How high should the tip of an air terminal for lightning protection be above the object it is meant to protect?

The appropriate height for the tip of an air terminal for lightning protection is designed to ensure sufficient protection over the object being safeguarded. When considering the height, it is essential that the terminal extends above the highest point of the structure by a noticeable margin to effectively intercept lightning strikes.

A height of 10 inches is often chosen as it strikes a balance between providing adequate protection and practical installation considerations. The 10-inch elevation ensures that the air terminal can create a protective zone around the structure, direct lightning safely to ground, and minimize potential damage from a direct strike. This standard is supported by guidelines that take into account the effectiveness of lightning rod systems in creating a zone of protection for the intended area or object.

Choosing a height that is too low could compromise the protective capability, while a significantly higher elevation may not provide additional benefits but could complicate installation and maintenance. Thus, 10 inches is a well-established standard in the field of lightning protection systems.