Technical / Education
Lightning Protection Systems
When properly designed and installed by a certified technician, lightning protection systems are scientifically proven to mitigate the risks of a lightning strike.
This page provides information for the beginner to the expert in lightning protection systems. Scroll down to see how a system works as well as articles, case studies, and white papers regarding lightning protection.
The Case
Why does my structure need a lightning protection system?
Our lives depend on our connection to others through technology. The data systems that hold valuable information are foundational to our businesses. One lightning strike can destroy those connections. The loss of data, or its critical Interruption can have far-reaching long-term consequences.
Avoid Interruption to your structure's critical electronic infrastructure by specifying and installing a certified lightning protection system
Critical Infrastructure
Call Center
Critical Infrastructure
Operating Room
The System
Consists of 6 Components
- Strike Termination Device
- Conductors
- Grounding
- Surge Protection
- Potential Equalization
- Inspection & Certification
Lightning protection is more than a rod, a cable, and a ground rod.
Proper protection is a “system” that requires specific design and measurements that create multiple paths to ground.
A “complete” system includes a 3rd party inspection/certification process conducted by a trained inspector in the lightning protection industry.
Strike Termination Devices (STD)
Conductors
Grounding
Surge Protection
Potential Equalization
3rd Party Inspection
How do these components work together?
A lightning strike is intercepted by the strike termination device. The energy from the lightning strike is dispersed through the conductors and is directed to the grounding components to safeguard the structure and the electronic infrastructure.
The Process
From Start to Finish
Assessment
Specification
Installation
Inspection/Certification
Maintenance
The installation and maintenance of a Lightning Protection System utilizes Standards and Qualified Individuals
The Standards for the design and installation: NFPA 780 and LPI 175
Qualified Individuals: Architects, Engineers, Certified Lightning Protection Installers
Are you an Architect or Engineer and need a Specification?
Or do you need the Standards: NFPA 780 & LPI 175?
For more details, see our Resource Page for articles, case studies and research.
Webinars
Want to learn more about the basics of lightning protection systems and the process?
Coming in the Fall
Lightning Protection Systems: The Basics
Lightning Detection with Vaisala X Weather / LPI Partnership Series
Lightning Protection System Inspection & Maintenance
REGISTER TODAY
REGISTER
There are many questions when it comes to lightning protection systems: How do they work? Design considerations? Who should install and inspect these systems?
This webinar will answer these questions and more. We will discuss the fundamentals of a lightning protection system to enable you to start or join a conversation on lightning protection systems.
These fundamentals will include:
· Overview of components and how they work together to protect a structure
· Outline of the process for installation and inspection
· Discussion of considerations for design, specification, and installation
Lightning protection systems protect a building from structural damage, physical harm of individuals inside, and the destruction of the electrical and electronic infrastructure. Understanding the basics of a system and the process for installation is a good place to start!
See learning objectives and the AIA - health, safety, & welfare criteria.
Understanding lightning is the first part of assessment in the lightning protection process. Vaisala Xweather brings their extensive knowledge of lightning and testing techniques to the forefront in this webinar. See how you can utilize this data to help protect yourself and your businesses from the impact of lightning.
Come join us for this 45 minute webinar! Spend 30 minutes understanding lightning, how Vaisala detects lightning, and how the outputs of their data can help you assess your need for lightning protection systems. We will spend an additional 15 minutes with Q&A to answer any questions.
Vaisala Xweather - The weather intelligence partner for the world's leading organizations and governments.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. CHECK BACK FOR OUR NEXT WEBINAR.
Sponsored by the LPI and our Members
Brochures
System and the Components
Introduction to a lightning protection system – how a system works and what components are involved in a complete system.
*LPI Members can request a custom brochure to include their company’s projects.
Inspection
The LPI-IP is the most comprehensive 3rd Party inspection program for the Lightning Protection industry. The LPI-IP has the ISO/IEC 17020 Accreditation Inspection Body listing from ANAB, the ANSI National Board of Accreditation.
Homeowners
A lightning protection system intercepts a direct lightning strike and safely discharges the lightning current to prevent fire, structural damage, or personal injury. Systems should be designed and installed to meet national safety standards.
Articles, Case Studies & Research
Articles
How Much Lightning Actually Strikes the United States?
Authors: Chris Vagasky, Ronald L. Holle, Martin J. Murphy, John A. Cramer, Ryan K. Said, Mitchell Guthrie*, and Jesse Hietanen (*LPI Member)
Knowing the reliability documented number of cloud-to-ground lightning flashes and ground contact points has significant impacts. A primary category of use for this data can be during a risk assessment for lightning protection systems in specialized applications. Other lightning-sensitive applications will benefit, including human safety and forestry.
How Much Lightning Actually Strikes the United States?
By Chris Vagasky, Ronald L. Holle, Martin J. Murphy, John A. Cramer, Ryank K. Said, Mitchell Guthrie, and Jesse Hietanen
Understanding the Components of a Lightning Protection System Process Enables Everyone to Make Recommendations for a Design
Get the Details on the NEW Code in 2024: IBC Code 2703
By The Lightning Protection Institute
START with ASSESSMENT: Measure and Mitigate Your Risks to a Lightning Strike
By The Lightning Protection Institute
Lightning Protection Systems: Designing to the Extremes
By The Lightning Protection Institute
Equipotential Bonding & Surge Protection
Brandon Smoack, LPI-IP Program Engineer
Case Studies
YORKTOWN HOTEL - TAPESTRY COLLECTION by Hilton - York, PA
The Yorktowne Hotel, located in York Pennsylvania, is a historically significant building that was first opened in 1925. The 14-story building was completely renovated to re-open as a luxury hotel with a rooftop restaurant and bar.
ONE 22 ONE Tower - Nashville, TN
A conversation with Bonded of Texas. Through Q&A, Bonded shares with us the importance of collaboration to overcome challenges during the design and installation phases.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood, FL
The Hard Rock’s signature guitar shape of the building made the design and installation of its lightning protection system challenging. Due to the complex geometry of the building, a spirit of cooperation was required to coordinate the variety of details and installation techniques.
Summit House Visitor Center - Pikes Peak, CO
The Pikes Peak Visitor Center, formerly the Summit House, stands at an altitude of 14,115 feet above sea level and can experience temperatures as low as -39.
Research
Lightning Protection Code Changes Updates
The Lightning Protection Institute and SPRI
Thanks to our LPI Members.
They dedicated hours and months to support our industries' work. These LPI members collaborated with several organizations to outline challenges and solutions that resulted in new and changed codes.
Al Adelmann, Tyler Baumert, Michael Boyd, Mark Morgan, Bret Peifer
MERLIN Low Detection Efficiency Study Results: First Two Years
Dr. Dustin Hill; Dr. Carlos Mata
Lightning Detection is more complex than previously considered. MERLIN provides continuous lightning detection and location information at the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This data is utilized to measure lightning risks for space events. Dr. Hill and Dr. Mata, of Scientific Lightning Solutions (SLS), evaluate and compare the measurement of lightning on tall structures from past and current studies. Read how their conclusions show us to be mindful of the margin of error with existing lightning detection methods.
A Detailed Analysis of Lightning Deaths in the United States from 2006 through 2022
John S. Jensenius, Jr.
Former Meteorologist with the National Weather Service for more than 41 years.
John Jensenius provides us with a detailed analysis of personal injuries due to lightning strikes. This report examines lightning fatality data from 2006 to 2022. Distinct patterns emerged in the fatality statistics in terms of the age, gender, and activity of the victims.
Performance Evaluation of Non-Conventional Lightning Protection Systems Based on NLDN Data
Dr. Carlos T. Mata; Dr. Jonathan D. Hill
The usage of non-conventional lightning protection systems (LPS) in lieu of traditional Franklin rod (air terminal) systems is a controversial subject. Here, we examine historical lightning strike-point data from the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) to evaluate the performance of CTS, specifically the patented Dissipation Array System (DAS), installed at two prominent facilities in the United States.
Don’t see what you need?
Start a conversation with us at lpi@lightning.org
