a lightning rod is much more than a simple metal rod. It is a device designed for a critical mission: to intercept a direct lightning strike and safely channel its devastating energy to the ground. Its role is to protect infrastructure, sensitive equipment, and, above all, human lives.
Understanding the critical vulnerability of airports to lightning
Imagine an airport. It's the beating heart of air transport, a vast complex often built on flat, open land. It's riddled with metal structures rising towards the sky: control towers, monumental hangars, lighting masts… This entire configuration makes it an ideal target for lightning.
A single strike can trigger total operational paralysis. The consequences go far beyond a simple delay. We're talking about a cascade of cancellations, colossal financial losses, and, even more seriously, major risks to the safety of passengers and ground staff. For infrastructure managers and engineers, the question is never if lightning will strike, but when and with what force.
The case of Brest airport: a concrete warning
France, with its climate prone to thunderstorms, offers striking examples of this vulnerability. The case of Brest Bretagne Airport is particularly telling. On December 30th, lightning struck the main antenna of the control tower, causing major damage despite an intensity deemed not exceptional.
This incident forced a complete closure of the airport for over 86 hours , stranding thousands of travelers during the holiday season. For more information, you can consult the official incident report.
This event highlights a stark reality: inadequate protection transforms a predictable natural phenomenon into a major operational and financial crisis. It perfectly illustrates the chain reaction that a single impact can trigger
- Destruction of communication and navigation equipment: Radio systems, radars and landing aids are immediately put out of service.
- Air traffic control paralysis: Without communication, controllers are blind. Any takeoff or landing becomes impossible.
- Risks of cascading power surges: Lightning energy propagates through electrical and data networks, damaging servers, security systems and passenger terminals.
Lightning protection is not simply a box to tick on a compliance checklist. It is a strategic investment in the resilience and business continuity of critical infrastructure.
Faced with this ever-present threat, it is imperative to fully understand the technological solutions that can transform this vulnerability into a controlled form of protection. This guide will explore in detail the different approaches, the standards that govern them, and the best installation practices to guarantee the security of your airport.
Understanding lightning rod technologies for a terminal air
To protect an airport from lightning, it's essential to first understand the available technologies. There are two main approaches: passive and active. Choosing the right one is a bit like deciding between a simple shield and a proactive defense system.
The traditional method is the single-rod lightning rod , often called a Franklin rod. It acts as a passive shield: it provides a preferential point of impact for lightning to protect the very localized area directly below. It's a proven solution, but it has its limitations. To cover vast areas like those of an airport, it would be necessary to multiply the rods and deploy a complex network of conductors, which quickly becomes a technical and architectural challenge.
In contrast to this approach, there is the early streamer emitter lightning rod (PDA), also known by its English acronym ESE ( Early Streamer Emission ). This represents an active, much more strategic defense against the threat.
The principle of advance priming
To fully grasp the difference, imagine a security guard. The Franklin point waits until the intruder is at the door. The ESE, on the other hand, anticipates and goes to meet them well before.
In practical terms, when atmospheric conditions indicate an imminent risk of lightning strike, the PDA's initiation mechanism activates. It then generates an upward leader much earlier than any other point in the structure. This ability to be the first to manifest is called the initiation lead . It is measured in microseconds ( Δt ).
By acting earlier, the ESE lightning rod intercepts lightning higher in the sky. Mechanically, this creates a much larger ground protection perimeter. This advantage makes it so relevant for the vast expanses of an airport.
This conceptual map perfectly illustrates how a single lightning strike on a poorly protected airport can lead to the complete paralysis of operations.
The chain of consequences is clearly visible, highlighting how vital an effective protection system is to ensure business continuity.
Comparison of lightning rod technologies for a terminal air
To get a clearer picture, nothing beats a comparative table.
This table highlights the fundamental differences between the traditional Franklin tip and the early streamer emitter lightning rod (ESE/ESE) to aid in decision-making.
| Criteria | Franklin Point (Single Shank) | Early Streamer Emitter Lightning Rod (ESE/ESE) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating principle | Passive: Awaits impact | Active: anticipates and intercepts lightning at altitude |
| Protection radius | Limited, directly related to the installation height | Extended, optimized by the ignition advance (Δt) |
| Installation complexity | Raised on large areas (multiple points and mesh) | Simplified (a single point can cover a large area) |
| Architectural impact | Potentially significant, with many visible conductors | Minimal, preserves the aesthetics of the buildings |
| Effectiveness in open areas | Limited, requires a dense and expensive mesh | Very high, ideal for runways, tarmacs and car parks |
| Maintenance | Complex and lengthy due to the number of components | Centralized and fast on a limited number of devices |
The choice will of course depend on the specifics of the site, but for an environment as extensive and critical as an airport, the advantages of active ESE/ESE technology are obvious.
Why the ESE is the ideal solution for an airport terminal
The advance priming gives the ESE a decisive operational and economic advantage. Where dozens of Franklin styli would be needed, a single ESE can often suffice.
This technology offers several tangible benefits:
- Extensive coverage: A single PDA can secure huge areas such as runways, aircraft parking lots, passenger terminals and control towers.
- Simplified installation: Fewer installation points and a reduced network of down conductors means a simpler implementation that preserves architectural integrity.
- Optimized maintenance: Managing and checking one or a few lightning rods is obviously faster and less expensive than inspecting a complex network.
- Effective protection of open areas: The PDA excels at securing large spaces, which are ubiquitous at an airport and notoriously difficult to protect with conventional solutions.
In summary, while the Franklin tip provides basic protection, the early streamer emitter lightning rod offers a far more effective solution, tailored to the complexity and scale of an air terminal . Its active principle deploys a truly optimized protective bubble, ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure and business continuity in the face of the constant risk of lightning.
Decoding NFC 17-102 and IEC 62305 standards
When it comes to lightning protection, standards are not mere recommendations. They are the rules of the game, the specifications that guarantee an installation will be both effective and safe. For an airport, where the risk is highest, ignoring them would be like building without a plan. Two major standards stand out and govern the design of protection systems: the French standard NFC 17-102 and the international standard IEC 62305 .
Understanding these regulations ensures that the investment truly protects personnel, expensive equipment, and critical infrastructure. Compliance is not simply a box to tick; it's a genuine insurance policy for business continuity.
The NFC 17-102 standard: the reference for ESE lightning rods
The NFC 17-102 standard (2011 version) is the essential document for any lightning protection system using early streamer emission (ESE) lightning rods. It transforms a technological concept into a reliable and quantifiable solution by imposing a precise and rigorous methodology.
Its framework is strict and sets out the parameters for each stage of the project:
- Mandatory risk analysis: First and foremost, the standard requires a detailed assessment of lightning risk (Aq) to determine if protection is necessary and, if so, what level of effectiveness is required.
- Definition of protection levels: It classifies the need into four levels (I, II, III, IV), from the most demanding (I) to the most common (IV). This level will dictate the overall performance of the system.
- Calculation of the protection radius: This is the core of the standard. It provides the exact formula for calculating the area covered by a PDA, based on its height and its advance at ignition (Δt).
- Maintenance requirements: To ensure that the system remains operational over time, the standard requires periodic verification of the entire installation.
For an airport site manager, the NFC 17-102 standard is a true strategic guide. It ensures that the installed system is not only present, but that it is correctly sized, installed and maintained to do its job on the day of operation.
The overall approach of the IEC 62305 standard
In parallel, the international standard IEC 62305 offers a much broader vision of lightning risk management. It does not focus on a particular technology, such as PDA, but provides a comprehensive methodology that encompasses all aspects of a site.
This standard considers risk holistically. It assesses:
- The direct impacts on buildings.
- The impacts near the site, which can also cause damage.
- Overvoltages that propagate through networks (electricity, data, etc.).
It acts as a complementary approach, essential for sites as complex as an airport. It helps build an integrated protection strategy, where the lightning rod works in conjunction with other devices, such as surge arresters, for maximum safety. For a detailed analysis, please consult our guide on the latest developments in the IEC 62305 standard .
What real-life incidents teach us
The rigorous application of these standards is not an engineer's whim, it is an operational necessity. The repeated lightning strikes on French control towers serve as a stark reminder. At Brest-Guipavas, three major strikes in three years brought air traffic to a standstill each time.
A case study highlights a design flaw: the systems protect against the effects (surges), but not sufficiently against the direct impact itself. The NFC 17-102 standard classifies airport terminals as having a high protection volume (level IV), which mandates high-performance lightning rods such as PDAs. For further information on this topic, you can consult the full analysis of this case study .
These events prove it: a protection system is only effective if it is designed and implemented according to best practices. Mastering NFC 17-102 for lightning rod selection and IEC 62305 for overall risk analysis is therefore the winning combination for ensuring the long-term security of an airport site.
Deploy an effective lightning protection system
Installing lightning protection isn't just about putting a lightning rod on a roof. It's a comprehensive technical project, a true safety chain where every link counts. For the system to be effective on the day of the strike, each step, from design to grounding, must be perfectly executed.
The goal of the game is not just to capture lightning. It is to harness its incredible energy, to guide it from the point of impact to the ground, without it causing any damage to the structure or equipment it is supposed to protect.
The design phase, a strategic step
It all starts with a risk audit. This initial assessment allows us to understand the exact vulnerability of the site and to design the right solution. This analysis, mandated by the NFC 17-102 , is the foundation of any serious project.
Next comes the design of the protection system itself. This is where engineers decide where to place the lightning rods ( air terminal lightning rods ). The goal is to ensure that no critical area—control tower, terminals, maintenance hangars—is left unprotected, based on calculated protection radii.
The routing of the down conductors is also a key factor. These are the "highways" that will channel the lightning's energy to the ground. Their path must be as direct as possible, avoiding sharp turns that could create dangerous electrical arcs.
Installation and grounding
Creating a reliable ground connection is arguably the most critical step in the installation. It's the final destination for lightning, where its energy must dissipate safely into the ground. A poor ground connection renders the entire system useless, or even dangerous.
A low-resistance ground connection (less than 10 ohms ) is essential for the safe and rapid dissipation of lightning current. Without it, a lightning rod is nothing more than a piece of metal on a roof.
Installing the components on the structure is a task for qualified technicians. They secure the air terminal lightning rod , run the down conductors, and verify that each connection is solid and electrically sound. The quality of these connections is what guarantees the system's durability.
Coordination for total protection
A lightning protection system never works alone. For complete safety, it must be perfectly coordinated with surge arresters (surge protection devices, or SPDs).
This coordination offers 360-degree protection:
- The lightning rod protects against direct impact and its devastating effects (fire, structural damage).
- Surge protectors protect against overvoltages that propagate through electrical and communication networks and can fry all sensitive electronic equipment.
Without this double barrier, an airport remains vulnerable to storms. Every step, from the initial audit to the final bolt, requires specialized technical expertise. Calling on specialists is the only way to guarantee an installation that meets standards and, above all, protection that will be there when needed.
Ensuring reliability through proactive maintenance
A lightning protection system isn't something you install and then forget about. Think of it like a vehicle inspection: it's both an operational necessity to guarantee safety and a regulatory requirement clearly defined by the NF C 17-102 100% functional , day after day.
After all, a direct lightning strike, or even prolonged exposure to the elements, can damage components and compromise the integrity of the entire installation. This is precisely where proactive maintenance comes into play, not as an option, but as the true cornerstone of long-term reliability.
Remote monitoring, a new approach
Traditionally, maintenance consisted of periodic visual inspections. While effective, this method had a major drawback: a defect could go undetected for months between visits, leaving the infrastructure completely exposed. Today, remote monitoring is a game-changer.
Imagine a continuous, automated diagnostic system for your installation that alerts you to the slightest anomaly. That's exactly what the Contact@ir system . It continuously monitors the operational status of the lightning rod and the continuity of the grounding connection, transmitting information in real time.
This approach allows us to move from reactive maintenance, where we intervene after a problem occurs, to predictive maintenance , where we anticipate failures. To learn more, please consult our guide on predictive lightning rod maintenance .
The tangible benefits for a site manager
For an airport operator, the benefits are immediate and measurable. Connected surveillance translates into unparalleled peace of mind and total control over security.
The main advantages of this technology are:
- Instant anomaly detection: An alert is sent as soon as a malfunction is detected, whether it is a recorded lightning strike or a problem with a component.
- Optimizing maintenance costs: Interventions are only triggered when truly necessary. No more unnecessary trips; we focus on the real problems.
- Traceability and compliance: All data (impacts, alerts, interventions) are recorded, providing a complete maintenance log and irrefutable proof of regulatory compliance.
- Business continuity assured: The operator has the certainty that its air terminal lightning rod is always operational, which minimizes the risk of paralysis of operations.
In short, proactive maintenance via a system like Contact@irtransforms a regulatory constraint into a genuine strategic advantage. It ensures maximum protection while optimizing resources.
It is proven that malfunctions at airport sites often stem more from internal weaknesses in the protection systems than from lightning strikes themselves. The NFC 17-102:2011 standard, a cornerstone of lightning protection engineering, mandates Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) for air terminal buildings. A solution like Contact@ir provides 24/7 remote monitoring, vital for critical infrastructure such as control towers, and enables real-time tracking and proactive maintenance. Learn more about the technical specifications for airport lightning protection at indelec.com .
How to choose the right partner for your project
Selecting the right partner for a lightning protection project goes far beyond simply comparing quotes. It's about partnering with experts who will secure your infrastructure, ensure business continuity, and protect the long-term value of your assets. It's about transforming a compliance expense into a strategic investment in your airport's resilience.
Of course, price is a factor. But it should never be the only one. A lightning protection system is a commitment to safety that spans decades. A reliable partner is one that has mastered the entire lightning protection ecosystem, from component manufacturing to field maintenance.
Evaluate technical expertise and mastery of standards
A competent partner must be comfortable navigating current standards, including NFC 17-102:2011 for PDA lightning rods and the IEC 62305 for a comprehensive risk approach. They must be able to justify every technical choice, from the sizing of the lightning rod to the routing of the down conductors.
Request concrete case studies, particularly from the airport sector. An experienced partner will have already faced challenges similar to yours and can offer proven solutions. Their ability to conduct an accurate risk assessment and translate it into a robust design is the first sign of their professionalism.
A strategic partner does more than just sell a product. They provide a complete solution and peace of mind, ensuring that each component is not only compliant, but above all perfectly suited to the specific and critical needs of an airport site.
Check the quality and certification of the products
The reliability of an installation depends entirely on the quality of its components. Demand certified products, laboratory-tested by independent organizations and manufactured according to strict quality standards. Traceability and certification of lightning rods, conductors, and fasteners are simply non-negotiable.
Local manufacturing, such as French manufacturing , is often a guarantee of quality and responsiveness. It ensures better control of the production chain and greater ease in obtaining spare parts or rapid technical support when needed.
Opt for a complete solution and digital monitoring
The best partner is the one who supports you from start to finish. Their offering should cover the entire lifecycle of your lightning protection system:
- Initial audit and risk analysis.
- Custom system design
- Supply of all necessary components.
- Installation support or work supervision.
- Verification and compliance of the installation.
- Periodic and predictive maintenance
In this context, modern management tools make all the difference. A platform like lpsmanager.io centralizes all information related to your protected sites. It provides an overview of the status of your installations, simplifies maintenance planning, and maintains a complete history of interventions. This tool transforms managing your lightning protection from a complex administrative task into a smooth and controlled process, giving you total control over the security of your infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions about airport lightning protection
When addressing lightning protection for an airport, one quickly encounters a large number of questions, both technical and practical. This section is designed to provide clear answers to the most common questions from engineers, safety managers, and infrastructure managers.
What is the difference between a lightning rod and a surge protector?
This is a very common confusion, but the distinction between the two is absolutely fundamental to understanding effective protection.
The lightning rod (or lightning arrester ) is the guardian of your building's exterior. Its role is to intercept a direct lightning strike and safely channel its devastating current to the ground. It thus protects the physical structure from fires and property damage.
The surge protector , on the other hand, is the safeguard of your internal networks. It is installed on electrical and communication circuits to block power surges that propagate through the system and, without it, would fry all your sensitive electronic equipment. Complete and reliable protection absolutely requires both surge protectors working together.
Can a ESE lightning rod be installed on all types of airport buildings?
Yes, absolutely. The Early Streamer Emitter Lightning Rod (ESE) technology is particularly versatile, making it highly relevant for airport environments. Its large protection radius is ideal for covering very large structures such as passenger terminals, maintenance hangars, or freight warehouses.
Its ability to create a large protection zone from a single elevated point also makes it a prime solution for control towers, where visual and architectural impact must be minimal. It is also a highly effective system for securing open and expansive areas, such as tarmacs and aircraft parking areas, which are very difficult to cover with traditional systems.
Lightning protection is not just an option. For critical infrastructure like an airport, it is a non-negotiable component of risk management. It guarantees the safety of people and the continuity of operations.
Is maintenance of a lightning protection system mandatory?
Yes, and this is a crucial point. The NF C 17-102:2011 , which governs the installation of PDA lightning rods in France, mandates periodic inspections. This maintenance is essential to ensure the system remains fully functional after being struck by lightning or subjected to the effects of time and corrosion.
A system that is not maintained can quickly become ineffective, or even dangerous. A proper inspection includes checking the condition of the lightning rod, the continuity of the down conductors, and, most importantly, measuring the resistance of the grounding electrode. This resistance must absolutely remain below 10 ohms .
Does a metallic building attract more lightning?
This is a very common misconception. In reality, a building with a metal structure or roof doesn't attract lightning any more than any other. However, its conductor nature can become a real advantage if the protection is well designed.
When a lightning protection system is properly installed and grounded, the building's metal structure can actually help dissipate the lightning's energy over a much larger area. This limits the risk of hotspots and reduces fire hazards, provided, of course, that the entire system is in place to safely channel the current.
To secure your airport infrastructure with proven expertise and French-made solutions, trust LPS France .
Discover our complete range and request a personalized risk assessment at https://lpsfr.com .