This is a subject i was involved in way back in time in SA. Due to the unbelievable lightining that takes place in the Johannesburg area in SA (altitude 6000feet above sea level) lightening was a serious issue to be dealt with in electronic designs. Especially telecontrol systems that i was involved in at one stage.
Good news was US developed Transzorbs they amazing little devices.
But I tried to look up the company that used to do the system i am thinking of and dont look like they around in that form anymore.