Compliance with national standards.

2) Satisfactory inspection to national standards by the local authority's Fire Prevention Manager.

3) Satisfactory inspection to national standards by the local authority's Planning department representative responsible for signing-off the Completion Certificate for the building as part of the build process.

4) Satisfactory inspection to national standards by the Surveyor responsible for the company providing fire indemnity insurance cover for the building and its occupants.

It should be electrically conductive.

16" tall pointed metal spire mounted at the highest part of the building, some un-insulated copper cable as big around as your thumb leading down and securely clamped to a 10 foot long standard ground rod driven down to ground level.

Two ground rods 8 feet apart connected by the same large copper wire is even better.

It is also best to mount the copper wire on the outside of the building if possible. Lightning tends to have a mind of it's own sometimes so keeping it outside gives you the best chance it won't take off through the attic.

Just remember, lightning rods attract lightning! They also attract Inspectors.

Depends on what guidelines your company adheres to and where you are located. For example if you are located in India, IS 2309 and National Building Code of India are usually followed. NFPA 780 is internationally recognized for the installation of lightning protection systems.