Lightning Protection
Comprehensive lightning protection systems and risk assessments designed to NFPA 780 and IEEE 998 standards.
Service Overview
E&S Grounding Solutions provides comprehensive lightning risk assessments and lightning protection system design services to protect personnel, equipment, and facilities from the devastating effects of a direct lightning strike. Our engineers evaluate environmental factors, facility construction, and existing protection measures to determine the level of risk and the appropriate protection strategy.
Some equipment facilities are more at risk from a lightning strike due to the region where the facility is located, the construction of the building, and whether or not existing lightning protection devices are installed. If a building that is not protected is struck by lightning, the lightning can travel through the walls instantly turning any moisture into steam — potentially causing high-pressure explosions of concrete walls, loss of service, and injury to personnel.
E&S Grounding Solutions provides an improved lightning flash density report containing up-to-date data gathered from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Severe Weather Data specifically for the precise plot of land where your facility is located — far more accurate than the default national flash density maps used by most engineers.
Key Benefits
- NFPA 780 and IEEE 998 compliant risk assessments
- NOAA-sourced lightning flash density data for your exact location
- Both simplified and detailed NFPA 780 risk assessments performed
- Lightning protection system design and specification
- Surge protection device coordination
- Written report with actionable recommendations
Ready to discuss your project?
+1 310-318-7151Our Process
Site Evaluation
Assessment of building construction, equipment, existing protection measures, and geographic location.
Flash Density Analysis
NOAA severe weather data analysis for the precise facility location — more accurate than standard maps.
Risk Assessment
NFPA 780 simplified and detailed risk assessments to determine if a lightning protection system is required.
Protection Design
Lightning protection system design including air terminals, down conductors, grounding electrodes, and surge protection.
Report Delivery
Comprehensive written report with risk assessment results, protection plan, and cost-benefit analysis.
Standards & Codes
Industries Served
Related Technical Articles
Lightning Protection Down Conductor Size Requirements | NFPA 780 Standards
What is the minimum size of a down conductor for lightning protection? Per NFPA 780, stranded copper conductors must be at least 57,400 circular mils. Learn the full sizing requirements for primary, secondary, and bonding conductors.
Beware of the NFPA 780 Simplified Lightning Risk Assessment
The de facto standard for lightning protection in the US is NFPA 780. Learn why the simplified risk assessment method can underestimate your facility's risk and what to do instead.
Does a Lightning Protection System Attract Lightning Strikes?
There is a persistent myth that installing a lightning protection system on a structure will increase the likelihood of a strike. Here is what the science actually says.
What is the Process for Installing a Lightning Protection System?
From the initial lightning risk assessment to the final inspection, learn the complete step-by-step process for designing and installing a code-compliant lightning protection system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lightning protection required by code?
Lightning protection is not universally required by the NEC, but NFPA 780 and OSHA regulations require risk assessments for certain occupancies including hospitals, schools, and facilities storing flammable materials. A formal NFPA 780 risk assessment determines whether a lightning protection system is required for your specific facility.
What is a lightning risk assessment?
A lightning risk assessment is an engineering analysis performed per NFPA 780 that evaluates the probability of a lightning strike at your facility and the potential consequences. E&S Grounding Solutions uses NOAA severe weather data specific to your exact location — far more accurate than the national flash density maps used by most engineers.
Does a lightning protection system attract lightning?
No. A properly designed lightning protection system does not attract lightning. It provides a preferred, low-impedance path to ground if a strike occurs, preventing the lightning from traveling through the building structure and causing damage or injury.
What is the difference between a lightning rod and a lightning protection system?
A lightning rod (air terminal) is just one component of a complete lightning protection system. A full system includes air terminals, down conductors, grounding electrodes, bonding, and surge protection devices — all designed and installed to NFPA 780 and UL 96A standards to safely conduct lightning energy to ground.
Request a Lightning Risk Assessment
Contact our team of licensed engineers to discuss your project requirements and receive a customized proposal.