Did you know that lightning strikes are becoming more frequent? Climate change and increased use of electrical technology mean lightning strikes are becoming an increasing concern to tall buildings and exposed structures.
Electricity gradually builds up during a thunderstorm and once it has enough energy, a giant spark occurs (like static electricity) this can happen between clouds and air, and often it is routed through the ground in the form of a lightning strike.
What is Lightning Protection?
Lightning looks for the quickest route to the ground, and often this can mean it strikes buildings in its hunt for the path of least resistance. This can pose serious danger if the spark occurs near exposed gas or electricity infrastructure.
Many tall buildings; such as churches and skyscrapers, have lightning protection conductors installed, to avoid significant damage and danger should a lightning strike occur.
Lightning conductors are not usually installed on homes, as the likelihood of lightning striking houses is relatively low, but it can happen. If your home is exposed or in an area that frequently experiences thunder and lightning storms however, it could be worthwhile investing in lightning protection to avoid any damage.
How Does It Work?
Lightning conductors (also known as lightning arrestor’s, lightning diverters, lightning rods or cables.) are a type of Lightning Protection System. Lightning conductors and special earthing equipment ensure that electrical currents are routed to the ground via a path of least resistance, thereby preventing damage to the building.
Usually made out of conductive materials such as copper and aluminium, lightning protection systems are usually installed on the outside of a building or structure to help prevent power surges.
Lightning protection cables and equipment will need to be replaced every so often, depending on the amount of wear and tear placed on them over time.
Lightning Protection Law In The UK
Lightning causes millions of pounds worth of damage and hundreds of injuries across the world each year, both as a direct result of lightning strikes and from the resulting electrical surges.
Compliance with UK legislation requires that a risk assessment be carried out on the premises first of all (in accordance with BS6651 and BSEN:62305).
The risk assessment is a visual inspection and helps to determine the likelihood of lightning striking a building, and the potential dangers this poses. The building is then given a category depending on how high the risk of hazard is to life and the potential damage to physical structures.
Lightning Protection Systems have different categories depending on the type of building they are due to be installed on. The Lightning Protection System on a building must be the same grade as the Lightning Protection Level. For example, if the threat level is one, the lightning protection system must be 1 or higher to be within the legal requirements.
The potential thermal and explosive effects of a building are taken into consideration in both internal and external Lightning Protection Systems. An external system must have all three requirements: an air termination system, a down conductor system and an earth termination system in accordance with BS EN/IEC 62305 codes.
Penalties For Non-Compliance
Although it is not a legal requirement for all buildings and structures to have lightning protection, it is mandatory to have a risk assessment done annually to ensure that all LP systems meet statutory compliance. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 apply to businesses in the UK, and Lightning Protection Systems that do no meet the current standard pose a serious risk of injury and potential loss of life.
Structures Most Likely to Be Struck by Lightning
Parts of a structure most likely to be struck by lightning are those that protrude from the surrounding structure.
Some examples of common structures likely to be struck by lightning:
●Elevated Water Tanks;
●Radio, Television, Mobile Phone and Microwave masts.
How Does Lightning Testing Work?
Your lightning protection system should be tested no more than 12 months apart. However, it is highly recommended that your system is tested throughout the year to ensure it can withstand the elements of all seasons.
A properly maintained lightning system will last for many years and will ensure your building is protected from lightning strikes and the consequent power surges.
What Do Lightning Tests Or Recommendations Involve?
●Inspection of current lightning conductors including joints and parts of the system
●Continuity testing across the whole lightning protection system
●Earth resistance testing on individual electrodes and the complete system
●Reports on the condition of the system
●Recommendations of required repairs, with reliable estimates included
A lightning protection test is a great opportunity to understand if your building is at risk to lightning, or if your lightning protection system requires servicing and maintenance to be deemed safe and in good working condition.
Lightning Damage Insurance
Although lightning striking houses and phone lines is quite rare, it definitely happens. Insurance policies can vary depending on the company and level of cover you have.
Most insurance providers do include damage caused to property and possessions by lightning in their policy, but it is certainly worth looking into it to be absolutely sure.
Many lightning protection companies offer insurance and warranty on lightning protection systems, so it is worth checking whether this is included when deciding on a company to install lightning protection on your building.
How To Protect Your Home From Lightning Damage
lightning strikes your house or nearby power lines, it can follow the wiring or phone lines and cause a power surge to the circuits in your home. This can ruin TV’s, stereos and anything else plugged into the mains. To avoid your gadgets being “fried” by lightning, unplug them during a thunderstorm and disconnect internet, antenna and satellite-dish connections, even if they are grounded.
Invest In Surge Protectors
These are electrical devices which you plug your appliances. These are very low cost, considering the possible impact of lightning damage is potentially hundreds of pounds. Surge protectors are most effective for indirect lightning strikes (such as to powerlines and the electrical grid) but in serious cases where lightning directly strikes a building which is far more drastic and dangerous, surge protection is not likely to be of much use.
Myths Around Lightning Protection
Do Lightning Protection Systems Attract Lightning?
Many people think lightning protection systems attract lightning. This is simply not the case. A lightning protection system doesn’t attract lightning or dilute the power of a storm, nor does it act as a building surge protector that means all electronics will be protected. It works to protect the building from fire or serious structural damage in the event it is struck by lightning.
Lightning Can’t Strike The Same Place Twice
This is another myth surrounding lightning that is untrue. Thunder and lightning storms usually travel through an area quickly, and once it has struck one place the likelihood of it striking again is lower, but it is certainly still a possibility. Exposed objects that are effective electrical conductors are usually prime targets for lightning to strike twice, as they provide the path of least resistance for lightning to reach the earth.
You Are Safer Outdoors
This is also incorrect. During a lightning storm, you are not safe anywhere outdoors. Ensure you get under a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle. Avoid touching anything electronic plugged into the mains and certainly avoid roofs!
If you need reliable lightning protection for commercial, domestic or any other type of building, get in touch with Rodell’s today. We have a wealth of industry experience offering lightning protection services; including design, testing and inspection. We have provided safe and reliable lightning protection to schools, churches, colleges, commercial, domestic buildings and many more, so no matter what building type, we can help plan a solution that works for you.