Changes

to the 2014 Edition of

NFPA 780 Standard for the Installation
of Lightning Protection Systems
Michael L. Jackson, Senior Estimator1
L.P.I. Certified Master Installer/Designer No. 1092
michael.jackson@vfcinc.com

Abstract
On June 17th, 2013, the 2014 Edition of NFPA 780 Standard for the Installation of Lightning
Protection Systems, was approved as an American National Standard, superseding all previous editions
(NFPA 780, 2014 Edition). Based on the numerous changes that occur from one edition to the next, it is
important to identify how the changes may impact a systems design and functionality. Choosing an
experienced company such as Lightning Protection Systems, LLC (VFC) enables the decision maker (i.e.
Owner, Architect, Electrical Engineer, Electrical Contractor, etc.) to draw upon the experiences and
expertise of a proven team in the field of Lightning Protection. VFC is listed as both a manufacturer and
installer with Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a member in good standing with the Lightning Protection
Institute (LPI), and employs LPI Certified Journeymen, Master Installers, and Master Installer/Designers.

Introduction
The 2014 Edition of NFPA 780 clearly recognizes (1) reorganization of Sections 4.7 and 4.8 to
better align the requirements for strike termination devices; (2) Section 4.14 has been revised and
reorganized to include parts of Section 4.20; (3) Sections 4.15 through 4.21 have been totally
restructured and revised to consolidate bonding requirements; (4) a new subsection, 4.7.13, addresses
the use on buildings of fixed metal objects that have movable or rotating metal components; (5) Chapter
11 has been added to provide lightning protection criteria requirements and guidance for airfield
lighting circuits; and (6) Chapter 12 has been added to address lightning protection for solar systems and
arrays.

Chapter 4, General Requirements

The Title for Chapter 4 has been changed from Protection for Ordinary Structures in the 2011
Edition to General Requirements in the 2014 Edition. This removes the definition that an ordinary

1

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90 Cutler Drive, North Salt Lake, UT 84054-2901
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structure shall be any structure that is used for ordinary purposes, whether commercial, industrial, farm,
institutional, or residential.
The outline and structure to the Standard has been greatly modified and improved; for example:
! Reorganization of Sections 4.7 and 4.8 better aligns the requirements for strike termination
devices and provides a more logical order to clarify the requirements and application of the
Standard.
! Reorganization of Section 4.14 to include parts of Section 4.20, including explanatory text,
ensures clarity, alignment, and coordination with the bonding interconnections of NFPA 70,
National Electrical Code.
! Sections 4.15 through 4.21 were completely restructured and revised to place similar
bonding requirements together, improving the flow of the document while combining
similar or repetitive requirements.

Section 4.6.5, Isolated Masts and Overhead Ground Wires

In Section 4.6.5.2, the length (l) of lightning protection conductor between its grounded point
and the point being calculated in the sideflash distance from an overhead ground wire calculation has
been revised, clarified, and a further explanation of the change is now included in Annex A. Now, when
an overhead wire is electrically connected to a metal mast, the grounded point is considered to be the
attachment point on the mast.

Section 4.7.8, Strike Termination Devices Installed on Vertical Roof Members

Strike termination devices installed on vertical roof members shall be permitted to use a single
main-size cable to connect to a main roof conductor. The main roof conductor shall be run adjacent to
the vertical roof member so that the single cable from the strike termination device is as short as
possible and in no case longer than 16-feet.

Section 4.7.13, Movable or Rotating Objects on Roofs

Examples of movable or rotating objects would include windsocks, cranes, window washing
davits, and weathervanes. These objects should be placed in a zone of protection because when
lightning attaches to metallic objects with movable parts, there is a possibility that arcing could occur at
the point of articulation between the component parts, possibly fusing the parts together.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible (or practical) to place masts around the object; therefore, the
Standard requires the fixed portion of movable or rotating metal objects to be connected to the
lightning protection system and a bonding jumper shall be permitted to connect the metal movable or
rotating portion to the fixed portion.

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Section 4.13, Grounding Electrodes

Section 4.13.1.1 relaxes/expands the requirement that each down conductor terminates at a
grounding electrode dedicated to the lightning protection system. It now incorporates connection to a
grounding electrode system that has multiple grounding electrodes that are bonded together with a
ground ring electrode. This conductor shall be a main-size lightning conductor or a grounding conductor
of equivalent or greater cross-sectional area per Section 4.13.4.2.

Section 4.20.6.5, Utility-Owned Communication Equipment

Surge Protection Devices shall be provided on all proprietary equipment by the communication
utility provider or the tenant communication utility, unless the service provider has made other
provisions for lightning surge threats.

Chapter 11, Protection for Airfield Lighting Circuits

Protection for Airfield Lighting Circuits is comprised of a counterpoise, grounding electrodes,
and bonding. A summary of the key components are as follows:
! A counterpoise consisting of a 6 AWG bare, soft drawn, solid copper conductor is installed 8-
inches below finished grade (minimum). For raceways and cables, the counterpoise
conductor shall be centered 8- to 12-inches over the raceway or cable to be protected
providing a 45-degree area of protection.
! Counterpoise shall be bonded to grounding electrodes at intervals not exceeding 500-feet.
! Grounding electrodes are located on each side of a raceway crossing under the airfield
pavement.
! Grounding electrodes shall not be less than 5/8-inch x 8-feet and the top installed 6-inches
minimum below finished grade.
! Each light base or mounting stake shall be provided with a grounding electrode.
! Bond the reinforcing steel where used as part of the light base installation to the metallic
light base with a 6 AWG bare solid copper conductor.
! Bond the counterpoise to each metallic light base, mounting stake, and metallic airfield
lighting component in the field circuit on the output side of the constant current regulator
(CCR) or other power source.

Chapter 12, Protection for Solar Arrays

Roof-mounted or ground-mounted solar panels subject to a direct lightning strike are protected
by: (1) direct mounting of strike termination devices to the solar panel; (2) direct mounting of strike
termination devices to the solar panel framing; and/or (3) locating strike termination devices adjacent to
the solar panels in such a manner as to place them in a zone of protection. The protection provided is

Copyright 2014 by VFC

per the General Requirements; however, for ground-mounted systems, a ground ring shall encompass
the perimeter of each array.
A discrepancy is presented in Section 12.3.6 which states: Strike termination devices shall not be
secured directly to the panels or panel frames of photovoltaic panels and arrays.
Surge protection shall be provided on the dc output of the solar panel, at the combiner and re-
combiner box for multiple solar panels, and at the ac output of the inverter. If the system inverter is
more than 100-feet from the closest combiner or re-combiner box, additional Surge Protection Devices
shall be required at the dc input of the inverter.

Copyright 2014 by VFC