LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM
What are Transient surges?
Transient surges are short-term peaks in voltage lasting for just a few micro seconds. They can be many times higher than the system voltage, and are caused by switching operations and by lightning. It is not just direct lightning strikes that are dangerous, but also the much more frequent hits that switching surges occur in the vicinity of buildings.
Transient surges can be caused by three things:
- Direct lightning strikes
- Lightning strikes nearby
- Switching operations
PROTECTION
OBO offers four different types of protections against Lightning and Surge voltages,
- Air termination and down conductor systems
- Earthing systems
- Equipotential bonding systems
- Surge protection systems
1. AIR TERMINATION AND DOWN CONDUCTOR SYSTEM
OBO air termination and down conductor systems offer a wide range of solutions for almost every scenario, whether in parts of biogas plants that are in risk of explosion, in highly sensitive photovoltaic systems, or at power plants or to individual residence.
With around 1,500 different products in a range of different materials, OBO always has a suitable system on offer. OBO lightning protection components offer tested quality. They comply with IS / IEC 62305 and have been tested in accordance with the IEC 62561 series of international and European testing standards.
Equipment’s on the roof like Chimneys, antenna masts, ventilation pipes, domed skylights and similar attachments that protrude from the roof are protected from lightning strikes using separately positioned and insulated interceptor rods. They are connected together by what is known as interceptor cables, so that the lightning current can flow down specific channels.
From the air termination devices on the roof, insulated down-conductors on or in the building walls carry the lightning current safely from the point of impact and down to the earthing system. In this way the building and the people in it are protected against direct lightning strike and any fire hazard that might otherwise be ignited.
2. EARTHING SYSTEM
Earthing system conduct lightning current into the ground. A range of different earthing systems are available, depending on the building. OBO has the right systems for lightning protection, earthing as described in IS / IEC 62305 & NBC 2016 & IS 3043, and for foundation earthing as laid down in DIN 18014.
OBO has the right standard complaint, long-lasting earthing systems for every application
- Tested components as per IEC 62561 (VDE 0185-561)
- Solutions for every type of earthing: foundation, ring, deep, area
- Earthing systems for every application, from lightning protection to equipotential bonding
3. EQUIPOTENTIAL BONDING SYSTEMS
Equipotential bonding system ensures the safe distribution of lightning energy, but they also protect people and electrical equipment against electric shock in a building in the event of other types of overloads.
In the event of a lightning strike, approximately 50 per cent of the lightning’s energy is carried into the earthing system. The remaining 50 per cent is distributed around the equipotential bonding system (internal lightning protection). This can lead to dangerous sparking. Electrical power and IT equipment requires particularly careful protection.
An equipotential bonding system must be installed in every building according to IEC 60364 (VDE 0100-534) / IEC 62305 (VDE 0185-305), and it is also requirement in every new installation or alteration. Operation of commercial properties are obliged to install one by the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health.
4. SURGE PROTECTION SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Transient surges are caused by direct and indirect lightning strikes, and by switching operations within power networks. That is why surge protection devices guards not only against lightning, but also against other power line interference.
Similar to power equipment, telecommunications is extremely subject to voltage surges. Nowadays, businesses and private households are dependent on fast, reliable data transmission through networks in order to communicate.
BET TESTING
All of OBO’s Surge Protection & Lightning Protection equipment is tested in compliance with the standards in our own BET Test Centre, and comes in with a warranty. A whole series of national and international test symbols testify to the quality of our products. The BET is accepted by the german VDE for testing SPD´s and LPS components.
