Lightning wire

At the Onninen electrical installation wholesaler we offer the highest quality lightning protection equipment. In this category you will find lightning protection wires – one of the most important elements of such an installation. Our range includes aluminium, stainless copper and galvanised steel wires that meet applicable standards. See available products and choose the best lightning protection wire for the planned system.

Construction of a lightning protection system

A lightning protection system (colloquially a lightning rod) provides protection for people, the building and the electrical devices inside it against fire and other consequences of a lightning strike to the roof. It is a whole system of elements running on the surface of the walls and located in the ground. A traditional lightning protection system is built:

• from horizontal air terminals – conductors that connect the lightning arrester to the ground, receive the discharge and conduct the current to the ground;
• from down conductors (lightning wires) and grounding conductors – the down conductor connects the air terminal and the grounding conductor or earth electrode in the foundations, and the grounding conductor connects the down conductor with the earth electrode;
• from grounding – metal elements placed below the ground surface, conducting electricity;
• from test connectors – this is an underground terminal connecting the down conductor with the grounding conductor.

Application of lightning protection wires

The ground wire (also known as a downconductor) is one of the main elements of a grounding system. It is responsible for the safe and effective discharge of electrical energy from a lightning strike from the lightning rod or air terminal directly to the grounding system in the ground, where the energy is dissipated. This prevents serious damage to the building structure, electrical installation and equipment. The life and health of the building's users are also protected.

Aluminum or steel wire – which one to choose for a lightning protection installation?

When choosing a grounding wire, you should pay attention primarily to the material. Manufacturers use materials characterized by good electrical conductivity and low resistance to make grounding wires, i.e. most often pure aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel or copper. Protection against corrosion, which reduces conductivity, is provided by special coatings. The wire material affects not only the durability of the entire grounding protection system, but also the investment price. Galvanized wire is characterized by high resistance to mechanical damage, chemicals and the effects of various atmospheric factors. It should be remembered that not all galvanizing is the same. For example, hot-dip galvanizing provides much more effective protection for steel wire than electrogalvanizing. Hot-dip galvanized grounding wires with a diameter of 8 mm can successfully serve for up to 20 years. Aluminum wire (made of pure aluminum or alloy) is flexible, easy to install and extremely resistant to external factors. It is not at risk of corrosion. In addition, it conducts electricity perfectly. In terms of durability, it generally exceeds the galvanized steel version. Are you planning to install a lightning protection system? Contact us! Onninen specialists will advise you which lightning protection wire to choose and help you complete all the remaining elements of the system.