Role of Earth Boss & Strike Pad in Lightning Protection

In this blog, we will understand the role of Earth Boss and Strike Pad in the Lightning Protection system. By the end of this blog, you will understand  Strike Pad and Earth Boss and how important are they for the safety of your building.

Why are we discussing Strike Pad and Earth Boss?­

Lightning Protection is critical for the safety of your structure and it cannot function without its components like conductors, arresters, strike pads, earth boss and many more. I have explained the basics of Earthing and Lightning Protection in detail. The link is right here and in the description.

Strike Pads

Strike pads are an important part of the lightning protection system, especially for buildings with flat roofs. These metal plates are designed to catch lightning strikes in places where you cannot install regular air terminals.

Here are some scenarios where strike pads are chosen over air terminals:

Height restrictions: In some cases, a building may have reached its maximum allowable height due to local regulations or structural limitations. For example, in a locality with strict height limits for buildings adding air terminals might exceed these limits. Strike pads, being flat, allow for lightning protection without increasing your structure’s height.

Flat surface requirements: Certain areas must remain completely flat for functional reasons. A prime example is a helipad. Air terminals would interfere with helicopter landings and take-offs. Strike pads provide protection while maintaining a flat, safe landing surface.

Aesthetic considerations: Strike pads are sometimes used instead of regular lightning rods to maintain design requirements. Imagine an art museum with a smooth roofline. Tall lightning rods might make it look cluttered. Strike pads are flat and might suit them better.

In all these scenarios, strike pads are installed on the roof surface, connected to a hidden system of conductors that safely channel lightning strikes to the ground. This approach ensures effective lightning protection while addressing height limitations and architectural aesthetics.

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Earth Boss

An earthing boss connects earth electrodes to down conductors in a lightning protection system, it has a threaded hole to attach the conductor. This component is made up of copper, brass, or bronze, and it provides a safe path for the lightning current to dissipate into the ground.

How does it work?

It uses a coil to tap into the Earth’s natural magnetic field and then transfers that power into the system it is connected to. Therefore, any potential static charge that builds up in the system is dissipated safely, protecting your electrical system against shock or fire hazards.

You will find earthing bosses installed near electrical meters or main switchboards. This placement helps create a direct path for electricity to reach the ground quickly and safely.

I hope you now have a clear understanding of the strike pad and earth boss. Please remember that any type of calculations and installation for lightning protection systems should be carried out by a competent and authorized engineer.

At Axis, we have a team of over 50 engineers ready to assist you with designing, installing, and testing your Lightning Protection Systems. Our components are trusted and installed in a variety of settings around the world, including substations, data centres, factories, and even everyday residential and commercial buildings.