What is a requirement concerning the grounding of a mast Lightning Protection System (LPS)?

The requirement stating that each mast must have two paths to ground is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of the Lightning Protection System (LPS). This dual grounding method ensures that, in the event of a lightning strike, the electrical energy can be safely dissipated into the ground through multiple routes. This minimizes the risk of equipment damage and decreases the potential for lightning-induced hazard scenarios.

Having two paths to ground increases system reliability; should one path fail due to corrosion or physical damage, the other path remains functional, providing continuous protection for the installation. This redundancy is a critical aspect of electrical safety practices, particularly in environments where lightning strikes are more frequent, ensuring that the LPS functions properly under all conditions.

Other requirements, such as the height of the mast, the number of grounding points, or the construction material, do not address the effectiveness of the grounding itself in mitigating the risks associated with lightning strikes as comprehensively as ensuring multiple grounding paths does.