LIGHTNING PROTECTION

BECAUSE OF THE HEIGHT OF BUILDINGS, THEY ARE FAR MORE LIKELY TO BE STRUCK EACH YEAR THAN PEOPLE. TO MINIMIZE THE POSSIBILITY THAT A BUILDING, DATA SYSTEMS, OR OTHER ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ARE DAMAGED BY LIGHTNING, MANY BUILDING OWNERS AND MANAGERS HAVE INSTALLED LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS.

There are two standards that impact most commercial properties:

NFPA 780 (National Fire Protection Association)
UL 96A (Underwriters Laboratories)

Both NFPA and UL recommend yearly inspections or inspections following any modifications to the system. UL goes further and recommends a more thorough inspection and recertification every five years. UL states that five years is the period of time where it is likely that a system will be out of compliance.

If you would like to learn more about lightning protection systems or need help evaluating your system, please contact us.