Lightning Arrestor Safety: How Do I Justify Using Insulators to Management?

Lightning Arrestor Safety Concerns

During a recent safety audit, it was discovered that the lightning arrestor on top of the chimney is in direct contact with the structure through a conducting strip. It is recommended that when earthing the lightning arrestor, insulators should be placed between the copper earthing and the structure to prevent contact between the strip and the structure. References to IS 2309:1989 and IS 3043:1987 should be consulted for guidance.

Upon reviewing these IS standards, I did not find any requirement for insulators between the copper earthing strip and the structure. Currently, our chimney's earthing strip is directly welded to the ladder of the chimney. If I were to propose using insulators, what justification could I provide to the management?

Regards,
Rohit

Earthing Practices for Chimneys

Earthing strip welded to the staircase of the chimney is definitely not advisable. The best practice is to fix the earthing strip along the walls of the chimney or even along the stairs with clamping arrangements. This clamping should act as a barrier between the structure and the earthing strip. The idea is that in case of lightning, the charges take a direct path to the earth without affecting the chimney or associated structures.

Reference to IS Standards

Regarding the reference, why can't you ask the auditor which clause in the mentioned IS standard applies? Being an auditor, if he makes a point, he needs to supplement it with proper clauses. I am sure it must be there; due to the lack of time, he might not have referred to the IS standards.

Also, try to convince management to change the practice instead of trying to find a clause to maintain the existing practice.

Your input to the thread with a reply from the auditor would be highly appreciated, and I am ready to participate in this thread further if needed.

Regards