How often must full conductor downleads be spaced on a building?

The correct spacing requirement for full conductor downleads on a building is every 100 feet. This specification is based on established lightning protection standards, which detail how frequently downleads should be installed to ensure effective grounding and the safe dissipation of lightning currents.

Properly spaced downleads play a crucial role in providing a low-resistance path for lightning currents to reach the ground. If downleads are spaced too far apart, there is an increased risk of inadequate protection, as lightning could potentially follow less optimal paths through the structure or surrounding areas, leading to damage. Therefore, every 100 feet is the standard that balances practical installation criteria and ensures ongoing protection for the structure.

While other distances such as 50, 150, and 200 feet exist in various guidelines or practices, they do not conform to the specific requirement for full conductor downleads, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the lightning protection system. Thus, understanding this standard is essential for professionals in the lightning protection field to guarantee safe and compliant systems.