Lightning protection systems and methods

A method of deploying a lightning protection system, the method comprising:

• a. providing a lightning protections system, comprising:
• i. a multi-section conductive mast assembly comprising at least a base mast section and a top mast section;
• ii. an air terminal attachable to the top mast section;
• iii. a base assembly attachable to the base mast section via a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly is configured to allow the base mast section to hinge relative to the base assembly;
• and
• wherein the base assembly comprises a plurality of radially extending inner horizontal beams having inner ends attachable to the hinge assembly and a plurality of inclined beams having inner ends attachable to the base mast section and outer ends attachable to the radially extending horizontal beams, and wherein the base mast section further comprises a plurality of radially extending, axially aligned ribs, wherein a top horizontal plate of the hinge assembly comprises an upper surface and attachment plates extending upward from the top horizontal plate upper surface for attachment to the base mast section ribs;
• b. assembling the base assembly;
• c. assembling the multi-section conductive mast assembly;
• d. connecting the base mast section to the base assembly via the hinge assembly;
• e. positioning the base assembly to a desired location and securing in position;
• f. grounding the lightning protection system;
• and
• g. placing and securing the multi-section conductive mast assembly in an upright position using the hinge assembly.

A catenary lightning protection system, comprising:

• a. at least two lightning protection systems, each lightning protection system comprising:
• i. a multi-section conductive mast assembly comprising at least a base mast section and a top mast section;
• ii. an air terminal attachable to the top mast section;
• iii. a base assembly attachable to the base mast section, wherein the base assembly of at least one of the at least two lightning protection systems are attachable to the base mast section via a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly is configured to allow the base mast section to hinge relative to the base assembly;
• and
• wherein the base assembly attachable to the base mast section via a hinge assembly comprises a plurality of radially extending inner horizontal beams having inner ends attachable to the hinge assembly and a plurality of inclined beams having inner ends attachable to the base mast section and outer ends attachable to the radially extending horizontal beams, and wherein the base mast section of the base assembly attachable to the base mast section via a hinge assembly further comprises a plurality of radially extending, axially aligned ribs, wherein a top horizontal plate of the hinge assembly comprises an upper surface and attachment plates extending upward from the top horizontal plate upper surface for attachment to the base mast section ribs;
• and
• b. a catenary wire connected between the at least two lightning protection systems.

A method of deploying a catenary lightning protection system, the method comprising:

• a. providing at least two lightning protection systems, each lightning protection system comprising:
• i. a multi-section conductive mast assembly comprising at least a base mast section and a top mast section;
• ii. an air terminal attachable to the top mast section;
• iii. a base assembly attachable to the base mast section;
• iv. a catenary wire connected between the at least two lightning protection systems, wherein the base assembly of at least one of the at least two lightning protection systems are attachable to the base mast section via a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly is configured to allow the base mast section to hinge relative to the base assembly;
• and
• wherein the base assembly attachable to the base mast section via a hinge assembly comprises a plurality of radially extending inner horizontal beams having inner ends attachable to the hinge assembly and a plurality of inclined beams having inner ends attachable to the base mast section and outer ends attachable to the radially extending horizontal beams, and wherein the base mast section of the base assembly attachable to the base mast section via a hinge assembly further comprises a plurality of radially extending, axially aligned ribs, wherein a top horizontal plate of the hinge assembly comprises an upper surface and attachment plates extending upward from the top horizontal plate upper surface for attachment to the base mast section ribs;
• b. assembling the at least two lightning protection systems;
• c. positioning the at least two lightning protection systems a certain distance apart and securing in position;
• d. grounding the at least two lightning protection systems;
• and
• e. installing a catenary wire between the at least two lightning protection systems.