Code Q&A: Grounding & Lightning Protection System

June 20, 2013

Your most pressing National Electrical Code (NEC) questions answered

Q. Please explain how I'm supposed to ground a service on a building that has a ground ring used for the lightning protection system grounding electrode?

A. If a lightning protection system is installed on a building/structure, it must be bonded to the building/structure grounding electrode system as per 250.106. The grounding electrode for a lightning protection system must not be used as the required grounding electrode system for the buildings or structures [250.60].

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.