ground metal pole biluding ????

[mebedave]

I'm in the planning stage of a new main electric service to the pole barn shop. Do any of you ground the metal siding of pole barns, if so...how do you do it ?

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[Eds Garage]

It's probably a good idea in principle but....I don't know how you could really ground all the panels since there is paint likely insulating each panel where it overlaps the adjacent panel.

 

[mebedave]

It's probably a good idea in principle but....I don't know how you could really ground all the panels since there is paint likely insulating each panel where it overlaps the adjacent panel.

Ed
I did not think of that (paint),but still I think some how that metal needs a ground.

 

[Gooch]

Ed
I did not think of that (paint),but still I think some how that metal needs a ground.

doesn't, code only requires structural steel to be grounded.

 

[Mattlt]

It's probably a good idea in principle but....I don't know how you could really ground all the panels since there is paint likely insulating each panel where it overlaps the adjacent panel.

Yes, but you are driving how many nails / screws through each panel? The panels overlap at the seams, so you are in effect fastening them (electrically) to each other.

This subject has always intrigued me. I don't think I've heard a good answer. My curiosity has always been more for lightning protection than the electrical ground.

I've seen lightning strikes on houses where there are burn marks at each seam of the metal soffit material all around the entire house. Really makes me wonder how safe my entirely metal sided house really is?

 

[Highbeam]

You aren't driving screws through two layers of metal though. The overlap is unscrewed.

 

[sberry]

Re: ground metal pole building ????

Should be grounded, its a huge piece of steel personnel can come in contact with. I think number 8 wire. ?????? If it was mine it would have small lug bolted where sheets lap and run to the ground bar of the panel feeding the structure. Phone companies often bug to the wire going to the rods.

 

[csp]

You aren't driving screws through two layers of metal though. The overlap is unscrewed.

In some cases the overlap is screwed.

Either way, the screws go into the underlying structural steel and it is connected to all of the panels. Speaking for a steel framed building.

 

[sberry]

The overlap is screwed, trim, etc. I like to bolt at a lap therefore attaching lug to 2 sheets.

 

[scrape53]

speaking as an electrician it would be a horrible idea. their is no reason for the siding to ever become electrified therefore no reason to bond to electrical service. as far as for lighting strikes your screwed whether bonded or not...that much juice is going to do as it pleases.

 

[sberry]

One wire passing thru a skin energizes a whole building if not grounded, many metal boxes that are grounded are often screwed to the skin so it might be grounded elsewhere. Pole barns are one giant raceway for wiring. They absolutely have the potential to be energized. Certainly wouldn't hurt anything at worst.

 

[scrape53]

if wiring is installed properly there is no chance to become electrified. it would be a waste of time and money to bolt a lug through at every overlap. pole barns are in no way a giant raceway for wiring your pipe and/or sheathing is your raceway. not trying to get in a ******* match but its not needed. i live in a rural area and worked the 10 years as an electrician and the past three as an electrical inspector for the state. i have never once heard of someone being hurt or killed from electrified metal siding or roofing.