Electrical Lightning Protection System Design

Introduction to lightning protection system within this article an overview of fundamental principles regarding design and construction of lightning protection system lps will be given.

Electrical lightning protection system design.

Apply all the steps for lightning protection system design process perform the risk assessment study size air termination system components apply methods for the best positioning of air terminals determine the number of down conductors design earth termination system write specifications for the designed lps. Basically there are two methods to realize lightning systems designs define the location and the amount of the lightning rods. Like many other engineering systems lightning protection is not necessarily a design preference but the need for a lightning protection system is determined by the requirements of nfpa 70 and nfpa 780 a lightning risk assessment and oftentimes the facility s insurance carrier. Since this system uses a composite mast it required a down conductor which is simply a wire to carry lightning current to ground.

A lightning protection system intercepts or diverts lightning and provides a certain path for conducting the surges safely to the ground by adequate down conductors to grounding electrodes. Knowing lightning and surge protection terminology abbreviations signs and symbols knowing what is lightning and types of lightning flashes knowing what is the lightning protection systems lps types and components knowing the correct choice of lightning protection system components. Lightning protection plays a key role in the design and operation of electric power systems. Lightning protection system lps design comprising.

A proper lightning protection system consisting of air terminal down conductor earthing design is very important to ensure increased protection of a building against lightning and its effects. The lightning protection designer should consult with the persons responsible for the structure on mechanical design matters following the completion of the electrical design for the following points. While the design of the mast incorporated a well designed lightning protection system the materials used did not conform to the requirements of the national electrical code nec. A risk assessment based on actual lightning exposure design of the air termination network and down conductors di fth tht i ti t k d thdesign of the earth termination network and earth electrodes.

In areas with frequent storms lightning is the most common cause of outages and damage. There are the cone protection and the sphere method. Relevant iec 62305 standard will.