A copper lightning arrester uses a copper or copper-bonded air terminal and copper down-conductor. Copper is chosen because it carries the huge strike current without damage, resists corrosion for decades on an exposed roof, and makes reliable joints - the qualities a strike path depends on.
Why copper
- High conductivity carries the strike current without overheating.
- Corrosion resistance for an exposed rooftop life.
- Reliable bolted and clamped joints that stay low-resistance.
- Copper-bonded steel gives the same surface with more strength and lower cost.
What to specify
A copper or copper-bonded air terminal, copper down-conductor (tape or round) sized to the standard, matching copper clamps, and a copper bonded earth termination. Keep all metals compatible to avoid corrosion at joints.
