Lightning Retardant Cable has been extensively tested by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory, the US government and the military.

The independent lab test was performed by Lightning Technologies, Inc. of Pittsfield, MA. The test was on our very first version of LRC. Lightning Technologies used round C-band satellite cable for their test. This was chosen due to the extensive damage satellite systems received annually from lightning. The lightning almost always entered the home or head end installation via the cable. The cable consisted of coax cables (signal) and control wires which made for a good test.

The U.S. Government (FAA) conducted a field test {WARNING: This is a large file!} on airport runway lighting cable at an airport in central Florida. This test was chosen to monitor the performance of Lightning Retardant Cable under actual field conditions. Adjacent runways used standard cable with a counterpoise system connected to the same power source. This gave an excellent side-by-side test over a four year period. Central Florida was chosen as it has the most severe lightning in the U.S.

A note of interest – Due to the additional cost of LRC, it was established that if the cable performed as it was claimed for two years, it would be an excellent value. The test is now approaching six years with no lightning strikes or resultant damage.

The U.S. Navy’s SPAWAR Center, in Charleston, SC, tested LRC on communication cable under actual conditions. LRC RG-214 (military grade) was tested versus standard RG214 (military grade). The Navy was searching for any differences between the two cables in a transmission mode. Their purpose of their test was not for lightning resistance as it was already performed by Lightning Technologies and the FAA.

The Navy’s results indicate several positive benefits of LRC over standard military grade RG-214 coax. This is a short test and makes for interesting reading.