Construction National

Ensuring proper lightning protection for your new building in the UK is essential for safety and compliance

A lightning protection system is an essential mechanism devised to mitigate or prevent lightning strikes on buildings. Not only does it shield the external structure from lightning strikes, but it also safeguards internal electrical components and fixtures, significantly reducing the risk of electrocution and fires stemming from lightning strikes.

 Here are the key steps you should take:

1. First and foremost. Find an expert in your area and consult with them on the following:
2. Conduct a Risk Assessment: Evaluate the risk of lightning strikes based on your building’s location, height, and surrounding environment. This assessment will help determine if lightning protection is necessary.
   • Install a Lightning Protection System (LPS): If the risk assessment indicates a need, install an LPS. This typically includes:
   • Lightning Rods: Metal rods placed at the highest points of the building to intercept lightning strikes.
   • Conductors: Cables that connect the rods to the ground, safely channeling the electrical current away from the building.
   • Grounding System: Ground rods buried in the earth to dissipate the electrical energy
   • Choose the Right Type of System: There are different types of lightning protection systems, such as:
   • Conventional Lightning Rod System: Uses rods, conductors, and grounding to protect the building.
   • Faraday Cage System: Encloses the building in a conductive mesh to distribute the lightning current.
   • Early Streamer Emission System: Advanced rods that emit upward streamers to intercept lightning before it strikes.
3. Regular Maintenance and Inspections: Ensure the system is regularly inspected by your qualified expert, and maintained to remain effective. This includes checking for any damage or corrosion in the rods, conductors, and grounding system.
4. Compliance with Standards: Make sure your lightning protection system complies with relevant standards, such as BS EN/IEC 62305 in the UK.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage from lightning strikes and ensure the safety of your building and its occupants. If you need professional assistance, consider consulting with a specialist in lightning protection systems.

There are several common misconceptions about lightning protection. Here are a few of the most prevalent ones:

1. Lightning Rods Attract Lightning: Many people believe that lightning rods attract lightning. In reality, they do not attract lightning but provide a safe path for the electrical discharge to reach the ground if a strike occurs.
2. Only Tall Buildings Need Protection: While taller buildings are more likely to be struck, lightning can hit any structure. Even smaller buildings and homes can benefit from lightning protection systems.
3. Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice: This is a myth. Lightning can and often does strike the same place multiple times, especially if that location is a high point or a conductive path.
4. Surge Protectors Provide Complete Protection: Surge protectors can help protect electronic devices from power surges caused by lightning, but they do not provide complete protection for a building. A comprehensive lightning protection system is necessary for full protection.
5. Trees Can Protect Buildings: While trees can sometimes intercept lightning, they are not reliable protection. Lightning can travel through the tree and jump to nearby structures, causing damage.
6. Lightning Protection Systems Are Expensive and Unnecessary: The cost of installing a lightning protection system is relatively small compared to the potential damage and loss from a lightning strike. It’s a worthwhile investment for safety and peace of mind.
7. Metal Roofs Attract Lightning: Metal roofs do not attract lightning any more than other types of roofing materials. However, if struck, metal roofs can safely conduct the electrical current to the ground, reducing the risk of fire.

Understanding these misconceptions can help you make informed decisions about protecting your building from lightning strikes.

If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask one of our experts found in the directory and the magazine.

Other questions we will be addressing during our campaign on LPS

• How does lightning protection affect insurance premiums?
• What are the legal requirements for lightning protection in the UK?
• How grounding works in more detail