What is the minimum surface area required for a bonding plate used on a structural steel member?

The minimum surface area required for a bonding plate used on a structural steel member is determined by the need to ensure effective electrical conductivity and provide a solid grounding connection. A bonding plate with an area of at least 8 square inches is specified because it allows for an adequate contact surface with the structural steel, which helps to minimize resistance at the connection point.

This specific surface area is a standard that ensures the reliability of the grounding system. A larger bonding plate can improve the bond and reduce the potential for corrosion at the interface, which is crucial for long-term performance in lightning protection systems. The requirement for this minimum size is grounded in both efficiency and safety, ensuring that electrical currents from lightning strikes or fault conditions can be effectively directed to ground without creating hotspots or increasing the risk of failure at the bond interface.