NFPA states: “There are some cases where the need for pro-
tection should be given serious consideration regardless of the
outcome of the risk assessment,” citing, for example, “Buildings
containing irreplaceable cultural heritage.” Many houses of wor-
ship are landmarks that anchor neighborhoods, showcase his-
toric architectural styles, and contain priceless craftsmanship,
artwork, documents, and memories. Further, older edifices may
be at elevated risk due to the combustibility of wood and the fra-
gility of some traditional building materials.
Design and Installation
It is not enough to put a lightning rod atop a steeple; a com-
plete system is required to protect the entire building. The LPS
must comply with nationally recognized standards, including
LPI 175, NFPA 780, and UL 96A. These require 1) strategically
located air terminals (lightning rods) or strike termination de-
vices at high points and regular intervals along ridges and roof
edges, 2) ground electrodes that discharge powerful lightning
currents into the earth, and 3) a network of heavy-duty lightning
conductors to safely conduct current between them. LPS compo-
nents should be concealed or installed with sensitivity to a build-
ing’s architecture.
To equalize electrical potential and prevent dangerous arc-
ing and side-flashing, the structure, plumbing, HVAC, and other
metallic systems must be bonded to the LPS. Additional bonds
must connect to metal components such as metal cladding,
downspouts, and vulnerable equipment. The lightning ground-
ing must be interconnected to the electrical system and other
grounds. Surge protective devices must be installed on telephone
and power lines and other services entering building.
Design and installation should be performed by specialty
contractors certified by the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI)
(their web site: www.lightning.org). Because inspection of light-
ning protection systems falls outside the expertise of local code
officials, installation should be inspected and certified by the
Lightning Protection Institute-Inspection Program (LPI-IP),
www.lpi-ip.com, to assure it complies with standards and will,
therefore, function as required.
To make sure the LPS remains in working order, have it in-
spected by a lightning protection specialist every two to five
years and whenever construction changes are made to a facility.
It will last for many generations with just a modicum of care.
Clearly, the most economical time to install an LPS is before
your building is damaged. While some have faith that their
building will be divinely protected, they should heed the words of
St. Augustine: “Pray as though everything depends on God. Work
as though everything depends on you.”
Lightning rod and conductor cable are inconspicuously installed on the
back of a cross on top of the front facade of Shrine of the Little Flower
Catholic Church, Baltimore, Maryland. The building was designed by noted
church architect Frederick V. Murphy and constructed in the early 1950s.
Credit: Dillon Lightning Protection
INFORMATION RESOURCES
“A Tale of Two Churches: Lightning Protection and Robust
Grounding Essential for Steeples, Roof Structures,” Copper
Development Association,
http://lightning.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/A6165-T
woChurches.pdf
“Are Churches Attracting More Lightning than Sinners?
How lightning protection systems can prevent losses!,”
Lightning Protection Institute
https://lightning.org/are-churches-attracting-more-lightnin
g-than-sinners-how-protection-systems-can-prevent-losses/
Lightning Protection for Historic Buildings, National Park
Service Preservation Briefs 50,
www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/50-lightning-prot
ection.htm
Lightning Protection Risk Assessment App:
ecle.biz/lightning-risk-assessment-guide
AUTHORS NOTE
Jennifer Morgan is co-owner of East Coast Lightning Equipment, Inc.
(https://ecle.biz). Michael Chusid is an architect and a Fellow of the Con-
struction Specifications Institute. They are both qualified by the Lightning
Safety Alliance to teach courses in lightning protection systems.
“Lightning Protection Systems for Churches and Houses of
Worship,” Lightning Protection Institute,
http://lightning.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Church_
Brochure.pdf
SACRED PLACES • SUMMER 2019
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