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Introduction: Types of Lightning Protection Systems
The ever-present hazard of lightning for the structures is also widely known to endanger the life of the individuals. However, apart from explaining the been which work as protectors, there is a wide area of systems and techniques needed to keep the lightning discharges safely away. TAKO, an iconic company that has served as a leader in lightning protection since 1979, offers a diverse array of tools and techniques from which many are not offered by the websites on the internet.
In this piece, I will be looking into the different varieties of lightning defense systems along with their application and services they offer. We’ll also be highlighting (alluding to) some of the other developments (e.g. building codes, attachments) that people don’t talk about much, which will help you to know what to do to protect your facilities against lightning strikes.
Understanding the Science Behind Lightning (Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
It is crucial to begin with the basics and make a clear and concise introduction to lightning in order to follow up with more detailed topics. Lightning occurs from the sky as a tremendous short distance electrifying discharge that is due to the accumulation of static electricity inside the clouds or between clouds and the ground. This influx leads to the creation of an extreme flow of electricity that would take life away by impact.
The Need for Lightning Protection Systems (Source: National Fire Protection Association
Lightning strikes could run incur severe damages. Per the report made by the National fire Protection Association (NFPA),lightning blows are responsible for a $1 billion property damage annually on an average basis in the United States. These blasts have a significant potential of causing fires, destruction of electrical systems, and they also end up with harming human lives.
Types of Lightning Protection Systems: A Comprehensive Look
Traditional Systems:
Franklin Rod System: The olden but gold standard helps to collect the stroke in air terminals (lightning rods), and the current is carried down side on the conductor safety, and dissipates by the grounding electrodes to the ground. Well suited for projects in sizes 100,000 sq ft – 500,000 sq ft.
Faraday Cage System: The embankment is lined up with a metal meshing cage which goes around the whole structure. This cage makes the path of electric current conductive, and as a result, the damaged electricity is safely rerouted to the grounding system. This scheme is commonly done for transformer statiohs and for large complicated building.
Advanced Systems:
Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Air Terminals: The latter is powered by a high voltage pulse generator that directs a small air terminal up into the lightning stream at a determined angle. With this in mind, it can allow the amounts of the protected areas to be higher compared to traditional Franklin rods. Although an integrated approach might involve specialist knowledge for installation and support, it may help to balance different aspects rather than considering them independently.
Lesser-Discussed Systems:
It does not yet have as much of an application as the traditional system but the other methods also are being used in specific areas. These include:
Spark Gaps: These devices form an uninterrupted path for a Lightning current that carries a charge and shunts it away from buildings or electronic devices, thus avoiding any damage.
Lightning Protection Mesh Systems: Such mode of protection can be deployed on a platform of a networked layout of interconnected nodes that run under roofing structures to be more interactive for specific buildings.
Choosing the Right System for Your Needs-Types of Lightning Protection Systems
The best lightning protection system that suits your structure depends greatly on various factors. It is influenced by the size and complexity of the building, lightning activity level in the surrounding area, financial status, and the applicable regulations. The matter can be settled by talking to a qualified expert, like TAKO, who is able to make an assessment of what would work best in your particular case.
Looking Beyond Traditional Solutions: TAKO’s Expertise
TAKO besides traditional lightning protection systems also forges the way to newer technologies that broaden the field. TAKO provides many types of lightning protection systems. We can offer professional advice on related newer technologies such as ENSEP stations and support you in deciding whether or not they could be suitable for your particular project. Besides, we deliver full-scale risk evaluations and code design services where your building will be provided with world-class protection framework.
Conclusion
Through understanding the various types of lightning protection systems and knowing the parameters of their application, you have a platform of decision to selectively decide which systems to use towards safe-guarding your structures. TAKO is your advocate in lightning protection. The company has a lot of experience, and it refers greatly to innovations; that’s what their slogan states.
Call to Action:
Contact TAKO today for a free consultation and explore the most effective lightning protection solutions for your needs.
FAQs
How many types of lightning protection are there?
The number of ways to categorize lightning protection depends on the specific aspect you’re interested in. Here are two common breakdowns:
By function: There are three main functions of lightning protection systems (LPS):
Protection against direct strikes: This uses components like air terminals (e.g., Franklin rods) to intercept lightning and safely channel it to the ground.
Protection against indirect effects: This safeguards against voltage surges caused by nearby lightning strikes on power lines or other structures.
Protection against electromagnetic pulses: This mitigates the powerful electromagnetic fields generated by lightning, which can damage electronic equipment.
By attraction method: Here, we can distinguish two main approaches:
Conventional lightning protection systems (LPS): These rely on attracting the lightning strike using air terminals like rods or meshed conductors. Franklin rods are a common example.
Early streamer emission (ESE) systems: These take a more proactive approach by trying to initiate a controlled upward leader towards the approaching lightning strike, potentially guiding it away from the structure.
What are the 4 types of equipment common to lightning systems?
Lightning protection systems aren’t exactly categorized by equipment types, but rather by their function within the system. However, there are four key components commonly found in most lightning protection systems:
Air Terminals (Strike Capture Devices): These are the parts that attract the lightning strike. They can be pointed rods (Franklin rods), wires stretched overhead, or even a meshed cage around a structure.
Down Conductors: Once the air terminal intercepts the lightning, these conductive paths carry the high current safely down the exterior of the building to the grounding system.
Grounding System: This network of electrodes buried in the earth disperses the lightning current safely into the ground.
Surge Protection Devices (SPDs): These devices are installed on electrical and communication lines entering the building. They divert any voltage surges caused by nearby lightning strikes, protecting sensitive electronic equipment within the structure.
What is the method of lightning protection?
The method of lightning protection follows a core principle: providing a safe path for the lightning current to travel from the sky to the ground, minimizing damage to the protected structure and equipment. This is achieved through a three-part system:
Interception: Air terminals, like lightning rods or meshed conductors, act as the initial interception point. These are strategically placed on the highest points of a structure to attract a potential strike.
Conduction: Once a strike hits the air terminal, down conductors carry the immense current safely down the exterior of the building. These conductors are typically made of copper or galvanized steel with low resistance to ensure efficient current flow.
Dissipation: The grounding system, usually a network of electrodes buried in the earth, receives the current from the down conductors. This network disperses the current safely into the ground, minimizing the risk of damage to the building and people inside.
Here are some additional points to consider:
Equipotential Bonding: Metallic elements within the structure are electrically connected to ensure they are at the same potential. This prevents dangerous voltage differences during a strike that could damage equipment or injure people.
Surge Protection Devices (SPDs): These devices are installed on electrical and communication lines entering the building. They divert any voltage surges caused by nearby lightning strikes, protecting sensitive electronic equipment within.
What are the methods used to protect against lightning?
1. Conventional Lightning Protection Systems (LPS):
This is the more traditional method and relies on attracting the lightning strike to a designated point and then safely channeling it to the ground. Here’s the breakdown:
Air Terminals: These are the “capture devices” like Franklin rods, wires, or mesh conductors strategically placed on high points of a structure. They act as the target for the lightning strike.
Down Conductors: Once the strike hits the air terminal, these conductive paths (usually copper or galvanized steel) carry the current safely down the exterior of the building.
Grounding System: A network of electrodes buried in the earth receives the current from the down conductors and disperses it safely into the ground.
2. Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Systems:
This method takes a more proactive approach. Instead of simply attracting the strike, ESE systems attempt to initiate a controlled leader towards the approaching lightning, potentially guiding it away from the structure.
ESE Air Terminals: These specialized terminals emit a controlled upward leader towards the approaching lightning strike.
Down conductors and grounding system: Similar to the conventional LPS, these components safely transfer the current to the ground if the ESE system doesn’t completely divert the strike.
Additional Considerations:
Equipotential Bonding: This crucial step electrically connects all metallic components within the building to ensure they are at the same potential. This prevents dangerous voltage differences during a strike.
Surge Protection Devices (SPDs): Installed on electrical and communication lines entering the building, these devices divert voltage surges caused by nearby strikes, protecting sensitive electronic equipment.
