Every year, hundreds of people are injured due to lightning strikes and the electrical surges accompanying them. It is one of the leading causes of weather-related mortality globally. So, do you know how it has become possible to cope with the harmful consequences of lightning strikes to prevent structural destruction and casualties?
With cutting-edge technology and advanced strategic methodologies, lightning protection companies have brought forward an extensive range of innovative lightning protection services. Further, they help eliminate the risks associated with lightning. Large-scale industrial businesses let professionals introduce these systems and conduct comprehensive analyses to test their functionality.
Even the owners of residential properties benefit from these systems. How? Because it promises the safety of their family members and protects their possessions from damage.
What is a Lightning Protection System?
A lightning protection system (LPS), also known as a lightning rod system or lightning conductor system, is a set of measures and components designed to protect structures and their occupants from the terrible destruction caused by lightning strikes. Plus, it works by drawing the lightning strike to a special conductor, like steel or copper, and provides a path for the lightning current to follow. This safely directs it to the ground, thereby minimizing the risk of:
- Fire
- Explosion
- Structural damage
- Injury
Furthermore, these systems are used in a wide range of locations for a variety of purposes, including:
- High-rise buildings like towers
- High-voltage power lines
- Sites like stadiums and airplanes
They frequently undergo various tests to detect any defective components or flaws in the performance. Besides, note that testing lightning protection systems is of paramount significance as you cannot guarantee their workability without performing the essential tests.
Fundamentals of Lightning Protection in the UK
There are a lot of measures and elements that require careful consideration to make up an efficient and reliable lightning protection system. Before hiring services to install one in your residence or workplace, you should understand the fundamentals of this system that determine unparalleled performance.
System Design
A successful system takes into account a number of components, such as:
- Air terminals (lightning rods)
- Conductor networks
- Down conductors
- Grounding systems
- Surge protection devices
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- Bonding connections
The internal system must have a sufficient overvoltage protection installation in addition to other safety measures. Moreover, the primary aim is to minimize the chances of damage to the property and its inhabitants. Therefore, it is vital to concentrate on the design’s ability to safely dissipate lightning energy to the ground. Lightning protection companies also consider the specific characteristics of the structure, such as its size, shape, and materials used in construction, before installing the system.
- Surge Protection
Did you know that these systems not only protect the exterior of your property but also play a pivotal function in protecting your electronics and expensive equipment from damage? In addition to direct lightning strikes, lightning-induced surges can damage electrical and electronic systems within a structure. Surge protection devices (SPDs) are essential for protecting electronics from lightning-induced transient overvoltage.
To prevent equipment damage and data loss, it is crucial to set up SPDs strategically at critical points, including electrical panels, communication systems, and data centers. It is crucial for small-scale and large-scale businesses because workplaces have plenty of computers, machines, and other valuable pieces of equipment that contain valuable customer data.
Grounding System
A lightning protection system must have a strong grounding system to function properly. It reduces the chance of side flashes or ground potential rise by offering a low-resistance channel for current to effectively disperse into the ground. Moreover, the following factors must be taken into account while designing an excellent grounding system:
- The selection of the grounding electrode
- Connections of the grounding components
- Soil resistivity
It lessens the potential that develops during a lightning strike between the ground and the various system components. Also, installing a successful grounding system significantly alleviates the risk of damage to electrical equipment.
Maintenance and Testing
For promising reliability and first-class functionality, a lightning protection system should be subjected to regular inspection and routine maintenance. Standards such as NFPA 780 (issued by the National Fire Protection Association) and IEC 62305 (issued by the International Electro Technical Commission) offer comprehensive guidance regarding the installation and testing of this system.
Furthermore, lightning protection companies make an effective plan in addition to a concise report that emphasizes the condition of each system component. Also, a maintenance plan should specify who is in charge of keeping the record of the LPS and how frequently inspections and tests are conducted. Many governmental organizations have the authority to inflict hefty fines on property owners. Particularly those who do not follow the profound guidelines concerning the upkeep and examination of the system.
Why Should I Install a Lightning Protection System?
Still, why can’t you neglect the importance of installing this system in your office or house? Let us tell you why hiring a credible lightning protection company is critical to introducing a proficient protection system on the rooftop.
Mitigates the Fire Hazards
Lightning strikes travel through the plumbing or electrical infrastructure of the building to the ground if a proper lightning protection system is not established. This can cause the metal in these systems to heat up to the point where it might ignite wood or other flammable materials, causing fires inside the building. Thus, setting up a system to guarantee that the lightning will only travel through the wire and avoid flammable substances is extremely important.
Elevates Property’s Value
You might not believe it, but these systems indeed help accelerate the value of your property regardless of whether it is residential or commercial. Even if you want to rent out your living space to other people, there is a high chance that you may get more price than the demand in your particular location. Moreover, buyers will view your building as a better and safer alternative than others who choose not to implement this technology.
Make sure you get your system tested every two to three months to ensure that it works optimally and remains in its original condition.
Takeaway
To protect buildings, machinery, and occupants from the deadly effects of lightning strikes, an efficient lightning protection system must be put in place. Yet, you must seek the help of experts to acquire the best results because multiple technicalities and factors must be considered during the following phases of the system:
- Manufacturing
- Installation
- Testing
- Maintenance
Further, extra steps are needed to guard electronic systems against surges to guarantee continuous accessibility of complicated information technology systems. Yes, even in the event of a direct lightning strike. Therefore, it is vital to hire a reputable lightning protection company to take advantage of the numerous benefits of a successful system.