Grounding

Counterpoise grounding cables encircle this foundation built in hole blasted from ledge.

Carbon-based, conductive, concrete electrode being installed for communication tower.

    A lightning protection system requires a low-resistance connection with the earth, especially when protecting electronic equipment. In the Northeastern United States, the soils have the highest earth resistivity in the country, which results in the most violent thunderstorms and the most challenging grounding, or "earthing", conditions.

    In some cases, the basic ground rod driven 10 feet deep in several locations is adequate. When the foundation of a building is on ledge, a counterpoise (buried perimeter cable) is the best method. The counterpoise is most easily installed before backfilling on new construction, but Priestley has installed many cables in finely-landscaped properties, using small trenching machines in combination with hand digging. The trenching machine makes a trench just 3 inches wide.

    Other grounding methods include: conductive concrete electrodes, chemical grounds and sectional ground rods, driven 30+ feet deep to reach better soils.     All soils can be tested during the design phase, and installed grounding systems can be tested and monitored.

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