Must aluminum materials be attached to surfaces coated with alkaline-based paint?

Aluminum materials must not be attached to surfaces coated with alkaline-based paint due to the potential for chemical reactions that can lead to corrosion or degradation of the aluminum. Alkaline environments can strip away protective oxides on aluminum, making it vulnerable to galvanic corrosion when in contact with other metals or conductive materials.

In practice, manufacturers typically specify surface preparation requirements to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of lightning protection systems. As a result, it is crucial to ensure that any surfaces intended for attachment are free from incompatible coatings. Therefore, attaching aluminum to alkaline-painted surfaces could be detrimental and is generally prohibited in the standards for proper lightning protection system installation.

The other options would imply varying compliance or conditions under which attachment might be permissible, but the guidance tends to be strict regarding incompatible materials to prevent corrosion-related failures.