Since architects and engineers are expected to know so much about so many subjects,
initial study for lightning protection is cursory, if at all. With lightning related problems being
somewhat regional, architects are on their own to learn the intricacies of lightning rod systems.
And while some electrical engineers devote their careers to solving and preventing lightning-related
disasters, most engineers never get the opportunity to explore this fascinating field.For nearly one hundred years, the National Fire Protection Association has produced a Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems (NFPA-780), and Underwriters Laboratories has been inspecting and certifying the materials and installations of lightning rod systems (UL 96A, UL 96, UL Master Label). Sample specifications for both commercial and residential systems may be downloaded from www.eastcoastlightning.com.
In addition to the many homes that are fitted with lightning rods, protection is routinely specified for buildings housing essential services that must always remain functional, including: police and fire stations, hospitals, communications facilities, and prisons.
For some architects, the understandable concern that lightning rods will compromise the aesthetics of a carefully designed building prevents them from learning of the benefits. This misconception is unfortunate, and leads to many damaged structures. Of course, the best time to install lightning protection is during the construction process, when all cables can be concealed within the structure. For retrofitting, clever and creative methods are employed to hide cables, or flat conductive strips are used. In all cases, the slender air terminals need only be ten inches high, and they can be built into weathervanes, finials, or other architectural details.
Many states require installers of lightning protection to have a license, and all systems should be done by a UL Listed installer that provides UL Master Label certification when the system is complete.