Lighting protection systems
We use all systems described on this page depending on the situation
At Earthing Equipment Supplies, our team stands at the forefront of the lightning protection industry, bringing together a wealth of expertise and a commitment to excellence. We specialize in designing and implementing cutting-edge lightning protection systems that safeguard critical infrastructure, residential properties, and commercial establishments.
With years of hands-on experience, our engineers and technicians possess deep knowledge of the complexities involved in effective lightning protection. From initial assessment to final installation, we ensure that each system is tailored to meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.
Lightning Protection to British Standard BSEN:62305:2012
The British Standard system, a BSEN62305 system generally utilises a Faraday cage-type system which consists of roof tape running around the roof perimeter and covering all high points on the roof. This type of system would have down conductors running to the ground spaced around the perimeter of the building. ( The spacing of the down conductors would be determined by the class of lightning protection system installed.
Tall mast, a tall mast system is exactly as described it is usually tall, galvanised 12 meters or higher. The height of the mast projects an angle of protection below, the angle of protection varies depending on the height of the mast and the class of lightning protection system installed.
The HVI system uses special insulated air rods and special insulated cables to avoid sparking and flashover. ( this system is used where sparking and flashover need to be reduced, in special environments like biogas plants, or where sensitive electrical equipment needs additional protection from direct lightning current.
Early Streamer Emission Systems (French Standard NFC) 17-102 (2011)
ESE system French Standard NFC17-102 (2011) (Not BSEN62305 approved) are not British standard-approved. They offer a low-cost solution and are used where it is not practical to install a more traditional system, due to space limitations or building type, or the client does not want a traditional Faraday cage system.
Lightning protection is designed to safely intercept, divert, and dissipate a lightning strike to the ground, protecting structures and buildings from damage and fires. Without a lightning protection system, building structures, electronic systems, and living beings are at high risk. Lightning strikes can result in fires, explosions, chemical releases, or mechanical damage, posing significant hazards to buildings and their contents. Installing a lightning protection system helps prevent or reduce damage to buildings, increasing their safety and economic efficiency. A code-compliant lightning rod system provides vital protection, preventing injury and death and protecting property.
Statistics and facts
There are no accurate data on the number of lightning strikes in the UK. But there are these facts:
- In September 2022, lightning struck 36,000 times in 12 hours. Source BBC.
- A factory in Oxford caught fire due to a lightning strike. Source The Guardian.
- No one died due to lightning in 2023.
What does a lightning protection system consist of?
The general lightning protection system consists of external and internal parts. The external system intercepts direct lightning strikes and safely drains the current to the ground, while the internal system prevents dangerous sparking and equalizes potentials. Lightning protection is carried out using lightning rods made of conductive materials and includes an air termination, a downward conductor and a grounding system.
Wires are routed to minimize joints and right angles, avoiding melting or sputtering effects. Grounding, as an integral part of the system, ensures safe disconnection and transfer of current to ground. Lightning rods and surge protection devices stop surge currents by distributing them to the ground in a controlled manner.
ESE systems are innovative devices installed on a building’s uppermost roof area. They consist of a head unit attached to a stainless steel pole, often mounted within a tripod secured to the roof using heavy concrete blocks. Alternatively, they can be affixed to the side of a building at roof height using specialized brackets.
The pulsar head unit in an ESE system acts as an attractant, generating a leader that captures a lightning strike and safely directs it to the ground. These systems offer an alternative to standard lightning protection methods, boasting several advantages:
- Ease of Maintenance: ESE systems are simpler to install and maintain. You can download the manuals here.
- Affordability: Their installation costs are reasonable.
- Efficiency: ESE systems have undergone rigorous testing to prove their effectiveness.
Earthing Equipment Supplies Southern Ltd provides ESE systems.
Standards
- BSEN 62305
- NFC17-102 (2011)
- In the United States, NFPA 780
Note:
An ESE unit is not governed by BSEN 62305 but by the French standard NFC17-102 (2011)
Legislation
How we install lighting protection systems
