proven 99% effective when properly installed and properly maintained by a U.L. (Underwriters Laboratories) affiliated lightning protection company. U.L. and the NFPA has maintained a standard for lightning protection since 1904 and 1908. The standard is continually updated and edited to incorporate new findings. The U.L. and NFPA’s standard is based on the same practices and principles as standards for lightning protection all over the world. The FAA, NASA, Dept of Energy, and DoD typically do not build any structures without lightning protection systems. In fact, there was a federal report issued in 2004 that reviewed the technical validity of lightning protection and concluded that Lightning protection systems are critical to protecting our national infrastructure. The American Meteorological Society issued a similar paper in early 2003.

Lightning protection systems work by providing a low-resistance path for lightning current to follow, directing it safely into the ground. Lightning rods are strategically placed on the highest points of a structure, connected by conductors to grounding electrodes buried in the ground.

No. This common misconception dates back to Ben Franklin’s day. Lightning rods simply intercept a lightning strike and provide adequate pathways to safely conduct the lightning to the ground. If lightning is zeroed in on a particular location, it will strike that location, whether there is lightning protection in place or not. It is helpful to remember that lightning travels several miles to reach the earth. Tiny objects on the ground have no influence on controlling the path lightning takes through the air.

Yes. In fact, more lightning protection systems are installed now more than ever before. Today’s lightning protection systems are inconspicuous. Since homes and buildings today are equipped with many sensitive electronic systems, planners tend to include lightning protection systems not only to protect the structure but also to help protect the electronic systems and to keep the buildings up and running.

In most cases unless you are looking for the lightning rods you can’t notice them. Lightning rods are just 12 inches tall and 1/2” in diameter. That’s not much bigger than a pencil. Placed on a roof that is 20 –40 feet high and 18 inches in from the roof edge, the rods are barely visible from the ground.

There are a number of measures that can be taken to make lightning protection even less noticeable. There are different materials that can be chosen to blend with the architectural features, style and materials. For instance, copper blends well with dark roofing materials.

There are satellites that monitor lightning activity all over the world. This activity is charted and provides statistics that tell just how often lightning strikes any given area. At any given moment, there are 2000 thunderstorms happening somewhere in the world. The earth experiences 100 lightning flashes per second. The US alone has more than 40 million lightning strikes each year. Any given square mile in the US can expect approximately 40 strikes per year.

Some statistics regarding lightning damage include:

  • Between 1992 – 1996, it is estimated by that 1.7 billion dollars were paid out by insurance companies in lightning related commercial claims.
  • The Insurance Information Institute reports that approximately 5% of all commercial claims are lightning related.
  • In 1996 a Federal judge upheld a judgment levied by OSHA against a Pennsylvania firm for failure to provide adequate lightning protection, after two workers were killed by a lightning caused explosion.
  • The US Fire Administration reported in 2002 that it estimates 17,400 structural fires are caused by lightning each year. Dollar losses per lightning fire are nearly twice that of fires started by other means.

Nothing can prevent lightning from striking. If lightning is zeroed in on a particular object it will strike that object regardless of anything that is on the ground. The purpose of lightning protection is to intercept the lightning strike and carry it to ground. This is accomplished by placing the rods at regular intervals on all of the highest and most exposed parts of a structure. These rods become the most likely point for the lightning streamer to attach, since they represent the shortest path to ground. The rods are connected by a network of highly conductive cables that provide a low-resistance path to ground.

UL Listed refers to a certification mark provided by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a globally recognized safety consulting and certification company. When a product carries the UL Listed mark, it means that UL has tested representative samples of the product and determined that it meets specific safety standards. This mark indicates that the product has been evaluated for potential risks such as electric shock, fire hazards, and other safety concerns. UL Listing is commonly seen on various electrical, electronic, and other consumer products sold in the United States and other countries.

Hamilton Lightning Rods only uses UL listed materials.

NFPA 80 is a standard published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the United States. It is titled “Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives” and provides requirements for the installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire doors, fire shutters, fire windows, and other opening protectives.

The purpose of NFPA 80 is to ensure that these opening protectives function properly in the event of a fire, helping to prevent the spread of smoke and flames and allowing occupants to evacuate safely. The standard covers various aspects such as materials, construction, labeling, and testing procedures for these fire-rated assemblies.

NFPA 80 is widely used by architects, engineers, building owners, fire inspectors, and others involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and standards. It is regularly updated to reflect advancements in technology and changes in best practices for fire protection.

Hamilton Lightning Rods is a member of NFPA 80.

No. If you are thinking about installing solar panels a lightning protection system doesn’t interfere with solar panels at all. If you already have solar panels a lightning protection system actually protects them against any damaging strikes from lightning.

When it comes time for a new roof it will be due to (HAIL DAMAGE). The homeowners insurance company will pay a lightning protection company to professionally detach and reset the system under one deductible. So it doesn’t cost the homeowner any additional out of pocket money it’s the same process as if there is solar panels installed. 

Components typically include lightning rods (air terminals), conductor cables, bonding conductors, grounding electrodes, surge protection devices, and any necessary connectors and fittings.

Building codes and standards may vary depending on the location and type of structure. In some regions, lightning protection systems are required for certain types of buildings, particularly those with a high risk of lightning strikes, such as tall structures or buildings located in areas prone to thunderstorms.

The need for a lightning protection system depends on various factors, including the building’s location, height, construction materials, and susceptibility to lightning strikes. A risk assessment conducted by a qualified professional can help determine whether a lightning protection system is necessary.

Hamilton Lightning Rods is a reputable lightning Rod installer in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and beyond. We are have experience in compliance with NFPA 780 standards. Additionally, we only use UL listed materials.

Texas Lightning Rod Installation Company

Contact Hamilton Rods for Lightning Protection Services

    UL Listed lightning protection system installer

    Why hire us for your Lightning Protection System

    You cant stop lighting from striking your home or business, but you can protect your house or office from the strike. At Hamilton Lightning Rods, your Lightning Rod Pros,(LRP), we provide the highest quality workmanship and parts together with 55 years of experience, in every solution we make. We have manufactured proven installations that guard against the most powerful strikes. When you want peace of mind call our Lightning Rod Pros.

    Hamilton Lightning Rods is one of Underwriters Laboratories listed installers All Materials Meet or Exceed UL 96/96A NFPA 780 LPI 175/177 Requirements.

    • N.F.P.A. #.780 Member

    • Follow National Safety Standards

    • Provide High Quality Parts

    • Labor Guaranteed

    • Insured

    NFPA Member

    View Our NFPA Membership

    UL Certified

    UL Lightning Protection Systems E529936

    Home Advisor Elite Service

    Elite Home Advisor Service

    Client Testimonials

    Excellent! Exceeded my expectations! Marty is a true professional and the installation went perfectly. I unequivocally recommend Hamilton Lightning Rods. ~ Doreen P., Client Lightning Protection System Dallas, Texas.

    Marty Jr. provided terrific service throughout the process. The install happened in less than a day, and looks great on the property. I have a great understanding of what I purchased, and how it will make my property safer in a lightning storm. The cost was the best in comparison with a few others, and the turn around time was fast to the system installed. Highly recommended. ~ Jarrett L., Client, Lightning Protection Installation, San Antonio, Texas.

    Call us today at 877-398-7037