Why You Need Lightning Protection System and Lightning Warning System?

Lightning is a natural phenomenon that can cause serious damage to buildings, equipment, and people. According to the World Health Organization, lightning kills about 24,000 people and injures another 240,000 every year. Moreover, lightning can also cause fires, power outages, data loss, and structural failures. Therefore, it is essential to protect yourself and your property from the hazards of lightning.

What is Lightning Protection System?

A lightning protection system (LPS) is a system that is designed to divert the high-voltage current from a lightning strike safely to the ground, thus preventing damage to the structure and its contents. A typical LPS consists of four main components:

• Air terminals: These are metal rods or wires that are installed on the highest points of the structure, such as the roof, chimneys, or antennas. They act as the preferred points of attachment for the lightning strike.

• Down conductors: These are thick cables that connect the air terminals to the ground electrodes. They provide a low-resistance path for the lightning current to flow to the earth.

• Ground electrodes: These are metal rods or plates that are buried in the soil around the structure. They dissipate the lightning current into the ground, thus completing the circuit.

• Surge protection devices: These are devices that are installed on the electrical and electronic systems within the structure, such as power outlets, switches, circuit breakers, and appliances. They protect the equipment from voltage surges and spikes caused by the lightning strike or the electromagnetic induction.

What is Lightning Warning System?

A lightning warning system (LWS) is a system that monitors the atmospheric conditions and detects the presence of lightning activity in the vicinity of the structure. A typical LWS consists of three main components:

• Sensors: These are devices that measure the electric field, the magnetic field, or the radio waves emitted by the lightning discharge. They can be installed on the ground, on the roof, or on a mast near the structure.

• Central unit: This is a device that collects and analyzes the data from the sensors and determines the level of lightning risk. It can also communicate with other devices, such as alarms, displays, or computers.

• Warning devices: These are devices that alert the occupants of the structure or the nearby area about the impending lightning threat. They can be audible, visual, or both, such as sirens, horns, strobe lights, or signs.

Why are They Important?

Both LPS and LWS are important for ensuring the safety and security of people and property from lightning. Some of the benefits of having them are:

• Reducing the risk of injury or death: By providing a safe path for the lightning current and warning the people to take shelter, LPS and LWS can prevent electrocution, burns, shock, or cardiac arrest caused by direct or indirect lightning strikes.

• Preventing the damage to the structure and its contents: By diverting the lightning current and protecting the electrical and electronic systems, LPS and LWS can prevent fires, explosions, structural failures, or equipment failures caused by overheating, melting, arcing, or short-circuiting.

• Saving the cost of repairs or replacements: By avoiding the damage to the structure and its contents, LPS and LWS can save the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged parts, as well as the cost of downtime, lost productivity, or lost data.

• Complying with the standards and regulations: By following the best practices and guidelines for lightning protection and warning, LPS and LWS can comply with the relevant standards and regulations, such as BS EN 623053, NFPA 780, or IEC 62305, and avoid the penalties or liabilities for non-compliance.

How to Get Them?

If you are interested in getting LPS and LWS for your structure, you should consult a qualified and experienced lightning protection specialist who can design, install, inspect, and maintain the systems according to the standards and specifications. You should also educate yourself and your staff about the basics of lightning protection and warning, and follow the safety rules and procedures during a thunderstorm. TAKO Astatic Technology has its own Risk Assessment Software with MS IEC 62305.

Conclusion

Lightning protection system and lightning warning system are two important systems that can protect you and your property from the dangers of lightning. They can reduce the risk of injury or death, prevent the damage to the structure and its contents, save the cost of repairs or replacements, and comply with the standards and regulations. Therefore, you should consider getting them for your structure and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with them.