IPC Products: Grounding Options
Proper grounding is essential to the effective functioning of
tree lightning protection systems. The procedure for grounding
will depend upon the character of the soil and surrounding conditions
Please remember that the underground spread of the root system
is usually equal in area to the spread of the branches above ground.
Extend standard conductor down trunk and out and away from base
of tree in a shallow trench (approximately 6-8 inches in depth).
This conductor shall terminate at a driven ground extending down
to permanent moisture. A 1/2" x 10' Copper Clad Ground Rod,
No. 138 and Bronze Ground Clamp, No. 50 provide effective grounding
in normal soil conditions.
Fork Type Ground
The fork type ground system is often practical to use, due to
soil conditions, nearness of trees to buildings, concrete sidewalks,
property lines, etc. The standard down conductor is placed in
a shallow trench and extended out from base of tree from 12 to
15 feet or even further. At end of this conductor a driven ground
to permanent moisture is added. Standard conductors are attached
to the main down conductor with No. 198 Fork Ground Connector
and placed in shallow trenches forming a fork. Large trees require
an additional ground.
Multiple Grounds
When it is impossible to drive ground rods to a distance of 10
feet, multiple grounds driven as deep as possible separated at
least 6 feet apart are most effective (see illustration). Another
alternative is copper ground plates buried in a shallow hole.Ground
Interconnections
If the grounding of building protected with a lightning protection
system is within 25 feet of a tree, the two systems should be
interconnected. If the lightning protection ground of the tree
is within 25 feet of a water pipe, sprinkler system, or a deep
well casing, a bond connection should be made between them.
Trees in Groups
The major trees in a group can be protected to give ample protection
for the smaller ones. If there are several trees in a row (all
major trees), the grounding may be made by "common grounding"
by trenching from the base of each protected tree to the depth
grounds(s), as long as these depth ground locations are not more
than 80 feet apart. Depth grounds shall be added as required.
This avoids the practice of making independent groundings for
each tree, thus reducing the cost of the lightning protection.
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