The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Non-conductive metal for lightning rod

I'm asked to bid a 130' tall pole with a 2' 6" base and ground mounted in Las Vegas Nevada is there any non conductive metals I could use.

Thanks,

Kevin Watson
set builder - Van Nuys, California, USA
2004

NO. By definition, metals are conductive. Maybe fiberglass? In any case, for something that tall you need a structural engineer. Tom Gallant - Long Beach, California, USA Metals, by definition, as electrically conducting. The only way to make them "non conducting" is to put an insulator, such as a piece of plastic, in series between two rods. Trevor Crichton R&D practical scientist Chesham, Bucks, UK

---

Yes you can use a Aluminium with Zinc plating bar which is fully non-conductive. It is used for engine testing on turbofan systems. Its an expensive but safe option.

Jhon Smith
- Las Vegas, Nevada
2004

---

Huh?

We appreciate the response, Jhon, but I think you've certainly misunderstood something.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004

---

Where can I get some of that Aluminium with Zinc plating from? I have really bright bulbs for my car, and it is melting away the plastic plug. I want to make something that will stand the heat - this Aluminium with Zinc plating sounds like a good idea if it isn't conductive.

Alex
- Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
2006

---

Teflon coating is a material which is zero conductivity and its melting temperature is 327 °C. Hope it helps

Rhodam Evans
- Johannesburg, South Africa
2007