Resist the Perils of Lightning Strikes
  October 9, 2007
   

Lightning is a capricious, random and unpredictable event. Its' physical characteristics include current levels sometimes in excess of 400 kA, temperatures to 50,000 degrees F., and speeds approaching one third the speed of light. Globally, some 2000 on-going thunderstorms cause about 100 lightning strikes to earth each second. US insurance company information shows one homeowner's damage claim for every 57 lightning strikes. Data about commercial, government, and industrial lightning-caused losses is not available but annually in the USA alone, lightning causes more than 26,000 fires with damage to property (NLSI estimates) in excess of $5-6 billion. (1)

In addressing the potential risks posed by lightning strikes, a growing demand for an effective lighting protection system to safeguard life and property has emerged.  The following are helpful guidelines in implementing a lightning protection system.

   
   
 

First concern focuses on the bonding and grounding system. Bonding refers to the proper connection of electrical, electronic, and metallic messes with the conductors in order to attain a balance electrical level in a site. It protects the equipments by eliminating stray current flow in power and data lines. Grounding serves two separate functions as establishing an electrical connection to earth and establishing a common reference point for all voltage related to a given system. Grounding products should be highly resistant to corrosion and low impedance so as to safely and effectively protect the structures and systems from the unexpected and high electrical current brought about by the lightning strikes.

Second, refers to the air-termination and down-conductor system. Air-termination system decreases the probability of a lightning strike to penetrate the protected space. This system composes rods, stretched wires, and meshed conductors. This system uses positioning methods such as protective angle, rolling sphere, and mesh size; used either in combination or independently. Down-conductor on the other hand, reduces the possibility of occurrence of any dangerous sparking. 

 

Third is the Inspection and Maintenance. This is important to ensure that the system is in good condition. The Inspection should be done following this sequence: Construction period – to check the embedded electrodes; Periodic inspection – to check for corrosion problems, etc.; Additional Inspection – to see if there is a need for repair.

Kumwell, a brand of high quality grounding and lightning products manufactured in Thailand recognizes the need for a protection system that will preserve the reliability of the equipments and the efficiency of the building management system. Certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), this brand ensures superior quality and world-class competitiveness. This is now available in Philippine market as exclusively distributed by Prisma Electrical Controls Corp.


(1) Source: National Lightning Safety Institute
 
   
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