Electrical
Lightning Protection for Buildings in Kenya: Do You Need It?
Short answer
A lightning protection system captures a strike with air terminals, carries the current safely through down conductors and disperses it into the ground through an earthing system. Tall, isolated or high-value buildings, schools, churches and sites with sensitive equipment benefit most. It must be paired with surge protection to guard electronics.
The parts of a system
- Air terminals: rods or conductors on the roof and high points.
- Down conductors: routes that carry current to the ground.
- Earth termination: electrodes that spread current into the soil.
- Bonding: connecting metalwork to avoid dangerous sparking.
- Surge protective devices: protect power, data and solar systems from induced surges.
Who should consider it
- Tall or isolated buildings such as churches, schools, hospitals and hotels.
- Buildings with solar arrays, telecom or CCTV equipment.
- Properties in areas with frequent thunderstorms.
- Sites storing flammable or valuable materials.
Design and standards
Good design follows a risk assessment under recognised standards such as IEC 62305. Installation must be done by a competent contractor, and the earth system tested regularly.
Related
Read surge protection and earthing and RCDs.
Common questions
Does lightning protection stop all damage?
It greatly reduces risk but cannot guarantee protection from every strike.
Do solar panels attract lightning?
Panels do not attract it, but a system needs proper earthing and surge protection.
How often should it be inspected?
Inspect and test periodically, often yearly and after any strike.