Our Answers:
There are two (2) classes of material requirements found in NFPA 780, the Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems.  Class I materials are required for structure less than 75-ft in height, and Class II Materials are required for buildings greater than 75-ft in height.   The down conductor is properly listed in the standard as a “Main Conductor Cable”. 

• Class I – Copper: Minimum Gauge is 2 AWG, with a minimum individual strand size of 17 AWG.
• Class II – Copper: Minimum Gauge is 00 AWG, with a minimum individual strand size of 17 AWG.

• Class I – Aluminum: Minimum Gauge is 0 AWG, with a minimum individual strand size of 14 AWG.
• Class II – Aluminum: Minimum Gauge is 0000 AWG, with a minimum individual strand size of 14 AWG.

The calculation for predicting the resistance-to-ground of a grounding electrode can be found by following this link:

https://www.esgroundingsolutions.com/blog/664/what-are-calculations-regarding-lowering-earth-resistance-using-copper-rods-tapes-at-telecom-tower

Calculating an entire grounding network generally requires computer modeling software, particularly in complex soil conditions.  E&S Grounding Solutions has the complete CDEGS software package and can assist with these calculations, if provided with site plans and soil resistivity data.

The Engineering Experts at E&S Grounding Solutions

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