Lightning arrester for building

Types of lightning arrester for building

The variations of lightning protectors are designed to safeguard structures under different environmental and usage conditions, such as:

• Air terminals

  These are commonly known as lightning rods and are placed at the top of a building. These arrestors have pointed ends that attract lightning strikes. Once the strike occurs, it transmits the electrical energy safely down to the ground through a conductive path called the down conductor. Pointed air terminals provide a focused electric field that attracts lightning, making them especially effective in areas prone to frequent strikes.

• Zone of protection

  This is a protection system where one lightning arrester is mounted on the top of a structure, forming a protective zone around it. The principle involves creating an imaginary geometric shape, typically a cone or pyramid, whose apex is at the air terminal. This cone of protection extends downward and outward to define a zone that shielded the building from lightning strikes. The size and shape of the ZOP depend on the type of air terminal and the installation conditions, including the building's height and location.

• Strikes

  This is a type that uses multiple air terminals, which are fixed in the building’s roof, forming a web of protective zones. The overlapping ZOPs of the terminal devices ensure complete coverage in a mesh-like pattern. This system is useful for larger or irregularly shaped buildings, as it divides the structure into smaller zones of protection, reducing the chance of a direct strike on any part of the roof.

• Rolling sphere

  This is a lightning protection method which consists of a sphere with a particular radius that can roll over the structure. The principle involves a hypothetical sphere that can roll over the building's surface. If the sphere makes contact with any part of the structure, that point is considered unprotected. The radius of the sphere is determined by the expected lightning strike's peak current and the building's height.

• Classifications

  These are arresters that protect buildings based on their susceptibility to lightning strikes and the potential damage these strikes could cause. These systems are mainly used in buildings where direct strikes are a serious concern.

The industry of lightning arrester for building

The global lightning protection system market is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2030. This is due to the growing need to protect critical infrastructure, rising construction activities, and the increasing focus on safety in industries that are vulnerable to lightning-related damage. Here are the factors that influence the demand:

• Protecting critical infrastructure: Lightning strikes can cause significant damage to power grids, communication networks, and transportation systems. Protecting these critical sectors has been crucial in ensuring business continuity and national security. Systems are widely used in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, and manufacturing, where a strike can cause facility shutdowns, equipment damage, or safety hazards. The remarks in these sectors, coupled with the high cost of potential downtime, drive the need for lightning protection systems.
• Residential and commercial construction: Growing populations and accelerated urbanization have spurred extensive construction activities globally. Builders increasingly incorporate lightning protection systems into new residential and commercial buildings as standard safety measures to prevent fire, damage, and injury.
• Awareness and safety regulations: The awareness of lightning hazards has increased over the years, leading to a demand for lightning protection systems as peoples' perception of safety increases. In many regions, code compliance and safety regulations mandate lightning protection for specific building types, such as schools, hospitals, and high-rises.
• Technological advancements: The performance and cost-effectiveness of modern lightning protection systems have improved significantly due to technological advancements. Innovative materials, such as corrosion-resistant alloys and non-metallic conductors, have enhanced system durability and efficiency. Advanced detection and early warning systems, integrated with thunderstorm detection sensors, can predict lightning strikes, allowing for proactive safety measures.
• Geographic vulnerability: Certain regions are more prone to thunderstorms and lightning activity, leading to increased demand for lightning protection systems. These regions, including parts of the Southeast United States, Caribbean, and Central Africa, have seen a growing market for residential and commercial lightning protection solutions.

Commercial use cases of lightning arrester for building

Various industries use lightning protectors to mitigate risks associated with lightning strikes. Here are the common scenarios:

• Industrial patented products

  In industries like manufacturing and processing, where equipment and machinery are electrically sensitive, lightning arresters help prevent power surges that could damage equipment, leading to costly repairs and downtime. Lightning strikes on industrial facilities can disrupt operations and pose safety risks to employees.

• Energy sector

  Power plants, especially those involved in generating electricity, need lightning rods to protect their infrastructure. Strikes can cause significant damage to transmission lines, control systems, and power generation equipment. By safeguarding these assets, lightning protection systems ensure the stability of power supply and prevent widespread outages.

• Telecommunication towers

  Towers and antennas are frequently struck by lightning due to their height and exposed location. Direct or indirect damage to lightning can lead to service disruptions, ruining the communication networks' integrity. LPS mitigates this risk and aids in ensuring continuous connectivity.

• Transportation facilities

  Airports, seaports, and railway stations have complex infrastructure that needs lightning protection to avoid disruptions in operations and damage to critical equipment. Strikes can interrupt flight schedules, damage radar systems, and affect communication networks.

• Residential buildings

  Homes, especially those in high-risk areas, use lightning protection systems to directly strike. These systems protect electrical systems, appliances, and personal property from power surges, which are commonly associated with lightning strikes.

How to choose lightning arrester for building

Choosing a suitable building lightning surge arrester requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are the key steps to ensure an effective and reliable lightning protection system:

• Assess susceptibility

  This involves analyzing the vulnerability of lightning strikes in various structures or environments. The susceptibility of an area to thunderstorm activity can be evaluated by consulting local lightning activity maps or historical data. Assessing the building's height, occupancy, usage, and construction materials helps determine the risk level. Critical facilities with sensitive equipment or infrastructure should be prioritized for comprehensive lightning protection.

• Choosing the right elements

  An external lightning protection system (LPS) includes air terminals that capture lightning, which are hooked to conductors and deliver the strike to the ground. An LPS' internal components cocoon sensitive electronic systems through the application of high-frequency filters.

• Follow regulations

  Standards and regulations exist in many countries and regions for lightning protection system design and performance. Compliance with these rules ensures the system meets the minimum safety requirements. These LPS standards cover the placement and spacing of the components, the type of materials to use, and the permissible lightning current exposure.

• Risk assessment

  This identifies and evaluates the potential consequences of lightning strikes. This includes power surges, equipment damage, fire hazards, and damage to critical infrastructure. The cost of lightning damage to the structure, equipment, and downtime should be compared with the cost of implementing an LPS.

• Maintenance and testing

  Regular inspections, testing, and maintenance of the lightning protection system are required to ensure its effectiveness. The external air terminals and conductors should be inspected for corrosion and physical damage, and internal components should be checked for wear. Ensure that the lightning protectors conform to electrical safety regulations and standards. Proper maintenance ensures that the system functions correctly when needed.

Q&A

Q1: How do internal lightning protection works?

A1: Internal lightning protection systems work by creating a safe conductive path for lightning current. The protected area is shielded by installing conductors and bonding them to the building's metal structure. When a lightning strike occurs, the electrical energy is redirected along the conductors, minimizing the risk of power surges and electromagnetic interference within the protected area.

Q2: What is the difference between earthing and lightning arrester?

A2: Earthing is the process of connecting the electrical systems and metal components of a building to the ground to prevent electrical hazards and power surges. Lightning protectors are designed to redirect the lightning current safely into the ground, preventing damage to the building, equipment, and occupants. While both serve safety purposes, earthing focuses on electrical system safety, and lightning protectors focuses on protecting against lightning strikes. Q3: Can a lightning protection system be installed on a non-metallic roof? A3: Yes, lightning protectors can be installed on non-metallic roofing. Non-metallic materials, such as concrete, wood, or synthetic membranes, are thermally non-conductive. Conductive down conductors will effectively carry the lightning current regardless of the roofing material. Proper attachment and sealing of the conductors to non-metallic roofs are crucial to ensure system efficacy and maintain roof integrity.

Q4: How do lightning protectors conform to electrical safety regulations?

A4: Lightning protectors conform to electrical safety regulations by adhering to established national and international standards for lightning protection system design and installation. These regulations define the appropriate materials.