Lightning strikes might seem like something that only happens in the countryside or in the mountains. In reality, the UK sees thousands of strikes every year. As our weather becomes more unpredictable, the risk to homes, businesses and public buildings is increasing.
So, what exactly is lightning protection, and do you really need it? Here is a clear and simple breakdown.
What Is Lightning Protection?
Lightning protection is a system that gives a lightning strike a safe path to the ground.
It does not stop lightning from striking, because nothing can, but it prevents the energy from passing through your building, your electrical systems or the people inside.
A typical lightning protection system includes:
- Metal rods on the roof to catch the strike
- Conductors that carry the energy safely down the structure
- Earth rods that discharge the energy into the ground
- Surge protection devices (SPDs) that stop electrical surges from damaging equipment
Think of it as a controlled escape route for electricity. It directs the danger away from the things you want to protect.
Why Would You Need Lightning Protection in the UK?
You might not think of the UK as a high-risk area for lightning damage, but storms are becoming more intense and many properties are not prepared.
Here are three important reasons to consider installing lightning protection.
1. It Protects People
Without protection, a lightning strike can energise parts of your building, such as metalwork, plumbing or wiring. This puts anyone nearby at risk of electric shock or burns. A correctly installed system greatly reduces this danger.
2. It Protects the Building
Lightning can damage brickwork, cladding and roofing materials. In some cases it can also start fires in roof spaces or lofts. The cost of repairs is often far higher than the cost of installing protection in the first place.
3. It Protects Your Equipment
A strike does not need to hit your building directly to cause problems. Even a nearby strike can send a surge down power or data lines, damaging servers, security systems, alarms, machinery and other valuable equipment. Surge protection devices absorb and divert this energy before it can do any harm.
Is Lightning Protection a Legal Requirement?
Not always, but in some cases it is.
In the UK, the relevant standard is BS EN 62305. It does not state that every building must have lightning protection, but it does require a formal risk assessment. If that assessment shows your building is at risk, then a system should be installed.
This is especially important for:
- Commercial premises
- Public buildings such as schools or hospitals
- Properties with high-value electronics or IT systems
- Tall or exposed structures
Even if it is not a legal requirement, your insurer may expect compliance. If you should have a system but do not, you could find yourself underinsured or without cover after a strike.
How Do You Know If Your Building Needs Lightning Protection?
You cannot always tell by looking, and older systems may no longer meet the required standards. This is why a BS EN 62305 compliant risk assessment is essential.
At Bacon Lightning Protection & Maintenance Ltd, we carry out detailed site surveys to establish:
- Whether lightning protection is needed
- The type of system that would work best
- If your current system meets current standards
- Any maintenance or upgrades that may be required
We offer clear, practical advice without unnecessary upselling.
What If Your Building Is Hit By Lightning?
When lightning hits a building without protection, the damage can be severe. We have seen fires in loft spaces, electrical systems destroyed and masonry cracked or dislodged by the force.
If lightning strikes your property:
- Evacuate immediately if you notice fire, smoke or damage
- Call the emergency services
- Avoid touching electrical appliances or wiring
- If safe, turn off the power at the consumer unit
- Contact your insurer and arrange for a system inspection
Even if the damage looks minor, you should have the safety and integrity of the building checked, along with any lightning protection systems.
Lightning protection might sound like a technical extra, but it is really about safety, business continuity and peace of mind.
Whether you are responsible for a warehouse, a school, an office or a home, the risks are real and preventable.
At Bacon Lightning Protection, we over 130 years of experience designing, installing and maintaining systems that meet BS EN standards. We can help protect your building properly, without guesswork or shortcuts.
Call 01621 230100 or visit our website to book a lightning protection assessment or inspection.
