Lightning Protection System Installation in Reading & London
Professional Lightning Protection System Installation Services
Expert lightning protection system design, installation, and testing across Reading, London, Berkshire, and the South of England. Our BS EN 62305:2012 certified specialists provide complete lightning protection system solutions for commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, heritage, and residential properties.
What is a Lightning Protection System?
A lightning protection system (LPS) is a comprehensive network of components designed to protect buildings from lightning strikes. Every lightning protection system includes air terminals (lightning rods), down conductors, earth electrodes (grounding), and surge protection devices. Professional lightning protection system installation ensures these components work together to safely intercept, conduct, and dissipate lightning energy.
Lightning protection system design • System installation • BS EN 62305 certified • From £1,500
Call: 0118 976 0239
Call: 0118 976 0239 |Get Free Quote
- BS EN 62305 Certified
- Fully Insured
- Atlas Approved
- 10,000+ Installations
Lightning protection is a system of elements, including air terminals (lightning rods), down conductors, and grounding networks, intended to safely intercept lightning discharges, transfer the resulting high electrical current to the earth, and dissipate it, thereby protecting structures and people from possible damage or fire. A risk analysis identifies the necessity of a lightning protection system (LPS), which must be properly designed, installed, and tested in accordance with standards such as BS EN 62305 in the UK.
Lightning Protection System Requirements & Standards
Lightning protection system design and installation in the UK must comply with BS EN 62305:2012. This British Standard defines four protection classes for lightning protection systems:
Lightning Protection System Classes
| System Class | Protection Level | Typical Applications | Lightning Protection System Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | Highest | Explosive atmospheres, critical infrastructure | 99% protection |
| Class II | High | Schools, hospitals, heritage buildings | 97% protection |
| Class III | Normal | Commercial offices, residential properties | 91% protection |
| Class IV | Basic | Agricultural buildings, warehouses | 84% protection |
BS EN 62305 risk assessment determines which lightning protection system class your building requires based on:
- Building height and structure
- Location and exposure
- Contents value
- Occupancy and public safety
- Environmental consequences
How a Lightning Protection System Works
A lightning protection system provides a controlled pathway for lightning energy to safely reach the ground. Every lightning protection system consists of four essential components:
- Air Terminals – positioned at highest points to intercept lightning strikes
- Down Conductors – route electrical energy from air terminals to ground
- Earth Electrodes – dissipate 200,000+ amperes into soil
- Surge Protection – protect electronic equipment from electrical surges
Professional lightning protection system installation requires BS EN 62305 certified designers who calculate precise component positioning, conductor spacing, and earth electrode configuration.
- BS EN 62305 certified lightning protection installers – qualified system designers
- Risk assessment – determining protection requirements
- Custom system design – tailored to building specifications
- Professional installation – NICEIC approved contractors
- Testing and certification – complete compliance documentation
Every year, over 300,000 lightning strikes hit the UK, causing fires, structural damage, and equipment failures worth £1 billion in insurance claims. In Reading and London, professional lightning protection system installation is essential for safety, legal compliance, and business continuity.
Earthing Equipment Supplies Southern Ltd provides complete lightning protection system installation services throughout Reading, London, and the South of England.
Lightning Protection System Installation Service Areas
Reading & Berkshire – Lightning Protection System Specialists
Professional Lightning Protection System Installation Across Berkshire
We provide lightning protection system design, installation, testing, and maintenance across all Berkshire locations:
Reading Area: Woodley, Wokingham, Crowthorne, Bracknell, Earley, Tilehurst
West Berkshire: Newbury, Maidenhead, Slough, Thatcham, Hungerford
Lightning Protection System Services:
- Free lightning protection system risk assessments
- Lightning protection system design and CAD drawings
- Professional lightning protection system installation
- Annual lightning protection system testing
- Lightning protection system repairs and upgrades
Greater London – Lightning Protection System Installation
Full lightning protection system services across all London boroughs. We provide lightning protection system design, installation, and testing for residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout London.
Surrounding Counties – Lightning Protection System Coverage
Lightning protection system installation services: Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire
Response times: Site surveys within 1-2 days, installation scheduling within 1-2 weeks
How Lightning Protection Works
A lightning protection system provides a controlled pathway for lightning energy to safely reach the ground, protecting your building from damage. Core components:
- Air Terminals (Lightning Rods) – intercept strikes
- Down Conductors – route energy to ground
- Earth Electrodes (Grounding) – disperse 200,000+ amperes into soil
- Surge Protection – protect electronic equipment from surges
Types of Lightning Protection System We Install
We design and install four main types of lightning protection system, each suited to specific building requirements:
1. Faraday Cage Lightning Protection System
The most comprehensive lightning protection system design, the Faraday cage system creates a complete protective envelope around buildings. This lightning protection system uses a network of air terminals connected by horizontal conductors forming a mesh across the roof.
Best for: Commercial buildings, residential properties, industrial facilities
Lightning Protection System Cost: £1,500 – £15,000
Installation Duration: 1-10 days
2. Tall Mast Lightning Protection System
This lightning protection system uses one or more tall masts positioned to create a cone of protection over the structure. The tall mast system provides isolated lightning protection, ideal for explosive atmospheres.
Best for: Biogas plants, sports facilities, ATEX zones
Lightning Protection System Cost: £3,500 – £12,000
Installation Duration: 3-7 days
3. HVI Isolated Lightning Protection System
HVI (High Voltage Impulse) isolated systems provide complete separation between the lightning protection system and the protected structure. This specialist lightning protection system is essential for fuel storage and explosive atmosphere applications.
Best for: Fuel storage facilities, explosive atmospheres, chemical plants
Lightning Protection System Cost: £5,000 – £25,000
Installation Duration: 5-15 days
4. ESE Lightning Protection System
ESE (Early Streamer Emission) systems use advanced air terminals that emit early upward streamers, increasing the lightning protection system’s area of coverage. This lightning protection system is governed by French Standard NFC 17-102.
Best for: Heritage buildings, space-constrained sites, listed properties
Lightning Protection System Cost: £1,800 – £6,000
Installation Duration: 1-3 days
BS EN 62305 Faraday Cage System
Best for: Commercial, residential, industrial
Cost: £1,500 – £15,000 | Installation: 1-10 days
Tall Mast System
Best for: Biogas, sports facilities, Atex Zones
Cost: £3,500 – £12,000 | Installation: 3-7 days
HVI Isolated System
Best for: Fuel storage, explosive atmospheres
Cost: £5,000 – £25,000 | Installation: 5-15 days
ESE Systems (French Standard NFC 17-102)
Best for: Heritage buildings, space-constrained sites
Cost: £1,800 – £6,000 | Installation: 1-3 days
Why You Need Lightning Protection
- Compliance with local fire regulations
- Ofsted compliance
- Insurance compliance
- Peace of mind
Risks Prevented
- Fire Risk: 30,000°C temperatures ignite materials
- Structural Damage: masonry fractures, costly repairs
- Electrical Destruction: surges damage boards, servers, CCTV
- Business Disruption: closures, revenue loss, high repair costs
- Personal Safety: electric shock, burns, trauma
Protection Benefits
- 99% damage risk reduction
- 5-15% insurance premium savings
- Legal compliance
- Business continuity
- Increased property value
Lightning Protection System Installation Process
Our lightning protection installers follow a proven 5-stage installation process ensuring BS EN 62305:2012 compliance:
Stage 1: Site Survey & BS EN 62305 Risk Assessment
Our certified lightning protection installers conduct comprehensive site surveys evaluating building height, construction materials, location, contents value, and occupancy. BS EN 62305-2 risk assessment determines protection requirements.
Duration: 1-2 days | Deliverables: Risk assessment report, system recommendation, compliance verification
Stage 2: Lightning Protection System Design
Our design team creates detailed CAD drawings and specifications for your bespoke lightning protection system installation. Designs comply with BS EN 62305:2012 Class I, II, III, or IV requirements.
Duration: 2-5 days | Deliverables: CAD drawings, material specifications, installation method statements, fixed-price quotation
Stage 3: Professional Lightning Protection System Installation
Our ATLAS approved lightning protection installers install your system to exacting standards. All work carried out by qualified, CSCS card-holding operatives.
Installation includes:
- Air terminals (lightning rods) positioned strategically
- Down conductors installed with proper spacing (10m/15m/20m)
- Earth electrodes (grounding) achieving <10Ω resistance
- Equipotential bonding to metallic services
- Surge protection devices (SPDs) for electronic equipment
- Test clamps for ongoing maintenance access
- System labeling and documentation
Installation Duration:
- Residential: 1-3 days
- Small commercial: 2-5 days
- Large commercial: 5-10 days
- Complex installations: 2-4 weeks (staged to minimize disruption)
Stage 4: Lightning Protection System Testing & Certification
After installation, our lightning protection installers conduct thorough testing using calibrated instruments:
- Earth electrode resistance testing (<10Ω target)
- Electrical continuity verification
- Bonding effectiveness checks
- SPD functionality testing
- Visual inspection and photographic documentation
Stage 5: Documentation & Ongoing Support
We provide comprehensive documentation suitable for building control, insurance companies, and future maintenance:
- BS EN 62305 Installation Certificate
- Complete test results
- As-fitted CAD drawings
- Material specifications
- Photographic record
- Maintenance logbook
- Insurance submission pack
Testing & Maintenance
Annual testing under Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- Visual inspection
- Earth resistance testing
- Corrosion assessment
- Bonding verification
Annual Costs:
- Residential: £185 – £395
- Small Commercial: £395 – £695
- Large Commercial: £695+
Pricing Guide
Residential Properties
- Small Bungalow: £1,500 – £3,500
- Standard House: £2,500 – £5,000
- Large Detached: £4,000 – £7,500
- Listed Property: £5,000 – £12,000
Commercial Properties
- Small Office/Retail: £3,000 – £6,000
- Medium Building: £6,000 – £15,000
- Large Office Block: £12,000 – £30,000
- School/Hospital: £15,000 – £80,000+
- High-Risk Industrial: £30,000 – £100,000+
Additional Services
- Risk Assessment: £125 per building
- Surge Protection: £795+
- Annual Testing: £185+
Why Choose Us
Professional Qualifications
- BS EN 62305 Certified Designers
- Atlas member
- Safe Contractor Accredited
- £10M Public Liability Insurance
Experience & Expertise
- 25+ years industry experience
- 10,000+ installations
- Specialists in commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, heritage
Get Your Free Lightning Protection System Consultation
Expert lightning protection system design, installation, and testing services across Reading, London, and the South of England. Our BS EN 62305:2012 certified specialists provide comprehensive lightning protection system solutions.
Lightning Protection System Services Include:
- Free lightning protection system risk assessments
- BS EN 62305 compliant lightning protection system design
- Professional lightning protection system installation
- Lightning protection system testing and certification
- Ongoing lightning protection system maintenance
Why Choose Our Lightning Protection System Services:
- BS EN 62305:2012 certified lightning protection system designers
- ATLAS approved contractors
- 25+ years lightning protection system experience
- 500+ lightning protection systems installed
- £10M professional indemnity insurance
Call for Lightning Protection System Services: 0118 976 0239
Statistics and facts
There are no accurate data on the number of lightning strikes in the UK. But there are these facts:
- In September 2022, lightning struck 36,000 times in 12 hours. Source BBC.
- A factory in Oxford caught fire due to a lightning strike. Source The Guardian.
- No one died due to lightning in 2023.
Standards
- BSEN 62305
- NFC17-102 (2011)
- In the United States, NFPA 780
Note:
An ESE unit is not governed by BSEN 62305 but by the French standard NFC17-102 (2011)
Legislation
In the UK, installing lightning protection is not a legal requirement unless it has been identified as a risk by a specific lightning protection survey for your site.
A BS EN 62305 risk assessment helps determine a building’s exposure to lightning and the need for protection. The need for lightning protection depends on the level of risk that lightning strikes pose to your building.
How we install lightning protection systems
