Lightning Protection - Installation and Inspection
A lightning protection system does not prevent a strike - it gives it a safe path to earth. If that path is broken or the resistance is too high, the installation exists only on paper.
Leave a requestWhat it consists of
- Air termination on the roof - rods and conductors along the highest points and edges
- Down conductors carrying the discharge down the facade
- An earth electrode in the ground, bonded to the down conductors
- Test joints that allow later testing without excavation
- Equipotential bonding to the metal services of the building
Testing and documentation
The work does not end with the installation. Earth resistance is measured with an instrument and the value recorded in a test report. That is the document requested at handover, and the same one an insurer will ask for if there is ever strike damage.
Testing is not a one-off. The electrode sits in the ground and corrosion works over years, so existing systems are inspected periodically, not only when first installed.
When it is worth checking
- If the building is old and the system has never been tested
- After roof or facade work - down conductors are frequently broken during it
- If you can see a detached or badly rusted conductor on the facade
- Before handover of a new building
- After a nearby strike, even with no visible damage
Protecting the equipment
Lightning protection protects the structure, not the electronics inside it. For those, surge protection devices are fitted in the consumer unit to limit the voltage spike arriving along the supply during a nearby discharge. That is separate work from the lightning system itself and is usually done at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lightning protection mandatory for a house?
It depends on the type and height of the building and on the design. For new buildings the design documentation determines it. Tell us what the building is and we will tell you what applies.
How often should the earthing be tested?
Periodically, and always after any roof or facade work that could have disturbed the down conductors. Between tests, a visual check of the conductors costs nothing and anyone can do it from the ground.
Do I get a test report?
Yes. Testing without a report is pointless - the report is what you present at handover and to an insurer.
Which number should I call?
Call - Daniel handles lightning protection systems and testing.
Where we do this work
Leave a request, we will contact you when we return
We are not taking calls until October 15. Fill in the form and we will get back to you as soon as we return.