Petroleum refining enterprises, due to their extensive land area and exposed system components, are highly susceptible to damage from lightning strikes. They require special protective measures to safeguard the refinery from such threats, preventing production downtime or damage, and even protecting against potential destruction of the refinery.

The petroleum refining industry heavily relies on the reliable operation of electronic and electrical systems. Lightning strikes, with their direct or indirect effects and transient overvoltages, pose a significant threat to the smooth operation of these systems.