For industrial and service sector businesses, lightning protection isn't just a safety issue; it's a regulatory requirement for many types of establishments. Navigating this legal framework, with its technical standards, prefectural decrees, and specific requirements for ATEX zones, can seem complex. This article provides the keys to understanding your obligations and identifying the solutions best suited to your installation.
Who is affected by the regulatory obligations regarding lightning protection?
In France, mandatory lightning protection mainly concerns two main categories of establishments:
Classified Installations for Environmental Protection (ICPE)
Installations classified for environmental protection (ICPE) subject to authorization or registration must conduct a Lightning Risk Analysis (ARF) and implement the resulting protective measures. The amended decree of October 4, 2010 (concerning the prevention of accidental risks) notably requires:
- The creation of an ARF conforming to the NF EN 62305-2
- The installation of a lightning protection system sized according to the required protection level
- Initial and then periodic verification (every 2 years for installations subject to authorization) by a competent body
- Documentation of all checks in the installation folder
In the event of a DREAL inspection or incident, the absence of an ARF or compliant protection may result in formal notices, financial penalties, or even a suspension of activity.
ATEX (Explosive Atmospheres) zones
In areas classified as ATEX zones (where flammable gases, vapors, or dust are present), lightning poses a major ignition risk. The ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) and associated standards mandate enhanced lightning protection, as a lightning strike or power surge can trigger an explosion.
ATEX installations must, in particular:
- Conduct an Explosion Risk Assessment (ERA) that includes lightning risk
- Apply a Lightning Protection Level (NPF) appropriate to the ATEX class of the site
- Use ATEX-certified components for all electrical equipment in classified areas
- Ensure that the installed SPD surge protectors are compatible with the equipment in the area
The regulatory framework: NF EN 62305 and NF C 17-102
Two normative frameworks structure lightning protection for industrial and commercial buildings in France:
The NF EN 62305 series (transposition of the IEC 62305 series)
This series of 4 standards forms the basis of any lightning protection study:
- NF EN 62305-1 : General principles — defines the fundamental concepts (Ng, Nsg, protection effectiveness)
- NF EN 62305-2 : Risk management — Lightning Risk Analysis (LRA) methodology
- NF EN 62305-3 : Physical damage to structures — design of the external LPS system (lightning rod, conductors, earthing connection)
- NF EN 62305-4 : Electrical and electronic networks — internal protection, SPD surge arresters, shielding
The NF C 17-102 standard: Lightning rods with Early Streamer Emission (ESE)
NF C 17-102 standard defines the rules for installing and verifying personal protective equipment (PDAs) in France. It specifies, in particular, the method for calculating the protection radius, the installation conditions, and the maintenance requirements. PDAs must have a validated technical assessment, and their protection radius must be justified by a compliant study.
Technical solutions for industrial and commercial installations
Lightning protection for an industrial or commercial site relies on three complementary levels:
1. External protection: the ESE lightning rod
For industrial buildings (warehouses, production halls, silos, cooling towers) and commercial buildings (hospitals, data centers, large offices), the Early Streamer Emission (ESE) lightning rod is the preferred solution. It offers an extended protection radius that covers an entire site with a limited number of lightning arresting points.
The Paraton@ir from LPS France integrates a standard IoT communication system that automatically reports any impact, triggering a targeted inspection of the installation. This directly addresses the enhanced monitoring requirements imposed by ICPE regulations.
2. Internal protection: multi-level SPD surge arresters
Internal protection is organized in a cascading fashion on the electrical panels:
- Type 1 at the main distribution board for sites with lightning rods or at the head of the power supply line
- Type 2 on the sub-distribution boards of the areas to be protected
- Type 3 at the level of sensitive equipment (automation, industrial computing, SCADA)
For ICPE and ATEX sites, surge arresters must be carefully selected according to voltage levels, protection current class (Iimp or In) and compatibility with area equipment.
3. Earthing network and Equipotential Spark Gap
In industrial settings, grounding is particularly critical. Tanks, metal structures, pipes, and equipment must be interconnected by lightning equipotential bonding (LEB) compliant with NF EN 62305-3. The objective: to prevent potential differences that can generate sparks in ATEX zones or damage electronic equipment.
Monitoring and verification: a documented periodic obligation
For installations classified for environmental protection (ICPE) subject to authorization, periodic inspections must be carried out by a qualified professional and documented in the installation file. The inspection points cover:
- The condition of the lightning rod and the continuity of the supply conductors
- Earthing resistance (measured using the 3-rod or Wenner method)
- The status of the SPD surge protectors at each level (indicators, tests)
- The conformity of the installation with the initial ARF (site evolution)
Contact@ir system associated with the LPS Manager allows for the digitization of all this monitoring: post-impact alerts, automatic reports, history of interventions — a valuable tool during DREAL inspections.
Conclusion: anticipate your obligations to avoid risks
Lightning protection for industrial and commercial buildings is governed by a precise regulatory and standards framework. For classified installations for environmental protection (ICPE) and ATEX sites in particular, neglecting these obligations exposes the company to major human, material, and legal risks.
LPS France supports manufacturers, engineering firms, and installers at every stage: Lightning Risk Analysis, LPS system design, supply of certified equipment, installation, and maintenance . Our connected solutions ( Paraton@ir , Contact@ir ) are integrated into a predictive maintenance approach that facilitates continuous regulatory compliance.
Contact the LPS France for a personalized study of your industrial or commercial site.
