Among the structures which require a LPS are buildings, open areas accessible to the public, structures which are dangerous to the environment due to the possible emission of contamined substances, historical buildings, etc...

The following systems are currently used for the external protection against lightning:

	SINGE ROD AIR-TERMINATION SYSTEM: The lightning rod is located higher than any other point of the area or structure to be protected, and its objective is to intercept the discharge and to derive the lightning current to earth.		WIRE AIR-TERMINATION SYSTEM: The protection is formed by one or more air-wires located above the installation or area to be protected. The conductors are connected to earth through masts on each side. The protected area is the area within the masts or down-conductors.		MESH AIR-TERMINATION SYSTEM: The system consists of several capturing points conneced with each other through conductors. A network is formed which is extended with conductors leading to earth.
	Capturing lightning rod with mast. One or more down-conductors. A disconnector on each down-conductor to test the resistivity of the structure. A protection element against mechanical forces in the final two meters of the down-conductor. An earth electrode for each down-conductor. Equipotential bonding of the earth electrodes and general earth termination system.		One or more air-wire conductors. A mast on each end of the conductor. An earth electrode for each down-conductor. Equipotential bonding of the earth electrodes and general earth termination system.		Multipe capturing points. A connecting mesh for the capturing points. For each capturing point one down-conductor. One earth electrode for each down-conductor. Equipotential bonding of the earth electrodes and general earth termination system.