Frequently asked questions
Cost, compliance, testing frequency, what an inspection involves and what happens if a system fails — answered plainly, without the sales pitch.
Lightning protection system (LPS) testing and certification is $990 inclusive of GST per building. That fixed fee covers the site attendance, full visual inspection, continuity and earth resistance testing with calibrated instruments, and a written test report and compliance certificate for the building's records.
It is the price for one complete test and certification visit. Most strata schemes and building managers book it annually so the certificate is always current for insurers and auditors, even though AS/NZS 1768 sets a minimum interval of two years for standard installations.
No. The $990 covers the inspection, testing and certification of the existing lightning protection system on a standard building. If the test finds defects, we quote any repair or upgrade work separately and you decide whether to proceed. Sites requiring roof anchors, EWP hire or after-hours access are quoted before the visit.
Yes. Building and strata managers with several properties can book them together and we schedule them in a single run. Call 02 8004 7019 with your building list and we will confirm scheduling and portfolio pricing.
You receive a detailed condition report covering every conductor, joint, bond and electrode tested, the measured resistance values, photographs of any defects, a compliance certificate for the system, and costed recommendations for any remedial work.
Testing and certification must occur at least every two years in accordance with AS/NZS 1768. Buildings in exposed or corrosive locations, sites with sensitive equipment, and buildings that have had roof or facade works should be tested annually.
AS/NZS 1768 (Lightning Protection) is the governing standard for the design, installation, inspection and testing of lightning protection systems in Australia and New Zealand. Earthing and surge protection works also reference AS/NZS 3000 and the AS/NZS 1768.1 series.
The owners corporation is responsible for maintaining common property, and a lightning protection system on the roof or facade is common property. In practice the strata manager or building manager arranges the periodic testing and keeps the certificate with the building's essential services and maintenance records.
Lightning protection is not a listed fire safety measure in most NSW buildings, so it usually sits outside the AFSS. It is still a maintainable building service, and insurers, auditors and asset condition reports routinely ask for a current LPS test certificate.
Many strata and commercial insurers ask for evidence that installed protection systems are inspected and maintained. A current AS/NZS 1768 test certificate is the simplest way to demonstrate the system has been verified by competent personnel with calibrated equipment.
The report identifies the specific defects, such as corroded conductors, broken bonds, disconnected down conductors or high earth resistance, and includes a costed scope of works to bring the system back to compliance. Once the remedial work is completed the system is retested and certified.
Our trained personnel inspect all air terminals, conductors, joints and bonds, carry out continuity testing across the conductors and the total system, measure earth resistance on individual electrodes and the complete system, carry out soil resistivity testing and analysis where new earthing is involved, and issue a detailed condition report with recommendations and costings.
A typical residential or commercial building takes two to four hours. Work is carried out on the roof and at test points, so there is no power interruption to apartments or tenancies and no need for resident access in most cases.
Safe roof access, access to earth test points and pits, and access to plant rooms or switchboards where surge protection devices are installed. Let us know about roof anchors, height safety systems or induction requirements when you book.
Yes. Earth resistance testing on individual electrodes and the complete earthing system is part of the LPS test, and we also test standalone earthing grids and static earthing systems for industrial and plant applications.
A lightning protection system does not attract lightning. It intercepts an extremely high current strike and passes it safely from the structure to ground through a network of air terminals, down conductors and ground electrodes, keeping the energy out of the building structure, contents and occupants.
Not on its own. A direct strike system protects the structure. Protecting sensitive equipment such as lift controllers, BMS, comms and access control also requires coordinated surge protection devices at the main switchboard and distribution boards.
Type 1 SPDs are used in conjunction with a lightning protection system at the main incoming point. Type 2 devices are installed in distribution boards and coordinate with Type 1 to protect against equipment failure. Type 3 devices supplement Type 2 with a low discharge capacity and are installed close to sensitive equipment.
It depends on the building's height, location, exposure, occupancy and the value or sensitivity of what is inside. We carry out a risk assessment in line with AS/NZS 1768 and advise whether a system is warranted, and what a compliant design would look like.
In most cases yes. Deteriorated conductors, corroded joints and inadequate bonding can usually be repaired in place. Full redesign is only needed where the structure has changed significantly or the original installation no longer meets the current standard.
We service Sydney and Greater Sydney, including the CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood and the North Shore, the Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, Parramatta and Western Sydney, and the Sutherland Shire.
Principal Drago Palakovic has four decades of experience, and SOLECTRO has been delivering specialist lightning protection, earthing and surge protection for over thirty years. Our clients include JLL, Knight Frank, Westfield, Terrace Tower Group and Waterside Constructions, representing over 50 buildings between them.
Call 02 8004 7019 or email info@lightningprotectionsydney.com.au with the building address and any access details. We arrange a time to meet on site, inspect the system, and issue the test and certification for $990 inc GST.
Yes. Where roof access, tenancy operations or resident amenity require it, we can schedule early morning, evening or weekend attendance. Tell us when you book so we can confirm arrangements.
Fixed price $990 inc GST per building. We meet you on site, inspect and test the system, and issue your certificate.
