Forespar Lightning Master Static Dissipator — Installation Manual
INSTALLATION MANUAL
How to mount the Forespar Lightning Master static dissipator at the masthead, give it a continuous path to ground and bond the boat's metal masses, with Forespar's background on how dissipators reduce the chance of a direct strike.
DocumentForespar Lightning Master Static Dissipator Installation Manual
FormatPDF · 3 pages · 0.2 MB
LanguageEnglish
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Product Data
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Part No. | 151100 |
| Weight | 5.2 oz |
| Length | 21" |
| Principle | Point discharge: hundreds of very small radius electrodes leak off the static ground charge and retard the formation of streamers |
Forespar does not claim the product is 100% effective in preventing a lightning strike; it reduces the incidence of direct strikes. Take all steps for personal safety during an electrical storm.
Installing the Dissipator
- Mount the dissipator on the masthead, on the main column of the spar (not out on the crane), vertically and as high as possible, slightly away from antennas and clear of masthead equipment.
- Screw it to the side of the spar (machine screws are best, stainless steel fasteners) with tight metal-to-metal contact: remove any paint first. Paint may be reapplied over the joint.
- Assure a continuous electrical path to ground (the water): the aluminum mast is a good path if it is properly grounded from the mast step to the water, e.g. via the standing rigging (no antenna insulators) to an external metal keel through the keel bolts, or to the propeller shaft by bonding to the engine block.
- Optional: electrically bond together all other metal masses on the boat.
Powerboats & bonding wire
- On a powerboat more than one dissipator may be needed (radar arch, cabin top, tuna tower): mount them where charge accumulates – points, corners and edges.
- A dedicated path to ground may be required: bonding wire at least number six (6) solid copper, or equivalent, run as straight as possible with no sharp bends.
- Bonding protects people first (a person touching two unbonded masses such as the stern pulpit and the wheel can become the path of equalization) and equipment second (stops arcing through electrical or antenna wiring, and fire risk).
Three-Pronged Lightning Protection
- Bonding and grounding: bond all metallic masses (standing rigging, pulpits, tracks…) together and bring them to earth (water) potential.
- Surge suppression on all lines: AC and low voltage power, telephone, antenna and data wiring.
- Static dissipators on the natural charge accumulation points (mastheads on a sailboat), optionally with a lightning rod and a bonded path to ground for direct strikes.
The technical information sheet (second PDF) explains strike formation, secondary and electromagnetic effects on electronics, and the point-discharge principle in detail.
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