Come join us for professional development and industry updates at our Annual LPI/ULPA Conference in Orlando. Enjoy an elegant stay at a reasonable price (member rate of $139/room) at the Regal Sun Resort (formerly the Grosvenor Hotel), in the Downtown Disney Resort area.

Children can plan to dine with their favorite Disney characters. Adults will appreciate the complimentary transportation from the resort to any of the theme parks. Everyone will love the ½ acre of recreation and water sports at the resort – 2 heated swimming pools, a therapeutic European thermal spa, outdoor refreshment center, a tennis center, wall-to-wall video games in the onsite Game Room and lots more. Check the resort website, www.grosvenorresort.com for more information.

The Lightning Protection Institute plans to offer our new Engineering Seminar prior to the education sessions of this year’s conference also at the Regal Sun Resort.

Watch your mail and this website in the future for more information on these exciting events.

This comprehensive 2-day seminar is designed for engineers, architects and others interested in the methodology behind the design and layout of lightning protection systems for all types of structures. It is based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 780 2008 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems. A copy of the NFPA-780 book and a CD on Lightning Protection and Risk Assessment will be included along with the course study materials. Please bring a calculator to the Seminar. (Expenses associated with continuing education may be tax deductible - please consult your tax advisor).

1. Principles of Lightning Protection Review of the physics governing lightning protection system design.
2. Risk Assessment Examination of risk assessment tools available to determine the lightning hazard to a particular site. Based on Annex L of NFPA-780.
3. Strike Termination Defines strike termination devices and covers placement rules based on zone of protection modeling.
4. Conductors General requirements for conductors used for current-carrying portions of the system in exposed and concealed areas.
5. Grounding Considerations given for good grounding practices for lightning protection systems may differ from other system grounds.
6. Potential Equalization The basis for bonding to equalize potential of incoming services or internal building systems is analyzed using system design and surge protection devices.
7. Special Occupancies Techniques cited in NFPA-780 to protect specific occupancies/appurtenances, including flammable and explosive materials storage, personnel shelters, masts, metal tanks, grain handling silos and more.
8. Maintenance & Inspection Proper inspection for maintenance of the lightning protection system requires implementation of visual and instrument assisted testing procedures.

John Tobias, PhD.
Dr. Tobias is a consulting engineer specializing in lightning protection and electrical safety. He serves as Chairman of the NFPA-780 Technical Committee, Reviewer of UL 96 and is US Deputy Technical Advisor for TC-81 of the IEC. Dr. Tobias operates ElectroQuest, LLC, an electrotechnology consulting firm and is a staff engineer for the US Army Communications- Electronics Command Safety Directorate.

Mitchell Guthrie
With over 25 years experience in lightning protection and risk assessment, Guthrie was formerly employed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center where he served as the Command’s Technical Support Agent in explosives electrical safety. He was also formerly a 10-year Chairman of the NFPA-780 Committee. Currently he is an Engineering Consultant and a Technical Advisor for the US-NC IEC TC-81.

February 11 - 12, 2008
8:00 - 4:30
Regal Sun Walt Disney Resort
call 800-624-4109
use code: LPI for preferred rate prior to 1-15-08
$700
$625 (LPI members)
includes lunch & breaks
Register early - space is limited