Lightning strikes are a powerful natural phenomenon that can cause significant damage to buildings and their systems. One critical area often overlooked in Protezione ascensore da fulmini (elevators). Because lifts are electrically operated and run through metal shafts in buildings, they are particularly vulnerable to lightning-induced surges. Proper lift protection from lightning is essential to ensure safety, prevent costly damage, and maintain operational continuity.

In this blog, we share expert advice on how to effectively install lift protection from lightning, covering key considerations, common mistakes, and best practices.

Why Lift Protection from Lightning Matters

Lightning strikes can induce massive voltage surges in building electrical systems. Without adequate protection, lifts can suffer from:

• Electrical component damage: Control panels, motors, and circuitry are highly susceptible to surges.

• Operational failures: Unexpected lift shutdowns disrupt building operations and inconvenience users.

• Safety risks: Faulty lift systems may put passengers at risk of entrapment or electrical hazards.

Properly installed lightning protection safeguards lifts from these risks, ensuring reliability and passenger safety.

Expert Tips for Installing Lift Protection from Lightning

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment

Before installation, perform a detailed risk assessment of the building and lift system. This includes:

• Evaluating the building’s lightning exposure zone.

• Assessing the lift shaft’s structural and electrical layout.

• Identifying vulnerable components within the lift control and power systems.

A thorough risk assessment allows for tailored protection strategies based on specific building needs.

2. Use Coordinated Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)

Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) are the frontline defense against lightning-induced surges. Experts recommend:

• Installing SPDs at multiple points: main electrical panels, lift control panels, and near the lift motor.

• Selecting SPDs with appropriate voltage and current ratings for the lift system.

• Coordinating SPDs to work in stages for maximum surge absorption without failure.

Coordinated SPD placement minimizes surge propagation into sensitive lift components.

3. Grounding and Bonding Are Critical

Proper grounding is the backbone of any lightning protection system. For lifts:

• Ensure the lift shaft and metal structures are well bonded to the building’s lightning protection grounding system.

• Use low-resistance grounding conductors to safely dissipate lightning currents into the earth.

• Avoid ground loops and ensure all electrical panels, control boxes, and metal frames are interconnected.

Effective grounding prevents dangerous voltage differences that can damage lift systems.

4. Use Shielded and Properly Routed Cables

Cable management plays a key role in reducing electromagnetic interference from lightning surges:

• Use shielded cables for lift control and communication lines.

• Route lift cables away from main power lines and external lightning conductors.

• Employ conduit or cable trays that provide additional shielding.

Shielded and well-routed cables reduce the risk of induced surges disrupting lift signals.

5. Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Installing protection devices is not a one-time job. Experts emphasize:

• Scheduling periodic inspections of all lightning protection components.

• Testing SPD functionality and replacing worn or damaged units promptly.

• Inspecting grounding connections for corrosion or looseness.

Routine maintenance ensures continued effectiveness of lift lightning protection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the lift shaft as a lightning pathway: The metal shaft can channel lightning currents; ignoring it leaves a major risk unaddressed.

• Using generic SPDs not rated for lift systems: Underpowered devices fail to protect complex lift electronics.

• Poor grounding practices: Loose or corroded grounding can cause surges to bypass protection and damage equipment.

• Lack of professional installation: Lightning protection requires specialized expertise; DIY approaches increase failure risk.

Conclusion

Protecting lifts from lightning is a vital but often neglected aspect of building safety. Following expert advice—conducting risk assessments, installing coordinated SPDs, ensuring proper grounding, managing cables, and performing regular maintenance—can safeguard lifts from devastating lightning surges.

For building owners and facility managers, investing in professional lift lightning protection not only preserves costly equipment but also ensures the safety and convenience of all building users.