Which Type of Lightning Protection System is Best for My Building?
MS IEC Compliant Lightning Protection System is Best For Buildings and Structures in Malaysia. TAKO since 1979 provides Total Lightning Protection Solutions in Malaysia which is MS IEC 62305 Compliant.
Picking a lightning protection system for your building can be confusing. You might ask, “Which type is truly the best?”
The truth is, there is no single “best” type. The best system is the one that is right for your specific building.
This is why expert advice is so important. In Malaysia, the right system must follow the MS IEC 62305 standard.
This is where TAKO since 1979 can help. We don’t just sell products. We provide Total Lightning Protection Solutions. How? We use our own Risk Assessment Software to find the perfect solution for you. We are also the Sole Distributor of Telabahn SPDs, ensuring top-quality surge protection.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Main Types of Lightning Protection Systems
Think of a lightning protection system (LPS) like an umbrella. It safely catches the lightning and guides it to the ground.
There are two main ways to do this:
1. The Faraday Cage (Mesh Conductor) System
- What it is: A network of wires laid over your roof and down the sides of the building, forming a “cage.”
- How it works: It creates a protective shield around your building. Lightning strikes the mesh and is safely directed to the ground through multiple paths.
- Best for: Large buildings with flat roofs. Think factories, hospitals, data centres, and high-rise apartments. It’s a very robust solution.
2. The Rolling Sphere (Early Streamer Emission) System
- What it is: Uses tall, pointed air terminals (rods) at high points on the roof.
- How it works: These rods attract the lightning strike better than the building itself. The strike is then caught and sent to the ground.
- Best for: Buildings with pitched or complex roofs. Think churches, houses, schools, and commercial buildings. It’s often a more economical solution.
So, Which One is Best for YOU in Malaysia?
The choice depends on a few key things:
- Your Building’s Design: Is your roof flat or sloped? Simple or complicated?
- What’s Inside: Do you have expensive computers, servers, or medical equipment? These need extra protection from power surges.
- Malaysian Law (UBBL 1984): Buildings over 13.5 meters tall must have a certified system. The type must be approved.
- The Most Important Factor: Risk Assessment.
You cannot guess the best system. You need a proper Risk Assessment.
This is a calculation based on the Malaysian standard MS IEC 62305. It looks at:
- How often lightning hits your area.
- What your building is made of.
- What the building is used for.
This is why TAKO’s Risk Assessment Software is so crucial. It does the hard math for you. It tells us exactly what level of protection you need. This ensures your system is safe, effective, and follows the law.
Don’t Forget Surge Protection! (The Inside Job)
A lightning strike nearby can still hurt you. It can send a power surge through wires and destroy your electronics.
This is why the best external protection isn’t enough. You need Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) for your electrical panel.
TAKO is the Sole Distributor of Telabahn SPDs in Malaysia. This means we offer top-quality products to protect your valuable gadgets and appliances from the inside.
FAQ: Picking a System in Malaysia
Can I install it myself?
No. For your safety and to follow the law, a certified LPS must be installed by a competent contractor like TAKO.
Which is cheaper, the cage or the rods?
The Rolling Sphere system is often more cost-effective for smaller buildings. But the right choice is about safety, not just cost.
How do I know what my building needs?
You need a professional risk assessment. This is the first step we take at TAKO. It removes all the guesswork.
So, which lightning protection system is best?
The best system is the one that is designed just for your building and follows Malaysia’s MS IEC 62305 standard.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Let TAKO since 1979 help you. We provide peace of mind.
- We use our Risk Assessment Software to design the perfect system.
- We install high-quality, compliant LPS solutions.
- We protect your electronics with Telabahn SPDs.
Stop worrying about choosing the “best” type. Choose the best partner instead.
Contact TAKO today for a free consultation. Let us find the right solution for you.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this blog is for informational and marketing purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Our focus is on providing comprehensive LPS total solution services. This service encompasses a wide range of solutions to design, install, and maintain a complete lightning protection system tailored to your specific needs. For any questions or to discuss your specific lightning protection needs, please contact us directly.
