Lightning Protection Audit – AS/NZS 1768:2021
- Qualified technicians 30 years experience
- No interruption to operations
- Inspect under normal operating conditions
- Detailed insurance compliant reports
- RCD testing also available
- Maximise safety, minimise disruptions
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Lightning Protection Systems
Lightning protection systems are installed to protect buildings, occupants, and electrical infrastructure from the damaging effects of lightning strikes. However, like any safety system, these installations must be periodically inspected to ensure they remain electrically continuous, mechanically sound, and correctly bonded to the building earthing system.
Thermal Scanners provides professional lightning protection system audits in accordance with the inspection and maintenance principles of AS/NZS 1768:2021 – Lightning Protection.
Our inspections are designed for high-rise commercial buildings and complex facilities, providing building owners and facility managers with a clear assessment of the condition and integrity of their installed lightning protection systems.
This service is an inspection and compliance audit of the installed system, not a design review or engineering verification of the lightning protection design.
What Is a Lightning Protection Audit?
A lightning protection audit is a detailed inspection of the installed lightning protection system on a building to confirm that its components remain electrically connected and mechanically intact.
Over time, lightning protection systems can deteriorate due to:
corrosion
building modifications
rooftop plant installation
damaged conductors
loose bonding connections
changes to building earthing systems
These issues can reduce the effectiveness of the lightning protection system and increase risk during a lightning event.
A professional audit verifies that the system remains continuous, bonded, and connected to the building earthing system.
Lightning Protection Compliance Under AS/NZS 1768:2021
AS/NZS 1768:2021 is the Australian and New Zealand standard governing lightning protection systems.
The standard outlines requirements for:
lightning protection system design
installation
inspection
ongoing maintenance
Regular inspections are recommended to ensure the lightning protection system remains functional and that deterioration or damage is identified early.
Our inspection methodology follows the inspection and maintenance principles outlined within AS/NZS 1768, focusing on verifying the physical condition and electrical continuity of the installed system.
Fault Diagnostics
Pinpoint the root cause of electrical faults through detailed inspections and advanced testing to enable targeted repairs.
Electrical Safety Inspections
Conduct comprehensive visual and functional inspections of your entire electrical system, including switchboards and electronic devices.
RCD Testing
Complete routine push button and trip tests on Residual Current Devices (RCD) to ensure they trip correctly to protect against electric shocks and fires.
Emergency Light Testing
Conduct regular manual discharge tests to verify the function and operation of emergency lights and battery backup for smooth evacuations.
Insurance Reporting
Stay up to date with insurance requirements with timely, professional inspections of your electrical systems to reduce coverage or liability issues.
Compliant Record Keeping
Maintain detailed documentation of all inspections, test results, repairs, and certifications to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
Schedule A Lightning Audit Today
Ensure your Buildings Lightning Protection System is safe today with professional compliance reports and servicing ensuring safe and longlasting operations. Get in touch now to book a comprehensive Lightning Audit Today.
What Our Lightning Protection Inspection Includes
Thermal Scanners performs a detailed inspection of accessible lightning protection system components, including:
- Air Terminals and Lightning Rods These components form the primary strike capture system and must remain securely connected to the lightning protection network..
- Roof Conductors and Down Conductors Down conductors are inspected from roof level where accessible. Inspections are limited to safe access areas and do not include abseiling or external façade access.
- Bonding of Roof Structures and Metallic Services These conductive elements must be electrically bonded to the lightning protection system to ensure they remain at the same electrical potential during a lightning event.
- Lightning Test Points Where lightning protection test points are installed, these are inspected and used as part of the electrical continuity verification of the system.
- Earth Pits and Earthing Connections Where accessible, earth pits associated with the lightning protection system are inspected
Earth Continuity Testing and Reference Measurements
A key component of the audit is verifying that the lightning protection system maintains electrical continuity to the building earthing system.
This is achieved through resistance measurements between system components and a known reference earth, typically the nearest switchboard earth.
Measurements are recorded in ohms and included within the audit report.
This approach provides a practical and conservative method of verifying that rooftop conductive components remain electrically bonded to the building earthing system.
Why Annual Lightning Protection Inspections Are Recommended
Lightning protection systems are exposed to harsh environmental conditions including:
extreme weather
UV exposure
corrosion
building movement
rooftop modifications
Regular inspections help ensure that the system remains electrically continuous and that bonding connections have not been compromised.
Annual inspections are commonly undertaken for high-rise commercial buildings and critical infrastructure where lightning protection systems form part of the building safety infrastructure.
Detailed Inspection Report and Asset Register
Following the inspection, clients receive a comprehensive lightning protection audit report.
The report includes:
an asset register of inspected components
recorded resistance measurements (Ω) to a reference earth
identified defects or deterioration
observations regarding bonding and system condition
photographic documentation of inspected assets
recommended corrective actions where issues are identified
Photographs included within the report document the as-found condition of the lightning protection system at the time of inspection, providing clear records for facility management and future inspections.
Combine Lightning Protection Inspections With Other Services
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should lightning protection systems be inspected?
Inspection frequency can depend on the building type and maintenance program. Many high-rise buildings undertake annual lightning protection audits to ensure the system remains electrically continuous and mechanically sound.
What measurements are taken during the Lightning audit?
Resistance measurements are taken between lightning protection components and a known reference earth, typically the nearest switchboard earth, to verify electrical continuity of the system.
Does the inspection confirm the lightning protection system design is correct?
No. The inspection is an audit of the installed system condition only. Verification of system design or lightning protection level requires engineering assessment and is outside the scope of the audit.
What happens if defects are found?
If issues such as poor bonding, corrosion, or high resistance measurements are identified, these are documented within the report along with recommended corrective actions.
Ensure High Rise Building Compliance
Lightning Audits are more than just legal compliance; they ensure safe working and living environments. Don’t take any chances with your Building. Contact us today to schedule professional, efficient and accurate Lightning inspections and audit.