Before I became a power distribution engineer for commercial and industrial buildings, I was a utility company engineer. During college, I worked for two broadcast stations. I have observed many lightning effects on all three jobs. While this paper presents a good theoretical discussion of the parameters involved, I have concluded that no method of lightning protection is 100% effective. Lightning is just too powerful. While good lightining arresters and surge protectors are necessary and helpful, the best defense is to provide good low-impedance grounding and bonding for all equipment that might be affected by a lightning strike. Even if the equipment is damaged by a high-intensity lightning strike, good grounding and bonding should minimize the risks to people and propery. Jim Cook
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