Lightning Protection System Objectives
A Lightning Protection System (LPS) is designed to capture lightning, safely conduct the current to the ground, dissipate it, and protect against secondary effects. It aims to minimize environmental damage and protect buildings, equipment, and people from fires, equipment failures, and financial losses caused by lightning.
Need for Protection
Lightning can cause significant damage, including train derailments, equipment destruction, structural damage, fires, and electrocution. Protection is crucial during the design phase of structures to mitigate these risks.
Destructive Effects of Lightning
Lightning can lead to equipment destruction, structural damage, fires, and electrocution. Inductive effects can damage electronic equipment due to induced currents.
Standards and Regulations
Compliance with standards like NF C 17-102, UNE 21186, and IEC/EN 62305 ensures effective lightning protection. National codes may also apply, especially for high-risk structures like hospitals and areas with hazardous materials.
High-Risk Situations
Structures with sensitive equipment, hazardous materials, or public access require lightning protection. High or isolated buildings and areas with frequent lightning strikes are also high-risk.
Lightning Parameters
Lightning involves positive and negative discharges, with peak currents ranging from hundreds of amperes to several hundred kiloamperes. Standards assume a 10/350 μs wave for direct discharge.
Risk Assessment
Risk assessment determines the need and level of lightning protection based on expected lightning incidence and structure vulnerability. Protection levels range from I (most restrictive) to IV (least restrictive).
Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Air Terminals
ESE air terminals generate an upward leader to intercept lightning before other objects. The protection radius depends on the terminal's height and advance time. Installation requires compliance with standards like NF C 17-102.
Design and Installation Guide for ESE Air Terminals
ESE air terminals should be installed at least 2 meters above other elements within their protection radius. Two down-conductors should be used, preferably on different building walls, with a cross-section of at least 50 mm². Tin-plated copper is recommended for its conductivity and corrosion resistance. Guard tubes and lightning event counters enhance protection.
Lightning Protection System Overview
The document provides detailed guidelines for the installation and maintenance of lightning protection systems, focusing on down-conductors, earthing, and air terminals. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance between down-conductors and external gas pipes, recommending a minimum of 5 meters.
Down-Conductors
Each down-conductor must be connected to an earth termination system, ideally located outside the building. The earth termination system's resistance should be below 10 Ω. Connections should allow for disconnection and be placed in an inspection pit. The system should use vertical electrodes forming a triangle with a minimum total length of 6 meters, bonded with a conductor buried 50 cm deep.
Earthing
All earth termination systems should be bonded together and connected to the building's general earthing system. A spark gap is recommended for connecting the lightning earth termination system to the general earth system. The document advises against using aluminum conductors directly with the earth and recommends bimetal or stainless steel clamps to avoid corrosion.
Air Terminals and Accessories
The document describes the use of rods and meshed conductors to distribute and dissipate lightning current. It outlines three methods for determining the protection volume: Angle Method, Rolling Sphere Method, and Mesh Method. The installation must comply with IEC 62305 standards.
Internal and External Lightning Protection Systems
Internal systems should include surge protection and measures like equipotential bonding. External systems consist of rods, down-conductors, and earth termination systems. Franklin rods should be placed at high and vulnerable points.
DAT CONTROLER® PLUS Air Terminals
This section details the DAT CONTROLER® PLUS, an Early Streamer Emission (ESE) air terminal. It highlights its compliance with NF C 17-102:2011 standards and its ability to trigger an upward leader to intercept lightning. The air terminal's performance is certified under various environmental conditions, including rain and extreme weather.
Technical Specifications
The DAT CONTROLER® PLUS is made of AISI 316L stainless steel, weighs 3.8 kg, and operates between -25 ºC to +88 ºC. It features internal insulation with polyurethane resin and is fixed using an M20 male thread. The document provides detailed protection radius calculations based on the height of the air terminal and protection level.
Certifications
The air terminal is certified for radius protection, performance under rain, and withstand current for 20 impacts of 100 kA. It is tested according to UNE-EN 60060-1:2012 standards, ensuring high performance and reliability.
Specifications
The document outlines the specifications for various air terminals and accessories, including the DAT CONTROLER® PLUS with AT-REMOTE TESTER. The certified withstand current is 20 x 100 kA (10/350 μs), and insulation is above 95% according to IEC 60060-1 standards.
Procedures
The AT-REMOTE TESTER allows remote testing of the air terminal up to 100 meters away. It continuously checks the state of the air terminal and emits a signal with the result, which can be analyzed by authorized personnel using a specific device.
Certifications
The AT-REMOTE TESTER is certified to withstand 20 current impulses with a peak current higher than 100 kA, according to EN 60060-1 and IEC 61083-1 standards.
Components and Accessories
The document lists various air terminals and accessories, including rods and meshed conductors, with detailed specifications such as dimensions, materials, and weights. These components comply with IEC 62305 and IEC 62561 standards.
Installation Recommendations
Air terminals are designed for use with specific accessories and comply with international standards for lightning protection systems. The document provides detailed tables for selecting appropriate components based on material, dimensions, and application requirements.
Key Data from Tables
Tables provide detailed specifications for air terminals, including dimensions, materials (stainless steel, chrome-plated copper, aluminum), and weights. They also specify compliance with relevant IEC standards, ensuring suitability for various installation scenarios.
Overview
This document provides detailed specifications and guidelines for various air terminal and anchorage systems used in lightning protection. It includes information on dimensions, materials, weight, and compliance with international standards such as IEC 62305, IEC 62561, UNE 21186, and NF C 17-102.
Air Terminals and Accessories
The document outlines different types of air terminals, including taper pointed air rods and horizontal air terminal saddles. Specifications such as dimensions, conductor range, thread type, material, and weight are provided for each model. The document emphasizes compliance with IEC standards.
Fixings
Various fixing solutions are described for supporting air rods on roofs and walls. These include horizontal air terminal saddles, reduced anchorage systems, and special rod supports. Each fixing type is detailed with reference numbers, dimensions, material, and weight.
Masts and Anchorages
The document details mast systems for attaching to walls or structures, including U-shaped, angle bar, and light anchorages. Specifications include dimensions, material, and weight. Recommendations for installation distances and conditions are provided to ensure proper attachment and compliance with standards.
Concrete Bases
Concrete bases for fixing air termination rods on flat roofs are described, with specifications on dimensions, rod diameter, material, and weight. The document advises against using these bases for rods over 3 meters high due to wind load concerns.
Specialized Anchorages
The document includes information on specialized anchorage systems for specific applications, such as lamp posts, chimneys, and trestle towers. Each system is described with detailed specifications and installation guidelines to ensure safety and compliance.
Compliance and Standards
Throughout the document, compliance with international standards is emphasized, ensuring that all products meet safety and performance requirements.
Mast Anchorage for Flat Roof Application
The document outlines specifications for mast anchorage on flat roofs, recommending a 70 x 70 x 25 cm concrete base to prevent roof damage. Two models are specified: AT-003B for masts up to 3 m high and AT-006B for masts up to 6 m high, both made of galvanized steel and compliant with UNE 21186 and NF C 17-102 standards.
Trestle Towers
Trestle towers can elevate up to 26.5 m and require guy wires for stability. They can be installed on flat roofs or walls using specific anchorage models. The document provides detailed specifications for various models, including height, guy wire distances, and material weight, all made of galvanized steel and compliant with relevant standards.
Trestle Tower Accessories
Accessories for trestle towers include middle sections, wall anchorages, and various kits for guy wires, all made of galvanized steel. These components are essential for completing a trestle tower installation.
Free Standing Mast
These masts are self-supporting and designed for wind velocities up to 250 km/h. They consist of pyramidal trunk sections that slot into each other, eliminating the need for welding. The document provides specifications for different mast heights, including foundation dimensions and material weight.
Self-Supported Tower
Suitable for installations where welding is not allowed, these towers include a 6 m mast and require a concrete foundation. Specifications for various models are provided, detailing height, dimensions, and material weight.
Down-Conductor and Accessories
The document details various clips and holders for securing down-conductors to flat surfaces. These components are made of stainless steel, galvanized steel, or gunmetal and comply with international standards.
Metal Tape and Cable Clips
These clips are used to bond copper or aluminum tapes and cables to metal structures. Specifications include dimensions, material, and weight, with compliance to relevant standards.
Overview
This document provides detailed specifications and applications for various clips, down-conductors, and accessories used in electrical installations, particularly for securing cables and conductors in compliance with international standards such as UNE 21186, NF C 17-102, IEC 62305, and IEC 62561.
Specifications- Clips for Cable: Includes models like AT-133E to AT-136E, made of stainless steel, designed to secure round conductors or cables with specific dimensions and weights.
- KS Cable Clip: Models AT-004E to AT-005E, available in copper, galvanized steel, and stainless steel, for connecting round conductors to flat profiles.
- Nylon Cable Clips: Models AT-043E to AT-049E, made of nylon, suitable for securing round conductors or cables, with integrated plugs and screws.
Procedures- Installation: Clips and supports are designed for easy installation with plugs, screws, and bolts included. Specific models are tailored for different conductor sizes and materials.
- Compliance: All products comply with relevant international standards, ensuring safety and reliability in electrical installations.
Norms and Standards- Products comply with UNE 21186, NF C 17-102, IEC 62305, and IEC 62561, ensuring adherence to international safety and performance standards.
Recommendations- For specific dimensions or custom requirements, contact the manufacturer.
- Ensure compatibility with existing systems and structures before installation.
Key Data from Tables- Material and Weight: Products are available in various materials including stainless steel, copper, and nylon, with weights ranging from a few grams to several kilograms depending on the application.
- Dimensions and Conductor Range: Detailed dimensions and conductor ranges are provided for each product, ensuring precise fit and function.
Applications- Products are suitable for a wide range of applications including securing conductors to metal structures, flat roofs, and various types of tiles.
- Specialized supports are available for different roof types and conductor sizes.
Overview
This document provides detailed specifications and applications for various earthing and bonding components used in electrical installations. The components are primarily made of stainless steel, copper, gunmetal, and aluminum, and comply with international standards such as UNE 21186, NF C 17-102, IEC 62305, and IEC 62561.
1. Earthing Pipe Clamps
These clamps are used for securing earthing conductors to pipes. They are available in different sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, and are suitable for various conductor sizes and pipe diameters.
2. Downpipe Clamps and Supports
These components are designed to support and secure down-conductors to rainwater pipes. They are customizable and compatible with various clips and straps, ensuring secure installation.
3. Cable and Tape Clamps
The document lists several types of clamps, including square, T-shape, and parallel clamps, used for bonding cables and tapes to different surfaces. These clamps are made from materials like gunmetal, aluminum, and galvanized steel.
4. Test Clamps
These are used for testing and disconnecting tape conductors. They are available in different models and materials, such as gunmetal and aluminum, to suit various testing needs.
5. Universal Disconnecting Clamps
These clamps facilitate linear connections between cables and tapes, ensuring secure and reliable electrical bonding. They are made from materials like copper, galvanized steel, and stainless steel.
Key Compliance
All components comply with relevant international standards, ensuring safety and reliability in electrical installations.
Overview
This document provides detailed specifications and applications for various components used in lightning protection systems, including test clamps, down-conductors, air terminals, and accessories. It outlines the materials, dimensions, and compliance standards for each product, ensuring they meet international safety and performance standards.
1. Test Clamps and Connectors- Test clamps are used for bonding conductors and preventing galvanic coupling. They are available in various materials such as aluminum alloy, copper, and galvanized steel.
- Specifications include dimensions, conductor range, and weight. Compliance with standards like UNE 21186, NF C 17-102, IEC 62305, and IEC 62561 is highlighted.
2. Air Terminals and Accessories- Air terminals are designed to protect structures from lightning strikes. The document details the installation and specifications of spark gaps and surge protection equipment.
- Products like the AT-060F protector ensure equipotential bonding to prevent dangerous sparks.
3. Lightning Event Counters- Devices like ATLOGGER and AT-034G record electrical activity and count lightning strikes. They are easy to install and do not require interrupting the down-conductor.
- These counters are autonomous and comply with relevant safety standards.
4. Conductors and Tapes- The document lists various conductors, including copper-steel and copper-clad aluminum, with details on dimensions and weight.
- Different types of tapes, such as bare copper, tin-plated copper, and PVC-coated tapes, are recommended for use as down-conductors.
5. Accessories- Includes items like guard tubes, flexible braid bonds, and expansion units, which are essential for the installation and maintenance of lightning protection systems.
- Each accessory is described with its material, dimensions, and application instructions.
6. Compliance and Standards- All products comply with international standards such as UNE 21186, NF C 17-102, IEC 62305, and IEC 62561, ensuring their reliability and safety in lightning protection applications.
SpecificationsThe document outlines various types of conductors and accessories, including aluminium tape, stainless steel tape, flexible copper braid, hard drawn copper bar, galvanized steel tape, stranded electrolytic
copper cable, and PVC insulated stranded copper cable. Each type is detailed with reference dimensions, weight per metre, and compliance with standards such as UNE 21186, NF C 17-102, IEC 62305, and IEC 62561.
Procedures and Recommendations
- Aluminium tape is easier to install than copper tape but has lower conductivity and is not suitable for direct contact with soil.
- Stainless steel tape is recommended for highly corrosive environments.
- Stranded cable is easier to install than solid round conductors.
- PVC coated conductors are used to blend the down-conductor into the building.
Norms and Standards
All products comply with UNE 21186, NF C 17-102, IEC 62305, and IEC 62561 standards. For other dimensions, customers are advised to contact the supplier.
Key Data from Tables
- Aluminium tape dimensions range from 12.5 x 1.5 mm to 50 x 6 mm, with weights from 0.05 kg/m to 0.85 kg/m.
- Hard drawn copper bars are available in dimensions from 25 x 3 mm to 100 x 6 mm, with weights from 0.65 kg/m to 5.40 kg/m.
- Galvanized steel tape dimensions range from 20 x 2.5 mm to 40 x 5 mm, with weights from 0.4 kg/m to 1.6 kg/m.
- Stranded copper cables are available in dimensions from 35 mm2 to 150 mm2, with weights from 0.40 kg/m to 1.34 kg/m.
Critical Information
- Aluminium tape is not suitable for direct soil contact.
- Stainless steel tape is recommended for corrosive environments.
- Stranded cables are preferred for ease of installation.
- Compliance with international standards ensures product reliability and safety.