Engineered Lightning Protection Design & Testing by GridServe
Lightning is one of nature’s most powerful and unpredictable forces. In Australia, where intense electrical storms are frequent across many regions, a single lightning strike can cause damage to infrastructure, disrupt operations, and endanger lives.
At GridServe, we provide AS/NZS 1768:2021-compliant lightning protection systems, designed using the proven Rolling Sphere Method. Whether you are protecting a solar farm in regional Western Australia, a high-rise in Brisbane, or a mission-critical data centre, our systems are engineered to keep your assets and people safe.
Why Lightning Protection Matters
Each year, Australia experiences tens of thousands of lightning strikes, especially in storm-prone states such as Queensland, the Northern Territory, New South Wales, and parts of Victoria and Western Australia.
The risks of being unprotected include:
Structural fires and building damage
Equipment failure and system outages
Network downtime and data loss
Safety risks and legal liability
Effective lightning protection is an essential part of responsible risk management.
Standards-Based Design: AS/NZS 1768:2021
All systems designed and installed by GridServe follow AS/NZS 1768:2021 – Lightning Protection, the official Australian and New Zealand standard. This standard outlines:
Risk assessment procedures
System component requirements
Installation and testing protocols
Surge protection and bonding strategies
Compliance ensures your project meets insurer, council, and regulatory expectations.
The Rolling Sphere Method
At the core of lightning protection design is the Rolling Sphere Method, a geometrical approach used to identify the areas most at risk of direct lightning strikes.
How the Rolling Sphere Method Works
A sphere with a specific radius is imagined to roll over and around your structure. This sphere represents the downward path of a potential lightning leader. Any part of the structure that comes into contact with the sphere is at risk of a strike.
AS/NZS 1768 defines four protection levels, each associated with a specific rolling sphere radius.
Air terminals, masts, or conductor systems are placed so that they intercept the sphere, creating protected zones underneath and around them.
Air Terminals (Lightning Rods)
Installed at the highest points of the structure to intercept strikes.
Down Conductors
Conduct lightning energy safely from the air terminals to the ground.
Earth Termination Systems
Designed to disperse lightning energy into the earth, even in difficult Australian soils such as dry, sandy, or rocky areas.
Equipotential Bonding
Prevents dangerous voltage differences across metallic components during a lightning event.
Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)
Protect sensitive electronics, solar inverters, telecommunications systems, and control panels from power surges caused by nearby lightning activity.
Designed for Australian Conditions
GridServe systems are engineered for Australia's diverse environmental challenges, including:
Cyclone-rated components for coastal and northern regions
Low-resistance grounding for remote and arid locations
Bushfire-compliant designs for rural installations
Integration with rooftop solar, battery storage, and communication infrastructure
No matter where your site is located, we deliver reliable and standards-compliant protection.
Where the Rolling Sphere Method Applies
We apply the Rolling Sphere Method in all major sectors and settings, including:
Rooftops of high-rise buildings
Telecommunications towers
Data centres and control rooms
Airports and public transport terminals
Renewable energy sites including solar farms and battery storage systems
Industrial plants and refineries
Electrical infrastructure
Oil/gas plants
Our designs use 3D modelling and layout planning to ensure no critical area is left unprotected.
Why Choose GridServe
Full compliance with AS/NZS 1768:2021
Application of advanced design methodologies including Rolling Sphere Method
Qualified, experienced engineering and installation teams
Complete service from risk assessment to final certification
National coverage and fast turnaround on commercial and industrial projects
Expert in using state of the art CDEGS software
Book a Free Lightning Risk Assessment
GridServe offers no-obligation site assessments to help you:
Understand your exposure to lightning risk
Achieve full compliance with national standards
Plan a reliable and cost-effective lightning protection system
Integrate surge protection for electronic systems and rooftop assets
Contact GridServe
Do not wait for a strike to act. Let GridServe help you protect your investment with a professional, standards-compliant lightning protection system.
Phone: 0499 178 078 Email: anilc@gridserve.com.au Website: gridserve.com.au
GridServe Protecting Australia's Infrastructure — One Strike at a Time
