Is it permissible to install down conductors in gutters and downspouts?

Installing down conductors in gutters and downspouts is not permissible according to the standards for lightning protection systems. This restriction is in place primarily for safety reasons. When down conductors are placed in gutters or downspouts, there is a risk of water accumulation and blockage, which can lead to corrosion of the conductor and compromise the integrity of the lightning protection system. Additionally, the presence of water can create unintended paths for electrical current, increasing the risk of damage during a lightning strike, which could defeat the purpose of having a protection system in the first place.

Moreover, gutters and downspouts are typically not designed to accommodate electrical components and may have structural or material properties that are incompatible with effective grounding and conducting practices. Therefore, strict guidelines prohibit such installations to ensure both functional reliability and safety in lightning protection design.