Introductory Lightning Protection Design per NFPA 780 - a PDH Online Course for Engineers and Surveyors

Introductory Lightning Protection Design per NFPA 780

Course Outline

This two-hour course discusses the underlying principles of lightning, lightning damage to structures and equipment and conventional Franklin lighting protection. The design concepts will be demonstrated for industrial, commercial and institutional buildings. Drawings, photographs and a sample specification illustrate the concepts. The reference list shows sources for conventional Franklin components and sophisticated proprietary active systems.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

Immediately identify mis-installation of a lightning protection system and know what to do to correct it.
Be able to interpret lightning protection drawings.
Be able to interpret lightning protection specifications.
Understand the alternatives and differences of opinion present in the lightning protection marketplace.
Recognize the components and installation techniques for a conventional Franklin lightning protection system.
Prepare a project justification for a lightning protection system.
This course does not address specialized applications such as high hazard manufacturing, which are in the NFPA 780 standard. Alternatives are not discussed which might provide opportunities for cost reduction, sometimes with an associated reduction in protection.

Course Content

The course content is in a PDF file (648 KB) Introductory Lightning Protection Design per NFPA 780. You need to open or download this document to study this course.

Course Summary

This course covered the concepts and available products for lightning protection systems. It introduced devices, interconnection diagrams, connection details and very general specifications. The links provide access to design and hardware suppliers. Following successful review of the reference material and the associated examination, the student should be able to discuss lightning protection principles, design and installation effectively with sales persons and management representatives.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:

NFPA - www.NFPA.com

Lightning Protection Hardware and Service Providers

http://www.erico.com/erico_public/general_info/LP-Placement.asp

http://www.glenmartin.com/catalog/lightning.htm

http://www.andrew.com/products/trans_line/heliax/sureground_details.aspx

http://www.novalynx.com/products-meteorological-towers.html

http://www.lightningtech.com/d~ta/faq2.html

http://www.brasscabeglandsconduitfittings.sharewith.us/light.htm

http://www.omegaps.com/Interceptor_guide_form_spec_rev_7-2-02.

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.com or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.