Introduction
Confusion between lightning rods and surge protectors is still very common, even among building and industrial professionals. However, the international standard IEC 62305:2024 (Protection against lightning) clearly distinguishes between these two devices, which have neither the same role, nor the same location, nor the same purpose .
👉 In summary:
- The lightning rod protects against direct lightning strikes (external protection).
- The surge arrester (SPD) protects against induced overvoltages (internal protection).
These two systems are complementary , but not interchangeable .
In this article, we explain their differences, their place in the IEC 62305:2024 standard, and how to combine them effectively.
1. What the IEC 62305:2024 standard says
The IEC 62305 standard is structured in 4 parts:
| Part | Content |
|---|---|
| IEC 62305-1 | General principles |
| IEC 62305-2 | Risk analysis |
| IEC 62305-3 | Protection against physical damage (LPS) |
| IEC 62305-4 | Protection of electrical and electronic systems |
👉 Lightning rods are covered in Part 3 (LPS – Lightning Protection System).
👉 Surge protectors are covered in Part 4 (SPM – Surge Protection Measures).
It is a voluntary and fundamental separation.
2. The lightning rod: protection against direct impact
Role
The lightning rod is part of the external LPS .
Its function is to:
- to capture lightning,
- channel the current,
- to evacuate it towards the earth,
- to protect the structure and the people.
Components according to IEC 62305-3
A lightning protection system includes:
- Capture device (spike, cage, PDA, overhead conductor)
- Grounding conductors
- Grounding
Types of lightning rods
- Simple point (Franklin)
- Meshed cage
- Airline pilot
- Early streamer emission (ESE) lightning rod
(used according to national standards such as NF C 17-102)
Example LPS France
The Ellips and Paraton@ir from LPS France are designed to provide protection against direct lightning strikes , with:
- controlled descent,
- dedicated grounding,
- and the possibility of monitoring via Contact@ir + LPS Manager .
3. The surge protector: protection against power surges
Role
A surge protector (SPD) does not stop lightning.
It limits transient overvoltages induced by:
- an impact close to home
- lightning on the line
- network switching.
Location
The SPDs are installed:
- in electrical panels ,
- on data, telecom, Ethernet, and RS485 lines,
- at the entrance of buildings (Type 1),
- cascaded (Type 1 / 2 / 3).
Normative reference
IEC 62305-4 defines protection zones (LPZ) :
- LPZ 0: outdoor, exposed to lightning
- LPZ 1+: SPD-protected internal zones
4. Lightning rod ≠ Surge protector: common mirods
❌ “I have surge protectors, I don’t need a lightning rod”
➡ False. Surge protectors do not protect against a direct strike.
❌ “My lightning rod also protects electronic equipment”
➡ False. Without a lightning protection device (SPD), power surges enter the building.
❌ “One replaces the other”
➡ False. The IEC 62305 standard imposes a global approach .
5. The correct approach according to IEC 62305:2024
The standard recommends layered protection :
Level 1: External protection
✔ Lightning rod (LPS)
✔ Down conductors
✔ Lightning ground
Level 2: Internal Protection
✔ Type 1 / 2 / 3 Surge Arresters
✔ Equipotential Bonding
✔ Shielding / Separation
Level 3: Supervision & Maintenance
✔ Periodic checks
✔ Continuous descents
✔ Intelligent monitoring (e.g., LPS Manager)
6. Why lightning rods will still be essential in 2026
With the increase:
- building heights,
- metal structures,
- photovoltaic installations,
- sensitive equipment
👉 The probability of direct impact increases.
risk management logic :
if the risk R exceeds the tolerable threshold, an external LPS is mandatory .
This is exactly the area of expertise of LPS France , a manufacturer of lightning rods for over 20 years.
7. Summary: when to use what?
| Situation | Lightning rod | Lightning arrester |
|---|---|---|
| Possible direct impact | ✅ required | ❌ insufficient |
| Network surges | ❌ Ineffective on its own | ✅ required |
| Critical building | ✅ yes | ✅ yes |
| Isolated/exposed site | ✅ indispensable | ✅ supplement |
| Protection compliant with IEC 62305 | ✅ | ✅ |
Conclusion
The IEC 62305:2024 leaves no room for doubt:
👉 lightning rods and surge arresters are complementary .
- The lightning rod protects structures against direct lightning strikes.
- The surge protector protects equipment against power surges.
Omitting either one leaves a critical gap in protection.
LPS France 's Ellips and Paraton@ir solutions are fully in line with this normative logic, with a modern, connected and sustainable approach to lightning protection.