June 16, 2006

CONSTRUCTION STANDARD SPECIFICATION

SECTION 13100
LIGHTNING PROTECTION

Page
PART 1 - GENERAL
1.01
1.02
1.03
1.04
1.05
1.06
1.07

Summary ..............................................................................................................................2
References............................................................................................................................3
System Description ..............................................................................................................4
Submittals ............................................................................................................................4
Quality Assurance................................................................................................................5
Delivery, Storage, And Handling ........................................................................................6
Warranty ..............................................................................................................................6

PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.01

Materials ..............................................................................................................................6

PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.01
3.02

EXAMINATION .................................................................................................................7
INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................8

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CONSTRUCTION STANDARD SPECIFICATION

SECTION 13100
LIGHTNING PROTECTION

PART 1 - GENERAL
1.01

SUMMARY
A.

This Section includes furnishing and installing a complete lightning protection

system, or modifications to an existing lightning protection system, in accordance
with the standards and codes specified and as shown on the Sandia National
Laboratories (SNL) furnished drawings. An integral system is required, consisting
of air terminals mounted directly on the structure to be protected.

B.

When specifically requested in the contract documents, shop drawings showing the
complete installation shall be furnished, as part of the scope of work, in lieu of the
SNL drawings. Drawings shall be created using Intergraph Microstation format
according to SNL CADD standards.

C.

This specification is applicable to structures (including buildings) handling or

storing explosives, flammable vapors and gases, or liquids that can give off
flammable vapors, radioactive material and other hazardous materials.

D.

Periodic maintenance and testing of an existing lightning protection system are not
covered by this specification.

E.

The lightning protection work shall be coordinated with electrical grounding

requirements and supplemental surge protection of electrical service(s), telephone
service, antenna cables, etc.

F.

Related Sections - Refer to the following sections for related work:

G.

1.

Section 02200, "Earthwork" for excavation and backfilling for counterpoise

and buried conductors.

2.

Section 16001, "Electrical Work".

3.

Section 16289, Surge Protection Devices

Alternate lightning protection design approaches such as "dissipation array" and

"early streamer" systems are not acceptable.

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H.

1.02

Mast/overhead shield wire (catenary) systems shall be installed only when

specifically mandated in contract documents. (Note: Normally these will only be
installed with structures containing explosive or flammable materials.)

REFERENCES
Comply with the following applicable standards and codes:
A.

All structures:
1.

Department of Energy (DOE)

a. DOE O 420.1A Facility Safety
b. DOE G 420.1-1 Nonreactor Nuclear Safety Design Criteria and
Explosive Safety Criteria Guide

2.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

a. NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code (NEC)
b. NFPA 780 - Lightning Protection Code

3.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)

a. UL 96 - Standard for Lightning Protection Components
b. UL 96A - Standard for Installation Requirements for Lightning Protection
Systems
c. UL 467 - Standard for Electrical Grounding and Bonding Equipment
d. Lightning Protection agreement letter for Sandia, 15 April 2005

B.

Additional requirements for structures containing explosives:

1.

U.S. Army
a. AMC-R 385-100, Chapter 8, Lightning Protection - Army Material
Command "Safety Manual".

2.

Department of Defense (DOD)

a. DOD 6055.9 - STD, Chapter 7, Lightning Protection - Ammunition and
Explosive Safety Standards.

3.

Department of Energy (DOE)

a. DOE M 440.1-1 - DOE Explosives Safety Manual.

C.

Additional requirements for the handling of flammable or combustible liquids,

combustible solids and dusts, and manufacture of organic coatings:
1.

International Fire Code Institute (IFCI)

a. Uniform Fire Code, Article 50.

D.

Additional requirements for Telecommunications, Alarm, and Automatic Data

Processing Centers, and Radio Repeater Stations:
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1.

Department of Defense (DOD)

a. MIL-HDBK-419: Military Handbook - Grounding, Bonding, and
Shielding for Electronic Equipments and Facilities

2.

Department of Commerce
a. FIPS PUB 94: Federal Information Processing Standards Publication
"Guideline on Electrical Power for ADP Installations".

E.

1.03

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
A.

1.04

Where differences arise between the specified standards and codes, the installation
shall comply with the more rigorous and demanding requirements, whether or not
shown on the drawings. Similarly, comply with the more stringent requirements of
this specification and drawings.

The extent of lightning protection work is indicated and detailed on drawings (if
furnished), and by requirements of this specification. The types of lightning
protection system components specified include the following:
1.

Conductors

2.

Air terminals

3.

Connectors

4.

Splicers

5.

Ground rods

6.

Bonding plates

B.

New Construction: Protect entire building (or structure) including roof projections,
chimneys, exhaust stacks, vents, antennas, roof-mounted equipment, ladders,
cranes, cooling towers and equipment or structures adjacent to the building.

C.

Existing Buildings and Structures: Modify existing lightning protection system so

additions to roof mounted equipment, etc., are protected. For equipment removals
and similar modifications ensure that main roof conductors are continuous and have
at least two horizontal and downward paths to connections at the counterpoise.
When equipment is added to roofs and protected such that nearby air terminals now
fall within the zone of protection of the new items, remove the older items and
insure the crossleads and downleads remain serviceable.

SUBMITTALS
A.

General: Submit the following in accordance with the conditions of the Contract
and Section 01300, "Descriptive Submittals".

B.

Product data: Submit product data for each component. Include data for roof
adhesive when used. Where applicable, also include recommended method(s) of

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installing air terminals, conductors, etc., to single-ply membrane roofs. (Note: This
applies to new roofs. For existing roofs follow SNL procedures.)

1.05

C.

Shop Drawings: Submit scaled drawings of the lightning protection system and
components for approval. Show conductor routing and accessories layouts
including accessible ground wells and ground rods, counterpoise, air terminals,
splicers, fasteners and connectors.

D.

UL Certification: Upon completing installation, System shall be inspected by UL

and Inspection Letter Report issued.

QUALITY ASSURANCE
A.

Manufacturer's Qualifications: Firms regularly engaged in manufacture of lightning

protection equipment, of types and sizes required, whose products have been in use
for not less than 3 years. All components of the lightning protection systems shall
be new and suitable for the application in accordance with the specified standards
and shall be UL listed and labeled.

B.

Installers Qualifications: A firm with at least 3 years of successful installation

experience on projects with lightning protection work similar to that required for
this project. The installer shall be a current UL Listed company.

C.

Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. Certification

1.

D.

E.

All structures with lightning protection systems require a UL "Inspection

Letter Report".

Field Measurements
1.

Resistance-to-ground measurement shall be made using the "three point" or

"fall of potential" method.

2.

Measurements shall be taken for all new lightning protection systems at new
or existing structures containing explosives or flammable materials to confirm
that the resistance-to-ground is not greater than 10 ohms. For other
installations the contract documents will indicate when these measurements
are required.

Agreement between Sandia and Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

Sandia specifications, per 2.01, require that copper shall be used. In 2002 UL issued
a revision to UL96A. That revision clarified which metals were code compatible
with aluminum and which were compatible with copper. Sandia discovered that the
UL revised requirements call for aluminum fittings and conductors on new
installations. This placed lightning protection design and installation firms in an
awkward position. U.L. certified design and Installation contractors could not meet
this specification and still comply with UL standards. The Underwriters
Laboratories (UL) and Sandia have reached an agreement allowing Sandia to use all
copper lighting protection systems. Refer to Section 13100-A for a copy of the
U.L. agreement letter.
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1.06

DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

A.

1.07

Handle lightning protection components carefully to avoid damage. Do not install

damaged components; replace and remove damaged units from project site. Store
components in original wrappings and protect from dirt, weather and construction
work traffic.

WARRANTY
A.

Lightning protection equipment shall be guaranteed against defective design,

materials, and workmanship for the full warranty time offered by the manufacturer
or supplier, but in no case less than one year from the date of system acceptance.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.01

MATERIALS
A.

Only copper conductors, air terminals, etc., and suitable hardware shall be used.

B.

For all structures containing explosives or flammable materials, regardless of

height, use Class II materials, including minimum requirements specified below.

C.

The following material types, sizes, etc., shall be utilized except as noted otherwise
on the contract documents:
1.

Conductors: Conductors shall be bare stranded copper in the following sizes:

a. Underground counterpoise (ground loop) -- #4/0 AWG minimum (107.20.
mm), Class B stranding.
b. Main conductors (roof level between air terminals and down leads):
(1) Class I Materials - 24 strands of 14 gauge (2.08 mm) braided smooth
twist; 98,500 circular mils (50 mm); 320 lbs. per 1000 ft. (145.2 kg
per 304.8 meters) or larger.
(2) Class II Materials -- 28 strands of 0.0689 inches (0.175 cm) diameter,
copper wire, rope lay, 131,500 circular mils (66.6 mm); 420 lbs. per
1000 ft. (190.5 kg per 304.8 meters) or larger.
c. Bonding conductors (including solid and flexible strips of equivalent
circular mil size) for large roof mounted equipment (HVAC units, etc.)
and miscellaneous metallic items: Use same conductors as specified in
item b above.
(1) Bonding conductors for items such as roof drains, windows, etc., that
are not generally subject to physical damage, may be of smaller size
than stated above but not less than the equivalent UL.
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(2) Lead coated conductors shall be used in atmospheres corrosive to

copper.
D.

Air Terminals (Both Class I and Class II): Air terminals shall be solid copper,
minimum 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) diameter, nickel plated tip, and a minimum of 24inches (60 cm) long. For corrosive locations (e.g. smoke stacks) use stainless steel
air terminals. Air terminals for single-ply roof mounting shall have bases
especially designed for this application (see Section 3.02.A.2).

E.

Ground Rods: Ground rod material shall be copper-clad steel or solid copper.
Ground rods shall be not less than 3/4" (19.05 mm) in diameter and not less than 10
ft. (3.05 m) long.

F.

Connectors and Fittings:

G.

1.

Use only heavy-duty bronze connectors, splicers, bonding plates, etc., with
maximum available contact surface between this hardware and each conductor
or equipment. If heavy-duty connectors and fittings are not available from
supplier submit alternates for SNL approval before installation.

2.

Each conductor shall be held in place with at least two hex head bolts.

3.

Bonding plates shall have a minimum of 8 sq. inch (412.90 cm) of contact
surface.

4.

For pipes, railings, fence post, etc. up to approximately 4 1/2" (11.43 cm) in
diameter use heavy-duty bronze pipe clamps, where available, in lieu of
bonding straps.

5.

All main size connections shall contact cable for a length of 1.5" (3.81 cm)
minimum.

6.

Split-bolt type connectors shall not be used.

7.

Connections below grade and all inaccessible splices shall use the exothermic
welding process. Where shown on the drawings, exothermic welds shall be
used above grade, particular for connections to building steel and similar
items.

Test Wells: Test wells shall be rectangular in shape, 12X17, 12 deep with an
incidental traffic load rating of 20,000 psi.

PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.01

EXAMINATION
A.

Examine surfaces and conditions affecting performance of the lightning protection

system. Do not proceed with installation until unsatisfactory conditions have been
corrected. Contact the Sandia Delegated Representative (SDR) for resolution of
unsatisfactory conditions.

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3.02

INSTALLATION
A.

Ordinary Structures (Not associated with explosive or flammable materials, etc.).

1.

Install lightning protection systems, including modifications to existing

systems, as indicated on the drawings and according to manufacturer's written
instructions, UL 96A, and NFPA 780 and other referenced codes and
standards.

2.

Install air terminals as high as possible and such that the zone of protection is
at least 10 inches (25 cm) higher than the structure, equipment, etc., that they
are protecting. For air terminals on single-ply roofing use adhesive
recommended by manufacturer of air terminals and approved by manufacturer
of roofing material. Comply with adhesive manufacturer's installation
instructions. (This applies to new roofs. For existing roofs follow SNL
procedures.)

3.

A ground loop (counterpoise) and ground rods shall be installed for all new
structures. This loop and top of ground rods shall be installed at least 2.5 ft.
(0.762 m) deep in soil and between 3 ft. (0.91 m) and 8 ft. (2.44 m) from
exterior of building or structure. Install marking tape 1 ft. (0.30 m) below
grade above ground loop. Ground rods shall be installed at all corners of the
building or structure and around the building or structure with maximum
spacing of 35 ft. (10.67m) between ground rods. The separation between any
two ground rods shall be at least the length of the longer rod. To reduce
resistance-to-ground, unless shown otherwise on drawings, connect
reinforcing steel of the concrete slab in contact with soil (or vertical wall
when a basement is provided) to the ground loop at each corner of the
structure and at intervals of approximately 35 feet (10.67 m) around the
structure with a main size conductor. Use exothermic weld connections for
connecting reinforcing steel together and to the ground loop. To facilitate
ground resistance testing, ground rod test wells shall be installed as shown on
the drawings. Install a ground test well at each corner of the counterpoise for
all new structures, but do not duplicate ground wells required by other
Sections.

4.

For concrete structures, bond reinforcing steel to down conductors and roof
conductors as required by NFPA 780 and UL. 96A.

5.

Bond all metallic underground services entering the structure, and other
underground and above ground metallic objects within 25 ft. (7.62 m) of the
structure, together with the ground loop using the same size of conductor as
the ground loop.

6.

Do not utilize structural steel framework as a main conductor in lieu of a

copper down conductor(s).

7.

Make the steel framework of buildings or structures electrically continuous by

bolting, riveting, or welding the steel frame, unless a specific method is noted
on the drawing. Where a water system enters the building, connect the
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structural steel framework and the water system at the point of entrance by a
ground connector. Secure connections to pipes by means of ground clamps
with lugs. Secure connections to structural framework by exothermic
welding. Secure all connections between bottom of columns and ground
connections to ground loop from not less than one-half of all the columns
distributed equally around the perimeter of the structure. When no water
system enters the structure, extend ground connections from all steel columns.
8.

For externally routed down conductors, protect each conductor from possible
damage with an 8 ft. (2.44 m) long wooden or PVC pipe protector above
grade level. Where conductors are run through metal pipe, or otherwise
protected by metal strips, the conductor shall be bonded to each end of the
metal pipe.

9.

Bond ladders at top and bottom and bond handrails at each end but not more
than 50 feet (15.24 m) apart. Protect handrails, ladders, HVAC equipment,
etc., with air terminals and main conductors when metal thickness is less than
3/16 inch (4.76 mm). Attach lightning protection components to HVAC
equipment and roof and wall metallic items with sheet metal screws. Apply
sealant to prevent ingress of moisture around screws. Placement of air
terminals on roof equipment is identical to that of roof (e.g. air terminals must
be within 2 ft, 0.61 m, of corner of equipment). Connect guy wire supports
for exhaust stacks and poles to the lightning protection system at their lower
ends.

10. All reinforcing steel in roofs, walls, floors, and slabs of building or structure
shall be tied tightly together with metal ties such that they are in electrical
contact at least every 3 feet (0.91 m) in each direction. Also each level of
reinforcing steel at roofs, floors, and slabs shall be similarly tied to the
reinforcing steel of exterior walls at least every 3 feet (0.91 m) along the
length of the wall.
11. Concealment: Do not conceal any portion of the lightning protection system,
including counterpoise and reinforcing steel bonding, until approved by the
SDR or UL Inspector.
B.

Structures Containing Explosives, Flammable Materials

1.

All foregoing installation requirements for ordinary structures also applies to

structures containing explosives, flammable materials, etc., except if modified
by the more stringent requirements of the standards and codes specified in
Section 1.02B and C. The term structure also applies to vessels, tanks or
other containers in which these materials are contained.

2.

Install lightning protection systems, including modifications to existing

systems as indicated on the drawings and according to manufacturer's written
instructions, UL 96A, NFPA 780 and other referenced codes and standards.
In particular, comply with the specific requirements of the standards and
codes specified in Section 1.02 B and C and NFPA 780, Appendix K,

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"Protection of Structures Housing Explosive Materials".

(counterpoise) is required for all installations.
3.

A ground loop

Igloo-Type Magazines: In earth-covered reinforced concrete, igloo-type

magazines, make the reinforcing steel electrically continuous by welding
unless a specific method is noted on the drawings. Install a ground loop
(counterpoise) with ground rods and connect the ground loop to the horizontal
reinforcing rods below the floor line of the wall system as shown on the
drawings but not less than two diagonally opposite connections. Make the
steel door frame and access panels electrically continuous with the reinforcing
steel. Connect the steel door to the steel frame by means of a flexible copper
strap or cable equivalent to #2 AWG (33.62 mm) conductor or greater.
(Note: These requirements also apply to above ground "Explosive Storage
Magazine Structures".)

END OF SECTION

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