Table of Contents
Introduction
Lightning protection maintenance is a frequently forgotten aspect of building safety, particularly for companies. While a properly constructed lightning protection system provides critical protection, skipping regular maintenance can have serious repercussions. Damaged or malfunctioning systems make your property and personnel susceptible to lightning strikes, resulting in:
Costly Downtime: A single lightning strike can severely damage electrical equipment and impede operations for an extended period of time. According to FEMA studies, an average power loss caused by a lightning strike costs businesses between $40,000 and $75,000 per hour.
Financial and legal issues: In Malaysia, buildings must adhere to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) lightning protection rules (MS IEC 62305:2010). Noncompliance can result in large fines or even legal action if lightning strikes cause injuries or property damage.
Employee Safety: A faulty lightning protection system exposes your staff to electrical threats during storms.
Businesses that prioritise lightning protection maintenance can ensure that their systems run well and avoid costly and potentially life-threatening scenarios.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Businesses
Regular maintenance offers a range of benefits to businesses:
Reduced Downtime: Identifying and resolving minor issues before they turn into significant failures helps to avoid unplanned downtime and production disruption.
Compliance with rules: Regular maintenance ensures that your system complies with the most recent DOSH rules, preventing potential legal issues.
Employee Safety: Regular inspections ensure a properly operational lightning protection system, protecting your personnel during storms.
Extended System Lifespan: Proper care helps to maintain the integrity of your lightning protection system, extending its life and decreasing the need for costly repairs.
Choosing a Lightning Protection Maintenance Supplier in Malaysia
When choosing a lightning protection maintenance company in Malaysia, consider these important factors:
Experience and Expertise: Look for a company with a solid track record, such as TAKO, which has been a leading manufacturer of lightning protection systems since 1979.
Qualifications and certificates: Ensure that the chosen provider employs personnel who have the requisite training and certificates to perform correct maintenance procedures as defined by DOSH rules.
Knowledge of Malaysian laws: The chosen company must have a thorough awareness of Malaysia’s specialised lightning protection system laws (MS IEC 62305:2010).
Qualified maintenance providers provide a wide variety of services, including:
Visual inspection is a detailed study of the entire lightning protection system to detect signs of wear, damage, or corrosion.
Electrical testing involves using specialised equipment to ensure the grounding and effectiveness of the lightning protection system.
Detailed Reports: After the inspection and testing, you will be given a thorough report explaining the findings and recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
What to Expect During a TAKO Lightning Protection Maintenance Service
TAKO’s FREE site visit allows firms to see our expertise firsthand. During the appointment, a certified technician will:
Conduct a consultation: Discuss your business’s specific lightning protection needs and concerns.
Perform a comprehensive inspection: Visually inspect the whole lightning protection system, including air terminals, conductors, and grounding elements.
Provide detailed recommendations: Following the inspection, we will provide you with a full report explaining our findings and recommendations for maintenance or improvements to ensure peak system operation.
Conclusion
Don’t wait for a lightning strike to discover the flaws in your lightning protection system. TAKO, a trusted name in lightning protection since 1979, provides dependable and skilled maintenance services across Malaysia.
Schedule your FREE site visit with TAKO today! Let our experts assess your lightning protection system and ensure your business remains protected.
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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 a to your specific needs. For any questions or to discuss your specific lightning protection needs, please contact us directly.
FAQs
How do you maintain lightning protection system?
Maintaining a lightning protection system entails both visual inspection and electrical testing. Here’s the breakdown:
Visual inspection: This is normally done once a year and should be performed by a skilled specialist. The technician will examine all parts of the system, including:
Inspect air terminals (lightning rods) for evidence of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
Inspect conductors (cables) for evidence of wear, corrosion, or breaks.
Grounding system (earth connections) to ensure correct grounding and identify any indicators of deterioration.
Electrical testing may not be required every year, however it is advised at least every 3-5 years. Testing entails utilising specialised equipment to measure the continuity and resistance of the grounding system and confirm that it functions properly.
How often should lightning protection be serviced?
The suggested frequency for maintaining a lightning protection system is based on numerous criteria, including
Local weather conditions: Areas with frequent storms may necessitate more regular inspections.
Type of structure: Highly valuable or important infrastructure may require more frequent inspections.
Regulations: Some regions have set inspection intervals. In Malaysia, for example, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) may provide recommendations.
In general, a visual inspection is recommended once a year, whereas electrical testing may be required every 3-5 years. Always consult a trained lightning protection professional for a maintenance plan tailored to your location and system.
How do you maintain a lighting arrester?
Lightning arresters, also called surge arresters, are critical components of a lightning protection system. However, they are considered disposable devices and do not require routine maintenance in the traditional sense.
During a lightning strike, the arrester absorbs the surge and may be destroyed. As a result, a visual inspection following a lightning strike is required to determine the arrester’s condition. If the arrester shows any symptoms of damage (cracks or discolouration), it must be replaced.
What is the preventive maintenance for a surge arrester?
While not considered “maintenance,” here are some preventive procedures to guarantee that surge arresters work optimally.
Proper installation: Make sure the surge arrester is installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and local requirements.
Environmental considerations: Select a surge arrester with the necessary voltage rating and environmental protection for your site.
Regular inspections: Incorporate surge arresters into your annual visual examination to detect any symptoms of physical damage or deterioration.
Maintain records of installation dates and replacements to track the lifespan of surge arresters.
By following these guidelines, you may help ensure that your surge arresters work properly when needed. Remember that replacing a broken surge arrester following a lightning strike is critical for maintaining system integrity.
