How do I download LPS Manager?

LPS Manager is available for free on the App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android), and as a desktop version for Windows 11 / macOS.

What is the difference between LPS Manager and lpsfr.com?

lpsmanager.io is the website of the LPS Manager application (universal, compatible with all brands). lpsfr.com is the website of the LPS France manufacturer (product catalogue in quote-only mode).

Which standards are taken into account?

LPS Manager is based on IEC 62305 (international), NF C 17-102:2011 (France, ESE / PDA / PDC lightning rods), FD C 17-108, IEC 62561.

How can I contact LPS Manager?

Use the contact form on the website. Response within 48 hours, multilingual FR / EN / ES / PT.

NF C 17-102 Lightning Protection Management — LPS Manager

Lightning protection engineering encompasses two complementary technology families: conventional systems governed by IEC 62305, and active air terminal systems (ESE — Early Streamer Emission) covered by NF C 17-102. LPS Manager supports both, enabling engineers and maintenance companies to manage all types of installations within a single platform.

What is NF C 17-102?

NF C 17-102 is the French standard governing lightning protection systems that use Active Air Terminals (AAT), also known as Paratonnerres à Dispositif d’Amorçage (PDA) in French, or ESE (Early Streamer Emission) devices internationally. Specifically, this standard defines the design, installation, and maintenance requirements for this technology.

Published by AFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation)
Applies exclusively to PDA/ESE air terminal technology
Specifies the protection radius calculation method based on the advance time ΔT (in µs)
Requires annual maintenance and periodic inspection protocols
Used primarily in France, Spain, Portugal, and other countries that recognise ESE technology

Importantly, NF C 17-102 and IEC 62305 are not competing standards — they cover different technologies. NF C 17-102 addresses PDA/ESE air terminals; IEC 62305 addresses conventional systems (simple rods, mesh conductors, Faraday cages). Both coexist and may even be found on the same large site.

IEC 62305 vs NF C 17-102 — Complementary, Not Competing

A common misconception is that choosing NF C 17-102 means rejecting IEC 62305, or vice versa. In reality, the two standards address different air-termination technologies.

IEC 62305 — governs simple rods, horizontal conductors (catenary), mesh (Faraday cage), and Franklin rods
NF C 17-102 — governs PDA/ESE devices, which claim to provide a wider protection radius through early streamer emission
Both require the same down-conductor and earth-termination standards (IEC 62305-3 applies)
Both can coexist on the same site — for example, a PDA protecting a building while IEC 62305 mesh protects a nearby structure

Therefore, LPS Manager was designed from the outset to handle both technology families without distinction.

Managing PDA/ESE Installations in LPS Manager

LPS Manager provides a dedicated module for NF C 17-102 installations. Consequently, field technicians and back-office teams can manage the entire PDA lifecycle from a single tool.

Record the PDA model, advance time ΔT, and calculated protection radius
Store the installation reception report (procès-verbal de réception)
Link PDA to the structure it protects with geographic positioning
Track component serial numbers and installation dates
Schedule and record annual maintenance visits

NF C 17-102 Inspection Protocol — Specific Verification Steps

PDA inspections follow a specific protocol distinct from conventional IEC 62305 system checks. In particular, the functionality of the triggering device (dispositif d’amorçage) must be verified.

Visual inspection of the PDA head — no mechanical damage, corrosion, or bird nests
Functional test of the triggering device (where applicable)
Down-conductor continuity check
Earth resistance measurement (target ≤ 10 Ω per IEC 62305-3)
Equipotential bonding verification
SPD status check if surge protection is integrated

Furthermore, LPS Manager records every inspection step and generates a compliant maintenance report that satisfies NF C 17-102 documentation requirements.

Reception Report and Annual Maintenance

NF C 17-102 requires a formal reception report (procès-verbal de réception) upon installation completion. LPS Manager generates this document automatically from the installation data entered by the technician.

Protection radius and ΔT advance time recorded
Installation date and responsible engineer signed off digitally
Annual maintenance reminder triggered automatically each year
Maintenance history accessible in chronological order

Linking PDA Products from lpsfr.com

For professionals sourcing PDA components and accessories, lpsfr.com offers a range of lightning protection equipment. Down-conductors and earth electrodes from the accessories catalogue are fully compatible with NF C 17-102 installations. The Strike Radar detection service complements PDA installations by providing post-strike notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NF C 17-102?

NF C 17-102 is the French standard for lightning protection systems using Active Air Terminals (AAT/ESE/PDA). It defines design, installation, and maintenance requirements for this specific technology, including protection radius calculation and annual inspection protocols.

Is NF C 17-102 compatible with IEC 62305?

Yes. The two standards cover different air-termination technologies and can coexist on the same site. Down-conductors and earth-termination systems follow IEC 62305-3 requirements regardless of whether the air terminal is a PDA (NF C 17-102) or a conventional rod (IEC 62305).

How does LPS Manager handle PDA inspections?

LPS Manager includes a dedicated inspection module for NF C 17-102 installations. Technicians follow a guided checklist specific to PDA systems, record earth resistance measurements, test the triggering device functionality, and generate a compliant maintenance report — all from the mobile app.

What is the protection radius of a PDA under NF C 17-102?

The protection radius Rp of a PDA is calculated using the formula: Rp = √(h(2D−h) + ΔL(2D+ΔL)), where h is the height of the PDA tip above the structure, D is the rolling sphere radius for the applicable protection level, and ΔL = v × ΔT (with v = 1 m/µs and ΔT the advance time of the device in µs). LPS Manager stores all these parameters in the installation file.

How often must a PDA be inspected per NF C 17-102?

NF C 17-102 requires annual maintenance of PDA installations. In addition, inspection after any recorded lightning strike is strongly recommended. LPS Manager sends automatic reminders when the annual inspection deadline approaches.

Can LPS Manager manage both NF C 17-102 and IEC 62305 systems on the same site?

Yes. LPS Manager is designed to handle mixed installations. A single site can contain PDA-protected buildings (NF C 17-102) and conventional mesh- or rod-protected structures (IEC 62305), all managed within the same project file.

Is LPS Manager suitable for installers who work in multiple countries?

Absolutely. LPS Manager supports multi-language and multi-country operations. The platform is available in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, making it suitable for international lightning protection companies working across different regulatory environments.