Table of Contents
Introduction
Lightning strikes pose significant risks to buildings, structures, and human safety. Since 1979, TAKO has been a trusted provider of lightning protection systems, ensuring that properties remain safe and secure. In this comprehensive guide, we explore TAKO’s expertise, solutions, and the importance of lightning protection.
Why Lightning Strike Protection Matters
- Human Safety: Lightning is the direct cause of over 50 deaths and 400 injuries each year. Protecting individuals in exposed outdoor areas is challenging, but safeguarding structures helps reduce these risks.
- Property and Equipment: Lightning can cause significant damage to buildings, electrical systems, and electronic equipment. Without proper protection, the consequences can be severe.
- Business Progression: Lightning-induced power interruptions can disrupt operations and lead to financial losses for businesses. Lightning protection ensures a stable power supply.
- Climate Change Impact: As lightning occurrences increase due to climate change, effective protection becomes even more crucial
Lightning strikes can cause serious harm, like damaging electronics, starting fires, and hurting people. TAKO’s lightning protection systems lower these risks by giving lightning a safe path to the ground.
TAKO’s Solutions
Active ESE Lightning Arrester
TAKO’s Lightning Arrester is an early streamer emission (ESE) device that emits streamers earlier than conventional lightning rods. By doing so, it creates a predictable path for lightning discharge, effectively protecting buildings and equipment1.
Total Solution Concept
TAKO offers a holistic approach to lightning protection:
- Design: Customized solutions based on specific needs and proneness.
- Technical Guidance: Expert advice on system installation and maintenance.
- Problem Solving: Guaranteed protection against lightning damages.
What Is Earthing (Grounding)?
Purpose:
Earthing, also known as grounding, involves connecting electrical systems or equipment to the Earth. It provides a low-resistance path for electrical currents to flow safely into the ground.
Safety Mechanism:
When lightning strikes a structure, the energy needs a way to dissipate harmlessly. Proper earthing directs this energy away from sensitive equipment and people. It can reduce the risk of being struck by lightning.
Components:
Earthing systems usually have grounding electrodes like metal rods or plates buried in the ground. They also include conductors and connections to surge protectors, electrical panels, or equipment.
Why Do We Need Earthing in Lightning Protection?
Safety: The primary reason for earthing is safety. Without proper grounding, lightning-induced currents can flow through electrical systems, causing damage, fires, and even injury.
Lightning Strikes: When lightning hits a building, it seeks the path of least resistance. If the structure is well-grounded, the lightning current will follow the earthing system and dissipate harmlessly.
Surge Protection: Earthing works in conjunction with surge protection devices (SPDs). SPDs divert excess voltage caused by lightning strikes away from sensitive equipment.
Stabilizing Voltage: Proper grounding helps stabilize voltage levels, reducing the risk of electrical disturbances during lightning events.
Earthing vs. Lightning Protection Systems:
- Distinction: Earthing is a crucial component of lightning protection systems, but it’s not the entire system.
- Lightning Protection Systems: These encompass various measures, including air terminals (lightning rods), down conductors, and grounding systems. They work together to guide lightning safely to the ground.
- Earthing as Part of the System: Ensuring proper earthing creates a safe path for lightning current. This will help in protecting buildings and equipment from damage.
In summary, earthing is an integral part of lightning protection. It ensures safety, stabilizes voltage, and directs lightning energy away from critical areas. When combined with other lightning protection measures, it forms a comprehensive system to safeguard lives and property. 🌩️⚡
Case Studies
Let’s explore real-world examples of TAKO’s successful lightning protection installations:
- Commercial Building: TAKO’s lightning rods protected a tall office building during a strong thunderstorm. They stopped electrical problems and fires.
- Industrial Facility: An active ESE lightning arrester at a manufacturing plant diverted lightning away from critical machinery, avoiding costly downtime.
- Residential Home: A comprehensive lightning protection system shielded a family home, ensuring safety and peace of mind during storms.
Compliance with Standards
TAKO’s Lightning Risk Assessment Software adheres to the MS IEC 62305 standard. Our solutions optimize the cost of protection while ensuring maximum safety.
- The MS IEC 62305 standard serves as the foundation for protecting structures from lightning strikes. It provides guidelines for assessing the risk posed by lightning and implementing effective protection measures.
- This Malaysian standard considers the unique context of the country, including environmental factors, building designs, and local parameters
Conclusion
Why Choose TAKO?:
- Holistic Approach: TAKO doesn’t just install lightning rods; they take a holistic approach. Their solutions consider the entire ecosystem, from risk assessment to system design and implementation.
- Customized Solutions: No two structures are alike. TAKO tailors its solutions to the unique characteristics of each building, ensuring optimal protection.
- Site Inspections: TAKO’s offer of a free site inspection. This shows our dedication to understanding the unique challenges our clients encounter.
- Peace of Mind: When you choose TAKO, you’re not just investing in equipment; you’re investing in peace of mind. Knowing that your property, equipment, and loved ones are safe from lightning strikes is invaluable.
TAKO’s commitment to safety, backed by 21+ years of experience, makes them the go-to partner for lightning protection. Visit TAKO’s official website to learn more about their solutions and schedule a free site inspection worth RM380!
Remember, when it comes to lightning strikes, prevention is key. Choose TAKO for total peace of mind. 🌩️⚡
FAQs
Why is lightning strike protection necessary?
Lightning strikes can severely damage buildings, infrastructure, and electronic devices. This damage can lead to fires, equipment failures, and even fatalities. Lightning protection systems mitigate these risks by providing a safe path for lightning to discharge safely into the ground.
How does lightning strike protection work?
Lightning protection systems typically consist of lightning rods, conductors, and grounding systems. These parts team up to catch lightning strikes and guide the electrical energy safely into the ground. They direct the surge away from the building or equipment.
What are the components of a lightning strike protection system?
A typical lightning protection system includes lightning rods (air terminals), conductor cables, grounding rods, and surge protection devices. Experts strategically install these components to create a low-resistance path for lightning current to follow, thereby preventing damage.
How effective is lightning strike protection?
When installed and maintained correctly, lightning protection systems greatly reduce the risk of damage from lightning strikes. However, no system can guarantee complete protection against all lightning-related hazards.
Can lightning protection systems prevent lightning strikes?
Lightning protection systems cannot prevent lightning strikes from occurring. Instead, they provide a safe path for lightning to follow, reducing the risk of damage to structures and equipment.
