Lightning Protection

Lightning protection is an important part of facilities services in commercial buildings. As such, maintaining your system in line with lightning protection regulations UK is often required by your building insurance.

At Robinsons Facilities Services, we offer commercial lightning protection maintenance, repairs, and installation across Yorkshire. This ensures your system is kept in good working order and protects your building in bad weather. Give us a call today on 01423 226578 or visit our Contact Us page to see how we can help.

What Is a Lightning Protection System?

Lightning protection for buildings is a system designed to protect a structure from lightning damage. The system works by intercepting lightning strikes and directing the electrical current into the ground where it dissipates harmlessly.

What Are the Dangers of Lightning to Commercial Buildings?

The dangers of lightning extend beyond direct strikes. It can lead to fires, structural damage, and serious injuries to people. Certain types of buildings may be more at risk than others, such as those with metal roofs or tall structures. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your system up to date and in good working order.

How Does a Lightning Protection System Work?

A lightning safety system typically consists of four parts: 

1. Air termination

The air termination system is designed to intercept lightning strikes and direct the electrical current into the down conductors.

2. Down conductors

The down conductors are made of metal (usually copper or aluminium) and they carry the electrical current from the air termination system into the earth electrodes.

3. Earth electrodes

The earth electrodes provide a path for the electrical current to dissipate safely into the ground.

4. Surge protection devices

The surge protection devices are installed in electrical equipment to protect it from damage caused by the lightning strike.</span>

What Can Go Wrong With Lightning Safety Systems?

Like any other safety system in a commercial building, lightning safety systems can develop issues over time. Some potential problems may stem from:

• Faulty Components: Individual components within the lightning safety system, such as surge suppressors or connectors, can fail due to manufacturing defects or wear and tear.
• Metal Damage: The down conductors may be exposed to the elements and may be vulnerable to physical damage, such as from falling objects or severe weather. Any damage to the conductors can reduce their ability to attract lightning safely.
• Poor Grounding: Proper grounding is essential for your system to work effectively. If the grounding system is inadequate or damaged, it can prevent the safe dissipation of electrical energy.
• Overloading: In the event of a direct lightning strike, the system may become overloaded with electrical energy. While the system is designed to manage this energy, there is always a risk that it may be overwhelmed, resulting in damage to the building or the protection system itself.

These are just a few of the potential problems that can occur over time, which is why it is so important to ensure that your lightning grounding and protection system is properly maintained.

Robinsons’ Lightning Protection Services

With so much at stake, ensuring your systems are professionally maintained is essential. At Robinsons Facilities Services, our team of qualified engineers will take care of all aspects of your commercial lightning safety system so your business can remain safe and compliant.

Our lightning protection services include:

System Maintenance and Testing

Regular testing and maintenance will be performed by a qualified engineer. 

This will ensure that it is working properly and that any damaged components are replaced.

To comply with BS6651 and BSEN 62305, lightning protection testing and certification must be done on an annual basis. Our team can prepare a planned maintenance schedule to ensure your business stays compliant, and that you have a record of of all maintenance carried out.

System Repairs

In addition, we can arrange one-off checks or repairs as required.

We can be with you quickly and efficiently if you need urgent system repairs due to our extensive Yorkshire coverage. Thunderstorms are always a risk, regardless of the time of year and your location. That’s why we offer a 24/7 emergency call-out service to ensure any issues are repaired quickly so you can get on with business.

System Installation

We also offer a system installation service. Our flexible and expert team can provide you with a bespoke installation with minimal disruption to your business.

If you are building a new property or altering an existing one, we can install a lightning grounding and protection system to BS EN 62305 standards anywhere in Yorkshire. We will work with you from the start to ensure your project runs smoothly and that you have the right level of protection for your needs, as well as creating a risk assessment for your commercial property.

Find Lightning Protection Services in Yorkshire

If you’re looking for professional lightning protection services for your commercial building, you’re in the right place.

We cover North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire and offer a fast, efficient response time to all breakdowns and repairs.

So, for all planned, reactive maintenance or emergency call-out, call 01423 226578 or get in touch to see how Robinsons Facilities Services can help.