On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:32:02 -0700 (PDT), Tom Horne
wrote:

Richard
I will certainly make the installation code compliant. What I was
looking for help on was how to make it effective in avoiding damage
from lightning.

Hi Tom,

Then that is the end of it. ...but I see more writing below....

I have read all of the applicable material from the
Polyphaser, NIST, and several other sites but what I was hoping to
elicit was specific guidance on what size strap to use for the down
conductors and what size to use for the ground ring so that they might
actually work rather than just comply with the code.

This borders on regret - for what, I haven't a clue.

I can certainly
add any regular wire conductor that would keep the electrical
inspectors happy since I already have 2/0 bare copper for the ground
ring; were only #2 is required and, the ridiculously undersized,
number ten that the code requires for down conductors in hand.

This is not a beauty contest for the diversion of inspectors.

Forgive my not continuing to quote you further as I see that it
NOWHERE employs strap in its description of conductors.

Here is a clue. Call up your insurance agent that provides coverage
for your house against lightning strike. Ask him if your policy would
be honored if your home did not conform to code. Ask him how many
claims had been made for lightning damage to homes that did conform to
code.

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC