The whole area of 'electronic systems protection' has hitherto been something of a 'black art' with some manufacturers making quite fanciful claims, perpetuating bad installation practices and generally clouding the issue of product performance.

The Electronic Systems Protection Handbook has been produced with the aim of spreading understanding and good practice, by sharing some of Furse's knowledge and expertise. It combines Furse's own extensive experience in this field with knowledge drawn from the papers of other leading authorities and the work of several standards bodies.

This consultants handbook offers an informative guide for designers, engineers and contractors and has been produced with the following aims:

 To briefly explain the theory and phenomenon of lightning.

 To precise and simplify where possible the British Standard Code of Practice BS 6651 1992 'Protection of Structures Against Lightning'.

Also included in the handbook are answers to many of the more popular questions on lightning protection put to Furse by consultants, architects and contractors.

All codes of practice or standards are open to individual interpretation. This handbook therefore reflects Furse's own views on good practice and it is not the intention that these views replace in any way the recommendations contained in BS 6651, but rather to be read in conjunction with the code.