Lightning advice for churches

A single bolt of lightning is extremely powerful and can cause considerable structural damage if it strikes a building.

The strike can cause an electrical surge and can trigger malfunctions, shutdowns, and burn out the wiring. Telephones, computers, electric organs, and alarm systems are all at risk.

Damage caused by lightning comes in two main forms:

• Structural damage to the fabric of the church
  This is usually minor but can result in fires or falling masonry.
• Electrics
  Indirect damage to electrical systems and equipment following an electrical surge.

There is no way to predict or prevent lightning strikes. The traditional defence for most Anglican churches is a lightning conductor – a single Franklin rod (named because it was invented by Benjamin Franklin) leading from the top of the spire or tower to an earth stake buried in the ground.

A modern approach to lightning protection is known as a Faraday Cage system. This is a mesh of conductors laid at intervals over the church roof and down the walls until connected to the ground by earth electrodes.

Ecclesiastical church insurance does provide cover for lightning strikes. Our risk management team offers the following advice to churches:

• A lightning conductor is not a condition of cover, but we do recommend having one fitted if your risk assessment indicates one is required.
• Simple level 3 (loss of cultural heritage) and level 4 (loss of economic value) lightning protection systems found in most churches need to be formally tested every 4 years as recommended in BS EN 62305.
• Older lightning protection systems do not have to be upgraded unless the upgrade has been identified during one of our risk assessments of your church.
• Installing surge protection equipment can prevent damage from electrical power surges.
• Any work on a church’s lightning protection system should be conducted by a competent contractor, such as a member of ATLAS (Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists).

You can download our lightning guidance notes for more detailed advice.