According to UL 96A, do all metal parts within six feet of a lightning protection system need to be bonded?

The requirement stated in UL 96A indicates that all metal parts within six feet of a lightning protection system must be bonded to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the lightning protection measures. Bonding these metal parts helps to create an equipotential plane, reducing the risk of voltage differences during a lightning strike. This is crucial because unbonded metal parts could present a safety hazard, leading to dangerous step and touch voltages.

The rationale behind bonding all metal components—regardless of whether they are grounded or not—is to mitigate the potential for electrical arcing and to protect individuals and structures from lightning-related hazards. This comprehensive bonding requirement helps to ensure that all conductive elements in proximity to the lightning protection system are at the same electrical potential, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of the system in protecting against lightning strikes.