Lightning Protection Test and Inspection

Lightning protection testing and inspection are vital to minimise the risk of damage to buildings and their occupants by safely conducting lightning strikes to the ground. Once a lightning protection system is installed, it must be professionally tested at least once a year. This is to ensure it is capable of conducting a potential lightning strike to a safe earthing point. This ensures compliance with the Electricity at Work Act 1989 and BS EN 62305. A test and inspection covers a number of areas:

• A visual inspection of all components of a lightning protection system, including rods, conductors, connections and ground electrodes is generally the first part of a test and inspection. An expert from a service provider such as PTSG will look for signs of physical damage corrosion, loose connections, or any visible wear.
• A grounding system inspection verifies the integrity of the grounding system. This is done by inspecting ground rods, ground plates, and other grounding components. It also ensures that the grounding system is free from corrosion and has a low resistance to the ground.
• Inspect bonding connections to ensure adequately bonding together all metallic components of the structure. Experts should check for proper connections between lightning protection components and other metal elements on the structure.
• Check surge protection devices to ensure proper installation and functioning. Replace any damaged or expired surge protection devices according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Perform conductivity testing on lightning protection conductors. This is  to ensure they meet specified requirements. Use appropriate equipment to measure the resistance of the conductors.
• Review original documentation and installation records to ensure the lightning protection system was installed correctly. Maintain a comprehensive record of all inspections and tests conducted.
• There may be need to conduct a system test to simulate a lightning strike and ensure that the protection system functions as intended. During the test, monitor and evaluate the response of surge protection devices.
• Inspect air terminals (lightning rods) for any damage or signs of wear. This includes ensuring they are free from obstructions that could inhibit their ability to intercept lightning.
• After severe weather such as thunderstorms or lightning strikes, there is need to conduct a thorough inspection of the lightning protection system to identify any potential damage.