National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 780
NFPA 780 covers lightning protection systems: the air terminals on the roof, the down conductors that carry a strike to earth, and the bonding and grounding that keep the whole system at one potential. The finished system is signed off by an LPI-qualified inspector; on a walk the field role is to observe and document the parts that get buried or covered before that inspection happens.
Adoption varies by jurisdiction. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
What it covers
- Air terminals and roof-level placement
- Down conductors and routing to ground
- Bonding of metal bodies to the system
- Grounding electrodes and earth terminations
- Surge protection at service and equipment
What the evidence looks like
- Air terminals photographed on the roof, spacing and mounting shown in frame.
- Down conductor runs shot before cladding or finish covers the path.
- Ground terminations photographed in the trench, before backfill hides them.
- Bonding connections to roof-mounted metal shown made, not promised.
- Certified-inspection items observed and documented; the LPI-qualified inspector signs the system off.
Checklists that verify work against NFPA 780
2 free checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Common questions
- What is NFPA 780?
- Lightning protection systems: air terminals, down conductors, bonding, grounding, surge protection. It is published by the National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 780 covers lightning protection systems: the air terminals on the roof, the down conductors that carry a strike to earth, and the bonding and grounding that keep the whole system at one potential. The finished system is signed off by an LPI-qualified inspector; on a walk the field role is to observe and document the parts that get buried or covered before that inspection happens.
- What does NFPA 780 cover?
- Air terminals and roof-level placement; Down conductors and routing to ground; Bonding of metal bodies to the system; Grounding electrodes and earth terminations; Surge protection at service and equipment.
- What does a field inspection against NFPA 780 look at?
- Air terminals photographed on the roof, spacing and mounting shown in frame. Down conductor runs shot before cladding or finish covers the path. Ground terminations photographed in the trench, before backfill hides them. Bonding connections to roof-mounted metal shown made, not promised. Certified-inspection items observed and documented; the LPI-qualified inspector signs the system off.
- Which edition of NFPA 780 applies to my project?
- Adoption varies by jurisdiction. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
- Which checklists verify work against NFPA 780?
- 2 free checklists in the RTI library reference this family. Each is listed on this page with the photo evidence every item needs before it can be submitted.
A standard is only met if the evidence exists
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.