LIGHTNING PROTECTION

LIGHTNING PROTECTION IS A CRITICAL LIFE SAVING SERVICE

Lightning Protection Systems offer a safeguard for buildings and structures in the event of direct or indirect lightning strikes.

LIGHTNING PROTECTION UK LIMITED OFFER A FULL COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE FROM INITIAL ENQUIRY, DESIGN, SUPPLY, INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

(Lightning Protection systems require maintenance on an annual basis. click the button below to find out more)

MAINTENANCE

Lightning Protection Systems are required to be designed, supplied, installed & maintained by competent specialist contractors that hold the relevant qualifications in our specialist field. Lightning Protection UK Limited have over 30+ years experience within the industry and are highly regarded as a market leader and hold various accreditations such as ATLAS (The Association of Lightning and Access Specialists).

AN ISOLATED OR NON-ISOLATED SYSTEM?

The two main types of Lightning Protection System are Isolated or Non-isolated systems. An Isolated system should be used where the building/ structure is constructed from combustible materials or there is a risk of explosion such as; Flour Mills, Bakery's, Gas Plants, AD Plants etc. Non-isolated systems should be used where no risk of explosion is present. In order to determine the type of Lightning Protection system required, a risk assessment should be undertaken.

WHEN SHOULD LIGHTNING PROTECTION BE CONSIDERED?

Lightning Protection should be considered for any building or structure where any one of the following four key points are answered yes:

1. Loss of human life

Where there is a possibility that the results of a direct/ indirect lightning strike could cause death.

2. Loss of service to the public

Where there is a possibility that the results of a direct/ indirect lightning strike could cause a loss of services that would impact the public in a detrimental way.

3. Loss of cultural heritage

Where there is a possibility that the results of a direct/ indirect lightning strike could cause severe, devastating and costly damage to our heritage damaging the history and legacy of the country (United Kingdom)

4. Loss of economic value

Where there is a possibility that the results of a direct/ indirect lightning strike could cause a loss of services causing serious loss of economic value to the business and wider spread communities such as suppliers, workforce etc. such as causing a power outage/ fire within the electrical systems of buildings damaging computers, software, communications and assets within the building etc.

(Definitive wording can be found within the regulations BS EN 62305)

WHAT STANDARDS ARE CONSIDERED WITH LIGHTNING PROTECTION?

BS EN 62305 EDITION 2

BS EN 62305-1: 2011

BS EN 62305-2: 2013

BS EN 62305-3: 2011

BS EN 62305-4: 2011

BSEN 62561 1-8 - Material standard

BSEN 61643 1-1, 2-1 & 3-1 - LV SPD standard

BS 7671 (18th EDITION) - Wiring Regulations

WHAT ARE THE FIVE MAIN ELEMENTS OF AN LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM?

1. Air Termination Network:

An Air termination Network is a collective network of conductive materials forming a faraday cage protective cover to the roof of the building or structure. This is commonly found in the form of:

Metallic roofs
25x3mm pvc tape (copper or aluminium) installed in a grid configuration
A series of air finials or masts

2. Downconductors:

Downconductors form the safe path to earth from the roof to ground level using the most direct route from the air termination network to ground level. This is commonly found in the form of:

Steel frames and steel reinforcing
25x3mm pvc tape (copper or aluminium) connected at roof and ground level

(The lightning current is shared between the Downconductors - The more Downconductors installed, the better path to earth making the system more effective)

3. Earth Termination Network:

Earth terminations are vital in the dissipation of the lightning current in the even of a direct lightning strike. The main types of earth termination networks are as follows:

Type A arrangement:

Earth rods/ Earth mats/ Earth plates

Type B arrangement:

A buried ring conductor in the ground around the perimeter of the structure.

Foundation earth electrodes:

Utilisation of the pile cap reinforcements that form the structure of the building.

4. Equipotential Bonding:

Just like water and gas, lightning protection is a service and must be bonded back to the main earthing terminal of the building.

(when selecting cable size, always refer to BS EN 62305)

5. Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)

A Surge Protection Device must be installed alongside any lightning protection system as described in BS 7671 (18th Edition). A Surge Protection Device will provide additional protection against direct/ indirect damage to the electrical devices and wiring systems within a building such as telephone lines, lighting, car park lighting, satellite, AHU, CCTV, EV charging points etc.

(Depending on the lightning protection zone and the lightning protection level Type 1, Type 2 or Type 3 may be required)

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