Yes, this has merit.

Grounding and Bonding in Electrical Systems

In electrical installations, grounding and bonding are essential for safety and proper system operation. Grounding provides a low-resistance path for fault currents to flow back to the source, while bonding connects all conductive elements to create a common reference potential.

Building Steel as Ground Electrode

Building steel can be used as a ground electrode in electrical systems. However, there are certain scenarios where using building steel as an electrode may not be appropriate or even hazardous.

Lightning Protection Systems

Lightning protection systems (LPS) are designed to protect buildings from lightning strikes by providing a conductive pathway for the lightning current to discharge safely into the ground. The down conductor of an LPS is the part that directs the lightning current from the air terminal to the ground.

Separate Grounding Systems

In separate grounding systems, the electrical grounding system and the LPS grounding system are independent of each other. This means the electrical system's ground does not connect to the LPS ground.

Electrical Safety Hazard

If building steel is used as both the ground electrode for the electrical system and the down conductor for the LPS, it can create a safety hazard. The electrical system's fault currents can flow through the steel, which is also carrying the lightning current. This can increase the risk of arcing, electrical shock, and even fire.

Hospitals

Hospitals have particularly sensitive electrical equipment and require a high level of safety. Using building steel as the ground electrode for the electrical system in a hospital while it is also serving as the LPS down conductor can increase the risk of electrical hazards in the event of a lightning strike or electrical fault.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is recommended to use separate grounding systems for the electrical system and the LPS, especially in hospitals. This includes not using building steel as the ground electrode for the electrical system if it serves as the down conductor for the LPS. Flag for review