National Electrical Code

Code Q&A

Feb. 26, 2006

Is it good practice to bond the lightning protection system to the building grounding electrode system?

Q. Is it good practice to bond the lightning protection system to the building grounding electrode system?

A. The Code requires the lightning protection system, if provided on a premise, to be bonded to the building or structure grounding electrode system [250.106]. This bonding connection is designed to minimize the difference of potential between the lightning protection system and the electrical system, which should reduce arcing between metal parts within the building.

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.