Table of Contents
Introduction
Building safety and infrastructure stakeholders prioritise protecting structures from the devastating impact of lightning strikes. This is where lightning arrester and earthing systems come into play, providing an important line of defence in comprehensive lightning protection methods.
This blog post delves deep into the area of lightning protection, examining the critical functions of lightning arresters and earthing systems, as well as how TAKO, a leading name in the sector since 1979, can be your reliable partner in protecting your projects.
Understanding Lightning Arrester and Earthing System
Lightning, a massive flash of electrical energy thrown from the environment, is a serious threat to buildings and their people. To fully protect against this strong energy, a complete lightning protection system is required. This system is based on two major components: lightning arresters and earthing systems.
Lightning Arresters
Lightning arresters are the initial responders in a lightning strike scenario. They are strategically placed on exposed areas of a structure, such as rooftops or antenna masts. Here is a breakdown of their function.
Interception: When a lightning strike approaches, the arrester serves as a preferred channel for the current due to its reduced impedance in comparison to the surrounding structure.
Diversion: Once the current is collected, the arrester directs it away from the building’s electrical system and sensitive components.
Limitation: The arrester reduces the surge voltage caused by the lightning hit, further limiting potential harm to electrical equipment within the structure.
Earthing Systems
The redirected electricity from the lightning arrester requires a safe channel to disperse harmlessly. This is where the earthing mechanism comes into action. It is made up of a network of conductors and electrodes that create a low-resistance conduit for current to pass to ground. Let’s take a deeper look at its components:
Earthing Conductors: These normally consist of copper or galvanised steel and link the lightning arrester to the earthing electrodes. They maintain an efficient current flow.
Earthing Electrodes: These are buried underground and create a low-resistance connection to the earth. They are available in a variety of shapes, including rod electrodes, strip electrodes, and buried earth rings, depending on soil conditions and earthing resistance requirements.
The Evolution of Lightning Protection Systems
The history of lightning protection dates back centuries, with Benjamin Franklin’s development of the lightning rod being a watershed milestone. Modern innovations, however, have resulted in major improvements. Industry regulations have tightened, and technology such as Active Early Streamer Emission (ESE) lightning arresters offer increased protective zones. Since its establishment in 1979, TAKO has been at the forefront of these breakthroughs, with over 36 approved inventions that contribute to the ongoing enhancement of lightning protection products
Case Studies: Real-world Applications
Leading enterprises from a variety of industries have relied on TAKO’s expertise in lightning protection solutions.
Our Partners:
and many more…
Here’s a look at TAKO’s reach:
Protecting Manufacturing Giants: Consider a large automobile manufacturing facility with a complex of buildings and critical equipment. TAKO’s solutions could secure such a facility by maintaining continuous production and shielding important assets from lightning strikes.
Ensuring safety in the aviation industry Airports are vital infrastructure that must meet the highest safety standards. TAKO’s lightning protection systems could play an important role in protecting airport buildings, navigational equipment, and grounded aircraft from lightning strikes.
Powering Up with Confidence: Imagine a large power plant or substation. TAKO’s expertise might be put to use, protecting these crucial facilities from lightning strikes, which could interrupt electricity systems and create extensive outages.
TAKO’s Approach to Lightning Arrester and Earthing System Solutions
With over four decades of experience, TAKO has unrivalled knowledge in lightning protection. They offer customised solutions to meet the individual needs of diverse sectors and infrastructure projects, offering total protection for any structure. Testimonials from delighted customers demonstrate TAKO’s commitment to quality and customer happiness.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety Standards
Adherence to industry rules for lightning protection systems is critical. TAKO prioritises safety and quality assurance, putting their goods and services through rigorous certification and accreditation processes to meet the most recent requirements.
For example, TAKO operates in Malaysia, and their commitment to excellence is demonstrated by their adherence to the Malaysian Standard MS IEC 62305. This standard describes the best practices for lightning protection design, installation, inspection, and maintenance.
Beyond regional norms, TAKO is likely to have certifications for worldwide quality management systems such as ISO. For the most up-to-date information on TAKO’s specific certifications, check their website. Building safety and infrastructure stakeholders gain additional confidence in the effectiveness of TAKO’s lightning protection systems when they work with a company that prioritises compliance and adheres to stringent safety requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, do not wait for a lightning strike to uncover your structures’ vulnerabilities. Partnering with TAKO since 1979 offers a proactive approach to lightning protection. Their tailored solutions, developed over decades of experience and creativity, will protect your buildings and infrastructure. TAKO’s unrelenting dedication to quality and global reach ensures the greatest protection available, providing you peace of mind and the confidence to weather any storm. Take control of your lightning protection needs today.
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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 tailored to your specific needs. For any questions or to discuss your specific lightning protection needs, please contact us directly.
FAQs
Can an earthing and lighting arrester be connected together?
In fact, connecting an earthing system and a lightning arrester is required for a functioning lightning protection system.
The lightning arrester intercepts the lightning strike and redirects the electricity.
The earthing system creates a low-resistance conduit for the redirected current to dissipate harmlessly into the ground.
Imagine the lightning arrester as a conductor and the earthing system as a drain. They cooperate to securely remove the undesirable current.
What is earthing and lightning protection system?
An earthing and lightning protection system, often known as a lightning protection system (LPS), is a set of components intended to protect structures and their occupants from the damaging effects of lightning strikes. It consists of two main parts:
Lightning rods and air terminal wires are examples of components that make up the Air Terminal System (ATS). The lightning arrester is frequently integrated into the ATS.
Earthing System: This network of conductors and electrodes offers a low-resistance conduit for lightning current to safely reach the earth.
Does a lightning arrester need to be grounded?
Yes, a lightning arrester must be grounded. As previously stated, the arrester diverts the current but does not eliminate it. The earthing system is essential for the final phase, as it provides a safe channel for the current to dissipate. Without sufficient grounding, the misdirected current may go in unexpected directions, causing damage to the structure or electrical systems.
Does earthing stop lightning?
Earthing alone does not prevent lightning. Lightning is a powerful-natural phenomena, and a direct impact cannot be avoided. However, a correctly constructed earthing and lightning protection system, which combines air terminals and earthing, provides a regulated path for the current to safely discharge. This considerably minimises the likelihood of lightning-related harm.
What happens when a lightning rod is not earthed?
If a lightning rod is not correctly earthed, it might create a hazardous condition. Here’s why.
The lightning rod will continue to attract strikes.
Without a low-resistance path to the earth, the current can take unpredictable paths.
This can result in arcing, sparking, and potentially damaging the structure, electrical systems, or even injuring persons nearby.
A grounded lightning arrester within the air terminal system directs the current in a safe and specified path, reducing these concerns.