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Lightning Protection Systems

Lightning can ignite barns, damage electronics and injure people and livestock. A properly designed protection system gives a strike a safe path to ground, but it only works when it is planned, installed and maintained well.

What does a lightning protection system do?

A system does not attract lightning or stop it. It gives a strike a controlled, low-resistance path into the ground so the current does not travel through the building structure, wiring, animals or people. Typical systems include air terminals, conductors and ground connections, tied together and to other metal systems in the building.

A system also works alongside other measures such as surge protection for the electrical service, since a strike can send damaging surges through wiring even without hitting the building.

Remember that lightning protection does not replace emergency planning. Post your address, keep phone numbers handy, and agree where everyone goes when a storm approaches, including children and visitors.

Why are farm buildings at risk?

Barns often stand tall and alone in open ground. They hold hay, dust, bedding, fuel and animals, so a fire can spread quickly. Metal stalls, water lines, feeding systems and wiring can carry current through a building and shock animals. Electronics for ventilation, milking and controls can be damaged.

Farm insurance, local fire officials and equipment makers can tell you about risk levels for your area. Do not rely on neighbors' experience alone.

Ask your insurer whether an inspected system affects coverage or premiums, and keep proof of inspection on file.

Who should design and install one?

Lightning protection is specialized work. Look for installers who follow recognized industry standards and who can tell you which standard they use. NFPA publishes widely used standards on the subject, and independent programs exist to inspect and certify installations. Ask installers about their training, references and inspection process. Prices, standards and requirements vary, so get written quotes and confirm local rules.

Avoid anyone who sells a rod and a cable as a complete solution without evaluating the building, its wiring and its grounding.

What questions should you ask?

Treat this as a project with a written plan. A good installer will walk the property, ask about uses, and explain the design in plain language.

Think about the animals too. Livestock that stand near metal fences, water troughs or feeders during a storm can be hurt by ground currents, even when the building is protected. Ask your veterinarian and your installer about bonding metal fixtures and about where animals shelter in storms.

• Which standard will the system follow?
• How will it connect to metal systems, wiring and water lines inside the building?
• What is the plan for grounding in your soil type?
• What inspection will confirm the installation is done correctly?
• How often should it be inspected and who does that?
• How does it work with surge protection for the electrical service?

How do you keep it working?

Systems can be damaged by strikes, building changes, corrosion, theft of copper, settling, roof work and animals. Ask for periodic inspection by a qualified provider. If you add a roof, new metal equipment or a new electrical service, ask whether the system needs to be updated.

Do not tamper with air terminals or cables, and do not tie things to them. If you see loose or damaged components, call the installer.

What about people and animals during storms?

Buildings with protection are not guaranteed safe places to stand. Lightning danger to people continues during a storm. Follow guidance from the National Weather Service and your local emergency officials on when to move indoors and when to stop outdoor work. Take storm warnings seriously and plan work around the forecast.

If someone is struck, call 911. Learn first aid and CPR through the American Red Cross or a local provider before you need it.

How should you plan across the farm?

Start by listing buildings that hold animals, grain, hay or equipment you cannot afford to lose. Ask an installer for a priority plan. Combine lightning protection with surge protection, good wiring, working smoke detection and a response plan. Talk to your insurer, who may have requirements or advice, and to your fire department about access and water supply.

Document the system. Keep the plan, photos, warranty, inspection reports and installer contact in one folder, so the information is available when you sell, insure or add to the property.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.