Project
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ELECTRICAL
Training Module
LIGHTNING
LIGHTNING PROTECTION
SE 30 LIGHTNINING PROTECTION
COURSE CONTENT
-Generalities - Presentation
A. LIGHTNING PHENOMENA
C. DIRECT PROTECTION
C.1 Generalities
C.1.1 Protection against direct effects theory
C.1.2 The air terminal /conductor installation
C.2 The air termination
C.2.1 Franklin rod
C.2.2 Early Streamer Emission
C.2.3 Faraday cage
C.2.4 Other protections
C.3 Down conductor
C.3.1 Security proximity distance
C.3.2 Side flashing
C.3.3 Effect of step voltage and touch voltage
C.3.4 Bonding
C.3.5 Specific E.S.E. descent conductor
C.3.6 Lightning event counter
D. GROUNDING
E.1 Generalities
E.1.1 When and where to protect
E.1.2 How to get effective protection
E.2 Different origins of overvoltage
E.2.1 Conducted overvoltage
E.2.2 Induced overvoltage
E.2.3 Propagation of overvoltages
E.2.4 Principle of protection
E.3 Characteristics of protection
E.4 the products for protection
E.4.1 Electrical supply
E.4.2 Power distribution
E.4.3 Sub power distribution
E.4.4 other sub power distribution
E.4.5 End of line power distribution protection
E.4.6 Telephone and data line surge protection
E.4.7 High frequency coaxial line surge protection
E.5 The technology
E.5.1 Zener diodes
E.5.2 Gas discharge
E.5.3 Varistance
F. MISCELLANEOUS
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Introduction
Lightning i's a major source of disturbances for all electrical installations and
can affect them in several manners:
all power and voltage levels are concerned, ranging from EHV
transmission systems to integrated circuits and including LV power supplies
and data transmission circuits,
it can cause transient disturbances to the continuity of service, thereby
reducing the quality of the power supply system,
it can damage equipment and result in long interruptions in installation
operation,
it can be dangerous for life (pace voltage, increased potential of exposed
conductive parts and earthing circuits).
Lightning has always been a source of disturbances for users of electricity, yet
the fairly recent and growing demand for quality electrical systems (reliability,
availability, continuity of service, etc.) must be taken into account, as well as
the permanent necessity to minimise the costs of the production and the use
of electrical power. It may be said that in the efforts to improve the above
factors, lightning has come to constitute an obstacle. That explains why it is
now one of the major preoccupations of everyone in the sector, whether they
are distributors (national, private companies), manufacturers, designers
(design offices, engineering firms) or installers.
A study on the effects of lightning comprises two steps, but first requires in-
depth knowledge of the phenomenon. Starting in the 1970's, major
international research programs were initiated, notably by EDF in France, and
today, sufficient knowledge on lightning mechanisms is available.
The two steps are:
anticipate what can happen in a given installation and recommend
improvements. This is possible using dedicated software, validated by
experience, that simulates installation behaviour.
carry out an engineering and cost study on insulation coordination, taking
into account the cost of installations, maintenance and disruptions in
operation.
LIGHTNING PROTECTION
SE 30A
1
A.1. THE KERAUNIC LEVEL
The experiment shows that the keraunic level fluctuates from one year
to another, but the specialists agree to say that the average of the
observations, extended over 5 years periods is rather well reproducible.
In other areas of the world this level can be much higher; it is for example
about 100 in Florida (U.S.A.), and can even reach or exceed 200 in Indonesia
or certain areas of South Africa.
2
A.2. THE BLASTING (or strike)
- Definition
The Keraunic level concept is too rudimentary to be able to provide an
usable measurement of stormy severity; because it does not give any
indication, neither on the frequency of blasting, nor on the existence in located
areas of particularly struck down.
A more rigorous definition of stormy severity can be reached by
defining the density of thunderbolts on the ground Ns (number of blows by
km and year). Studies made it possible to establish a correlation between
keraunic level Nj and Ns.
It should be noted that represents only an average, not taking into account the
characteristics topographic.
The French Keraunic level is between 10 and 35 days, that means it falls an
average of 3 thunderbolts per year and km.
3
FRANCE 1.5 to 2 million thunderbolts per year.
WORLD 63 billion thunderbolts per year, means 100/Sec.
Factor topologic
There are preference areas for the formation of the stormy clouds
under the combined effect of the ground and local re-heating.
There is formation of a stormy cloud in altitude where the condensation
begins: it is the heat storm.
Factor geologic
We will further see that the exact impact of a thunderbolt seems to be
determined only in the lower part of its trajectory. The higher part, let us say
beyond the hundred meters above ground level, develops completely
independent of the geometrical or geological structure of this thunderbolt.
That would be thus only local factors, which could have an action on the
decision of the impact. The presence of trees, buildings, chimneys are one of
these factors, well known. Nevertheless, the conductivity of the ground could
be another important factor.
These results would make it possible to allocate at the wet faults, at the
sheets of water, at the marshy grounds, a preferential attraction for the
lightning; their zone of action could not however exceed the hundred meters.
4
A.3. STORM FORMATION
Figure 3: Cumulonimbus
5
The violent draught ascendant and descendant (100 to 150 km/h),
characteristic of these clouds separate then the water droplets. The
movement is so powerful that the top of the cloud literally crushes against the
higher layer of the Earth's atmosphere (troposphere);it is what explains the
characteristic shape of these clouds as anvil.
The extraordinary mixing which takes place inside these clouds, tears
off the electrons at the various elements of the water and the ice.The friction
of these elements reveals positive and negative electrostatic loads (ions). Fig.
5
6
Figure 6: Beginning of the mechanisms of electrification
7
The cloud thus forms an enormous capacitor with the ground. In half
an hour which follows the appearance of the first flashes intra-clouds, the
flashes with the ground appear (the lightning). The first rain appears, it is the
phase of maturity. Blasting on the ground intensifies, it is accompanied by
strong precipitation and blasts of wind. It is the phase for the cloud to collapse
releasing several hundreds of thousands tons of water.
The negative sign results from the convention of direction chosen for
the field on the ground:
- The field is negative when the atmospheric electric charges are negative.
- The field is positive when it is directed from the atmosphere towards the
ground.
8
The charge characteristics
The fig. 9 schematises a stormy cloud, the charges that it carries, and
the electric field that it creates on the ground.
9
Fig. 10: Reinforcement of the electric field at the top of a half-sphere
Ellipsoid pointed
Deformation of the tension fields and equipotential surfaces around
a half-sphere and a pointed half-ellipsoid.
10
As the ionisation threshold of the air atmospheric is about 30 kV/cm,
we see that under these particular conditions, it is enough for an ambient field
from 4 to 5 kV/m to cause an crown effect at the top of the ellipsoid, called
also CORONA effect or point effect.
This effect generates ions (positive in general case when the cloud is
charged negatively at its base), ions that derive slowly towards the cloud,
under the influence of the electric field. This drift of ions constitutes an
electrical current ascendant, whose tendency is indeed to discharge the cloud.
That was the 'feeling' of Mr B. FRANKLIN.
This crown effect, which is thus a natural ionisation of the air, results in
the appearance of bluish luminous emanations to the point of any asperity
(trees, pylons, lightning conductor, raised building, etc).
Fig. 12: The relief increases the local value of the electric field
11
A.4. DISCHARGE THE LIGHTNING STRIKES
A lightning strike between a cloud and the earth comprises two phases, first
the development of a pre-discharge or leader an ionised channel), which
provokes the lightning strike itself, a discharge of a visible high current arc.
Two main criteria distinguish lightning strikes, their direction and their polarity.
Descending lightning strikes, in which the leader runs from the cloud to
the ground
Ascending lightning strikes, in which the leader runs from the earth to
the cloud
In flat country, the most frequent lightning strike is the descendant. An
ascendant thunderbolt requires the presence of an important prominence
(tower, factory chimney, etc.) to develop; it is also the reason for which the
ascendant thunderbolt more frequently occurs in mountain.
Negative lightning strike when the negatively charged part of the cloud
discharges (80% of lightning strikes under temperature climates)
Positive lightning strike when the positively charged part of the cloud
discharges
12
DESCENDING LIGHTNING STRIKES
The way being completely ionised (conductor) from the cloud to the
ground, it allows the flow of a strong current. This current is consisted by the
charges of the ground, which by going up the ionised channel formed by the
tracer, neutralise the charges of this tracer. We then observe a strongly
luminous feature, which progresses from the ground to the cloud at a speed of
about 100 000 km/s. it is the RETURN STRIKE.
13
Principle of negative descendant lightning strike
14
ASCENDING LIGHTNING STRIKES
The emanations of the positive crown effect, which appear at the tops
of the asperity, develop more far and with more intensity that the dimensions
of prominence are important. From a certain intensity of emanations, the
phenomenon changes abruptly and can develop sufficiently to reach the
cloud: it is the ascendant lightning strike. Such ascendant blows are
frequently observed starting from modern tower of television of which the
height exceeds 200 m and starting from skyscraper like showed observations
with the Empire State Building. The relief of the ground, in particular the
isolated mountains support the formation of ascendant blows, when a pylon or
tower is placed at their top. (E.g.: the lightning Observatory of St Salvador in
Switzerland, beside Lake Lugano recorded very many ascendant blows).
From a certain value of the ambient electric field, the tracer develops
and progresses in direction of the cloud to approximately 1000 km/s. During
this progression, the tracer ramifies up to the formation of a tree structure,
whose growth to the cloud can last a few tens of milliseconds. At the time
these ramifications lick the base of the cloud, it is established a discharge of
which the duration can reach the second and with a current of thousands of
amps. In certain cases, we observe short and intense illuminations of the tree
structure. At these re-illuminations correspond impulses of current,
superimposing the persistent current of amplitude, ranging between 10 and 40
kA.
15
Electrical parameter of the lightning
16
Difference of Potential
In open area, just before a lightning strike, the electric field "E" is about 15
to 20 kV/m. The height "h" of a strike being of approximately 5 km, the d.o.p.
(difference of potential) between cloud and ground is expressed by the
formula:
d.o.p. = E . h
The electric field E does not have any effect on the electronic
systems.
The peak value of the lightning current varies from few tens kA to hundred
kA, for the negative descendant lightning strikes. On the other hand it can
reach several hundreds kA for the positive ascendant thunderbolts.
17
A.5. CHARACTERISTICS OF LIGHTNING STRIKES
1.Wave form
Lightning as a physical phenomenon, corresponds to an impulse current
source, that is a series of discharges pf a quantity of electricity over a short
period of time.
The actual wave form is quite variable and comprises a steep front to the
maximum amplitude (ranging from a few to 20 microseconds), followed by a
long decreasing tail of several microseconds (see figure under)
The associated spectral field covers a band ranging from 10 kHz to several
MHz.
18
From these curves, can be said:
-Amplitude of positive lightning strike currents can reach great values, above
150 kA in 10% of the cases
-Amplitude of negative lightning strike current is smaller, 10% of their values
are about 50 kA
-The average values of positive strikes are around 25 kA (in 50% of the
cases)
-The average values of negative strikes are around 18 kA.
Negative lightning strikes, having generally their amplitude smaller than those
of positive ones, have a wave front greater. The average being:
- 20 kA / s for negative strike
- 2kA / s for positive strike
19
4.Correlation between wave front and amplitude
There is no specific relation between peak value (amplitude) and front wave
value of a lightning strike current. In fact they are inversely proportional;
Electrical charge:
The total neutralised charge 'Q' during a lightning strike is, in average a few
tens of Coulombs - in maximum it can reach 300 Coulombs (very strong
strike).
Integral I dt
AN average strike, type cloud / ground negative, height 4 km, last 0.1 second,
transfer 9 C, has a peak current of 26 kA and a wave front of 48 kA / s
20
Solution:
A cumulonimbus acts as a capacitance. The voltage between the cloud and
the ground equals the product of electric field E by the height of the arc
U = E.h = 10000 x 5000 = 50 MV
The discharging capacitance is
C = Q / U = 5O / 50 000 000 = 1 F
Taking an example, France is stroked 1.5 millions time a year, with 3.15.107
seconds per year, one strike happens every 20 seconds as average.
Supposing being able to "canalise" all strikes and with a value of W = 1.109
joules per strike
21
A.6. ELECTRO-GEOMETRICAL MODEL
where d is the striking distance in meter and I the presumed peak current in
kA
Consider a vertical rod with a height 'h' and its summit at 'H'. The zones
defined in the surrounding space are the following:
-zone 1; situated between the ground and parabola 'p'. The latter defines the
points equidistant from 'H' and the ground. At the moment of the strike, a
leader located in this zone will hit the ground because it is closer than 'H'.
22
-zone 2; situated above the parabola. At the moment of the strike, a leader
located in this zone will be captured by 'H' if the distance to 'H' is less than the
striking distance d; It follows that for a given current I, i.e. for the resultant
striking distance x to the rod, called the captured range, is:
The capture range of the rod increases with the amplitude of the lightning
strike. For very low amplitudes, the capture range drops to less than the
height of the rod which can then capture strikes along its length. This has
been verified experimentally.
It looks like if the tip of the leader is surrounded by a 'fictive sphere', radius
R = d, centred on this tip, the sphere following strictly the movements of the
leader. Approaching the ground, the first 'object' in contact with the sphere
determines the impact point of the strike.
If during its movement, the sphere touches one protection device (rod, faraday
cage, wire,.) and never touches the 'object' itself, the protection is
considered efficient.
The air terminal protection: lightning rod (with pike or spherical end)
See figure under
23
Zone protected
for a current I1
The following table is for a lightning rod 30 meters of height. The protective
radius is given according to the lightning current & d = 9.4 . I 2/3 with rounded
result values
I (kA) 3 7 10 30 80 150
D (m) 21 36 46 96 185 281
X (m) 19 35 43 70 101 126
24
A.7. EFFECTS OF LIGHTNING
! THERMAL EFFECTS
25
! ELECTRODYNAMICS EFFECTS
Mechanical efforts can only appear where several lightning paths are
laid out in a way that one could be in the magnetic field created by the other.
In this case, the more the variation between these parts is weak, the more the
efforts become large.
! ELECTROCHEMICAL EFFECTS
! ACOUSTICS EFFECTS
While the current discharge runs out in the lightning path, the
electrodynamics forces produce a contraction of the channel until making it
very narrow. The rise of the electrodynamics pressure of origin in the
channel, is estimated at 2 or 3 atmospheres, the temperature reaches 30000
K. It disappears when the strike dies out, so that we can say that the heart of
the lightning explodes, producing a shock wave. The impression made by the
thunder on the observer is very different according to its distance from the
dispersal point. The duration of a thunder clap is due to the fact that the
ionised channel presents a big length, including the internal part of the cloud,
often invisible: the noise emitted by each elementary length, according to the
distance from this one compared to the observer, arrives at this one with a
different temporal shift. In addition, the spectral components of high
frequencies generated by the shock wave are propagated according to a
privileged direction, perpendicular to the section of channel from which this
one results, whereas the low spectral frequencies are characterised by an
omni-directional radiation: it results from it that, according to the relative
orientation of an elementary section compared to the observer, the noise will
be perceived like a dry slapping or a deaf noise. It is thus ultimately the
combination of the distance to the observer and the respective orientation of
the successive sections of the channel of the lightning that will characterise
the perceived total noise. The succession of thundering and slapping
constitutes a true sound signature of a thunderbolt.
26
thunder). The sound range depends of the wind direction and it is all the
weaker since the temperature decreases more quickly with altitude.
The rise in tension of the ground near an impact of the lightning is due
to the flow in the ground of the very strong power of the lightning current. The
OHM law remains impossible to circumvent! For example, with a ground
resistance of 10 ohms and a current of 5 0000 amps, we obtain a local
variation of the ground potential of 500 000 volts! when the non-affected
away ground remains conventionally with potential zero.
The distribution of the potential in the ground is represented on the
figure below, it is given by the law:
.I
Vx =
2 x
27
If only the earth electrode went up to this potential, that would be without
consequences, and we could stop the 'discussion'. But it should be
remembered that the conductors of descent and roof are connected there,
and they are thus also at this potential.
We see that all the conducting parts of the building, which are
interconnected with the ground, in an unspecified way (heating installations,
network of drain, armours of cables) undergo a rise in potential, though much
weaker, which will be designated by u.
In the case of a big length of drains with a very low resistance, u can
remain close to zero.
U=V-u
If their spacing is too weak, it can then occur a dielectric breakdown that
means a spark flying between one and the other. The same phenomenon can
also occur between two close objects subjected to two different potentials u1
and u2.
28
In the same way, the rise of the ground voltage is particularly dangerous
for the cattle (Bovine, horses, sheep, etcall 4 legs animals). Thus, it can
appear a difference of potential of several thousands of volts, between the
legs of a cow (step voltage). This generally involves the electrocution of the
animal, because its heart is placed on the internal path of the current.
Thousands of animals are thus struck down each year. Although the steps of
a man are smaller, the flow in the ground of a very intense electrical current
can produce a difference of potential, from one foot to another, sufficiently
important so that it can be electrified!
Solution:
It is not the absolute potential of the animal, which counts but,
fortunately, the difference of potential between the front and back legs.
The cow thus will undergo a d.o.p.: U = 1000 V between the front and
back legs, under conditions of extreme moisture. This blow can be fatal.
29
! PHENOMENON OF INDUCTION (INDUCED OVERVOLTAGE)
When the lightning falls directly on a line (electric, telephone), the current
of the lightning generates locally an impulse of voltage in the conductors of
this line, impulse which then will be propagated to the building. Nearer was
the impact, more will be the amplitude of this impulse at the entrance point of
the line in the building. We call this impulse an over voltage of the lightning.
The amplitudes of these over voltage are generally about several thousands
of volts for the low voltage lines (230/400 volts) and telephone lines. They are
sufficient to make sparks and breakdowns in the insulation of the electric
apparatuses, and damage the electronic apparatuses.
These phenomena are called inductive coupling.
30
! DAMAGES OF LIGHTNING STRIKES
Cows and animals often gather in crowds under a tree during thunderstorms
and sometimes all are killed when lightning strikes the tree.
Nature
The most important damages in the nature caused by lightning are forest fires.
Their frequency varies from year to year, depending on the dryness of the
summer. Lightning location systems can be very useful to indicate where fire
is probable to occur.
Damage can also be caused by the release of large amounts of substances
toxic to plants or animals. Cases can be very different and therefore the
reporting and sharing of experience is important.
Structures
A structure means a building including electric and other installations and also
the persons occupied in or around the building. Several standards exist and
others are under preparation, e.g. by IEC and CENELEC. Under this heading
special problems not covered by standards could be subject of discussion.
How good is the protection that follows the standard? Still it is an up to date
question.
Electric Power
Electric power lines for transmission and distribution have, because of their
length a high probability of receiving a direct lightning strike and the current
can be conducted over very long distances and cause damage at many
places to different types of components. The protection of electric power
systems is a highly specialised technique and protection standards have been
well developed in international cooperation. Still certain problems are different
in different countries, due to lightning properties and due to different structures
in the system grounding etc. The safety measures determine the availability
and reliability which today everywhere is expected to be very high since the
31
modern society often depends critically on the uninterrupted supply of
electricity. Experience from all fields in all the countries are welcome,
including information about cases where unexpected long-lasting outages of
electric power caused critical situations.
Telecommunication
Some figures:
32
Some people happy to be struck by lightning !:
Lightning is not all bad news. On rare occasions, its victims have welcomed
strikes. In 1872, a paralysed member of the household of the Duke of Kent
was struck by a lightning. He survived, with his paralysis cured.
Edwin Robinson, a resident of Falmouth, Massachusetts, had been blind and
death for nine years following a road accident. Then, as he sheltered beneath
a tree during a storm on June 3 19890, he was struck by lightning. He laid
unconscious for 20 minutes with his hearing aid shattered. When he awoke,
his sight and hearing began to return. But this is very much the exception. The
rule is that lightning is dangerous! *
Lightning killed 504 sheep in Utah with one lightning strike.
33
LIGHTNING PROTECTION
TOTALFINAELF SPECIFICATIONS
1
TOTAL FINA ELF
EXPLORATION PRODUCTION
GENERAL SPECIFICATION
ELECTRICAL
GS ELE 051
2
Contents
1. Scope......................................................................................................................... 4
3
1. Scope
This Standard Specification reviews lightning-related phenomena representing
a hazard to persons and likely to disturb of or even destroy electrical
installations, and defines protective measures.
These arrangements cannot under any circumstances guarantee total safety,
but shall be designed to provide statistically effective protection.
2. Reference documents
2.1 Standards
Reference Title
IEC 1024-1 Protection of structures against lightning. Part one: general
principles
IEC 1024-1-1 Protection of structures against lightning. Part one: general
principles. Section 1: selection of protection systems for
lightning
IEC 99-1 A Recommendations for surge arresters
2.3 Regulations
Reference Title
Not applicable
2.4 Codes
Reference Title
Not applicable
4
4. Protective devices
Protection against indirect lightning strikes is provided by air-termination
systems.
Protection against the indirect effects which produce over voltages shall be
provided by surge arresters and surge diverters.
4.1 Air-termination system
Air-termination systems may comprise rods, taut wires or meshed conductors.
Their general principles of installation are only partly described in IEC 1024-1;
it is therefore important to emphasise the following points:
The conducted lightning current must be conveyed to earth by means of
appropriate down conductors and earth electrodes so that the increase in
potential is not hazardous to persons and equipment nearby.
In the case of a large building (surface area > 1000 m2), a number of
appropriately spaced and interconnected lightning conductors should preferably
be used.
For technical buildings, a single down conductor is insufficient; several will
reduce transient potential differences. As a rule, increasing the number of down
conductors is more effective than increasing their cross-sectional area. In a
technical building of reinforced concrete construction the down conductor(s)
must be connected to the top and bottom of the reinforcing elements.
In the case of an outdoor metal structure, the vertical metal framework may be
used as down conductors if permanent electrical continuity is assured and
verified over time.
In the case of metal chimneys, towers or pylons, separate down conductors
are of no utility if continuity is assured (by means of shunts at joints if
necessary) and if the cross-sections are equivalent to 60 mm2 of copper or
100 mm2 of iron.
5
5. Design of protective devices
5.1 General principles
The protection of a building or installation against lightning is subject to a
preliminary evaluation of the benefits taking into account the cost of the
protective device and the economic and safety value of the installations to be
protected.
This should be done at the draft project stage, before the building or
installation is constructed, as it is very difficult, often impossible, and always
costly to improve an installation when appropriate measures have not been
included in its construction.
To be effective, protection must provide simultaneously:
An equipotential link bonding the earthing systems inside and outside the
installation having the lowest possible resistance.
Protection against direct lightning strikes.
Protection against over voltages on all cables entering the area to be
protected. This protection must be provided at the point where the cables enter
the installation.
In an area comprising clearly separated equipment (1 m. spacing), protection
may be provided for only the equipment susceptible to damage by lightning.
6
must equalise potentials across the entire area protected by air-termination
systems so as to prevent the appearance of a hazardous potential difference
between two nearby points. This is very important in the case of large
technical buildings housing electrical or electronic installations that are highly
sensitive to over voltages. In such cases, since the down conductors of the
air-termination systems are arranged around the periphery of the building, the
earth system must comprise an external loop around the building (possibly
duplicated by a parallel second loop) and, at the base of each down
conductor, a fan arrangement of conductors buried in trenches.
It is very important that all electrical or electronic installations in a building
should always be at the same potential; it is therefore imperative that all the
down conductors be connected to the single general earthing system of the
installation.
5.3 Hypothetical sphere model
The electrogeometric model is one of the tools used to determine the
locations of air-termination system.
This model is based on the concept of striking distance which is the distance
between the leader (ionised channel preceding the lightning strike) and the
ground or an obstacle on the ground.
It has been established that this distance varies with the lightning current
according to the equation:
d = 9.4 I 2 /3
d in metres
Iin kilo amperes
For a feasible maximum current of 180 kA, the distance "d" would be 300 m.
7
5.4 Protection against direct lightning strikes
5.4.1 Buildings
One or more lightning rods (number defined in accordance with IEC 1024-1)
will be installed, and a full mesh will be set up at roof level using 30 x 2 mm
copper strip.
In line with each lightning rod, there shall be a 30 x 2 mm-copper strip down
conductor leading to an earth electrode.
Each down conductor shall have, above ground and as close as possible to
the point of connection to the earth electrode, a terminal that can be
disconnected for measurement purposes.
Each down conductor will have its own small fan shaped earth electrode.
A full loop shall be set up with un-insulated cable with a minimum cross-
sectional area of 70 mm2, laid in a trench.
To this loop shall be connected all the earth electrodes, the connector blocks
inside the building and the equipotential bonding links of the exposed metal
parts.
8
9
5.4.2 Non-metal chimneys
The aerial cable must be installed in a metal conduit in the case of a lattice-
work mast or, failing this, routed along the centre of the mast on the inside of
the structure.
The anchoring points of the stays must be interconnected with the lightning
conductor's earthing system.
5.4.4 Aerials on offshore platforms
A lightning conductor is necessary only when there are aerials, and, in this
case, its rod shall be located at least 2 m above the highest aerial.
The down conductor shall be run inside the mast using a copper strip with a
minimum cross-sectional area of 30 x 2 mm, and connected to its base by a
stainless steel lug welded to the structure of the platform when the platform
represents the equipotential bonding system.
10
5.4.5 Storage areas for combustible or explosive products
The lightning rods shall be positioned according to the hypothetical sphere
method.
Where the distance between the base of the post and the feeder point
exceeds 30 m, surge arresters shall be installed at both ends.
11
The arresters are located at the point of entry of the cable into the building to
be protected and the connections between them and the earthing system
must be as short as possible.
In installations in which the neutral is directly earthed and which are equipped
with differential circuit-breakers, the operation of a surge arrester will trip out
the circuit-breaker; this must be allowed for in designing installations for which
no interruption of service can be tolerated; in such cases an earthed neutral
system may be preferred.
5.5.5 Remote control, telemetry and communication cables
The purpose of protecting such cables is to avoid:
destruction of a buried cable if lightning strikes the ground in the vicinity of the
cable,
hazardous transmission of a voltage surge by the armour and conductors of a
cable and destruction of equipment connected to the cable.
The following protective measures may be employed:
Surge diverters are installed in series with the installations to be supplied and
their rating depends on the size of the installation. They supply only the
sensitive equipment to be protected and no other equipment.
12
Connections from surge diverters must be routed separately, on dedicated
routes far away from other cable runs (to avoid induced interference).
13
Appendix 1 - Table of options
X Imperative
- Optional
R Recommended
14
!
LIGHTNING PROTECTION
DIRECT PROTECTION
1
C.1. GENERALITIES
The theory and technologies of the systems and materials uses are presented
in this chapter
Two specific chapters (D and E) are dedicated to the 2 following criteria's.
-----------------------------------------
2
C.1.1 Protection against direct effects theory:
The electrical field breaks between a thundery cloud and any rough bit on the
ground level causing the strike.
We can protect an installation theoretically in 2 manners:
- By eliminating the rough bits that are at the origin of the strike and by
maintaining the elements to be protected on the same potential (potential of
the ground), it is the passive protection.
- by creating voluntarily some rough bits, to attract the strikes and channel
the energy towards the ground, it is the active protection
They include:
1 ) Devices of capture
2 ) The conductors of descent
3 ) The earth electrodes
NOTE:
It is important to keep in mind that the trajectory of the lightning channel is
not directly affected by the height of the objects located on the ground. It
is only at the very last stage of its descent, that the strikes decides of its
point of impact.. A lightning Air Termination does not attract the
lightning at the time of its formation, it collects the electric discharge only
if it is already spontaneously very near.
3
The lightning direct protection system shall be of the enhancing type designed
to attract lightning from a predetermined volume and to safely convey the
lightning current to earth through a known and preferred route.
The lightning direct protection system shall include components as follows: air
termination's), mechanical support(s), down conductor(s), performance
recording equipment, and an earthing system.
They are metallic rods, capped with pointer or "early streamer emission
system" or metallic taut cables.
Franklin lightning conductors, which are tapered, have a perfectly slender and
attractive point. They exist in nickel/chromium-plated copper and stainless
steel versions. They have a standard length of 2.4 m and can be extended by
the addition of treated steel or stainless steel elevation rods. These systems
do not require guying and can be up to 7 or 8 m long. The tip of 2F Franklin
lightning conductors features a solid point of marine bronze or stainless steel..
4
Variance of Franklin rod with accessories
5
Installation on a structure: to study the best lay-out , the 'Rolling Sphere
Method is the widest used principle.
The main problem becomes the choice of radius R for the sphere. If a radius
r1 is chosen, it corresponds to a protective current i1 as per the Electro-
geometrical model. When striking current is smaller than i1, it can go across
the protection. The only 'safe' protection is to consider the smaller striking
current possible, being 2 kA, R is then equal to 15 meters.
The 100% protection does not exit in lightning protection and this regardless
any type of system (including other than Franklin rods).
6
Ground trench
conductor
7
C .2.2.1 Saint-Elmo lightning air termination (Franklin)
Principle
A rod-type lightning conductor works by altering, at its level,
the equipotentials which match the structures of the building it
protects. The emergence of the lightning conductor is an
important factor in increasing the local electric field. The
principle of the piezoelectric lightning air termination designed
by 2 F relies on several factors: the reinforcement of the local
electric field, the excitation and initiation of the corona effect,
and favourable conditions to the development of the corona
discharge.
Description
Operation
- Piezoelectric ceramics
Piezoelectric ceramics are crystalline structures in which
electric dipoles have been stressed into a given orientation by
subjecting them initially to an intense polarisation field. They
consist of a very hard material, lead zircotitanate, and their
ends are covered with a fine layer of electrode grade nickel.
Used in their "generative" action, these ceramics generate
very high voltages by simply increasing the pressure (up to 20
000 to 25 000 V in a series stack), voltage levels that are
much higher than those required to produce the desired ions.
8
- Piezoelectric stimulation:
The many reversible effect stresses are obtained by the force resulting from
the combination formed by the lightning conductor itself and the least
turbulence, the vibratory effect of the resonance of the mast, and the pre-
stress applied to the stimulator. Electrically connected to the transducer, the
emitter points are subjected to these high potentials. Accordingly, they release
large amounts of ions (7,65 1010 of 2,5 to 6,5 kV). These are taken over by
the venturi circuit and generate an ionised airflow around the capture head
and in its prolongation. The bi-polarity of the piezoelectric pulses gives the
Saint-Elmo lightning air termination the advantage of operation with both
positive and negative lightning.
The practical effect to this essential property is to increase the lightning air
termination zone of protection (investigations by Mr Bodier) by enabling it to
operate with very short peaks of the atmosphere electric field. In fact, any
artificial increase in the ionic density of the air surrounding an electrode
favours a lowering of the breakdown potential. (G. Rumebe)
Hence by favouring
- the increase of the local electric field,
- the presence of a seed electron at the capture point (electron that is rare in
the atmosphere and indispensable to the excitation process).
- the creation of a rising ionised air channel in the prolongation of the lightning
conductor.
Favourable action is achieved in shortening the excitation lag, on the initial
conditions of the triggering of the corona effect, and the rising velocity of the
corona discharge.
9
- Larger zone of protection
10
C.2.2.2 Dynasphere Early Streamer Emission Air Terminal vendor's data
Used in T.I. installations. Hereafter is extracted from vendor document.
The result of many years of theoretical and ongoing field research is the
DYNASPHERE Early Streamer Emission Terminal. This unit provides the
design engineer with an air termination relatively free of space charges which
is capable of creating photo-ionisation and which concentrates electric field to
release free electrons on the approach of a lightning leader.
These factors are combined with sphere geometry and the sphere's location
on a structure to determine its collection volume.
11
The attractive range of the DYNASPHERE Early Streamer Emission Terminal
is not constant but varies with the height and geometry of the structure, the
location of the DYNASPHERE Early Streamer Emission Terminal on a
structure, and the atmospheric and electrical properties existing during the
lightning event. Since all points on a structure will compete to capture the
lightning, the DYNASPHERE Early Streamer Emission Terminal must be
positioned to become the preferred strike point.
- Collection volumes
12
Collection volumes, Hemispheres bounded by a limited parabola.
Their descent conductor is a high voltage type cable, detail given in the next
chapter
The advance (lead) for Strike triggering (Early Streamer Emission = ESE)
Tests have been done comparing ESE air terminal with 'classic' Franklin rod,
it result a difference in 'reaction time' called t which the time in advance for
which an ESE reacts.
L = v . t
V = lightning speed equal to 106 m / s
Rp = h 2D - d) + L (2D + L
13
Determination of Radius of protection ( Rp )
The ESE are subject to strong critics: "they are not better than Franklin rods"
Just remind the words of Albert Einstein:
14
Faraday cage method of protection
Protection by a meshed cage is done on top and around the building with
wide-meshed 'net' of lightning conductors. Strike point rods (small length) are
installed at cross-point of conductors in angles and any "pointing" part.
Descents are outside building, mainly in angles. They are connected to the
earth termination network, itself around the building. Distance between
lightning conductors (width of meshes) is function of the required level of
protection (Rolling Sphere Radius). It is a passive protection conducting
directly the lightning strikes currants towards the ground. Division of the
current within the "mesh network" lightning conductors limits (generally) the
radiant effects inside the building.
Surface lightning
conductor
Descent angle
lightning conductor Grounding
trench bonding
All the lightning conductors of the mesh are subject to direct lightning strikes
and capable to direct the current towards the ground.
15
Other examples of protection by Faraday cage:
Exhaust
Conductor to ground
On high risk structures such as explosives factories, no part of the roof should
be more than 2.5m from an air termination conductor. This is generally
achieved by applying a 5m x 10m mesh to the roof.
16
Air termination cage type for Tall conducting structures
The zone of protection does not seem to be applied because of the need to
interconnect the down conductors of the tall block to the air termination of the
lower block. In such cases it is necessary to connect the lower air termination
up to the lower down conductors to facilitate this interconnection, even though
this extension is within the zone of protection of the tower.
- Taut cable:
Metallic cables installed above the structures to protect, tightened on supports
if metallic themselves, are part of the protection.
Used to protect overhead lines (high voltage), High voltage substation,
storage tanks (floating roof).
17
High voltage lines equipped with 'guard cable'
Raising
masts
Metallic Tank
tank
The umbrella:
Used mainly in south-east Asia, mainly to protect communication towers or
masts, but also tanks Their efficiency cannot be denied.
Stock array
18
C.3. THE DOWN CONDUCTORS descent-meshing-bonding
Down conductor systems should, where possible, take the most direct route
from the air termination network to the earth termination network. Ideally they
should be symmetrically installed around the outside walls of the structure
starting from the corners. Routing to avoid side flashing should always be
given particular attention in designing any installation.
For the ESE air termination, there is a specific cable, described here later.
Danger
Re-entrant loops
19
C.3.1. Security proximity distance
Descent conductor
Lightning Minimum
strike distance in
current in meters
Amperes
200 0.1 L
Electrical
cable or 150 0.075 L
fluid pipe 100 0.05 L
Equipotential connection
The problems relating to side flashing have attracted a great deal of attention
in recent years and are a very important consideration when designing a safe
lightning protection system. Damage to life and property can occur if the
danger of side flashing is not considered.
The principles of side flash can be explained by the following simple example.
20
If the lightning protection system on a structure is hit by lightning, then the
current flowing through the system and the resistance/impedance offered by
the conductor path will determine the magnitude of the potential difference
seen by the lightning conductors with respect to true earth. The lightning
conductors can, instantaneously, have a potential of magnitude of megavolts
(1,000,00OV) with respect to true earth.
If the current flowing down the lightning conductor path at the time of the
discharge sees a high impedance along its route and the nearby metalwork
offers a lower impedance path to earth, then the discharge will flash over to
the nearby metalwork, provided the magnitude of the potential difference is
sufficient to breakdown the gap 'D'
A good lightning protection system should always follow the most direct route
to earth. Unfortunately, practical considerations do not always allow this. One
example of incorrect routing of conductors is the re-entrant loop (see figure at
the beginning of this chapter). The example shown in the right hand figure,
highlights the danger to personnel that side flashing can cause.
21
A good lightning protection system should always follow the most direct route
to earth. Unfortunately, practical considerations do not always allow this. One
example of incorrect routing of conductors is the re-entrant loop (see Section
3 - Figure 27D - Page 33). The example shown in Figure 26 highlights the
danger to personnel that side-flashing can cause.
22
C.3.4. The bonding
Typically, water pipes, gas pipes, metal sheaths and electrical installations
which are in contact with earth, remain at earth potential during a lightning
discharge. Even metal parts that are not in contact with earth will see a
potential difference between them and the lightning protection system during a
discharge, even if this potential is smaller in magnitude to the metal parts in
direct contact with earth.
It is vital that all exposed metalwork is bonded into the lightning protection
installation as per example below:
There are two ways of preventing side flashing. The first is to isolate nearby
metal from the lightning protection system. So, even if a strike occurs, the
clearance distance between the metalwork and the lightning protection system
would be so great that the strike would prefer to follow the lightning protection
23
path rather than jump across to the metalwork. Obviously, this will not be
practical for certain fixed metal installations, for example central heating
systems or metal windows. In these cases, the second method of preventing
side-flashing has to be considered, that of connecting the metalwork to the
lightning protection system with an appropriate bond
To determine whether the distance between the suspect metalwork and the
lightning protection system is large enough for the metalwork to be considered
'isolated' or close enough to be 'bonded', Standards provides a mathematical
means of determining the minimum isolation distance for a given set of
parameters.
24
The TRIAX downconductor evolved after extensive studies of potential voltage
rise in structures due to lightning injection. This cable comprises carefully
selected dielectric materials which create capacitive balance and ensure
insulation integrity under high impulse conditions.
25
There is frequently a problem of routing normal downconductors due to the
requirement to keep them out of sight for aesthetic reasons. This often leads
to them being run with right angle bends in their length. The increased
inductance caused by these bends causes further voltage rises and can lead
to electrical break down or side flashing as shown in Fig. 12. In normal
methods of protection, the building is always electrified and there always
exists the danger of side flashing.
26
Fig. 13 shows the electrical conditions immediately before a discharge and
those during the transfer of charge to ground. It can be seen that the rod is
suddenly impressed with a polarity opposite to that of the ground. This causes
intense electric fields between rod, downconductor network and building.
These can give rise to side flashing.
In the case of the TRIAX cable as shown in Fig. 14, it can be seen that the
outer sheath acts as a shield to other objects and the danger of side flashing
is virtually eliminated. It is because of the TRIAX sheath that it becomes
possible to run the cable internally with complete safety.
1) It provides the design engineer with the ability to select the most
convenient lightning route to ground. The downconductor can utilise air ducts
etc. and be located remote from electrical and sensitive electronic equipment.
27
3) The structure carries only that minimal current which is due to
capacitive coupling to the main conductor. Accordingly, voltages across
concrete and reinforcing members remains small. This leads to the conclusion
that no special bonding techniques are required.
4) The placement of a single TRIAX downconductor with a single earthing
system is generally of lower cost than that of conventional techniques.
WHY USE TRIAX? - A TECHNICAL DISCUSSION
Considers a conventionally protected structure. This is shown in Fig. 15 and
comprises copper or aluminium conductors along and down the outer face of
the structure. Each conductor lies in both physical and electrical contact with
the structure.
When lightning strikes one of these conductors, it rises in voltage due to self
inductance. The internal structural steel is earthed and usually lies only a few
centimetres from the lightning conductor. Many instances are recorded of
discharge currents breaking down the intervening distance and using the
structural steel to reach ground. This is particularly so when the lightning
conductor does not proceed directly to ground but follows a tortuous route
over and around parapets etc.
Lightning currents within structural members have many paths to follow and
may pass close to sensitive equipment or insulated items. This leads to side
flashing and magnetically induced over voltage.
Side flashing is a known cause of human injury and death. Electromagnetic
overvoltages cause major damage and disruption to EDP equipment,
computers and instrumentation.
Fig. 16 shows a similar situation using TRIAX. In this case, the lightning
current is confined and potential equalisation occurs between cable and
structure. Note that by correctly routing the TRIAX, negligible current passes
near sensitive equipment and personnel.
Another clear advantage of TRIAX is its single installation leading to a single
earth system. TRIAX also permits internal routing for security.
28
Conclusion - Downconductor (Triax)
4. The TRIAX cable has been shown to withstand 75% of all statistically
recorded lightnings irrespective of length and relief wave effects. When
account is taken of the latter, together with the statistical spread of lightning
parameters, the TRIAX is capable of withstanding the largest of lightning and
can be applied to very tall structures.
Air termination devices are normally equipped (on their direct descent
conductor) with an event counter, totalling the number of strikes of at least a
given value of the current.
Total Indonsie being equipped With Dynasphere + Triax , has also the LEC2
counter (from the same vendor). Hereafter, description of this product.
29
LPI LIGHTNING EVENT COUNTER Type LEC2
'DESCRIPTION
The LPI Lightning Event Counter type LEC2 is specifically designed for use
with the System 3000.
The inbuilt counter will register all lightning strokes and automatically resets. A
special toroidal coil is simply fitted over the earth conductor at the earth point
to inductively couple lightning energy into the counter circuitry.
No batteries are required - the system is self powered and as the components
are fully weatherproof, the system can be mounted outdoors or in damp
locations.
For a modest outlay, the performance of system 3000 can be directly
measured providing valuable statistical information and thus proving the
effectiveness of your lightning protection. LEC2 can of course provide the
same information for other types of lightning installations.
SPECIFICATION
MINIMUM OPERATING CURRENT - 1500 amperes on a 8120 microsecond
impulse.
POWER SUPPLY - Self powered.
CIRCUITRY - All solid state with electro mechanical counter registering up to
9999, not resetable.
COMPONENTS - Toroidal coil, fully encapsulated. Internal hole of 45mm
diameter.
Counter is built into a coil housing and viewed through a polycarbonate
window.
METHOD OF CONNECTION
The counter is slipped over the TRIAX downconductor prior to connection with
the earth stake. If more convenient, the counter can be positioned on the
earth stake itself. This can apply to the downconductors of conventional
protection installations.
30
!
LIGHTNING PROTECTION
GROUNDING
1
D.1 EARTHING - GENERALITY
Earthing plays a vital role in all electrical systems. The main reasons for
earthing are:
- Low electrical resistance between the electrode and the earth. The lower the
earth electrode resistance the more likely the lightning or fault current will
choose to flow down that path in preference to any other, allowing the current
to be conducted safely to and dissipated in the earth.
A lightning ground resistance should have its value under 10 ohms.
- Good corrosion resistance. The choice of material for the earth electrode
and its connections is of vital importance. It will be buried in soil for many
years so has to be totally dependable.
D. 2. SOIL CONDITIONS
Achieving a good earth will depend on local soil conditions. A low soil
resistivity is the main aim and factors that effect this are:
The following tables illustrate the effect these factors have on the soil
resistivity.
2
Table 1 Table 2
Note: Although Table 2 quotes figures for salt laden soil, it is now deemed
bad practice to use salt as a chemical means of reducing soil resistivity,
because of its very corrosive nature. Salt along with other chemicals, has the
disadvantage of leaching out of the surrounding soil after a period of time,
thus returning the soil to its original resistivity.
Once the soil resistivity has been calculated from the local soil measurements,
the appropriate earth electrode system can be chosen by using typical
formulae listed below:
3
Vertical strips (Rectangular Section)
800L
R= Log 10
275L w
Where:
R = Apparent earth electrode resistance in ohms
= Soil resistivity I ohm.cm
D = Depth of electrode in metres
D = diameter of electrode in centimetres
L = Length of electrode in metres
W = Width of electrode in centimetres
For Example
If for this example we assume that the soil is suitable for deep driven rod
electrodes then we can calculate the depth of rod required to obtain the
desired 20 ohms resistance.
The above example illustrates the importance of the accuracy of the soil
resistivity figure. If the survey is inaccurate, then the calculated apparent earth
electrode resistance R will be Inaccurate and misleading.
4
D.3. PRINCIPLE OF EARTHING according to Lightning air termination
For each individual descent conductor, from each Franklin rod, earthing
should be done by
------------------------------------------------
Position of the Lighting ground specific system is always directed towards the
outside of the building / structure to protect.
5
D.4. GENERAL METHOD OF EARTHING
6
Deep Drill Earthing
A soil resistivity survey indicating lower resistivity at greater depths will make
the deep driven earth electrode a logical choice. Deep driven earth electrodes
are more likely to reach permanent moisture unaffected by seasonal changes.
Ground level
7
A common misconception is that increasing the diameter/width of the rod/strip
electrode will give a significant reduction of earth resistance.
Tests have shown that increasing the diameter of a rod electrode from 12.5 to
25mm has increased the weight by 400%, increased the cost by 400%, but
only reduced the earth resistance by 9.5%.
Where ground conditions make deep driving of earth rods impossible, a matrix
arrangement of rods coupled to one another by conductors can be used.
If possible, the earth rods must be spaced at least equal to their driven depth.
No significant decrease in resistance will be obtained by spacing greater than
twice their driven depth.
8
Crows Foot Earth Configuration
Ground that has one metre depth of soil before encountering bedrock will best
be suited to a buried radial electrode, provided the system is installed below
the frost line and below the area that is subject to seasonal weather changes.
Earth plates or mats can be buried instead of driving rod electrodes but
installation is expensive and time consuming.
9
Buried Earth Plate Electrode
Other forms of earth electrode can be used, including ring conductors or radial
strips emanating from a particular point, or a combination of conductors with
earth rods.
Voltage Gradient
Step and touch voltages on the surface of the ground in the vicinity of earth
electrodes must be restricted to safe values.
This can be achieved by using electrodes to form a ring around the area to be
protected. The electrodes must be buried sufficiently deep to reduce surface
potential.
10
the soil. The connection between the electrode and down conductor being
made with insulated conductor.
An example of how effective this can be is illustrated by tests which gave the
following results.
The maximum voltage gradient over a two metre span adjacent to a 25mm
diameter earth electrode was 85% of the total electrode potential when the top
of the assembly was at ground level. This electrode potential was reduced to
20% when the electrode was buried 0.3 metres below ground level and 5%
when buried 1.0 metres below ground level.
Corrosion
The correct choice of materials for a lightning protection system is vital. Metal
fittings must be compatible with the metal or metals used externally on the
structure over which the system passes or with which it may be in contact.
Aluminium and copper, the two metals most commonly used in lightning
protection systems, are not compatible, so great care must be taken when
both are used in a system particularly where they come into contact with each
other.
If aluminium is selected as the material for air termination networks and down
conductors, it has to be connected to copper at or around the test clamp, This
connection should be positioned at the beginning of the earth termination
network. This is because the Earthing Code do not permit aluminium to be
buried underground.
11
The contact surfaces of dissimilar metals should be kept completely dry and
protected against the ingress of moisture, otherwise corrosion will occur. A
particularly effective means of excluding moisture is to use inhibitor pastes,
bitumastic paint, or approved protective wrappings.
Introducing a soil-conditioning agent into the ground can reduce the soil
resistivity and hence reduce the earth resistance.
There are various agents available, the choice of any particular one will
depend on the type of earth required - temporary or permanent; the locality;
the condition of the soil, etc.
12
transmission/distribution networks or in hot, dry climates, and also has
electromagnetic screening and anti-static flooring applications.
The electrode assembly can then be inserted into the pre-drilled hole and
back-filled with Bentonite or Marconite, or any other appropriate conditioning
agent.
It is vital with any earthing system that regular inspection is carried out for
possible damage. Regular checks on earth electrode resistance to ensure
optimum protection are advised.
When a "normal" strike occurs, on the air termination (specially installed for
that purpose) the overvoltage and high currents are driven away the ground
installation network. Everything is at it "should be", no interference between
the 2 earthing systems (as long as they are clearly distant from each other)
All the manufacturers, all the engineering and standardisation offices cannot
guaranty a 100% protection. Air terminations are there to support the strikes
but nevertheless, within the protected area, an "unexpected" event could
direct a strike a wrong way towards a building or a structure.
13 of 14
Everyone, with field experience have seen or heard about lightning causing
big damages to installation believed to be "well" protected.
Probabilities are low for such happening in descending strikes, but are more
present for ascending ones. A small not directly protected building could have
more 'capacitance' ready to strike than an air termination nearby.
!
Air Terminal Air Terminal
Earth pit
When strike occurs on the air terminal, the overvoltage could be spread on the
entire network, bring currents in "feed-back". Preferable paths could be taken
according to resistance value of the different branches of the network.
This happens with insufficient direct ground termination for the capturing
device and / or bad connections. It enlightens the necessity to have good
engineering, proper measurement of soil resistivity and earthing value as well
as a permanent survey and maintenance of the earthing network
D.7.3. Conclusion:
14 of 14
LIGHTNING PROTECTION
ELECTRICAL PROTECTION
1
E.1. GENERALITY:
Each type of cable and each type of signal transmitted have their own
adapted type of electrical surge protection.
all cables which enter or leave the building (except fibre optic)
the power supply local to important equipment
electronic equipment outside the main building(s).
Lightning strikes between clouds or to ground (and objects upon it) can cause
transient overvoltages to be coupled on to electrical cables, and hence into
the sensitive electronic equipment connected to them.
To protect the electronic equipment inside a building, all cables that enter or
leave the building must be protected. (Cables leaving the building can also
provide a route back into the building for transient overvoltages.)
2
Protect the power supply locally to important equipment
(Note: Data communication, signal and telephone lines are not usually
exposed to switching transients and, owing to the protection afforded by their
generally good cable screening, do not normally require additional local
protection.)
Compatibility
The protector must not interfere with the system's normal operation:
mains power supply protectors should not disrupt the normal power supply
or cause high leakage currents to earth,
3
protectors for data communication, signal and telephone lines should not
impair or restrict the systems data or signal transmission.
Survival
It is vital that the protector is capable of surviving the worst case transients
expected at its intended installation point. Transient overvoltages caused by
the secondary effects of lightning are unlikely to have currents exceeding
1OkA. More importantly, since lightning is a multiple event, the protector must
be able to withstand repeated transient overvoltages.
Let-through voltage
The larger the transient overvoltage reaching the electronic equipment, the
greater the risk of interference, physical damage and hence system downtime.
Consequently, the transient overvoltage let through the protector should be as
low as possible and certainly lower than the level at which interference or
component degradation may occur.
Thus, a good protector must have a low let~through voltage between every
pair of conductor,.
End of life
When the protector comes to the end of its working life it should not leave
equipment unprotected. Thus in-line protectors should take the line out of
commission, preventing subsequent transients from damaging equipment.
Protectors for data communication signal and telephone lines and protectors
for low current mains power supplies are usually in-line devices. Where
protectors are installed at mains power distribution boards it is usually
unacceptable for these to suddenly fail, cutting the power supply.
Consequently, to prevent equipment being left unprotected, the protector
should have a clear pre end-of-life warning, which allows plenty of time for it to
be replaced.
Installation
4
E.2 DIFFERENT ORIGINS OF OVERVOLTAGE
This phenomena is devastating for cables laid in cable trays / racks specially if
they have different ground network (instrumentation cables along power
cables even at "reasonable" distance).
5
E.2.3. Propagation of overvoltages
- Common mode:
- Differential mode
Overvoltage is produced
between the active conductors
Phase/phase or phase/neutral
6
At overvoltage clearance, protection should stop conduction, and go back
to its initial status (still with no leaking current)
Response time to be lowest (as per standards)
Sizing adapted for releasing of "extra" voltage and current which could
appear in the installation to protect
Follows specific Standards requirement such as : "support 20 times an
overvoltage in the range of 8/20 s of nominal current and one time the
maximum admissible current. " (French Standard)
Examples of vendor product are given for each type, level, and voltage of
protection. - All in Low Voltage -
Electrical
distribution
Surge
Limiter
7
E.4.2. Power distribution - SWG / MCC :
From Transfo
Surge
Protector
Distribution
Hereafter, for information, data's for one Vendor with their 'DS' range of
products:
Designed to be installed at the head ends of installations, usually just after the
main electrical panel, these Primary surge protectors protect a whole
installation. They use a withdrawable design.
8
3) Secondary AC power surge protectors
Type 3 (IEC) or Category 0 (VDE)
Operating Principle
Most DS surge protectors use zinc metal-oxide varistors (MOV), the best
compromise between a rapid response time (25ns) and a high discharge
current capacity. But the end of life of these varistors must be monitored,
requiring the systematic use of built-in thermal disconnection devices.
The maximum discharge current (lmax) is the maximum a surge protector can
withstand without destruction for one lightning strike (8/20-microsecond
impulse). Typical Imax values are:
The nominal discharge current (in) is the level a surge protector can withstand
repeatedly without destruction (15 or 20 x 8/20 microsecond impulses).
- Protection level Up
This is the maximum voltage on the output of a surge protector when loaded
by a discharge current equivalent to its nominal discharge current (in). It is
therefore the transient disturbance to which the protected equipment will be
exposed.
For an efficient protection, the protection level of the surge protector must be
as low as possible - lower than the withstand voltage of the protected
equipment.
9
Un: nominal AC voltage of the network to which the surge protector is
connected
Disconnection device
The user will be alerted by the indicator turning red on the front of the
defective module, which will then have to be replaced.
Maintenance
"Pluggable" design
The design of DS surge protectors is based on the use of a pluggable module
that plugs into a matching receptacle, This makes replacement, and checking,
very easy without impairing the protection function. On multipolar surge
protectors, the possibility of replacing a single pole makes rehabilitating a
surge protector less expensive.
Remote Signalling
10
DS40S surge protector diagram
Installation
- Location
DS surge protectors are installed as follows, according to type:
- "Heavy duty" at the head end of the installation, in a separate box or on the
main electrical panel, for effective discharge of large lightning currents.
- Primary" at the head end of the installation, on the main electrical panel, so
as to shunt lightning currents as directly as possible and thereby avoid
coupling.
- Connection
- Installation
The total length of the surge protector connecting conductors must not exceed
0,5m, so as not to degrade the level of protection (Up). The surge protector
can be connected to the network by:
-- conductors on screw terminals;
-- a connection bus.
11
DS44S Installation
- Imax
The Imax parameter varies according to the transient overvoltage risk faced
by the installation to protect. It is usually defined by the different regulations. If
not a quick estimation of the risk can be carried out.
-- Direct strike likely..
10OkA and higher surge protectors
-- High lightning density (Ng > 2)
70kA surge protectors
-- Significant lightning density (1 < Ng < 2)
40-3OkA surge protectors
-- Secondary protection (downstream primary surge protector)
1OkA surge protectors
- Network configuration
The various DS surge protectors are available for single- and three-phase
networks and three-phase networks with neutral. (see table next)
12
- Surge protectors coordinations
13
E.4.3. Sub-Power distribution - MCC / Distribution panel:
Incoming
cable
Sub-distribution
panel
Surge
Protector
Towards distribution
Used material is in the same standard and construction than for the previous
paragraph. Hereafter is extracted from vendor catalogue
14
Characteristics:
- 3-phase surge protection .
- Discharge currents: In: 1OkA; Imax: 30 kA
- Common / Differential mode
- Protection level Up: 1.511W
- Operating / disconnection indicator
- Remote signalling contact
AC
Supply DC
from a
protected
source
Sub-distribution
panel
Surge
Protector
Towards distribution
15
E.4.5. 'End of line' power distribution protections
Socket
220V
Distribution
panel
Surge
Protector
Surge
Protector
Each individual socket can be equipped with its own surge protector, this to
ensure the direct safety of the device (sensitive) connected on power supply.
16
Plug-in boxes (PBE P5F ESC)
Multi outlet boxes (P11)
Combined Power / Data Line boxes (P11, PSUMJ)
Connection boxes (MSB, KKM)
Choices
A wide choice of formats is available to provide a solution for any
configuration.
The choice will be based on installation constraints:
- Simple, rapid installation Single / multiple jack outlet boxes
- Telephone l Data equipment Combined units
- Fixed, built-in installation Connection boxes
The jack-based versions are generally available in French and German
versions.
Installation
Parasurges are generally used as secondary protection, i.e. in combination
with primary surge arresters (DS line) installed on the main electrical panel..
For maximum efficiency, Parasurges are installed near the equipment to be
protected.
The single and multiple plug outlet versions can be installed by the end user
with no risk of error.
Operaton
-- "3-stage" diagram
Parasurges (PIN, HF or P11) use a multi-stage diagram for enhanced
efficiency.
With these three protection stages, each having a distinct role, Parasurges
combine three functions normally provided by separate devices:
A - input stage based on a gas discharge tube and varistors for a high
discharge current capacity.
B - Intermediate stage consisting of an RFI filter to reject RF interference and
coordinate the input and output stages.
C - Output stage based on varistors for a very short response time and low
residual voltage.
-- "One-stage" diagram
The other surge protectors of the line use a "one-stage" diagram based on a
gas discharge tube and varistor for a high discharge current capacity in a
small volume, yielding compact , low-cost surge protectors.
-- Discharge currents
Because of their location inside the network or their role as "secondary" surge
protectors, Parasurges are not exposed to the very large discharge currents
that may be found at the head end of an installation: In and Imax are
accordingly rated at 3 and 10 kA
17
Safety
Parasurges have thermal disconnectors with check lights to ensure perfect
operating safety and conformity to the various AC surge protector standards.
18
E.4.6. Telephone and Data line surge protection
Terminal
Datas data
distribution
panel D
PABX (tph)
Computer Surge
Protector
etc
D
Surge
Protector
Technical Characteristics
All telephone and data fine surge protectors are reliable multistage devices
that combine a high discharge current capacity with fast response times.
All telephone and data line surge protectors use a combination of a non-
radioactive three-element gas discharge tube equipped with an external short-
circuit and fast clamping diodes to provide:
19
- Fail-safe short-circuit mechanism if there is a permanent fault.
-Protections diagrams:
This compact surge protector effectively protects the power and telephone
inputs of equipment's such as fax machines, modems (or TPEITFIV), Key
System Units (2 PSTN lines), and ISDN equipment ).
20
The P5F1W has two surge protector circuits, one for each of the two levels
protected, AC power and telephone / data.
The unit is simply plugged into the wall outlet and the telephone line is
connected to RJ 11 (or RJ 45) jacks or to adapter cords for telephone jacks.
The orange check light indicates that the Parasurge is connected to the
installation's ground network.
A gas discharge tube is an insulator placed in parallel on the line; when its
sparkover voltage is reached because of an overvoltage, the line is briefly
practically shorted (arc voltage).
The sparkover voltage depends on the rise front of the overvoltage. The
higher the dV / dt of the overvoltage, the higher the sparkover voltage of the
surge protector.
When the overvoltage disappears, the gas discharge tube returns to its
original condition of insulator and is ready to function again. The discharge
tube is removable, making maintenance rapid in the end-of-life case.
21
"Quarter-Wave" protection PRC series
(other names: 'Shorting stub" or Protection by resonant line').
The other way to protect antenna lines is judicious replacement of the gas
discharge tube by a short-circuit chosen according to the operating frequency
band.
This short-circuit is tuned to one quarter of the wavelength, giving its name to
"quarter-wave protection.
This tuned short-circuit between the conducting core and the external ground
acts as a band-pass filter.
The filter may be selective (narrow band) or wide-band, according to the
calculation of the various mechanical elements.
Since lightning has a low-frequency spectrum (from a few hundred kHz to a
few MHz), it will be filtered out from the operating frequencies.
22
For effective protection of a radio station from the effects of lightning, a global
approach is required.'
The technology has been partially seen in the "product" paragraph, here is a
general view in the common used techniques.
23
Varistance is at present the more economical product, they are efficient and at
the lowest cost of production.
Ideal
surge 0 0 Low High Low
protector
Low but
Discharge 0 High High High
U high
The air electrodes are subject to external interference's (rain, birds, etc)
causing unwelcome functioning.
The gas system is subject to quality of gas itself, specially if it has already
'worked'.
After a strike, a residual leaking current (Is) can last some tens of seconds
and induce increase of potential.
24
These systems have low reliability.
They were used on HV overhead lines and progressively replaced by direct
protection devices.
Advantages are: big energy dissipation and a leaking current (after the initial
residual current 'evacuated') which can be neglected.
The enclosure is a ceramic tube with its ends closed off by metal caps that
also serve as electrodes.
- Operation
The gas discharge tube may be regarded as a sort of very fast switch having
conductance properties that change very rapidly, when breakdown occurs,
from open-circuit to quasi-short circuit (arc voltage about 20V). There are
accordingly four operating domains in the behaviour of a gas discharge tube:
25
* Arc regime: as the current increases, the gas discharge tube shifts from the
glow voltage to the are voltage (20V). It is in this domain that the gas
discharge tube is most effective, because the current discharged can reach
several thousand amperes without the arc voltage across its terminals
increasing.
* Extinction: At a bias voltage roughly equal to the glow voltage, the gas tube
recovers its initial insulating properties.
- DC sparkover voltage
This is the main characteristic defining the gas discharge tube. It is the voltage
at which breakdown will occur between the electrodes when a slowly
increasing voltage (dV I dt = 100 V / s) is applied to the component; it
depends on the electrode spacing, the pressure, and the properties of the gas
mixture and of the emissive substance.
Range of DC sparkover voltages available:
minimum 75V
average 230V
high voltage 50OV
very high voltage 1000 to 300OV
26
E.5.3. Varistance
Called also M.O.V. '(Metal Oxyde Varistor), GEMOV for "General Electric" and
SIOV for 'Siemens'.
Disadvantages:
- After several low energy overvoltages, heating occurs and life-time
shortens
- A too high overvoltage destroys the component up to short-circuit
- Explosion can even occurs with high-high voltage
Those disadvantages have been compensated by:
- Automatic disconnection stop the overheating and "switch off" the faulty
component
- Casting in adapted resin contains the forces (for explosion)
27
LIGHTNING PROTECTION
MISCELLANEOUS
1
F1 THE PRACTICES
Example:
Rack
Galvanic isolation
Subject to 15 kV !!
Ground
A signal cable connects for example a computer and one printer, they are
insulated galvanically. Each device is connected to the ground through their
supply cable following a different path than the signal cable. Induced
overvoltage is proportional to the surface formed by the 2 cables.
If the surface is 300m, the strike of 100 kA / s at 400 metres, the induced
overvoltage can reach 15 kV.
2
Interconnecting type in the grounding network can give explanation:
Isolated
connection
Loop surface =
Electro 50m
magnetic
field of
lightning
Non-meshed
grounds
3
Isolated
connection
Loop surface =
1 m with
Electro interconnection
magnetic
field of
lightning
Towards ground
network
Towards ground
network
4
F.2.2 Pipe racks:
Building B
Ground
network
Building A
Ground
network
Pipe racks have generally a metallic structure. At least one over 2 of the
vertical supports should be connected to the ground network
**Necessity to interconnect with the lightning ground in case of strike on the
pipe rack.
Storage
tank The "connecting" bracket is welded by the supplier or
manufacturer of the tank
Towards
Earthing
ground
general
network
Storage tanks are connected to the ground network through welded brackets
parts of the tank itself. Minimum number of those brackets is 2, but it has to
be increased according to the size of the tank, see picture below.
Floating roof storage tank could have a specific lightning protection such as
"taut cables" (section C of this booklet)
5
Number of earthing connecting points
F.2.4. Columns:
Metallic frame being absent, a Faraday cage is built with lightning conductors,
strike points rods and descent conductors (as per following figure).
Recommended also to connect to the ground system, the metallic rods and
meshes used to make concrete structures.
6
Strike points rods
Roof
conductor
Descent
conductor
To ground
network
Earthing network
To ground
network
F.2.6 Chimneys:
7
Strike points rods Strike points rods
Metallic
Descent conduct
conductors
Descent
conductors
Concrete
structure
To Concrete
ground pad
network
Crows To
foot Crows
Crows ground
Earthing foot
foot network
network
F.2.7 Aerials:
Air
Terminal
Protected zone
Surge protector
Crows foot
8
F.3 MAINTENANCE
Air terminal:
For E.S.E. type air termination, refer to the vendor book
For all other types, the maintenance consists in periodical checks of the
correct fastening of rods and conductors.
Corrosion status to also checked, with replacement of bad pieces.
Continuity between all parts and grounds to be thoroughly checked.
Grounding:
Part of earthing network periodical maintenance
Earthing value of specific lightning ground to be measured
Continuity with main network to be measured
Corrosion status to be estimated
Surge protectors:
Regular surveys of the protections inside the panels is to be ensured. After a
'strong' thunderstorm, a specific survey of all surge protectors should be
initiated.
Surge protectors showing "end of life" have to be replaced immediately
If any doubt about a surge protector (leaking) replacement is advised.