What is the effect of using an unsuitable fastener in a lightning protection system?

Using an unsuitable fastener in a lightning protection system can lead to potential system failure, which is a critical concern for ensuring the effectiveness of the lightning protection measures in place. Fasteners play a vital role in securing various components of the system, such as air terminals, conductors, and ground connections. If the fastener is not adequately rated for the electrical and environmental stresses it will encounter, it can fail to maintain secure connections, leading to a breakdown in the path that lightning would follow to the ground.

This failure could prevent the lightning protection system from functioning as intended, allowing lightning strike energy to cause damage to the structure or create hazards. The integrity of connections is crucial for dissipating electrical charges safely and efficiently. If a fastener is undersized, made of unsuitable material, or corroded, it may not endure the high currents generated by a lightning strike, leading to system malfunction and ultimately failing to protect the structure effectively.