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Purpose of Lightning Protection

A lightning protection system will not stop lightning strikes from occurring. Instead, its purpose is to intercept the lightning current and provide a low-resistance path that safely directs the energy to ground, preventing damage to the structure and everything connected to it.

Tall, conductive structures such as steel towers, a lightning pole or a communications mast are more likely to be hit, because height and conductivity make them an easier conductive path for a lightning bolt to follow. A complete lightning protection system typically combines lightning arresters, earth rods, grounding systems and appropriate bonding to limit surge currents, prevent side flashes and protect critical electrical equipment, wiring and communications systems from lightning damage.

Lighting Arrestors

G&S Industries can supply a product proven to be effective in lightning strikes. Formally named the “Lightning Finial” and informally referred to as the “Lightning Arrestor”, this product is used as part of a lightning safety system to protect our poles and their operating equipment from lightning damage.

Specifications

  • Material: Manufactured from mild steel and hot-dip galvanised for corrosion resistance and long service life in demanding applications.
  • Mounting: Attached to the top of the pole using a secure screw-in bolt system.
  • Ground Connection: At the pole base, a second screw-in bolt connects to a lug-ended cable, directing current to earth. This cable can be attached to a grid of ground rods or an earthing mat filled with a conductive compound such as bentonite.
  • Functionality: Provides an effective discharge path, limiting potential damage to transformers, communications systems, and other sensitive electrical devices.

Custom Design

If our standard lightning arresters do not meet your project requirements, we can design and manufacture custom solutions to suit your site, structure and operating conditions.

  • Adaptors and attachments for existing poles
  • Mounting to buildings and other structures
  • Integration with new or existing grounding and surge protection systems

Our lightning deflector and arrester systems can be supplied as part of a full lightning protection package or as standalone components, complete with spigot adaptors and attachments, for situations such as adding lightning protection to existing poles and structures. Our lightning arrestors can also be manufactured to mount to buildings and other infrastructure, giving you a protective device suited to almost any application.

Why Choose G&S Industries

  • Proven performance in harsh Australian weather conditions and high-strike regions
  • Hot-dip galvanised steel construction for maximum service life
  • Compatible with a wide range of poles, lightning rods, and grounding systems
  • Australia-wide delivery and fast turnaround
  • Engineering support to ensure the correct arresters for your voltage rating and operating conditions

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Frequently Asked Questions

A surge arrester is designed to protect against both lightning-induced voltage surges and switching overvoltages within an electrical system. A lightning arrestor is specifically intended to protect structures and equipment from direct lightning strikes. Many lightning protection systems combine both types of protective devices for complete coverage.

A lightning arrester should be mounted at the highest point of a pole, mast or building so it can intercept a strike before it reaches the structure below. It must be connected to a low-resistance grounding system, such as earth rods or a conductive earthing mat, to safely carry the lightning current to ground.

Lightning protection is a legal requirement in certain high-risk industries, for critical infrastructure and where specified under building codes or workplace safety regulations. Even where it is not mandated, installing a lightning protection system is a sound investment in preventing potential damage to your poles, equipment and connected systems.

When a lightning arrestor intercepts a strike, it diverts the lightning current along a conductive path to an earthing system instead of allowing it to travel through wiring, underground cable or connected electronic equipment. This directs the continued flow of energy safely to ground, reducing the risk of side flashes and protecting circuit breakers, communications systems and other devices from the subsequent release of energy.

Yes. G&S Industries can supply lightning arrestors and deflector systems as standalone components with spigot adaptors and mounting attachments, so you can retrofit lightning protection to an existing pole without replacing the structure. This is a practical option for utilities, councils and industrial sites upgrading ageing infrastructure to current safety standards.