02-12-2018, 06:53 AM
There is a way to measure the resistance of ground rods. Whatever your set-up, measure the resistance to ground. As to what is good enough, I'm not sure. I think a ground rod is supposed to be 25 ohms but that may just be for electrical service.
What is probably most important is making sure the ground is lots better than the house ground. As already pointed out, if it is equally good then half the current will go through the lightning protection system and half through the house.
What about a dozen galvanized fence posts drilled 1' each into the pahoehoe? Would they make up in quantity what each lacked in depth/contact with wet soil? Would being part of a fence be good or bad? For a lightning protection system you would theoretically welcome its exposure to possible lightning as that is what the game is all about. If used for a house ground, would the risk of the fence being struck by lightning be a significant liability?
What is probably most important is making sure the ground is lots better than the house ground. As already pointed out, if it is equally good then half the current will go through the lightning protection system and half through the house.
What about a dozen galvanized fence posts drilled 1' each into the pahoehoe? Would they make up in quantity what each lacked in depth/contact with wet soil? Would being part of a fence be good or bad? For a lightning protection system you would theoretically welcome its exposure to possible lightning as that is what the game is all about. If used for a house ground, would the risk of the fence being struck by lightning be a significant liability?