Table of Contents
Introduction- lightning arrester design for building
The right lightning arrest design for building purposes is highly relevant to prevent the structure from harmful effects caused by flashes of lightning. A proficiently build network serves as the first block against the big surge, taking it safely out of the houses and out of the inhabitants’ reach. Up till this date, with experience that dates back to 1979, TAKO, a company in Malaysia, has garnered a deserved reputation for supplying cost-effective and effective lighting arrester products and services which are customized according to regional customers’ needs.
1. Lightning Arrester Types and Functionalities:
• Spark Gaps: Such arresters as conventional gap units operate with the air gap breaking down and redirecting the current that is below the strokes of a thunderstorm.
• Surge Protective Devices (SPDs): The old-fashioned devices like miniaturized surge protectors were upgraded; they featured modern technologies like Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) to pinpoint the surges and absorb their energy, keeping the sensitive electronic equipment within the building safe.
2. Selection Factors for Lightning Arrester Selection:
• Building Type: High-rise buildings and construction consisting of complex facilities need to be more resilient than small houses. Therefore, the two types of facilities may be compared differently.
• Lightning Activity Level: The magnitude of lightning in the vicinity of the transmitter increases the chances of strike, so arresters should have the corresponding higher surge current rating.
• Applicable Regulations: These specifications such as MS 1525:2011 (Lightning Protection System for Buildings) in Malaysia will provide the requisite criteria regarding the selection and installation of surge arrestors.
3. Unique TAKO Features
• TAKO Spark Gaps: Their exclusively high voltage spark gap technology is featured with a very short response time (in <25 nano seconds) which this ensures that lightning arrestor blocks lightning current in time.
• TAKO SPDs: Such equipment in its making of multi-stage protection involving MOVs and GDTs are not only able to provide protection for voltage surges over a wide range but also is.
• Tropicalized Design: TUKO arresters are strategically engineered to manage any weather condition of TMK country especially the high humidity and extreme temperatures.
4. Installation Considerations and Safety:
Although an outline that generally covers the installation procedures can be provided, special attention should be given to the necessity of utilizing those professionals who are in that field. Proper installation is a must as otherwise the system may either not function as effectively as expected or even pose some dangers.
5. Integration with Grounding Systems:
1. Lightning Arrester Design:
- Surge Diverter: The heart of dangerous curve is the surge diverter. This device can create a short path for surge current to pass with a low resistance. Gap switchers in the form of MOV or spark gaps are the surge diverters. There, the norm is of these components to have high resistance. Nevertheless, when an elevated voltage occurs (for instance, lightning strike), they cloud change immediately to a low impedance condition of the surge current thereby bypassing sensitive hardware.
- Enclosure: The control of lightning discharges by the use of hardware-housing enclosure (lightning arresters) is a mode of protection that utilizes hardware material to enclose and control the discharge. This structured envelope serves as the shield for the surge diverter from all factors in the environment including moisture, dust, corrosion, and also even physical harm. High-grade base used means longer operation and perfect function.
- Grounding System: Proper grounding is the first requirement for effectiveness of lightning protection arrangements. The grounding system becomes prominent here as it is inefficient net to dissipate surge currents digging into the ground. This feature however, acts as a shield, protecting the terminal block from any possible damages that may occur by the currents.
2. Applications and Uses of Lightning Arresters: Applications and Uses of Lightning Arresters:
- Power Distribution Systems: Lightings surge arresters are At the substations, distribution panels and transformer stations are some of the ones with lightning surge arresters strategically installed. They protect the living, crew, and vulnerable equipment against the lethal effects of lightning and lightning strikes. Whenever the lightning hits the power line the anзыватель (semiconductor unit) directs the surge current to the ground, thus ensuring the entire power distribution complex and the equipment connected with it.
- Buildings and Homes: The tall structures and openness of buildings and homes cause them to take direct hits of strikes. Through a chain of rooftop mounted lightning arresters lightning can be sent on a low-impedance path which allows the flow of electrical currents to the earth safely and quickly. That saves the structure from the devastating effects of the quake and, hence, provides a safe habitation for the occupants.
- Telecom and Communication Systems: Antennas and the communication towers are exposed to such strikes due to their height, their connection with the ground is disrupted as the lightning moves through their conductors. This equipment will have specialized lightning arresters, made specifically for the telecommunications services, surge protection available while not allowing the services to be interrupted.
3. Purpose of Lightning Arresters:
- Safety: These are used to protect people from electric shock which is the main goal of the device. The function of stabilizers is to deflect the surging currents from the vulnerable equipment. This protects from the risk of destruction and danger.
- Equipment Longevity: Lightning arresters are a key component in ensuring systemic and device longevity as they help to negate the negative impact of transient voltages created by lightning strikes.
6. Benefits of Using TAKO Lightning Arresters:
• It converts lightnings into safe current and prevents direct strikes on buildings and equipment; therefore, it minimizes impacts on them. ([Source: National Fire Protection Association'(NFPA) confirms the effectiveness and economic feasibility of the code-required systems that comply with current edition(NFPA 780) which are effective, safe, and economical.
• This will help protect people from the danger of fire associated with lightning bolts meeting the wires.
• Provided resilience for building occupants and equipment after it was affected by the disaster.
7. Conclusion
TAKO has a clear advantage over the competitors in the regional market for lightning arrester design for buildings in Malaysia due to the company’s innovation and knowledge of the regional particularities. These include their innovative technologies and suitable design that equip the helmets with superior capabilities for protecting the wearer against the unique environment of tropical lightning. Obviously, seeking counsels from the competent electricians for the installation and maintenance of the lifesaving lightning arrestors in your building is key to assuring the protection of the structure and its occupants.
FAQs
How do you design lightning protection for a building?
Designing lightning protection for a building involves several key steps:
1. Risk Assessment: Evaluate the building’s location, height, structure, and the frequency of lightning strikes in the area.
2. Protection System Design: Determine the type and placement of lightning rods, air terminals, down conductors, and grounding systems based on the risk assessment.
3. Compliance with Standards: Ensure that the design complies with relevant safety standards and codes, such as NFPA 780 and IEC 62305.
4. Installation: Properly install the lightning protection system according to the design specifications, taking care to maintain structural integrity and electrical continuity.
5. Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain the lightning protection system to ensure its effectiveness and reliability over time.
6. Testing: Conduct periodic testing and inspection to verify the system’s performance and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
How do you calculate building lightning arrester?
Calculating the lightning protection system for a building involves several factors:
1. Risk Assessment: Assess the building’s vulnerability to lightning strikes based on factors such as location, height, and structural materials.
2. Protection Level: Determine the desired level of protection based on the building’s occupancy and importance.
3. Lightning Current Parameters: Estimate the peak current likely to be discharged by a lightning strike to the structure.
4. Strike Termination Devices: Calculate the number and placement of air terminals (lightning rods) required to intercept lightning strikes.
5. Down Conductors: Determine the size, material, and routing of down conductors to safely dissipate lightning currents to the ground.
6. Grounding System: Design an effective grounding system to safely disperse lightning currents into the earth.
7. Separation Distances: Ensure adequate separation distances between lightning protection components and other structures or conductive materials.
8. Compliance: Ensure that the lightning protection system design complies with relevant standards and codes, such as NFPA 780 and IEC 62305.
What is the design standard for lightning protection system?
The design standard for lightning protection systems varies depending on the country and region. Some of the widely recognized standards include:
1. NFPA 780 (National Fire Protection Association) – United States
2. IEC 62305 (International Electrotechnical Commission) – Global standard
3. BS EN 62305 (British Standards Institution) – United Kingdom
4. UL 96A (Underwriters Laboratories) – United States
5. AS/NZS 1768 (Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand) – Australia and New Zealand
6. IS/IEC 62305 (Bureau of Indian Standards) – India
These standards provide guidelines for the design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of lightning protection systems to ensure the safety of structures and occupants from lightning strikes. It’s important to consult the specific standard relevant to your location and project requirements when designing a lightning protection system.
What is a lightning arrester for building range?
The range of a lightning arrester for buildings typically depends on factors such as the height, size, and layout of the building, as well as the local lightning risk. Lightning arrester systems are designed to protect structures by providing a low-resistance path for lightning current to safely dissipate into the ground, thereby minimizing damage from lightning strikes.
In general, the range of protection provided by a lightning arrester system extends radially outward from the lightning rods or air terminals installed on the building. However, the exact range can vary significantly based on factors such as the height and shape of the building, the type and placement of air terminals, and the effectiveness of the grounding system.
It’s essential to conduct a thorough risk assessment and consult with a qualified lightning protection engineer to determine the appropriate design and range of protection for a specific building. This ensures that the lightning arrester system effectively mitigates the risk of lightning damage to the structure and its occupants.
How does TAKO Astatic Technology Sdn Bhd approach lightning arrester design?
As of my last update in January 2022, I don’t have specific information on TAKO Astatic Technology Sdn Bhd’s approach to lightning arrester design. However, companies specializing in lightning protection typically approach design by conducting thorough risk assessments, considering building characteristics, local lightning frequency, and compliance with relevant standards such as NFPA 780 and IEC 62305. They may also prioritize innovation, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in their design process. For specific information on TAKO Astatic Technology Sdn Bhd’s approach, I recommend reaching out to them directly or consulting their official documentation.
