When it comes to lightning, myths have been around for centuries. From believing that lightning never strikes the same place twice to assuming small structures are safe without protection, these misconceptions can lead to serious safety oversights, especially in industrial and manufacturing environments. As experts in engineering services for process equipment and industrial systems, ICS believes that safety starts with knowledge. Let’s clear the air on some of the most common myths about lightning protection
Myth 1: Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
This is one of the oldest and most widely believed myths — and it’s entirely false. In reality, lightning often strikes the same location repeatedly, especially if that spot is tall, isolated, or conductive. Famous examples include skyscrapers, communication towers, and even certain manufacturing facilities with tall exhaust stacks or cranes.
In fact, the Empire State Building is struck by lightning roughly 20–25 times per year. Industrial facilities that use tall structures or metallic equipment outdoors should never rely on this myth for safety. A well-designed lightning protection system (LPS) ensures safety no matter how many strikes occur.
Myth 2: Small Buildings and Warehouses Don’t Need Lightning Protection
Some assume that only tall structures like towers or skyscrapers require lightning protection. However, size isn’t the only factor that determines risk.
If your facility houses sensitive electronic systems, combustible materials, or flammable liquids — or if it’s located in a region with frequent lightning activity — it’s equally vulnerable. Warehouses, manufacturing units, and process equipment yards often feature metallic machinery, pipelines, and rooftop HVAC systems, all of which can become lightning conductors without proper grounding and surge protection systems.
Myth 3: Lightning Protection Attracts Lightning
A common misconception is that installing a lightning protection system actually increases the chance of a lightning strike. The truth is, lightning protection systems don’t attract or repel lightning.
They’re designed to safely intercept, conduct, and disperse the energy of a lightning strike harmlessly into the ground. In industrial environments, this can mean the difference between operational continuity and costly downtime or equipment damage.
Myth 4: A Surge Protector Is Enough
While surge protectors play a critical role in safeguarding electrical and electronic systems from transient overvoltages, they aren’t a substitute for a complete lightning protection system.
Surge protection devices (SPDs) typically manage the indirect effects of lightning through electrical lines but don’t protect against direct strikes to structures, rooftop systems, or outdoor equipment. An effective LPS involves a combination of air terminals (lightning rods), down conductors, grounding systems, and surge protection devices working together.
Myth 5: Only Older Buildings Need Lightning Protection
While older, historic buildings often need retrofitted lightning protection systems, modern facilities aren’t immune. In fact, with increasing automation, sensitive instrumentation, and electrical dependency, modern industrial and manufacturing environments are at greater risk of operational disruption from lightning-induced surges or strikes.
ICS recommends that both new builds and existing industrial sites evaluate their lightning risk and implement protection strategies that align with global safety standards like IEC 62305.
The ICS Approach to Safety and Risk Management
At ICS, we believe that preventive safety measures are just as important as process efficiency and operational productivity. Our team of experienced engineers and technical specialists work closely with clients to assess and design integrated safety systems — including lightning protection and surge management — tailored for industrial and manufacturing environments.
Final Thoughts
Lightning protection is too important to be left to myths and assumptions. Understanding the facts helps businesses make informed decisions about safeguarding their assets, workforce, and critical infrastructure.
If your facility hasn’t had a lightning risk assessment or needs to update its safety measures, ICS is here to help. Contact ICS today for expert consultation and customized engineering solutions designed to keep your business safe, efficient, and future-ready. Get in touch with our team now!
