protecting canisters from lightning

[wildorchid]

I live in Florida and use #20 mapp gas and a HH. Just started and have read here that tanks should be outside but how do I protect the tank from the everday lightning we have in rainy season?

[Just Nancy]

Some people put them in trash cans with holes drilled in them, but I'm not thinking that would stop lightening.

Does lightening usually strike so close to the ground? We usually get hit on our antenna or on other tall objects. Hopefully one of the gurus will pop in and offer a suggestion.

[InspirationToolworks]

Do people in your area do anything special to protect their gas BBQ grills?

-Jeff

[wildorchid]

People bring them onto the lanai or into the garage during a storm. In a hurricain I would bring it to my welding supply but in Florida it would be living there in JUly August Sept and Oct.
Joy

[MikeAurelius]

Lightening typically strikes the highest point in a given area, be it the lightening rods on your house, the antenna, a tree, etc.

I would not worry about a tank that is protected inside a plastic storage bin alongside your house, just make sure it is not within 10 feet of the ground strap from your electrical system or your lightening rod grounding system.

[wildorchid]

Good point Mike. I called the people who make the tank and they agreed with you. They said they have never had a tank hit by lightning ever so I guess I was worrying for nada.
Thanks all.

[smutboy420]

I don't think code would require it to be grounded from lightning strikes. or any thing.

But many places I ever worked at that had explosive solvents or things in metal drums Had to have them grounded to a grounding rod with a metal clamp that went on the lips of the drums. Mostly that was to keep staic discharge off of the drums. But was also for lightning protection.

But off hand I don't remember any thing esle that had to be grounded like that.

Does any one know if the large bulk propane tanks that are installed out side homes have any kind of grounding system on them?