NFPA 780 – Lightning Protection Code, 2017

The “NFPA 780 Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems (2017 edition)” published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) defines installation requirements for lightning protection systems applied to buildings, structures, wind-turbines, watercraft, and solar arrays. Key updates in the 2017 edition include new definitions (e.g., ground-loop conductor, smart structure), a revised Chapter 7 addressing structures containing flammable vapors/gases/liquids, enhanced bonding requirements for long horizontal metal bodies, and annexes covering protection of smart structures and photovoltaic installations. This standard is a critical reference for professionals in lightning and surge protection system design, installation, inspection and maintenance.

Major changes in the 2017 edition of NFPA 780 provide greater oversight and new understanding of lightning protection systems and lightning hazards.

Reflecting the latest protection methods, devices, and safety challenges, the 2017 edition of NFPA 780: Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems is the new industry benchmark for protecting lives and property from fire and related dangers associated with lightning events.

Determine the right protection scheme for different occupancies.

Lightning hazards exist everywhere, but depending on the use of a building or structure, different lightning protection protocols exist. This edition of NFPA 780 helps you recognize hazards and provide appropriate protection.

• Updated Section 5.3 pertaining to facilities that handle or process combustible or explosive dust now presents specific references to NFPA® standards addressing dust hazards, including NFPA 61: Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities, NFPA 122: Standard for Fire Prevention and Control in Metal/Nonmetal Mining and Metal Mineral Processing Facilities, and NFPA 664: Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities.
• Rewritten Chapter 7 addresses protection for structures containing flammable vapors, flammable gases, or liquids that can give off flammable vapors.
• New definitions include ground loop conductor, integral lightning protection system, mast-type lightning protection system, rated impulse withstand voltage level (withstand voltage) (u _w), smart structure, solar array, and solar panel.

Other changes assist facility managers, installers, inspectors, and AHJs:

• Added requirements in this edition -- concerning physical on-site inspections of completed installations and periodic inspections or testing -- may be required at the discretion of the AHJ.
• Updated figures illustrate air terminal protection for lower roof protection.
• New requirements cover test and connection points for concrete-encased electrodes to enable periodic maintenance and testing of the ground system.
• New bonding requirements address long horizontal metal bodies on roofs.
• Numerous new requirements pertain to ungrounded metal bodies.
• This edition includes re-evaluated and revised zero property line conditions.
• New Annexes cover technologies used in state-of-the-art systems: Annex J, Protection of Smart Structures; and Annex K, Guide to International Standards Dealing with the Selection of SPDs for Use on Photovoltaic (PV) Installations.