LPI research indicates that lightning protection for buildings, trees, and open structures can greatly reduce personal injury from lightning. While danger of lightning death is gravest outdoors, more people are injured inside buildings than in any other category or location. And, if injuries under trees, at campsites and outdoor recreational areas are added, indications are that the majority of lightning injuries occur as secondary effects of lightning striking an object which can feasibly be equipped with a protection system.

The prime purpose of this Standard is to describe and encourage use of lightning protection systems for personal and structural safety. The LPI Standards Committee has considered proposed methods of lightning protection other than interception, conducting and grounding. Those proposals which have accreditation by code recognized testing laboratories or long historical use in the United States are included. Those proposals that do not meet those criteria are not included. This Standard is based on the fundamental principle of providing direct and easy low-resistance metallic path for lightning current to follow to the ground, and making provisions to prevent destruction, fire, damage, death, or injury as the current follows that path. This Standard represents a concensus of authorities regarding basic requirements for construction and performance of products classified under this category. Requirements are based on sound engineering principles, research, records of tests and field experience. They reflect an appreciation of the problems of manufacture, installation, and use derived from consultation with manufacturers, users, inspection authorities, and others having specialized experience.

Requirements are subject to revisions that further experience and investigation may show are necessary or desirable. Observance of this Standard is one of the conditions of system certification by the LPI. The Institute, however, assumes no responsibility for the effect of such observance or nonobservance upon the relations between the manufacturer or installer and any other party or parties arising out of the sale or use of the product or otherwise. A product which complies with these requirements will not necessarily be eligible for certification if, when examined and tested, it is found to have other features which impair the result contemplated by these requirements. A product employing materials or having forms of construction differing from those detailed in these requirements may be examined and tested according to the intent of the requirements and, if found to be substantially equivalent, may be certified.