Top 10 Lightning Protection Design Softwares: Best Guide
Lightning protection is a critical part of electrical and industrial safety. From power plants and substations to commercial buildings and renewable energy projects, engineers rely on accurate tools to design systems that comply with international standards and reduce risk. Today, lightning protection design software has replaced manual calculations, offering precision, speed, and compliance with IEC, IEEE, and NFPA standards.
Table of Contents
This article presents a detailed, practical review of the top tools used by professionals worldwide. Each solution is evaluated based on design capability, usability, standards support, and real-world engineering value.
Why Lightning Protection Software Matters
Designing an effective lightning protection system involves complex parameters such as rolling sphere method, risk assessment, grounding resistance, surge protection coordination, and soil resistivity. Manual methods are time-consuming and prone to error. Modern tools help engineers:
- Perform fast and accurate lightning risk assessment
- Model air termination and down conductor placement
- Design earthing and grounding systems
- Verify compliance with IEC 62305, NFPA 780, IEEE 80
- Generate professional calculation reports
The right lightning protection design software improves safety while saving engineering hours.
Know more about Industrial Control Panel Design Software – Best Tools, Features & Pro Tips for Engineers
1. DEHNsupport Toolbox
DEHNsupport Toolbox is one of the most widely used solutions for lightning and surge protection design. Developed by DEHN, it fully supports IEC 62305 standards.
Key strengths include intuitive risk assessment modules, rolling sphere visualization, and integrated surge protection device selection. It is suitable for buildings, industrial plants, and solar installations.
Best for:
- IEC-based lightning risk analysis
- Complete LPS and SPD coordination
2. CDEGS (SES Software)
CDEGS is a powerful engineering suite used globally for grounding, earthing, and lightning studies. It is highly trusted for substation and utility-level projects.
The software allows detailed soil modeling, lightning current dissipation analysis, and touch and step voltage calculations.
Best for:
- High-voltage substations
- Complex earthing and lightning simulations
Know more about Best Electrical Design Software for Industrial Projects
3. StrikeRisk (ABB)
StrikeRisk by ABB focuses on lightning risk management and asset protection. It uses statistical and probabilistic models to evaluate lightning exposure and economic loss.
This tool is often used for utilities, transmission networks, and large infrastructure projects.
Best for:
- Lightning risk evaluation
- Asset protection planning
4. AutoCAD Lightning Protection Add-ons
Several AutoCAD-based plugins are used for lightning protection layout design. These tools help engineers place air terminals, down conductors, and grounding grids directly on drawings.
While calculation depth may be limited, they are excellent for documentation and coordination with architects.
Best for:
- Visual layout and drafting
- Integration with building drawings
Know more about Top Electrical Engineering Software: AutoCAD, ETAP, MATLAB Reviewed
5. ERICO Grounding System Design Software
Developed by nVent ERICO, this software focuses on grounding and lightning current dissipation. It supports IEEE and IEC grounding principles.
The tool is widely used for designing earth electrodes, ground enhancement material layouts, and bonding systems.
Best for:
- Grounding and earthing design
- Lightning current dissipation analysis
6. ETAP Ground Grid and Lightning Module
ETAP is well known for power system analysis, and its grounding and lightning modules add strong value. Engineers can simulate lightning current injection into grounding grids and analyze safety voltages.
It integrates well with overall electrical system models.
Best for:
- Integrated power system and grounding studies
- Industrial and utility projects
Know more about Top SCADA Software Platforms for Energy Sector
7. SKM PowerTools Grounding Module
SKM PowerTools includes grounding and lightning-related calculations for substations and industrial plants. It is commonly used in North America.
The software helps evaluate step and touch potentials during lightning events.
Best for:
- Substation grounding studies
- IEEE-based design requirements
8. Bentley OpenGround Lightning Tools
Bentley’s OpenGround environment supports advanced soil and grounding modeling. It is suitable for large infrastructure projects such as railways, airports, and oil and gas facilities.
The software handles complex terrain and layered soil conditions effectively.
Best for:
- Large-scale infrastructure
- Advanced soil modeling
Know more about Electrical One Line Diagram Software Comparison – Top Tools Engineers Actually Use in 2026
9. EasyPower Grounding and Lightning Analysis
EasyPower offers a user-friendly approach to grounding and lightning-related studies. It is often chosen for industrial facilities and medium-sized substations.
The interface is simple, making it suitable for engineers who want quick results without deep modeling complexity.
Best for:
- Industrial grounding design
- Fast lightning-related safety checks
10. Lightning Risk Assessment Excel-Based Tools
While not as advanced as commercial software, professionally developed Excel-based tools are still used for basic lightning risk assessment according to IEC 62305.
These tools are cost-effective and suitable for preliminary studies and small projects.
Best for:
- Preliminary risk analysis
- Budget-limited projects
Know more about Free Circuit Simulation Softwares Online – Test, Design & Simulate Circuits Instantly
Comparison Table of Lightning Protection Design Software
| Software Name | Primary Use | Standards Supported | Suitable Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEHNsupport Toolbox | LPS and risk analysis | IEC 62305 | Buildings, solar, industry |
| CDEGS | Grounding and lightning modeling | IEEE, IEC | Substations, utilities |
| StrikeRisk | Risk management | IEC-based models | Transmission, assets |
| AutoCAD Add-ons | Layout design | Project-specific | Building documentation |
| ERICO Design Tools | Grounding design | IEEE, IEC | Industrial facilities |
| ETAP | Integrated system studies | IEEE, IEC | Power plants, utilities |
| SKM PowerTools | Grounding analysis | IEEE | Substations |
| Bentley OpenGround | Soil and grounding | IEC, IEEE | Infrastructure |
| EasyPower | Grounding studies | IEEE | Industrial plants |
| Excel-Based Tools | Risk calculation | IEC 62305 | Small projects |
Know more about What Is Early Streamer Emission A Practical Guide for Engineers, Standards, and Lightning Protection Design
How to Choose the Right Software
Selecting the right lightning protection design software depends on project scale and technical needs. Consider the following:
- Applicable standards required by local authorities
- Project complexity and voltage level
- Need for risk assessment versus detailed grounding simulation
- Budget and licensing flexibility
- Integration with existing electrical design tools
For simple buildings, a standards-based risk tool may be sufficient. For substations and utilities, advanced simulation software is essential.
Know more about Industrial Control Panel Design Software – Best Tools, Features & Pro Tips for Engineers
Final Thoughts
Lightning protection is not an area where assumptions or shortcuts are acceptable. Modern lightning protection design software enables engineers to design safer systems, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver reliable solutions. Whether you are working on a commercial building or a high-voltage substation, choosing the right tool directly impacts safety and performance.
As lightning risk continues to grow with climate changes and expanding infrastructure, investing in professional design software is no longer optional. It is a critical part of responsible electrical engineering practice.
Know more about Plant Automation Consultant Rate in USA: 2026 Cost Guide, Hourly Fees & Best Hiring Tips
Follow Us on Social:
Subscribe our Newsletter on Electrical Insights for latest updates from Electrical Engineering Hub
#LightningProtectionSoftware, #LightningProtectionDesign, #EarthingAndGrounding, #ElectricalSafetyDesign, #LightningRiskAssessment, #SubstationProtection, #PowerSystemEngineering, #IEC62305, #ElectricalDesignTools, #SurgeProtection
