The installation of a Lightning Protection System (LPS) must comply with the technical requirements established in the applicable international and national standards, including IEC/EN 62305 (Lightning Protection, Parts 1 to 4), which governs risk assessment, design, installation, verification, and maintenance of lightning protection systems. Where Early Streamer Emission (ESE) air terminals are used, installation must comply with NF C 17-102. Additionally, national building regulations, electrical codes, grounding requirements, and surge protection regulations must be considered. 

The design of a Lightning Protection System must begin with a Lightning Risk Assessment in accordance with IEC/EN 62305-2, which will objectively determine whether the structure requires lightning protection and, in such case, which is the appropriate level of protection for it. The analysis considers factors such as the building characteristics and height, construction materials, occupancy and use, geographical location and consequences of potential lightning strikes. 

Based on the results of the risk assessment, a Technical Study is prepared where the protection measures to be implemented are defined: the type and positioning of air terminals, the earthing system configuration, the internal surge protection measures 

Proper coordination between external protection (air terminals, down conductors, earthing system) and internal protection (equipotential bonding and surge protective devices) is essential to ensure full compliance and system effectiveness. 

• The tip of the lightning rod must be positioned at least two meters above the area to be protected (including antennas, cooling towers, rooftops, and tanks). 

• Antennas or metallic masses that do not comply with the required safety separation distances from the Lightning Protection System (LPS) must be connected by means of a spark gap device or through appropriate equipotential bonding to the down conductors. 

• Antenna coaxial cables must be protected with suitable surge protective devices (SPDs). 

• The routing of the down conductor must be as straight as possible, following the shortest path and avoiding sharp bends or protrusions. 

• At bends, the radius of curvature must not be less than 20 cm. 

• The down conductor should be installed on the exterior of the building (whenever possible), avoiding proximity to electrical conduits or gas pipes. 

• A lightning strike counter should be installed on one of the down conductors to facilitate system maintenance. 

• The lightning protection grounding system must be equipped with an inspection system to allow periodic verification. 

• The registry case must include a disconnection device to enable isolation of the earth electrode and measurement of earth resistance. 

• Earth resistance must be as low as possible (typically below 10 ohms). This value must be measured with the earthing system isolated from any other conductive elements. 

• It is recommended to equipotentially bond the lightning protection earthing system to the building’s main earthing system. 

• The addition of the Quibacsol mineral compound is recommended to improve soil conductivity. 

_{The image shown is an outline, it does not correspond to real proportions.}

Do You Need Lightning Protection? 

INGESCO covers every phase of lightning protection, from the technical study and manufacturing to the complete installation of the system. We work with a network of qualified installers and design solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each project. 

If you are an installer, we supply complete lightning protection systems, surge protective devices, and preventive solutions, all tested in a high-voltage laboratory accredited by ENAC. 

Each solution is adapted to the characteristics of the installation, its environment, and the applicable regulations, ensuring maximum safety and reliability. 

REQUEST A TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT