Is the combination of different types of electrodes permitted in lightning protection systems?

The correct answer indicates that the combination of different types of electrodes is not permitted in lightning protection systems. This is based on best practices for ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of the protection system. Using a variety of electrode types can lead to complications such as differing electrical resistances, which can affect the effectiveness of the grounding system.

The primary goal of a lightning protection system is to ensure safe and efficient dissipation of the lightning strike into the ground, and consistency in the type of electrodes used ensures that conductivity and resistance are uniform. Different materials can react negatively to each other, potentially creating corrosion or not conducting electricity as effectively as required, which diminishes the overall functionality of the system.

Having a uniform electrode type helps maintain consistent performance across the entire system, which is crucial for providing maximum protection. Therefore, the prohibition on combining different types fosters reliability and safety in lightning protection strategies.