Introduction
The confusion between lightning rod And surge protector is still very common, including among building and industrial professionals. Yet, the international standard IEC 62305:2024 (Protection against lightning) clearly distinguishes these two devices, which do not have neither the same role, nor the same location, nor the same objective.
👉 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 |
👉 The lightning rod is covered in part 3 (LPS – Lightning Protection System).
👉 The surge protector is 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 mission 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 (tip, cage, ESE, 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 ranges Ellips And Paraton@ir LPS France products are designed to ensure the protection against direct lightning, with :
- controlled descent,
- dedicated grounding,
- and the possibility of monitoring via Contact@ir + LPS Manager.
3. The surge protector: protection against power surges
Role
THE surge protector (SPD – Surge Protective Device) does not stop lightning.
It limits transient overvoltages caused by:
- an impact close to home
- lightning on the line
- network switching.
Location
The SPDs are installed:
- in the 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 the protected areas (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. The lightning arrester does not protect against a direct strike.
❌ “My lightning rod also protects electronic equipment”
➡ False. Without SPD, power surges enter the building.
❌ “One replaces the other”
➡ False. The IEC 62305 standard mandates a global approach.
5. The correct approach according to IEC 62305:2024
The standard recommends a layered protection :
Level 1: External protection
✔ Lightning rod (LPS)
✔ Downhill Drivers
✔ Land of Lightning
Level 2: Internal Protection
✔ Type 1 / 2 / 3 surge protectors
✔ Equipotentiality
✔ Shielding / Separation
Level 3: Supervision & Maintenance
✔ Periodic check-up
✔ Continuity of the 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.
The IEC 62305:2024 standard reinforces the logic of risk management :
if the risk R exceeds the tolerable threshold, An external LPS is mandatory.
This is precisely the area of expertise of LPS France, 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 standard IEC 62305:2024 leaves no room for doubt:
👉 Lightning rods and surge protectors are complementary.
- THE lightning rod protects structures against direct lightning.
- THE surge protector protects equipment against power surges.
Omitting either one leaves a critical gap in protection.
The solutions Ellips And Paraton@ir of LPS France They fit fully into this normative logic, with a modern, connected and sustainable approach to lightning protection.