Lightning Protection of Buildings: Its Types, Solutions and Choice Options

Lightning safety in private and public buildings is a seriously evaluated issue that requires an appropriate and safe long-term solution to protect property from destruction during or due to the consequences of a lightning strike. Relatively easy-to-replace home appliances such as a TV-set or a vacuum cleaner, larger and more expensive appliances such as a heat pump, alarm system or antennas can be damaged from a lightning strike. The aim of the study is to explore the ways of lightning protection in buildings and to develop recommendations for its effective use. Lightning protection is part of a set of electrical assembly and fire protection measures of property, which are performed during construction or renovation of property and the installation thereof is determined by the regulatory framework of the Republic of Latvia. Over time, two types of lightning protection systems have been developed: the classic or passive lightning protection system, which, if hit by lightning, captures and drains the electrical charge generated by lightning to the ground, and the active lightning protection system, which attracts the electricity generated by lightning with energy generated by itself and then drains the charge to the ground. Consequently, both lightning protection systems can be considered to have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is necessary to assess the choice of the most appropriate protection system on a case-by-case basis, also taking into account the criteria such as the complexity of the building project, the size and accessibility of the protected area and the cost of each individual site.