Lightning Protection

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jahilliard

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I am located in SW Florida and Lighitning Protection seems to be quite a nitch throughout the state and so few companies do it. I am looking for any feedback on the subject. Such as any experiences with installations, what to expect or avoid, is it profitable, etc. Obviously I'm asking other contractors to potentially offer their hard earned experience, so I'm grateful for whatever feedback I may get. thank you
 
Here are some "Pros and Cons" about LPS contracting here in Florida:

Pro: An ECLB license is not require to install LPS's in the state of Florida [F.S. 489.503(22)] This means you don't have to jump through the bureaucratic hurdles other electrical professionals have to do in order to be a legal contractor in the state.

Con: An ECLB license is not required to install LPS's in the state of Florida. This means every Tom, Dick, and Harry can call themselves an LPS contractor regardless of their experience and training. They likely don't have insurance, get permits, get inspections, or have the systems certified. It's the wild west.

Pro: Insurance premiums are reduced if an LPS is installed on insured property. This provides a financial incentive to install an LPS.

Con: Most insurance companies won't disclose how much of a premium discount will be offered and many wont pay claims on lightning damaged structures for one loop-hole or another.

Pro: The Florida Building Code mandates the installation of LPS's on hospitals (419.3.15), nursing homes (420.3.27), and public schools (423.17.7).

Con: There are not very many hospitals, nursing homes, and public schools being built to sustain a LPS contractor.
 
You can get a UL Master Label without any type of Licensing in lightning protection just by taking a course from UL, and paying their fees to become a UL Listed installer. While being UL listed may be helpful in getting the inspections, many commercial projects require you to be a Lightning Protection Institute certified Master Installer/Designer. This can be obtained through the L.P.I. through some fairly extensive testing. If you want more info on the LPI you can visit Lightning.org.

As someone had mentioned the only buildings in FL that actually require a system are hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. But to get any of those contracts you would definitely need to be LPI certified.

Insurance companies that actually offer a discount for a system are currently few and far between. There are a couple, but from my understanding they don't really offer a big enough discount for this to be a factor in peoples decision to do the install.

The Install itself is not very hard, the main thing is learning all the codes, and being able to design a system that meets code requirements, and is aesthetically pleasing to the customer.

To the OP. I am also in SWFL, so if you have any additional questions feel free to PM me. I am a LPI Master Installer/Designer, and have been installing for 10 years now, so I may be able to help.
 
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