Why Are Lightning Protection Systems Important?

With currents exceeding 100,000 amperes, temperatures reaching 50,000°F, and speeds approaching one-third the speed of light, lightning is among the most powerful natural forces on Earth.

Fortunately, damage and injury from lightning strikes can often be prevented through the proper installation and upkeep of a lightning protection system.

In this guide, we’ll outline when lightning protection is necessary, its benefits for businesses, and your responsibilities under UK regulations.

Minimising the impact of lightning strikes on buildings and structures

Without a safe path to ground, lightning can severely damage buildings and pose serious risks to life. A strike will follow any conductive route it finds — including electrical wiring, telephone lines, data cables, plumbing, and even structural components — potentially causing fires, explosions, or electrocution.

Side-flashes, where lightning jumps across gaps in a building, can also trigger major incidents. Sensitive electronics are particularly vulnerable, and even a single strike can cause costly, irreversible damage.

Globally, lightning strikes the Earth about 100 times every second, with approximately 2,000 thunderstorms active at any given time. Although lightning protection systems don’t prevent strikes, they safely channel the electrical energy into the ground, significantly reducing the risk of damage.

Importantly, lightning doesn’t only target tall buildings or trees — it can strike low-rise structures and even open ground. Many people underestimate the risks to smaller buildings, but side-flash protection remains critical in these cases too.

How Are Lightning Protection Systems Installed?

A lightning protection system consists of metal rods installed on the highest and most exposed parts of a building. These are connected by conductor cables running along the structure to a ground rod driven deep into the earth. This system offers a direct, low-resistance path for lightning to follow, safely bypassing the building itself.

Modern systems can also be designed to blend in with a building’s architecture, and design experts can advise on the most discreet and effective layouts before construction begins.

Once installed, these systems require minimal intervention but must be regularly inspected and maintained — especially after renovations or modifications to the structure.

UK Requirements: When Is Lightning Protection Needed?

In the UK, lightning protection systems (LPS) must comply with BS EN 62305, based on the internationally recognised IEC 62305 standard. This standard covers:

1. General Principles – Guidelines for protecting structures, people, equipment, and systems.

2. Risk Assessment – Procedures for evaluating potential risks from lightning strikes.

3. Physical Protection – Requirements for systems to prevent physical damage and reduce risks from step and touch voltages.

4. Internal Systems – Measures to protect internal electrical and electronic systems from lightning electromagnetic impulses (LEMP).

BS EN 62305 replaced the previous UK standard BS 6651 in 2008, following several revisions dating back to its original release in 1985.

Does Your Commercial Property Need Lightning Protection?

Lightning protection isn’t mandatory for every structure, but it is standard in many public and commercial buildings in the UK, including schools, hospitals, churches, and airports. Risk assessments based on BS EN 62305 determine whether a system is required.

Once installed, lightning protection systems are designed to last a lifetime — provided they are regularly inspected and maintained. Changes to the structure, such as extensions or refurbishments, may require updates to the system.

Professional Maintenance & Repair Services

At The Oltec Group, we provide expert lightning protection services across the UK. Our team ensures your system is compliant, effective, and ready to protect your property in any weather. From routine maintenance to emergency repairs, we’re here to help.

Need assistance with your lightning protection system? Contact us today for support, inspections, or upgrades.