Lightning protection systems vary in complexity depending on the structure they are protecting. For residential buildings, a simple system consisting of a lightning rod, conductors, and grounding is often sufficient. For larger commercial or industrial buildings, a more complex system may be required. These systems can include mesh networks of conductors across the roof and a more sophisticated grounding system that ensures the energy from a lightning strike is efficiently dissipated. Additionally, some facilities, particularly those housing sensitive equipment like data centers or communication infrastructure, may incorporate surge protection devices within their lightning protection systems to shield against electrical surges that may occur as a result of a nearby strike.
lightning protection system