Lightning Protection for Race Tracks and Sports Arenas

The Importance of Lightning Safety and Surge Protection for Outdoor Venues
In outdoor sports venues, lightning strikes are of significant concern. In open areas with large crowds, it’s important to protect against lightning strikes, as they can cause injuries and property damage, as well as disrupting events. The challenge is to install an effective and robust lightning protection system, in an outdoor environment like a race track or stadium.

The Unique Challenges of Lightning Protection for Sports Arenas and Race Tracks

When it comes to lightning protection, the most obvious issue with an outdoor venue is the presence of large crowds in unprotected spaces. However, that’s far from the full extent of the challenges involved in protecting a sports arena or race track against lightning strikes. These venues tend to have exposed electrical components, like lighting, scoreboards, broadcasting equipment, and more, and these are extremely vulnerable to lightning strikes. Electrical surges also pose a risk to Wi-Fi systems, communications networks, and data storage devices, and a surge can disrupt ticketing systems, cause problems with broadcasting and live streaming, and cause data loss.

Elements of Lightning Protection Systems for Outdoor Venues: Grounding Systems for Race Tracks and Arenas

To safeguard an outdoor facility’s assets and promote uninterrupted operations, even in the face of inclement weather, it’s necessary to invest in a lightning protection system. Lightning protection systems consist of a lightning rod, which intercepts electrical current in the air, a grounding system to carry the current to the ground and dissipate it, surge protection devices, and bonding, which ensures that all components are interconnected, so that there will be no dangerous differences in voltage. The grounding system is vital, and must be made of corrosion-resistant materials, precisely placed, and well-maintained. The entire lightning protection system must be in compliance with relevant regulations, including National Fire Prevention Association codes.

Race Track Lightning Safety Solutions: Design and Installation Tips

Designing a lightning protection system for a race track is complex, but utilizes the same basic principles of any such systems. Lightning rods (air terminals) must be placed at high points, connected to grounding rods and conductors, which are connected to bonded metallic objects. Grandstands, flagpoles, lighting systems, and other large metal components should be interconnected and bonded to the grounding system, in order to reduce the risk of side flashes. Surge protection devices, installed on electrical panels, will prevent power surges from damaging sensitive electronics and communications devices.

Beyond Hardware: Safety Protocols for Event Management

Of course, keeping spectators and participants safe requires more than a lightning protection system. Protocols must be put into place, dictating when activities should be stopped due to weather conditions, and when people should seek shelter. A lightning detection system should be employed, because this is a more accurate measure of danger than relying on looking at the sky or listening for thunder.

FAQs

Is it Possible to Effectively Use Lightning Rods for Large Sports Facilities?
- Yes, lightning rods can be used effectively for large sports facilities, both indoor and outdoor, but they must be properly placed, in compliance with relevant codes.
How Are Grounding Systems for Race Tracks Designed?
- Race track grounding systems for lightning protection are designed after meticulous assessments, following appropriate safety codes. This requires the expertise of a specialized lighting protection company.
Where Can One Find Guidance on How to Install Lightning Protection for Race Tracks?
- The National Fire Prevention Agency is the best source for all things related to lightning protection, and they have published the NFPA 780, which is the Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems. However, hiring a professional lightning protection company will provide access to the same information, as well as a design tailored to the specific facility.
Beyond Installing a Lightning Protection System, What Are Best Practices for Lightning Safety at Outdoor Venues?
- Each sport has its own protocols, but the best way to provide lightning safety is to utilize a lightning detector, and move people indoors when there is a threat.

Trust Boston Lightning Rod Company, Inc, for the Best Lighting Protection Systems for Sports Arenas

From sports arenas and race tracks to schools, businesses, and homes Boston Lightning Rod Company, Inc provides full-service lightning protection for any structure in Dedham, MA and the surrounding area. For over 150 years, we have protected the community and put fears about lightning damage to rest, as the region’s go-to source for American-made lightning protection equipment. Having earned a reputation for excellence in our five generations of experience, Boston Lightning Rod Company, Inc. provides tailored services to property owners in the area, bringing to bear our extensive electrical knowledge, numerous certifications, and advanced training. To learn more about our innovative lightning surge protector systems, and how we can effectively protect your property from electrical surges, contact us for more information or to schedule a personalized installation appointment.