Method for Testing of Lightning Protection system

Labugama and Kalatuwawa Water Treatment plants

The system is based on IEC 62305 in design. Hence testing and
maintenance works in relation to lightning protection shall be the
same.
IEC 62305 covers all aspects of Lightning Protection but section E 7
is of particular relevance for testing and maintenance.
As large parts of the lightning protection system may be hidden or
inaccessible after completion, it is particularly important, and indeed
a requirement of the code that each component of a lightning
protection system should be inspected during the construction
stages of an installation. Special attention must be given to any part
of the system that will be concealed upon completion.
Inspections should be carried out not only during the installation
process but also upon completion and at regular intervals thereafter.
Visual inspection of an installation should take into account the
following key points and observations recorded in the detailed
inspection report:

Inspections should be repeated at fixed intervals,

preferably not exceeding 12 months.
If a part is unable to be inspected, this should be noted.
The bonding of any recently installed/added services
should be checked.
The LPS is in good condition,
There are no loose connections and no accidental breaks in
the LPS conductors and joints,
No part of the system has been weakened by corrosion,
especially at ground level,
All visible earth connections are intact (functionally
operational),
All visible conductors and system components are fastened
to the mounting surfaces and components which provide
mechanical protection are intact (functionally operational)
and in the right place,
There have not been any additions or alterations to the
protected structure which would require additional
protection,
There has been no indication of damage to the LPS, to
SPDs or any failures of fuses which protect SPDs,
Correct equipotential bonding has been established for any
new services or additions which have been made to the
interior of the structure since the last inspection, and that

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continuity tests have been performed for these new

additions,
Bonding conductors and connections inside the structure
are present and intact (functionally operational),
Separation distances are maintained,
Bonding conductors, joints, shielding devices, cable routing
and SPDs have been checked and tested.

This section deals with testing the earth electrodes on the system
and other components of the system.
Following test are done,

Performing continuity tests, especially continuity of those

parts of the LPS which were not visible for inspection during
the initial installation and are not subsequently available for
visual inspection;

Conducting earth resistance tests of the earth-termination

system. The following isolated and combined earth
measurements and checks should be made and the results
recorded in an LPS inspection report.

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