- 1). Determine where the ground plates will be installed. They should be at opposite ends of a building and relatively close to the path where conducting cables will descend from the roof.
- 2). Dig two holes about 18 inches deep where the grounding plates will go, then lay the plates in the holes with the brackets facing up.
- 3). Climb onto the roof and pick at least two points on the building that at the highest level. If applicable, the top of the chimney at one end and the peak of a gable at the opposite end are usable points.
- 4). Wrap the lightning rod's chimney strap around the chimney and tighten by turning the screws clockwise with a screwdriver. Insert the lightning rod into the clamp and tighten any nuts or screws by turning clockwise with the pliers or screwdriver.
- 5). Mount the gable anchor to the peak of the roof at the other end by screwing a bracket directly to the roof. On a gable, it should be v-shaped and should fit snugly against the shingles. On a flat or shallow roof, the bracket should be flat and fit securely onto the roof. Tighten any screws by turning clockwise with a screwdriver.
- 6). Apply a generous amount of rubberized roofing cement to the bracket, then spread it out so that it covers the entire bracket and continues onto the roof surface. It's ok to be messy with the roofing cement: a thick layer will help ensure a water-tight seal around the mounting hardware.
- 7). Slip one end of the conducting cable into the clamp on the mounting plate. Secure the cable by turning any bolts or screws clockwise with the pliers or a screwdriver.
- 8). Uncoil the cable and carry the other end up to the roof. Pull excess cable onto the roof and secure it to the lightning rod by tightening the screws on a cable clamp.
- 9). Lay the cable in a straight line to the second lightning rod and secure it again to the second lightning rod.
- 10
Drape the loose end off the roof and follow a path down the side of the building to the second ground plate. Secure it to the ground plate using the same technique as in Step 7. - 11
Back-fill the holes in the ground with soil, then nail cable clamps around the conducting cable to the side of the building every four to six feet to help ensure the cable stays put.
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