Lightning Protection Testing & Conductor Testing in Reading & London
Professional lightning protection testing and lightning conductor testing services across Reading, London, Berkshire, and the South of England. As BS EN 62305:2012 certified specialists with 25+ years experience, we provide comprehensive annual inspections ensuring your lightning protection systems remain legally compliant and fully functional. Qualified engineers • Calibrated equipment • Insurance-approved certificates • From £200 Call: 0118 976 0239
Legal Requirements for Lightning Protection Testing
Lightning protection testing is legally mandatory under Section 5 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. This legislation requires that all lightning protection systems be maintained and tested at regular intervals not exceeding 12 months.
Why Legal Compliance Matters
Failure to conduct annual lightning conductor testing can result in:
- Invalid insurance coverage – Most policies require annual test certificates
- HSE enforcement action – Particularly for commercial premises
- Increased liability – If lightning damage occurs to an untested system
- Potential prosecution – Under health and safety legislation
- System failure – When protection is needed most
British Standards Compliance
Our lightning protection testing service ensures compliance with:
- BS EN 62305:2012 – Current standard for lightning protection systems
- BS 6651:1999 – Superseded but still applicable for older systems
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – Legal requirement for testing
We provide insurance-approved test certificates accepted by all UK insurers and regulatory bodies.
What is Lightning Protection Testing & Conductor Testing?
Lightning protection testing and lightning conductor testing are comprehensive inspection services that verify your lightning protection system (LPS) remains safe, functional, and compliant with UK regulations. Our testing service includes:
Visual Inspection
Thorough examination of all lightning conductor components, air terminals, down conductors, and connections for physical damage, corrosion, or deterioration.
Lightning Conductor Testing - Electrical Measurements
- Continuity testing of all conductors ensuring complete electrical paths
- Earth resistance testing measuring grounding effectiveness (<10Ω target)
- Bonding verification of all equipotential connections
- Individual down conductor testing for integrity
Grounding System Assessment
Measuring resistance using calibrated test instruments to confirm efficient lightning energy dissipation into the ground.
Compliance Verification
Ensuring complete compliance with BS EN 62305:2012 standards and Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
These lightning conductor testing and protection system inspections must be carried out annually by qualified engineers to maintain legal compliance, insurance validity, and optimal system performance.
Our Lightning Conductor Testing Process
Stage 1: Pre-Inspection Planning
Before attending site for lightning conductor testing, we review previous test certificates, building modifications, and coordinate access requirements with minimal disruption to your operations.
Stage 2: Visual Inspection
Roof-Level Components:
- Air terminals (lightning rods) – checking for corrosion, damage, displacement
- Lightning conductor routing – verifying continuous path and proper fixing
- Connection joints – ensuring weatherproof and mechanically sound
- Test clamps – confirming accessibility for future testing
Down Conductors & Ground Level:
- Lightning conductor fixing bands – condition and spacing verification
- Earth electrode access chambers and connections
- Bonding to metallic services (water, gas, structural steel)
- Surge protection device installations
Stage 3: Electrical Testing
Lightning Conductor Testing - Measurements:
Continuity Testing:
- Full electrical continuity of each lightning conductor path
- Air terminal to earth verification
- Cross-bonding connections checked
- Total system resistance measured
Earth Resistance Testing:
- Individual electrode measurements using calibrated meters
- Combined system resistance (<10Ω target for most installations)
- Comparison against previous tests for degradation tracking
Bonding Effectiveness:
- Main equipotential bonding bar verification
- Service connections resistance measurements
- Lightning conductor to building services bonding
Stage 4: Reporting & Certification
Within 5 working days, you receive:
- BS EN 62305 compliant test certificate (insurance-approved)
- Detailed inspection report with all measurements
- Photographic evidence of any defects
- Priority-rated recommendations (Urgent/Important/Advisory)
- Next test due date clearly stated
All lightning conductor testing documentation is accepted by UK insurers and suitable for regulatory compliance verification.
How Often Should Lightning Conductor Testing Be Performed?
Standard Annual Testing
Legally Required: Maximum 12-month intervals (Electricity at Work Regulations 1989)
Best Practice Recommendation: Every 11 months (not 12)
Testing your lightning conductors every 11 months instead of exactly 12 ensures the system is inspected during different seasons over a 12-year cycle. This is important because:
- Ground resistance varies with soil moisture content
- Seasonal temperature changes affect conductivity
- Winter freeze-thaw cycles can damage connections
- Summer heat causes thermal expansion affecting joints
- Varying conditions provide a comprehensive assessment
Enhanced Testing for High-Risk Sites
Recommended Frequency: Every 6 months
High-risk sites requiring more frequent lightning conductor testing include:
- Biogas plants – Explosive atmosphere requiring HVI systems
- Coastal locations – Salt exposure accelerates corrosion
- Industrial environments – Pollution and chemical exposure
- Critical facilities – Hospitals, data centers, emergency services
- Heritage buildings – Protecting irreplaceable structures
Our enhanced testing program includes accelerated corrosion monitoring and proactive maintenance.
Emergency Post-Strike Testing
Response Time: Same-day across Reading & Berkshire, next-day across London
If your building experiences a lightning strike, immediate lightning conductor testing is essential. Even without visible damage, strikes can:
- Damage earth electrodes underground
- Create microscopic fractures in conductors
- Burn out surge protection devices
- Loosen connections through mechanical shock
Emergency Testing Cost: £350-£600 depending on system size.
What Is the British Standard for Lightning Protection?
We follow BS EN 62305:2012, which governs the design, installation, and maintenance of lightning protection systems. This comprehensive standard replaced BS 6651:1999 in 2008.
Our lightning conductor testing ensures compliance with:
- BS EN 62305-1: General principles and risk assessment
- BS EN 62305-2: Risk management procedures
- BS EN 62305-3: Physical damage to structures and life hazard (structural protection)
- BS EN 62305-4: Electrical and electronic systems within structures (surge protection)
For older systems installed before 2008, we can also test and certify to BS 6651:1999 standards.
Can an Electrician Test Lightning Protection?
Lightning protection testing requires specialist equipment and knowledge. While general electricians understand electrical systems, lightning conductor testing should only be performed by trained engineers with:
- NVQ Level 2/3 qualification in Lightning Protection
- BS EN 62305 specialist training and certification
- Calibrated test equipment traceable to national standards
- Experience in safe working at height for roof-level access
- Professional indemnity insurance for testing liability
Our engineers hold all required qualifications and conduct over 500 lightning conductor tests annually across Reading, London, and the South of England.
Lightning Protection Testing Costs
Standard Testing Prices
| Property Type | System Complexity | Testing Cost (ex VAT) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Residential | Single structure, 1-2 conductors | £200 – £275 | 2-3 hours |
| Standard Residential | Standard home, 3-4 conductors | £275 – £350 | 3-4 hours |
| Small Commercial | Office, retail, simple system | £295 – £450 | 3-5 hours |
| Large Commercial | Schools, multi-story buildings | £450 – £800 | Half day |
| Industrial Facilities | Warehouses, factories | £800 – £1,500+ | Full day |
All prices include: ✓ Complete visual inspection and lightning conductor testing ✓ All electrical measurements with calibrated equipment ✓ BS EN 62305 compliant certificate ✓ Detailed report with photographs ✓ Recommendations and next steps ✓ Travel within Reading, London & Berkshire
Factors Affecting CostAdd
Building Height:
- Single story: Standard rates
- 2-3 stories: +10-20%
- 4+ stories: +30% (specialist access equipment)
Site Location:
- Reading & Berkshire: Standard rates
- Greater London: +15% (congestion, parking)
- Surrounding counties: +10%
System Complexity:
- Simple rod system: Lower end pricing
- Faraday cage system: Mid-range
- Multiple buildings: Pro-rata increase
- Specialised systems (ESE, HVI): +20%
Special Discounts
We offer reduced rates for:
- Local community buildings
- Small churches and chapels
- Registered charities
- Local authority contracts
- Multi-site agreements
Additional Services
BS EN 62305 Risk Assessment: £1,500 – £3,500 Determines if lightning protection is required and to what protection class.
Surge Protection Installation: £2,500 – £5,000 Type 1, 2, and 3 SPDs protecting electronic equipment from voltage surges.
Multi-Year Testing Contracts: £4,000 – £7,500 per year Annual lightning conductor testing programs for multiple sites with preferential rates.
Emergency Testing
Post-Strike Inspection: £350 – £600 Same-day response across Reading & Berkshire for suspected lightning strikes requiring immediate lightning conductor testing verification.
Why Choose Our Lightning Protection Testing Service?
Professional Qualifications for Lightning Conductor Testing
Certified Expertise:
- BS EN 62305:2012 Certified Designers – Current standard compliance
- NVQ Level 2/3 Qualified Engineers – Specialist lightning conductor testing training
- ATLAS Member – Association of Technical Lightning & Access Specialists
- NICEIC Approved Contractor – Independently verified competence
- Safe Contractor Accredited – Rigorous health & safety standards
Insurance & Protection:
- £10M Public Liability Insurance – Complete coverage during testing
- Professional Indemnity Insurance – Protection for advice given
- Employer’s Liability – Full staff coverage
25+ Years Lightning Conductor Testing Experience
Proven Track Record:
- 2,000+ lightning conductor tests completed across Reading & London
- 10,000+ lightning protection installations designed and installed
- 500+ annual tests conducted every year
- Zero safety incidents in 25+ years of testing at height
Specialist Experience In:
- Commercial offices and retail facilities
- Industrial and manufacturing sites (including ATEX environments)
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Heritage buildings and listed structures
- Churches, chapels, and religious buildings
- Biogas plants and renewable energy sites
- Telecommunications and data centers
What Makes Our Lightning Conductor Testing Different
Calibrated Equipment:
- All test instruments calibrated annually to national standards
- Calibration certificates available for inspection
- Latest technology for accurate measurements
- Backup equipment for reliability
Comprehensive Reporting:
- BS EN 62305 compliant certificates accepted by all UK insurers
- Detailed photographic evidence (minimum 10-15 images)
- Clear, actionable recommendations
- Historical comparison with previous tests
- Next test due date clearly stated
Customer Service:
- Automatic reminder service – Never miss a legally required test
- Priority scheduling – Existing clients get preferential booking
- Emergency callouts – Same-day across Reading & Berkshire
- Responsive support – Questions answered promptly
- Transparent pricing – No hidden costs or surprises
Local Knowledge:
- Based near Reading – serving Berkshire for 25+ years
- Fast response times across Reading and London
- Understanding of local building types and regulations
- Established relationships with local building control
- Support local community with discounted rates
Get Your Free Lightning Protection & Conductor Testing Consultation
Professional lightning protection testing and lightning conductor testing services across Reading, London, and the South of England. Call our qualified engineers today for a free consultation.
Call: 0118 976 0239
Address: Earthing Equipment Supplies Southern Ltd Lavender House, Church Lane Arborfield, Near Reading Berkshire RG2 9JA
Frequently Asked Questions about Lightning Protection Testing
According to BS EN 62305, lightning protection systems should be tested at least once every 12 months as required by the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. We recommend testing every 11 months to cycle through different seasons over a 12-year period. In high-risk environments (biogas plants, coastal locations, industrial sites) or after severe weather events, more frequent lightning conductor testing may be necessary.
Yes, we provide comprehensive lightning protection testing services across Reading, London, and the South East of England. Our engineers are based locally near Reading and respond quickly to ensure compliance and safety. We offer same-day emergency testing across Reading and Berkshire, with next-day response throughout Greater London.
All of our lightning conductor testing is fully compliant with BS EN 62305:2012 and BS 6651:1999 standards. We use calibrated test equipment traceable to national standards and provide detailed reports with every inspection. Our test certificates are accepted by all UK insurance companies and regulatory bodies.
Our service includes a full visual inspection of the lightning protection system, comprehensive lightning conductor testing to verify continuity and earth resistance measurements (<10Ω target), bonding effectiveness checks, surge protection device testing, and a detailed report with photographic evidence and any recommended remedial actions. All testing is performed by NVQ qualified engineers using calibrated equipment.
Absolutely. We specialise in lightning protection testing for warehouses, data centres, office buildings, schools, hospitals, biogas plants, and industrial sites throughout Reading, London, and surrounding areas. Our engineers are experienced in complex commercial and industrial systems, including ATEX-rated explosive atmosphere environments.
If our lightning conductor testing identifies issues, we provide priority classification (Urgent/Important/Advisory), photographic evidence of problems, cost estimates for repairs, timeline recommendations for completion, and re-testing quotes. You’re not obligated to use us for repairs – our testing is independent and impartial. However, we can provide competitive quotes if required.
Yes. We test all lightning protection systems regardless of who installed them. Our lightning conductor testing service works to BS EN 62305:2012 (current standard), BS 6651:1999 (superseded but still valid), and NFC 17-102:2011 (for ESE systems). We provide independent, impartial testing ensuring compliance regardless of original installer.
Even newly installed lightning protection systems require initial verification testing and then annual lightning conductor testing thereafter. New installations should be tested immediately after installation (verification testing), every 11-12 months for ongoing compliance, after any building modifications for impact assessment, and after severe weather events for damage verification.
Minimal disruption. Most testing is external (roof and outside). We coordinate scheduling around your operations, can work outside normal hours if required (+30% surcharge), complete work efficiently (typically 3-6 hours for most sites), provide advance notice of all site attendance, and work safely with minimal noise.
All our engineers conducting lightning conductor testing are NVQ Level 2/3 qualified in Lightning Protection, NICEIC approved contractors, CSCS card holders with current health & safety certification, trained to BS EN 62305 current standards, experienced in safe working at height, and insured under our £10M public liability policy.
Lightning Protection Testing & Conductor Testing Service Areas
Reading & Berkshire (Priority Coverage)
Same-Day Emergency Conductor Testing Available
We provide lightning protection testing and lightning conductor testing across all Berkshire locations:
- Reading Area: Woodley, Wokingham, Crowthorne, Bracknell
- West Berkshire: Newbury, Maidenhead, Slough
Response Times:
- Emergency conductor testing: Same day
- Standard testing appointments: Next day
Greater London
Next-Day Emergency Conductor Testing Response
Full lightning protection testing and conductor testing coverage across all London boroughs with same-day emergency response.
Surrounding Counties
Regular lightning conductor testing coverage: Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire
Get Your Free Consultation
Call: 0118 976 0239
Mobile: 07768 566889
Email: sales@earthingequipcom
Address: Earthing Equipment Supplies Southern Ltd, Lavender House, Church Lane, Arborfield Near Reading, RG2 9JA
Clients reviews - Lightning Protection & Conductor Testing Servises
What Our Clients Say About Our Lightning Conductor Testing
Frampton Bourne Electrical Ltd
Earthing Equipment Supplies have been very efficient, professional and produce outstanding results. We have now used them a number of times for lightning protection and conductor testing and would highly recommend their services.
Electrical Supervisor Hampshire Hosptials NHS Foundation Trust
Basingstoke Hospital has used Earthing Equipment Supplies for about 4 years to carry out our annual lightning protection testing to various types of high and low-rise buildings throughout the Trust. Earthing Equipment Supplies has proved to be totally professional and met all targets set to complete the testing programme."
Our divisions
We are accreditated
- Biogas "protecting Biogas sites from lightning"
- Lightning Protection testing
- Lightning Protection installation
- Surge Protection (protection against lightning electrical surges)
- Sub-station Earthing
- Generator Earthing
We have been full ATLAS members for 40 years and have current ATLAS design certification
Experienced Technicians
