Which standard governs the installation of lightning protection systems?

The standard that governs the installation of lightning protection systems is NFPA 780. This standard specifically addresses the design, installation, and maintenance of lightning protection systems for structures and their contents. NFPA 780 provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure that structures are adequately protected from the damaging effects of lightning strikes, detailing the materials, methods, and requirements needed to establish effective lightning protection.

This standard is critical as it covers aspects such as the proper installation of air terminals, conductors, ground electrodes, and bonding techniques, which are all essential components of a lightning protection system. Adhering to NFPA 780 helps ensure safety and reliability, reducing the risk of fire and damage that can occur due to lightning.

Other standards mentioned, such as NFPA 101, NFPA 70, and NFPA 5000, focus on other aspects of life safety and electrical installations but do not specifically provide guidelines for lightning protection systems. NFPA 101 deals with life safety code regulations, NFPA 70 covers the National Electrical Code (NEC) for electrical installations, and NFPA 5000 focuses on building construction and safety. Thus, they do not replace or cover the specific requirements outlined in NFPA 780 regarding lightning protection.