Lightning has never changed, but the structures and systems exposed to it have changed dramatically. We are increasingly reliant upon sensitive electronics to perform critical functions for commerce and government. These systems are inherently susceptible to lightning damage and upset. Airworthiness authorities require that aircraft be protected and certified against the effects of lightning, but few such regulations exist for sensitive facilities on the ground. If it is possible to protect an aircraft highly dependent on electronics from a direct lightning strike, it is certainly possible to protect important ground-based facilities. For this purpose, professionals must re-evaluate and update lightning protection methods for advanced facilities. Lightning Technologies, Inc. has been in the forefront of this technology for more than 20 years.

Because they are based on the fundamental laws of physics, proven techniques such as air terminals (lightning rods), grounding, bonding, shielding, surge protection and circuit design can - when properly specified, designed and installed - provide very good protection. Unfortunately, most present codes and standards were written to protect traditional structures and robust electrical equipment; these techniques are not always effective in protecting electronics. Too often, designers have relied on the installation of surge protectors and lightning terminals, with little attention to other techniques. For this reason, many lightning protection designs based upon traditional guidelines have proven insufficient. As in an aircraft, a comprehensive plan, which accounts for and protects all sensitive systems from all direct and indirect lightning effects, is the only way to provide a high level of protection confidence.

There are many devices being marketed that claim to offer significant improvements in lightning protection over traditional air terminals and grounding systems. Lightning Technologies, Inc. has not found it necessary or cost-effective to use these unproven, sometimes controversial and often expensive proprietary devices. Lightning cannot be eliminated, but with sound engineering and a thorough understanding of the physics of lightning, systems and structures not only can survive, but can continue to function after a severe lightning strike. The successful work done in the protection of advanced aircraft and facilities by Lightning Technologies together with other organizations, testifies to that claim.