Why lightning protection must be inspected
An installed lightning conductor does not always work. Down conductors can break or corrode, and earth resistance can rise over time. When that happens, lightning current can spread into the building, its electrical installation, and its equipment. Inspection and testing confirms the whole path, from air terminal to earthing, is still fit for purpose.
What we inspect
Air terminals
Rods or tips that capture lightning at the highest points of the building.
Down conductors
Cables or conductors that carry lightning current to the ground.
Earthing
Electrodes in the ground with their connections and inspection pits.
Buildings that need protection
Tall or isolated buildings, stores of flammable or explosive materials, public buildings such as hospitals, schools, and places of worship, archives, and open areas such as plantations and stadiums.
The risks of neglecting it
Fire and structural damage
Lightning current that is not carried away properly can burn or damage the building.
Equipment damage
Lightning surges damage panels, machines, and electronics.
Danger to people
Stray lightning current endangers people inside and around the building.
Flammable storage areas
A strike on a fuel or chemical store can trigger a major fire.
Inspection and testing schedule
| Type | When it is done |
|---|---|
| Before handover | Before the installation is handed over to the user. |
| After changes | After changes or repairs to the building or the lightning protection. |
| Periodic | Once every two years. |
| After a strike | After damage caused by a lightning strike. |
Documents to prepare
- Lightning protection drawings and earthing point locations.
- Building height and area.
- Previous certificate and inspection report.
- Records of lightning strikes, if any.
Site preparation
- Safe access to the roof and air terminals.
- Access to the earthing inspection pits.
- A representative from building management accompanies the inspection.
Legal basis
- Law No. 1 of 1970 on Work Safety requires safety conditions for equipment and installations at the workplace.
- Minister of Manpower Regulation No. 02/MEN/1989 on Supervision of Lightning Protection Installations, as amended by Regulation No. 31 of 2015. Article 50(2) requires inspection before handover, after changes, every two years, and after damage from a lightning strike.
- Inspections are carried out by an Electrical OHS Expert.
Frequently asked questions
My building already has lightning protection. Does it still need inspection?
Yes. It must be inspected every two years and after a strike, because conductors and earthing can deteriorate without visible signs.
What is measured during testing?
Among other things, the condition of air terminals and conductors, the strength of joints, and earth resistance.
Is my building required to have lightning protection?
It depends on the building’s type, height, and contents. The regulation decides this with a risk index calculation, and we can assess it during a survey.
Send us the address, building height, and lightning protection drawings if available through the quote form. Our team will schedule the inspection.
Field documentation
