Lightning Protection Systems for Trees
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This article explains research and recommendations on how to protect trees from lightning strikes.This article series describes common lightning protection systems, certification, installation, and lightning protection system inspection.
We provide information about lightning strikes, lightning hazards, related equipment, sources of lightning protection system installers, and lightning strike risk assessment.
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Lightning Protection and Trees
Ben Fuest
Introduction - Lightning Protection Systems Fitted to Trees
[The research and recommendations for protecting trees from lightning strikes, and the concomitant protection afforded to nearby buildings discussed
in this article focus on conditions in the U.K. However the principles of tree protection from lightning discussed here are generally applicable to
other countries as well, though the statistics on the frequency of lightning strike and other local conditions vary. -- Editor]
This research on lightning protection systems for trees was established for the purpose of developing a better understanding of lightning protection systems specifically designed to be fitted to trees.
Coming from a background in sylviculture my initial concern was to enable important and intrinsically valuable trees to be protected from damage resulting from lightning strikes.
However it quickly became apparent that the protection of nearby structures and buildings that might be liable to collateral damage in the event of strike was of equal significance.
Research showed that on those occasions where lightning protection had been installed in trees, the system employed had been based upon designs originally intended for use on buildings and other essentially non-dynamic man made structures. The particular problems of installing the necessary hardware into living and growing trees did not appear to have been adequately addressed. Thus the direct effect on the tree of the installation of the required hardware is not factored in, with the result that trees are likely to be caused some degree of long-term harm in the very process of attempting to protect them.
The Approach to Lightning Protection for Trees, Passive Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Protection
This document refers to lightning protection for trees in the UK. The type of lightning considered is cloud to ground and not inter-cloud as this type is not at present considered to be a threat. In the UK, we can expect approximately 450,000 - 500,000 strokes per year. Of this approximately 40% is cloud to ground. (EA Technologies cloud to ground database) This is quite low compared to some countries, but is still considered significant enough in some instances to warrant lightning protection. I will only be referring to passive lightning protection.
Active systems are not considered, as there is insufficient evidence to support their performance claims. (The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology Test report No: 43427): The need for lightning protection is evaluated either to conserve specimen trees or due to a concern about collateral damage to surrounding people and property.
We can ascertain the extent of lightning activity in the immediate area around the subject tree by performing a cloud-to-ground density analysis. Cloud-to-ground lightning produces extra long wave radiation (low electromagnetic frequency). Low frequency emissions have very good transmission characteristics in the atmosphere and potentially can travel for hundreds of kilometers before decaying to an undetectable level.
This frequency is at 1070Hz and transmission is further enhanced by the entrapment of the ionosphere; this is referred to as wave-guide effect, a useful tool in the evaluation process. It should be noted that this is a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional phenomenon. As such it will be necessary to look at the topography of the site taking into account other tall structures, dynamic and non-dynamic.
A lightning protection system is comprised of three main components: air terminal, down conductor and earth (ground) termination.
The earth (ground) termination is where we will be attempting to direct the huge current in a manner that minimizes risk to property and people. In the horticultural context we look at soil as a medium for growing. In the context of lightning protection we look at it as a medium for conducting electricity.
The ANSI A300 Part 4 recommends designing the earth (ground) termination based on a visual inspection of the soil and its moisture content. This is not possible as water is an insulator not a conductor; it is the dissolved salts in the water that give it its conductive properties.
These salts are not detectable with the human eye. We can ascertain the electrical value of the soil to a given depth using a system sometimes referred to as the four-point test or the Wenner method. This was first introduced in a paper published in October 1915, A method for testing soil resistivity, by F. Wenner.
This test enables us to prescribe the number of earth (ground) electrodes to employ for a given ohms resistance on
completion of the earth (ground) termination. This is important if we are to achieve an effective earth (ground) without over specifying the number of electrodes causing unnecessary expense and disruption, or too few resulting in an inadequate earth (ground). It has been my experience that multiple electrodes are required in almost all installations.
Lightning Protection System Electrodes
Electrodes [used for lightning strike protection] come in different sizes. The ones referred to here are 1.2m (4 feet) in length and 12.5 - 13 mm diameter, and are made from mild steel with a two-micron copper bond coat. The ends are threaded so that with the aid of a coupler they may be joined together. The minimum requirement for length is 2.4m (8 feet).
If the working space is limited then it is sometimes best to add one on top of another, 2.4 - 3.6 - 4.8. If there is room to work in, it is possible to install individual electrodes in parallel.
Tip depth is an important factor to be considered when deciding configuration. Tip depth determines the distance between electrodes. If we install them and they are too close they will interact and we lose the performance benefits. If they are too far apart we are wasting time, materials and causing unnecessary disruption (BS 6651 1999).
The photograph shown here is an example of how not to protect a tree and a nearby building from lightning strikes. The
owner of this home in New York reported recurrent lightning strikes on tall trees surrounding the building, but even a casual inspection
showed that the lightning protection system had been badly compromised. It is possible that these conditions
actually increased the risk of damage to this tree and building from lightning.
Soil Conductivity & Lightning Strike Protection
When working with soils of poor conductivity it is possible to introduce soil-conditioning agents. Bentonite is de-composing volcanic ash; it has hygroscopic properties that enable us to enlarge the diameter of the earth (ground) electrode without the cost implication. Instead of driving the electrode into the soil we can drill a hole approximately 25cm (10 inches) wide, and as deep as the intended electrode, and then back fill with the Bentonite mix.
The lightning protection system electrode is then inserted into this. It should be noted that Bentonite is an excellent conductor while wet but works just as well as an insulator when dry. If we are employing this technique, it is useful to remove turf around the hole and put it back on completion resulting in a more professional finish.
There are alternative ways to overcome poor conductivity. In the past it has been recommended to install our earth (ground) electrodes just outside the drip line.
Observations show that if the soil around the tree has undergone de-compaction with the addition of organic mulch, it is possible to obtain a much-improved earth (ground) working just inside the drip line. With regard to the area affected by the dissipation of the current around the electrode, it has been observed that this will be contained within a radius of approximately 35-50cm (15-20 inches).
There will be occasions when driving the electrode into the ground it abuts an impenetrable layer or obstacle. The temptation to cut it will be strong, but I would not be in agreement with this practice. I would suggest removing the electrode and trying again only this time at an angle of anything up to 30 degrees from the horizontal; this way we retain the integrity of the electrode length without the requirement for depth. We can test the value (ohmic
resistance) of the earth (ground) during the installation and on completion; I have found the 62% method to be the most reliable and industry standard around the world. In the UK the target figure is 10 ohms or less (BS6651 1999).
Recommendations for Installation of Lightning Protection Systems on Trees
Having established the need for lightning protection and designed the earth (ground) termination we can look at the aerial aspect of the system. The ANSI A300 Part 4 recommends a maximum distance between air terminals of 35 feet. I am in agreement with this but, as with all things organic, there will be exceptions and we should look closely at the tree and see how it lends itself to the formula and what we think will work best for the circumstances that prevail in the canopy.
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Lightning Protection System Conductors on Trees
The conductor should be firmly secured to the fabric of the tree.
In the UK we fix at 1 meter (3 feet) intervals; in the US they are specified at a maximum of 1.8 am (6 feet). This difference is not of any real concern, as I believe we are all of the opinion that the distance will vary with the form of the tree.
It is however of greater importance to consider the type of fastener we employ. The ANSI A300 Part 4 recommends a type of fastener that is attached to the tree in a manner not dissimilar to a nail. The conductor is secured at the outer end in a pinch portion. As the tree grows it will envelop the fastener.
When the incremental growth reaches the pinch portion of the fastener ANSI recommends removing the conductor from it and installing a new fastener 30 cm (1 foot) above or below the old one, leaving the old one in the tree. This is a contradiction within the standard and ISA Best Management Practices (BMP) for Tree Lightning Protection Systems, creating other metallic conductive objects in the vicinity of
the conductor that are not bonded.
The reasons for bonding metallic conductive objects to a component of a lightning protection system are well established (ANSI A300 Part 4, 46.1.7). The BMP is of the opinion that these old fasteners will not be subject to potential difference.
Lightning Arcing & Flashover Considerations
It is suggested that these components will be subject to potential difference and an arcing spark is definitely possible. There exists a common misconception that lightning always takes the path of least resistance.
It would be more accurate to say that although lightning has a preferred path, it takes all available paths simultaneously to a lesser or greater extent. Where we have two parallel paths for the current to flow, the total current will divide in inverse proportion to the resistances (impedance).
The lightning conductor cable would be the preferred path to ground (primary) but the higher the resistance of the earth (ground) termination and the higher the impedance in the conductor, the greater the current in the alternative path (flashover) (Dr V. A. Rakov pers. comm. 2007). Having seen the conductors in the ANSI system and the recommendations for earth (ground) termination, it is believed that the systems will be of high impedance.
If we look at the scenario of a system having just undergone an upgrade with new fasteners, the distance between old fasteners and down conductor is about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) and is comprised of air space; so flashover would be in the form of spark/electrical energy. When the old fastener becomes completely engulfed by new wood the distance remains the same but the gap is no longer just air space but has a percentage of wood tissue. The difference in terms of resistance is considerable. In this context resistance is the property of a material to resist the flow of electrical current. It is specific for a given tissue, depending on its moisture content, temperature and other physical properties.
The photograph above was taken at Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington, VA, USA). The photo shows a system having undergone an upgrade with new fasteners. The old cable fastener is just visible to the left, having been nearly completely overgrown by the tree.
Lightning flashover damage is visible as lost tree bark to the left of and below the lightning protection cable pinch-bolt.
The flashover could be from conductor or from the fastener beneath the surface or both. As these fasteners are at six foot intervals there is plenty of opportunity for disaster.
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Effects of Lightning Conductor Connectors on Transfer of Lightning Energy to Tree Interior
The higher the resistance of the tissue to the flow of current then the greater is the potential for transformation of electrical energy to thermal energy. So it is not that the flow of current is seeking to earth (ground) through the tissue of the tree but to convert from electrical energy to thermal energy as the easier of the two options.
This creates the possibility for the energy to convert again only this time from thermal energy to kinetic energy. (BMP While a trees inner bark and cambium are its most conductive areas, the heartwood is also conductive and, when lightning is conducted to the heartwood, the tree is often shattered). (Isolated metal bolts, nails and lightning fixtures can change lightning paths from exterior to interior: Dr Kim Coder. Spark of death. Arborist News June 2004)
Use of the Arborbolt Lightning Protection Connector on Trees
In the UK, extendable fastener referred to as the Arborbolt is used.
Unlike its American counterpart, the Arborbolt lightning protection connector will accommodate the incremental growth for an indefinite period relieving us of the dangers of potential difference and the arcing spark.
[The author has patented this lightning protection system connector in the U.K. and is pursuing similar protection and sales in the U.S.--DJF]
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Final Tree Protection Lightning System Details
Once the system has been installed, all the components should be mapped; this would include any bonding to aerial braces and cables as well as underground utilities. A lightning protection system fitted to a tree should have a minimum functional life expectancy of at least 30 years, and a regular inspection and earth (ground) re-test is required. This is best done at 11or 13 month intervals and the results recorded.
The reason for eleven or thirteen month period is so that after twelve years we have tested throughout the seasons (BS 6651). In my experience the ohms resistance in the earth (ground) termination can change by an ohm or two but not much more. If Bentonite was incorporated and there is a significant rise in resistance then irrigation should be considered. Also it is observed that at near zero temperatures the resistance can rise significantly and, although lightning activity is unusual at these temperatures, it is possible.
Conclusions on Lightning Protection for Trees
To conclude, it is suggested that there are very few definitive solutions to lightning issues. All that can be done is to work with the technology available and importantly record all we do. This will then help gather information from practical; experience in order to develop a better understanding of the relationship between trees and lightning activity.
It could be said that the approach to lightning protection and trees described here is over engineered but, unlike a non-dynamic structure, we cannot re-point or replace a lightning-damaged tree. Lightning is a very powerful natural phenomenon and as such is capable of overwhelming our defence mechanisms. The better our systems are engineered, the better they may control this powerful force of nature.
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Technical Reviewers & References
Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
- Dr V. A. Rakov [2007 personal communication]
- Article Author: Ben Fuest benfuest@ukonline.co.uk, The Allt Farm
Llansantffraed, Talybont on Usk, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7YF, UK Tel (UK) 01874 676 489
- author of this article on research and recommendations for protection of trees from lightning strikes.
- Website Author/Editor: Daniel Friedman - principal website author
- Lightning strike risk assessment: for the full body of this excellent article which summarizes recent opinions about lightning
strike risk assessment and safe practices for individuals or groups needing to avoid being struck by lightning, see Updated Recommendations for Lightning Safety - 1998 Ronald L. Holle and Raúl E. López from National Severe Storms Laboratory,
NOAA and Norman, Oklahoma, Christoph Zimmermann Global Atmospherics, Inc. Tucson, Arizona
References for Lightning Protection Systems & Protecting Trees from Lightning Strikes
- British Standard Institute. BS 6651. 1999. UK
- Lightning protection systems ANSI A 300 PART 4 2002. USA
- International Society of Arboriculture. Lightning protection, Best Management Practice. USA
- EA Technology. Cloud to Ground Stroke Database. www.eatechnology.com
- Test Report No: 43427, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. Submitted by: W J Furse & Co Ltd Nottingham UK
- Wenner F. (1915) A Method For Testing Soil Resistivity. USA
- Coder, K.D. (2004) The Spark of Death. Arborist News, June 2004, Page 41
- Additional U.S. Lightning Strike, Risk, & Lightning References & Standards:
- Lightning Protection Institute, 3365 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite J., Arlington Heights IL 60004 http://www.lightning.org/
- Underwriters Laboratory Standard UL96A. These requirements cover the installation of lightning protection systems on all types of structures other than structures used for the production, handling, or storage of ammunition, explosives, flammable liquids or gases, and other explosive ingredients including dust. These requirements apply to lightning protection systems that are complete and cover all parts of a structure. Partial systems are not covered by this standard. These requirements do not cover the installation of lightning protection systems for electrical generating, distribution, or transmission systems. These requirements do not cover lightning protection components, which are covered by the Standard for Lightning Protection Components, UL 96.
- Underwriters Laboratory Standard UL96: These requirements cover lightning protection components for use in the installation of complete systems of lightning protection on buildings and structures. These requirements do not cover the installation of lightning protection components. Products of this type are covered by the Standard for Installation Requirements for Lightning Protection Systems, UL 96A.
- "Lightning Awareness," Gerry Schulte, BMW ON magazine, June 2007 pp. 58-60, provided some technical details about lightning, and refers readers to www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
 The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
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Armor Lightning Protection Inc Manchester Center, VT, 802-375-0266
state-of-the-art lightning protection and surge protection for residential and commercial buildings in Vermont, New England, and throughout the Northeast- Associated Lightning Rod Company, Inc., Box 329A, Cooper Road, Millerton, NY 12546 914/373-8309 518/789-4603
- A-C Lightning Security, Inc., 2100 East First St., PO Box 329, Maryville MO 64468 816-582-8115 800-821-5575 816-562-2932. In New York, Hudson Valley, contact Christensen Electrical Power Systems, Richard G. Christensen, 518-537-4128.
- Lightning Eliminators & Consultants 6687 Arapahoe Road Boulder, CO 80303 (303) 447-2828. "Engineering Solutions For Lightning, Grounding and Surge Protection Worldwide Since 1971"
- Electrical EINET
- Lightning Protection for Facilities, Dr. Bruce Gabrielson, Robert B. Marcus, Published and presented: EMCEXPO92, Washington D.C.
- MIT's Electrical Safety Files
- Lightning Protection for Workers What to Do if You're Outside in a Lightning Storm - Center to Protect Workers' Rights (PDF)
- 1998 and Current Lightning Protection Conferences & Exhibitions
- Lightning Risk and Hazard Analysis Measurement from the National Lightning Safety Institute (NLSI).
- "Lightning Fatalities, Injuries, and Damage Reports in the United States from 1959-1994", E. Brian Curran, Ronald L. Holle, Raul E. Lopez, NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS SR-193 October 1997
- UL - Underwriters Labs Lightning equipment certification program.
"Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) has been testing and certifying lightning protection equipment since 1908. UL issues certificates of conformance for systems, inspecting system components and checking completed installations. Installations are required to comply with UL's internationally recognized Standards for lightning protection systems. Manufacturers, suppliers and installers demonstrate their commitment to safety by building,
selling and installing only those lightning protection products that pass UL's rigorous testing." -- (Op.Cit.)
- * Safety Hazards and Safe Inspection Procedures for Electrical and Home Inspectors at Residential Electric Panels
- Aluminum Wiring Information Website Aluminum Electrical Wiring Hazards and Repairs: in-depth authoritative info, photos, documents including selection of proper vs. ineffective repair methods. E.g.: Ideal 65 "Twister" purple connector fails in field and lab testing with aluminum wire.
- Electrical Panels, How to Inspect in buildings, safety for electrical inspectors, electrical panel, fusing, wiring defects, defective products. Inspection Class Presentation
- Lightning Strike Risk Assessment, Protection Systems & Services
- Multi-wire branch circuit inspection and defects
- Rust and Corrosion in Electrical Panels, A Study and Report on Frequency and Cause for Electrical and Home Inspectors at Residential Electric Panels
- Directory of Home Inspectors accessible via internet
- Electrical System & Wiring Hazard Inspection, Detection, Cause, Remedy, Prevention - Main Electrical Page
- ...
