If you search about lightning arrester on Google you will get a lot of information but if you really want to know everything about lightning arrester then this article is for you. Today we will get all the information related to lightning arrester, we will look at each and every aspect of lightning arresters. We will also understand the technical and commercial parts of lightning arresters. So let’s start.
What Is Lightning Arrester?
In layman’s terms, a lightning arrester is a device that arrests lightning using a conductive rod. This could be a simple conductive rod that could arrest the potential lightning threat. This rod arrests the lightning with the help of a down conductor which will be an efficient cable and it helps in releasing the lightning to the ground with the help of an earthing system and reduces the potential of lightning completely to zero. This happens because the earth has immense capacity to absorb any potential energy.
Typically, this type of arrester device redirects the flow of high voltage and current to the ground. Be it a simple Franklin rod or an advanced type of lightning arrester, the job of both is to redirect the potential charge to the ground without wasting time. Lightning arresters basically protect building structures. Most people have misconceptions about lightning arresters and surge arresters. Let me tell you that both are different and perform completely different functions.
Who Invented Lightning Arrester?
It is said that the lightning arrester was invented by Ben Franklin, although this is not true to a great extent but yes it is not completely wrong either. Lightning arresters were being used earlier too but they were not produced on a large scale. When Ben Franklin brought the name of Lightning Rod around the year 1750, it started coming into use and people started calling it Franklin Rod instead of Lightning Rod. So you can say among many that the lightning rod was invented by Ben Franklin which is today famous by the name of Franklin Rod. Although we should not go into such deep history, still if you want to go into history then it would be better if you read research in some scholar related to it.
Note: If you come across accurate data, kindly update it in the comment box as this information may be incorrect.
How Does Lightning Arrester Work?
A lightning arrester works like a shield, catching lightning strikes and safely guiding them to the ground within a building. To avoid risky situations like flashovers and fires caused by lightning, it’s important to ensure that all metal installations in the building share the same electrical potential. Considering a well-designed lightning arrester as part of a lightning protection system is the best means to defend a structure and its belongings from physical harm. The aim is to stop any potential damage, be it from heat, physical stress, or electrical effects that could harm the structure or pose risks to people due to electrical voltages within the building.
What Factors Determine The Effectiveness Of The Lightning Arrester?
A lightning arrester’s effectiveness is dependent on a number of variables. Above all, the type and design of the arrester are important factors, with various types providing different levels of protection. The location of the installation is also crucial since correct placement guarantees maximum coverage. Its performance is also influenced by the quality of the grounding system and the arrester’s maintenance. The effectiveness of the arrester might be impacted by the surroundings, including the nearby structures and the prevalent soil conditions. Last but not least, a lightning arrester’s total performance is greatly influenced by its conformity with industry standards and suggested installation instructions.
What is the Level of Protection Radius in Lightning Arrester?
The term “radius of protection” or “protection radius” is commonly related to conventional and Early Streamer Emission (ESE) lightning arresters for external building protection. It refers to the effective coverage area within which the arrester claims to offer protection against direct lightning strikes. Factors such as the design of the lightning arrester, the installation height, and the surrounding environmental conditions influence the protection radius. It is crucial to remember that the protective radius is merely a projection and may change depending on the particulars of the site. To guarantee sufficient coverage for the intended region or structure, it is important to fully understand the protection radius while choosing a lightning arrester.
Level of protection/risk analysis: The risk assessment shall be calculated according to the NF C 17-102 Annex A /IEC 62305-2 and will define the protection level (LPL I, II, III or IV) which will be used in the determination of the ESE radius of protection.
Similarly, for conventional lightning arresters, the designated angle of protection within specific classes (Class I, II, III, IV) determines the degree of protection. These classes typically correlate with the associated risk percentages, serving as a reference for the design’s level of protection.
Risk Percentage As Per The 62305-1 (For Conventional Lightning Arrester)
The lightning risk percentage in the lightning risk management standard IEC 62305 correlates with the protection level and is divided into four classes (Class I to IV). The following are the risk percentages:
1. Class I (Level I Lightning Protection): This category offers the maximum degree of protection, with a 2% risk rate. Experts typically recommend its installation in buildings where a lightning strike could have serious repercussions.
2. Class II (Level II Lightning Protection): Class II, which offers a reasonable level of protection, has a 5% risk percentage. This class is appropriate for buildings where a lightning strike could have serious, but less disastrous, effects than in Class I.
3. Class III (Lightning Protection Level III): Class III has a 12% danger ratio and offers less protection. It works well for buildings where a lightning strike wouldn’t have as serious of an impact.
4. Class IV (Lightning Protection Level IV): With a 22% danger percentage, this class is the most basic form of protection. It is usually used on buildings where a lightning strike would not have a significant impact.
These risk percentages advise the selection of an appropriate lightning protection level based on the particular needs and vulnerabilities of the structure in question. They show the probability that a lightning strike will result in damage to the structure within a given time frame.
Types Of Lightning Arrester For Building Protection
Lightning arresters are generally classified into two types: advanced early streamer emission (ESE) type lightning arresters and conventional type lightning arresters. These variants are engineered at different voltage protection levels, introducing variability in their protective capabilities.
Advanced Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Type Lightning Arresters
The ESE (Early Streamer Emission) lightning arrester, alternatively referred to as an Advanced or Active lightning arrester, serves as an external lightning protection system designed to safeguard building structures from direct lightning strikes. The reason for its growing popularity is that it offers a wider protective radius than conventional lightning arresters. Many private organizations extensively use it despite several international standards not officially recognizing it. Notably, India does not officially recognize it, and the prevailing Indian standards prohibit its use; however, it is still used in practice.
Working Principle Of ESE Lightning Arrester
The ability of an Early Streamer Emission (ESE) lightning arrester to actively start and accelerate the ionization process in the air around it is the basis for its operation. When the electric field in the region of the ESE arrester intensifies due to the approach of a thunderstorm, the system activates an early streamer emission. Using an ionization electrode with a sharp tip, we achieve this by creating a brief ionization channel in the air. During a lightning occurrence, the ESE lightning arrester generates an early streamer when the electric field strength develops further. This essentially provides a preferred path for the lightning strike to follow.
The ESE LA arrester increases its protective radius by enabling an early and regulated discharge, which permits the interception and safe dissipation of the lightning strike energy to the ground. By actively initiating the lightning ionization process, the arrester increases its overall efficacy in protecting structures from direct lightning strikes.
Types Of Conventional Lightning Arrester For External Building Protection
Conventional lightning arresters for external building protection typically fall into two main types:
1. Rod-Type Lightning Arresters:
Description: A vertical rod, typically constructed of GI, Copper, or Aluminium, is installed at the highest point of a conductive structure to compose these lightning arresters. The design of this type of lightning arrester primarily incorporates the Faraday cage concept to enhance protection. The majority of international standards strongly advise designing lightning arresters using the Faraday cage idea.
Working Principle: The rod serves as a target for lightning strikes, providing a low-resistance path for the electrical discharge to reach the ground safely.
Application: Rod-type lightning arresters are commonly used on rooftops and structures to attract and divert lightning away from the building.
2. Catenary (Wire) Lightning Arresters:
Description: This type involves installing one or more catenary wires along the perimeter or on the roof of a building.
Working Principle: Catenary lightning arresters intercept lightning strikes, guiding the electrical current along the wires towards grounding points, preventing damage to the structure.
Application: Catenary lightning arresters are effective for providing a widespread protective shield, and they are commonly used in areas with higher lightning risk.
These conventional lightning arresters work in conjunction with grounding systems, such as grounding electrodes and conductors, to ensure the safe dissipation of lightning energy into the ground, minimizing the risk of damage to the building and its occupants. It’s important to note that advancements in lightning protection technology may introduce new types or variations of conventional lightning arresters over time.
Cost of Lightning Arrester In India
The types, design, and particular needs of the building are just a few of the variables that can affect the price of lightning arresters for external building protection in India. Rod-type and catenary systems, among other systems, may incur various associated costs. Installation expenses, maintenance concerns, and adherence to Indian requirements can also impact the total cost. In order to protect buildings and their contents from the destructive effects of lightning strikes, property owners and builders must consider the costs and benefits of various lightning protection options. Making an informed decision is crucial when considering the initial investment in a well-designed lightning protection system, which includes lightning arresters.
The typical cost of conventional lightning protection for a small building ranges from Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh INR, considering proper design and installation. Opting for a complete set of Early Streamer Emission (ESE) systems may range from Rs.80,000 to Rs.2.5 lakh INR per unit, inclusive of one ESE terminal and its proper installation.
Some Applicable standards for ELPS (External Lightning Protection System)
Indian Standards of Lightning Arrester
- IS/IEC 62305-1 : Protection against lightning – Part 1: General principles
- IS/IEC 62305-2 : Protection against lightning – Part 2: Risk management
- IS/IEC 62305-3 : Protection against lightning – Part 3: Physical damage to structures and life hazard
- IS/IEC 62305-4 : Protection against lightning – Part 4: Electrical and electronic systems within structures
- NBC: 2016 : National Building Code of India
- IS732: 2019 : Code of Practice For Electrical Wiring Installations
- NEC 2023(SP30) : National Electric Code of India
- IS 3043: 2018 : Code Practice of Earthing
International Standards of Lightning Arresters
- IEC 62793 : Thunderstorm Warning system
- IEC 62561-1 : Lightning Protection System Components – Part 1 Requirement for Connection Components
- IEC 62561-2 : Lightning Protection System Components – Part 2 Requirement for Conductors and Earth Electrodes
- IEC 62561-3 : Lightning Protection System Components – Part 3 Requirement for Isolating Spark gaps
- IEC 62561-4 : Lightning Protection System Components – Part 4 Requirement for Conductor Fasteners
- IEC 62561-5 : Lightning Protection System Components – Part 5 Requirement for Earth electrode inspection housing
- IEC 62561-6 : Lightning Protection System Components – Part 6 Requirement for Lightning Strike Counters
- IEC 62561-7 : Lightning Protection System Components – Part 7 Requirement for Earth Enhancing Compounds
- IEC TS 62561-8 : Lightning Protection System Components – Part 8: Requirements for components for isolated LPS
- IEC 61643-11 : Part 11: SPD connected to low-voltage power systems – Requirements and test methods
- (IS 16463-11)
- IEC 61643-12 : Part 12: SPD connected to low-voltage power systems – Selection and application principles
- (IS16463-12)
- IEC 61643-21 : Part 21: SPD connected to telecom and Signaling Networks – Requirements and test methods
- IEC 61643-22 : Part 22: SPD connected to telecom and Signaling Networks – Selection and application principles
- IEC 60364-4-44 : LV electrical installations – Protection against voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances
- IEC 60364-5-53 : LV electrical installations – Selection and erection – Isolation, switching and control
- IEC 60364-5-54 : LV electrical installations – Selection and erection – Earthing arrangements and protective conductors
- IEC 61936-1 : Power installations exceeding 1 KV common rules
- ISO/IEC 30129 : Information technology – Telecommunications bonding networks for buildings and other structures
American Standards of Lightning Arresters
- NFPA 780 : Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems
- UL 96 : Standard for Installation Requirements for Lightning Protection Systems
- UL 96A : Lightning Protection Components
- UL 467 : Grounding and Bonding Equipment
- UL 1449 : Standard for Surge Protective Devices
- IEEE 80 : Safety in AC Substation Grounding
- IEEE 1100 : Powering and Grounding Electronic Equipment
- IEEE 142 : Grounding of Industrial and Commercial Power systems
- IEEE 837 : Exothermic welded Connections
- IEEE C62.41.1 : IEEE Guide on the Surge Environment in Low-Voltage (1000 V and Less) AC Power Circuits
- IEEE C62.41.2 : IEEE Recommended Practice on Characterization of Surges in LV (1000 V and Less) AC Power Circuits ANSI/BICSI : Bonding and Grounding of IT equipment in commercial buildings
Conclusion of Lightning Arresters
In conclusion, external lightning protection systems, including lightning arresters, play a vital role in protecting structures from the destructive forces of lightning. Strategically placing lightning arresters, such as rod-type or catenary systems, at key points of a building can significantly reduce the risk of damage caused by lightning. The Faraday cage principle, often incorporated into the design of lightning arresters, maximizes their effectiveness by providing a safe path for lightning currents to reach the ground.
It is essential to follow international standards in the design and implementation of outdoor lightning protection systems. These standards, which often emphasize the Faraday cage principle, contribute to the overall reliability and performance of lightning arresters. Regular maintenance and inspection of the lightning protection system is also important to ensure its continued efficacy over time.
In summary, a well-designed and properly installed outdoor lightning protection system, including lightning arresting devices, not only enhances the safety of structures but also reduces the likelihood of damage caused by lightning strikes. Which provides a strong protection against the unpredictable forces of nature.
