Furthermore, 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).
Furthermore, 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
First, the IEC 62305 standard is structured in 4 parts:
👉 Lightning rods are covered in Part 3 (LPS – Lightning Protection System).
👉 Surge protectors are covered in Part 4 (SPM – Surge Protection Measures).
In concrete terms, 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
First, 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
As a reminder, 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
For example, the standard recommends layered protection :
Level 1: External protection
In addition, ✔ Lightning rod (LPS)
✔ Down conductors
✔ Lightning ground
Level 2: Internal Protection
Furthermore, ✔ Type 1 / 2 / 3 surge arresters
✔ Equipotential
bonding ✔ Shielding / separation
Level 3: Supervision & Maintenance
In addition, ✔ 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.
logic risk management :
if the risk R exceeds the tolerable threshold, an external LPS is mandatory.
It should be noted that 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?
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.
For example, omitting one of the two leaves a critical vulnerability in the protection.
solutions Ellips and Paraton@ir 's LPS France are fully in line with this normative logic, with a modern, connected and sustainable approach to lightning protection.
