Franklin Rod
& Conventional
Lightning Rod
TrilPeak TPKA and TPKT Franklin conventional lightning rods — the universally accepted IEC 62305-3 passive air terminal solution. Available in stainless steel 304, nickel-plated (TPKBF-S), and copper-plated (TPKBF-G) finish options. Heights 0.5m–6m. Suitable as single sensor points or as Faraday cage mesh arrays on any structure. As part of a complete lightning protection system, Franklin rods coordinate with grounding accessories, strike counters, and Type 1 SPD for full IEC 62305 compliance. Factory-direct. OEM & ODM ready.
TPKA — Conventional Franklin Lightning Rod
The TPKA is TrilPeak's standard Franklin conventional lightning rod — 450mm, stainless steel 304, IEC 62305-3 compliant. Single sensor element or Faraday cage mesh on residential, commercial, and tower installations. Max. current 200kA. No maintenance. See our air terminal selection guide for rolling sphere and protection angle calculations.
Stainless steel 304. Single sensor or Faraday mesh. Threaded base — compatible with standard mast head-adapters. Available for OEM and ODM supply.
| Level | H=2 | H=3 | H=4 | H=5 | H=6 | H=7 | H=8 | H=10 | H=15 | H=20 | H=45 | H=60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | 17 | 25 | 34 | 42 | 43 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 45 | — | — | — |
| Level II | 23 | 34 | 45 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 59 | 61 | 63 | 65 | 70 | — |
| Level III | 26 | 39 | 52 | 65 | 66 | 66 | 67 | 69 | 72 | 75 | 84 | 85 ★ |
TPKT — Compact Conventional Lightning Rod
The TPKT is TrilPeak's compact Franklin lightning rod — 385mm, 1.5kg, stainless steel 304, IEC 62305-3 compliant. Same coverage performance as TPKA at equivalent installation height. Optimised for high-volume Faraday mesh procurement where low cost per terminal is the priority. Max. current 200kA. No maintenance.
Stainless steel 304. Single sensor or Faraday mesh. Preferred for high-volume residential and commercial mesh array projects. Available for OEM and ODM supply.
| Level | H=2 | H=3 | H=4 | H=5 | H=6 | H=7 | H=8 | H=10 | H=15 | H=20 | H=45 | H=60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | 17 | 25 | 34 | 42 | 43 | 43 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 45 | — | — |
| Level II | 23 | 34 | 45 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 59 | 61 | 63 | 65 | 70 | — |
| Level III | 26 | 39 | 52 | 65 | 66 | 66 | 67 | 69 | 72 | 75 | 84 | 85 ★ |
TPKBF Series — Nickel-Plated & Copper-Plated Franklin Rods
The TPKBF series offers TrilPeak's Franklin rod in two decorative plated finishes — TPKBF-S (nickel-plated, bright silver) and TPKBF-G (copper-plated, warm gold). Same IEC 62305-3 passive air terminal performance as TPKA/TPKT. Preferred for architecturally sensitive installations where the appearance of the air terminal is a specification requirement — heritage buildings, premium residential, and high-visibility commercial facades.
Two finish options for specification on architecturally sensitive or premium installations. TPKBF-S features a bright nickel-plated finish — clean, silver, and corrosion-resistant. TPKBF-G features a warm copper-plated finish — the classic aesthetic of traditional lightning protection. Both variants deliver identical IEC 62305-3 passive air terminal performance. Available for OEM and ODM supply — custom plating and finish options on request.
| Level | H=2 | H=3 | H=4 | H=5 | H=6 | H=7 | H=8 | H=10 | H=15 | H=20 | H=45 | H=60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | 17 | 25 | 34 | 42 | 43 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 45 | — | — | — |
| Level II | 23 | 34 | 45 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 59 | 61 | 63 | 65 | 70 | — |
| Level III | 26 | 39 | 52 | 65 | 66 | 66 | 67 | 69 | 72 | 75 | 84 | 85 ★ |
How Franklin Rods Work — IEC 62305-3 Technical Summary
Our Air Terminal Guide covers rolling sphere method, protection angle method, Faraday mesh method, and the IEC 62305-3 design process in detail — including when to choose Franklin rods vs ESE.
Franklin rods passively collect lightning strikes within the IEC 62305-3 rolling sphere zone. The rolling sphere radius is 20m (Level I), 30m (Level II), 45m (Level III), or 60m (Level IV). Multiple rods in a grid or Faraday cage mesh are used to cover large building footprints at any protection level.
Rolling sphere method, protection angle method, and mesh method are all IEC 62305-3 compliant approaches. The rolling sphere method is the most rigorous and applicable to all structure types. Mesh method is commonly used for flat roofs. Protection angle method applies to simple, non-complex structures.
Franklin rods are accepted universally by IEC 62305, NFPA 780, BS EN 62305, and all major national building codes — unlike ESE, which is not recognised by IEC 62305 or NFPA 780. No maintenance, no components, no replacement parts. Passive performance is guaranteed by geometry alone.
Franklin rods intercept direct strikes only. Conducted surges on power cables require a Type 1 SPD at the MDB and Type 2 SPD at sub-boards per IEC 62305-4. See: lightning arrester vs surge arrester.
Which Air Terminal Type Do You Need?
The choice depends on the required protection radius, structure type, applicable code, and project budget. See our full ESE vs Franklin guide for complete decision criteria.
| Factor | Franklin Rod | ESE Rod |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | IEC 62305-3 ✓ | NFC 17-102 |
| NFPA 780 accepted | Yes ✓ | No |
| Max radius, single rod | ~72m (H=20m, LIII) | 113m (TPKB-6.4) |
| Multiple rods needed | Yes — mesh/grid | Often just one |
| Unit cost | Lower | Higher |
| System cost (large site) | Higher (more rods) | Often lower |
| OEM/ODM available | Yes — TrilPeak | Yes — TrilPeak |
Franklin Rod Is Zone 1 — IEC 62305 Requires All Four Zones
A Franklin rod is the starting point — not the complete solution. TrilPeak manufactures or supplies components for all four IEC 62305 zones, giving EPC contractors a single factory source for a CE-documented installation. Read: What does a complete lightning protection system include?
Down Conductor & Earthing Requirements for Franklin Rod Installations
IEC 62305-3 requires a minimum of two down conductors for any structure, spaced equally around the perimeter. Each conductor must have its own earth electrode meeting ≤10Ω resistance. For spacing requirements, maximum distances between conductors per protection level, and separation distance calculations — see our complete LPS design guide.
Minimum 2 Down Conductors
IEC 62305-3 requires at least two down conductors for any structure, spaced equally around the perimeter. For structures with perimeter >25m, maximum spacing is 10m (LPL I), 15m (LPL II), or 20m (LPL III/IV).
Strike Counter per Down Conductor
A TPKG-S or TPKG-3M strike counter should be installed in each down conductor. Records every strike event without any power supply — IEC 62305-1 compliance, maintenance scheduling, and insurance documentation.
Earth Electrode — ≤10Ω Target
Each down conductor connects to its own earth electrode. TrilPeak supplies copper-bonded earth rods (≥254μm Cu, IEC 62561-2). In high-resistivity soils, multiple parallel rods or chemical enhancement are used to achieve ≤10Ω.
Separation Distance Compliance
IEC 62305-3 Clause 6.3 requires physical separation between down conductors and internal metallic services. Where separation cannot be maintained, equipotential bonding or a Type 1 SPD is required at the point of parallel routing.
TrilPeak supplies the complete earthing chain. Copper-bonded earth rods alongside your Franklin rod order — one factory, one CE document set. See the full range at our grounding and earthing accessories page.
Where TrilPeak Franklin Rods Are Specified
Residential & Small Commercial Buildings
Franklin rods are the standard air terminal for residential LPS — universally code accepted, simple to install, and cost-effective in the low rod counts required for smaller structures.
- Detached houses and villas
- Low-rise apartment buildings
- Small commercial premises
- Agricultural buildings and storage
Faraday Mesh Arrays — Large Roofs
For large, flat or low-pitch roofs where rolling sphere analysis requires a mesh of air terminals, TrilPeak TPKT provides the lowest cost per terminal — optimised for high-volume procurement per project.
- Large flat-roof commercial buildings
- Industrial facilities with extensive roof area
- Logistics and warehouse rooftops
- Schools, hospitals, and public buildings
Projects Requiring NFPA 780 or IEC 62305 Compliance
Franklin rods are the only air terminal type accepted by both IEC 62305 and NFPA 780. For projects in North America or any jurisdiction that follows NFPA 780, Franklin rods are the required passive air terminal. All TrilPeak TPKA/TPKT rods include CE documentation for IEC markets.
- All IEC 62305 jurisdictions — universal
- NFPA 780 compliant installations
- Projects where ESE rods are not permitted
- Building regulation submissions
Private Label & Custom Franklin Rods — OEM & ODM
TrilPeak manufactures all Franklin rod models in-house — precision machining and 100% per-unit inspection. OEM partners receive private labels and custom packaging; ODM clients specify custom dimensions and materials.
OEM — Private Label Franklin Rods
Supply TPKA, TPKT, and TPKBF under your own brand. TrilPeak handles manufacturing, CE documentation, and quality inspection — you control the label and packaging.
- Private brand engraving, stamping, or labelling
- Custom packaging and multi-language datasheets
- Custom surface finish — nickel-plated, copper-plated, or stainless
- CE Declaration of Conformity included with every order
- Flexible MOQ — suitable for distributors of all sizes
- 7-day sample supply · NDA standard
ODM — Custom Franklin Rod Specification
Custom rod diameter, length, alloy grade, surface treatment, and tip geometry. TrilPeak's engineering team supports custom specifications from drawing through production.
- Custom rod length — 0.5m to 6m standard range
- Custom diameter and tip geometry per project
- Custom plating and surface treatment on request
- Custom base fittings and mast adapter integration
- Custom surface treatment — hot-dip zinc, anodise, lacquer
- 3–5 day prototype · 7-day first production sample
OEM and ODM enquiries: engineering reply within 24h · Samples in 7 days · CE DoC standard · 25 years manufacturing · 50+ countries
Why Source Franklin Rods from TrilPeak?
IEC 62305-3 · ISO 9001:2015
All Franklin rods manufactured to IEC 62305-3 and IEC 62561-1 under ISO 9001:2015 quality management. CE marking available. DoC on request. ISO 9001 details →
Complete LPS Supply Chain
Franklin rods, ESE air terminals, strike counters, earth rods, and full SPD range from one factory. One PO, one CE document set for the complete IEC 62305 BOM.
In-House Precision Manufacturing
TrilPeak machines all rod geometries and applies all surface finishes in-house — component-level traceability, not a trading company. Vertical integration →
OEM & ODM · Flexible MOQ
Private label and custom material/dimension for all models. 7-day sample. Request free samples → Distributor-friendly MOQ for all project scales.
Franklin Rod — Buyer & Technical FAQ
What Franklin rod models does TrilPeak offer?
TrilPeak offers three Franklin rod models: TPKA (450mm, stainless steel 304, standard), TPKT (385mm, 1.5kg, compact cost-optimised for high-volume mesh arrays), and TPKBF (plated finish series — TPKBF-S nickel-plated silver, TPKBF-G copper-plated gold). All three are IEC 62305-3 compliant with identical coverage radius performance at equivalent installation heights.
When should I choose a Franklin rod vs an ESE air terminal?
Franklin rods are the universally accepted IEC 62305-3 and NFPA 780 standard. Choose Franklin when IEC 62305-3 compliance is required without restriction, when NFPA 780 applies, or when a mesh array is already specified. Choose ESE (TPKB/TPKSE) when a single terminal must protect a large footprint and NFC 17-102 is accepted. See our full comparison guide.
What finish options are available for TrilPeak Franklin rods?
Standard models TPKA and TPKT are stainless steel 304. The TPKBF series offers decorative plated finishes — TPKBF-S (nickel-plated, bright silver) and TPKBF-G (copper-plated, warm gold) — for architecturally sensitive installations. Custom finishes are available via the ODM programme.
How many Franklin rods does a building need?
The number of rods is determined by IEC 62305-3 rolling sphere method for the required protection level. A rolling sphere radius of 20m (Level I) or 45m (Level III) is rolled across the structure — wherever the sphere touches the structure without touching an air terminal, a rod is needed. Your LPS design engineer performs this calculation. TrilPeak provides product support but does not perform site-specific LPS design.
What grounding resistance is required with Franklin rod installations?
IEC 62305-3 recommends ≤10Ω earth electrode resistance for each down conductor. Each down conductor must connect to its own earth electrode. TrilPeak supplies copper-bonded earth rods (≥254μm Cu, IEC 62561-2) for this purpose. Multiple rods in parallel are used when soil resistivity is high.
Is OEM or ODM supply available for Franklin rods?
Yes. TrilPeak's OEM programme covers TPKA and TPKT with private labelling, custom packaging, and CE documentation. Our ODM service supports custom rod lengths, diameters, materials, and tip geometries. Flexible MOQ. 7-day samples. Request free samples →
Request a Quote — Franklin Lightning Rods
TrilPeak supplies TPKA, TPKT, and TPKBF conventional Franklin rods to EPC contractors, installers, and distributors in 50+ countries. IEC 62305-3 compliant. CE certified. Complete LPS BOM from one factory.