Lightning Protection Systems

1. Risks of Lightning Transients

Lightning consists of an electric discharge in a long air-gap involving an electrostatic

phenomenon of breakdown of the air between cloud and earth. In this case, it is clear that an
enormous voltage is involved, which means a huge amount of energy. In fact, lightning
prioritizes low resistance/impedance paths; especially good electrical conductors such as metals.
Usually, the lightning path is not unique and widely occurs as multiple branches, from which a
main branch can be distinguished. This is where most of the energy that can cause damage
passes. As explained in Characteristics of Lightning Discharges – , the physical phenomenon
of lightning corresponds to an ideal source of impulse current with an actual waveform that is
very variable (in shape and parameters). For instance, the current amplitude is in the order of a
few kA to 250kA and the channel temperature is more than 15,000◦C. The current wave has a
rising edge to the maximum amplitude, from a few microseconds to 20µs, followed by a decay
tail of a few tens of microseconds. The spectral range associated with atmospheric lightning
discharge extends in a frequency band from a few kHz to several MHz.

Overall, cloud to earth lightning discharges always cause intense currents to flow towards the
earth, sometimes through natural (such as trees) or man-made (building structures, trees) or man-
made elements. wind turbines, · · · etc.). Lightning surges come, in fact, either from a direct
impact or from an electrostatic (or electromagnetic) influence.

A. Direct Lightning Strike

Direct strikes are less common than other ways in which lightning strikes people, but they are
likely to be the most deadly. More than a third of lightning strike deaths occur in open areas.
Other common places are industrial locations and private residences. Construction and material
handling such as loading and unloading are two of the most common work-related activities
where lightning strikes occur. Generally, direct strikes happen most often to people who are in
open areas, so that the person becomes part of the main lightning discharge channel. Heat from
the movement of lightning over the skin can cause burns, and part of the current moves through
the body – usually through the cardiovascular system and/or device nervous. This current passing
through the body poses a great danger, and the likelihood of surviving any lightning strike
depends on immediate medical care, as well as on the amount of current that moves through the
body. The effects of direct lightning strike occur by conduction of lightning current in more or
less conductive elements, causing electric shock to people, equipment failure or structure
destruction. Figure 1 represents the most common direct effects of lightning discharge.

Because of its huge energy, this type of discharge easily leads to ignition, primarily when the
lightning duration is relatively long. Many other thermal effects can also appear, which are
linked to the quantities of charges brought into play during lightning strikes. They result in more
or less significant melting points at the impact level when it comes to materials of high
resistivity. On poor conductive materials, a great deal of energy is released in the form of heat.
The moisture they contain then causes a sudden localized overpressure that can go until they
burst.

B. Indirect Lightning Strike

It is well known that an indirect strike represents a situation in which a person or a structure is
indirectly exposed to an electric shock resulting from a lightning discharge. For instance, it
occurs when a person approaches a physical object that has previously been exposed to an
electric shock caused by lightning. Moreover, lightning current can be transmitted over long
distances in wires or other metal surfaces. Figure 2 illustrates a representation of ways how
lightning currents can indirectly affect a structure.
As shown in this figure, current can be transferred by electromagnetic field radiation, earth potential
rise, conduction, and so on. Most lightning injuries and damage of electronics that occur inside
structures are caused by conduction, which is resulted from a lightning strike. Metallic materials provide
a conductive path for the lightning current. In other words, a person is at risk when touching objects
connected to metal wires, plumbing pipes or surfaces during the lightning event.

In addition, metal extending outwards could endanger it, and this includes anything plugged into
an electrical outlet, water faucets, wired phones, windows and doors.

When lightning strikes a tree or any other object on the surface of the earth, a large part of the
lightning energy is transmitted to the earth and spread on the surface, resulting in the earth’s
potential rise. The induced potential may strike anyone close to the lightning strike, and more
often disturb the electrical installations and communication systems in the surrounding area.

Protection against lightning and switching transients is a necessity in electrical installations. It

should be noted that this protection depends on the nature (atmospheric or industrial) and
parameters (amplitude, shape, duration, · · · etc.) of the overvoltage as well as on the size and
characteristics of the electrical system to be protected. For this purpose, different topologies and
protection procedures are proposed in this field of protection.
II. Principle of Lightning Protection System

In the lightning protection field, the primary function of a protection system is providing a low
impedance path for an effective flow of lightning currents to the earth. For safety reasons,
lightning protection systems must also react to any induced electrical potential such as that
developed on the ground surface around the point of current injection. Therefore, the protection
system may differ from one system to another according to multiple factors such as the system to
be protected and transient source. In fact, the protection is intended to avoid such currents and
induced potentials – by intercepting canalizing and then discharging currents into the ground.
Figure 3 shows a representation of the basic configurations used for lightning protection.

The principle of operation remains the same, but the system design may differ according to
several criteria such as the protection level and the structure location. Overall, this type of
protection system is called an external lightning protection system, which is responsible for the
interception of lightning strikes by means of air-termination systems. The number, position
and technology of these air-terminations vary according to the structure to be protected. In
addition, a well-designed down-conductor system is usually used for a safe discharge of
lightning current to earth through an earth-termination system.

Indeed, systems and structures cannot be isolated from the external world and from the effects of
lightning discharges. This means that the structure may also be affected by indirect effects of
lightning, which are numerous. For instance, when lightning strikes the conductors of
transmission or distribution lines, an overvoltage can propagate along the conductors and is
possibly transmitted to devices located in the connected structures. For this reason, the external
lightning protection systems should be completed by additional measures to avoid the induced
and/or transmitted currents. This system is widely called an internal lightning protection system.

All the electrical, electronic and computer elements should be protected against the indirect
effects of lightning. The most important element in the internal protection system is the surge
arrester. In general, surge arresters are intended to protect against transient overvoltage induced
from lightning or from industrial origin (e.g., switching in power electronics, ferro-resonance,
etc.). The function of the surge arresters consists in neutralising the overvoltage by deflecting the
corresponding overcurrent safely towards the ground. Figure 4 illustrates a representation of the
basics of an internal lightning protection systems.
Unlike fuses, surge arresters or SPDs have repetitive operation and no regular replacement is
required after each operation. Designing of these devices depends on multiple factors such as the
time constant and the magnitude of the overvoltage. In addition, correct cabling of these
components is essential to their effectiveness. Overall, prevention of dangerous sparking in the
structure is one of the main functions of an internal lightning protection system.

III. External Lightning Protection System

In order to protect a structure against lightning, a protection system must be designed in

accordance with lightning protection standards such as BS EN 62305, NF EN 62305, NF C 17-
102, UTE C 15-443, and so on. This system is made up of several elements to ensure the
protection of the integrity of the structure: it is the external installation of protection against
lightning. As shown previously, an external lightning protection system is the outer part of the
lightning protection system intended to intercept, conduct and flow lightning current safety to the
earth. A typical external protection is made up of (i) an interception system intended to be the
preferred point of impact for lightning, (ii) one or more down conductors used to ensure the flow
of lightning currents to the earth, and (iii) an earth connection that is ensuring the dissipation of
these currents while limiting the risks for systems and people near the installations

A. Air-Termination System

Different systems allow the interception of lightning strikes on a structure. The most basic
technique consists in an outer mesh cage set up around the structure to be protected. Actual
market offers multiple choices and a wide range of materials and components such as solid tape
of different shapes and stranded conductors. These bare and/or coated conductors provide
designers with the required flexibility to blend an effective lightning protection network,
specially into the building facade. Figure 5 shows an example of an outer mesh cage used as an
air-termination system.
As shown in this figure, a passive protection solution for buildings consists in an outer mesh cage,
forming a “Faraday cage” where the system to be protected should be inside this cage. In most cases,
this system is enhanced by spikes placed in different positions on the building roof such as around the
perimeter of the building. These simple spikes should be linked together by a mesh formed either from a
conductor placed on the roof, or from wires stretched across the roof above the structure to be
protected. Figure 6 illustrates the most commonly used air terminals in passive protection systems.

It should be noted that a lightning air-termination system can be equipped with an electronic
device that generates high voltage pulses to ensure faster tripping of the upward tracer, and
intended for large areas (NFC 17-102 standard).

A single lightning air-terminal (passive and/or active devices) can be used without mesh to
protect small areas (standard NF EN 62305). These systems are also ideal where space is in
limited supply such as roof-mounted plants or solar PV panels, leading to optimise the lightning
protection design.
The choice over whether a mesh of roof conductors, vertical air terminals, fortuitous elements of
the building, or any other appropriate combination depends on several factors and criteria such as
the Lightning Protection Level and the nature of the structure itself. This means that each
building needs to be examined in its own right and a system designed to suit that particular
structure. Kingsmill offer a comprehensive range Lightning Protection Air Terminals and
Lightning Interception Masts both heavy duty and lightweight. In addition, a selection guide can
be found on our website, which provides the most important criteria for the selection of a
lightning protection system.

It is worth noting that the sizing of these external lightning protection systems depends on the
lightning protection level, which is dependent on parameters such as the sensitivity of an
installation (presence of hazardous materials, risk of panic, etc.) and its exposure to the lightning
phenomenon. Depending on the results of the lightning risk analysis, a technical study should be
carried out by a competent body, precisely defining the prevention measures and protection
devices, the location of their installation, as well as the methods of their verification, control and
maintenance.

B. Down Conductors and Earth-Termination System

In lightning events, the current captured by the lightning air-termination system is channelled
through conductors to the earth. Therefore, down conductors play an important role in the
protection against lightning strikes. Conductors must allow lightning currents to flow effectively
between the points of impact (mesh or mast) and the earth. These down conductors must be
sufficiently sized to reduce any possible risk of ignition with the metallic masses of the
installations. In addition, special attention should be paid to the electromagnetic radiation
associated with the passage of high magnitude currents.

This is why down conductors are usually installed outside the building, avoiding the proximity of
electrical pipes and gas pipes.

It should be noted that the path of down conductors must be as straight as possible, following the
shortest path to land and avoiding any formation of bends or sudden ascent.

Figure 7 presents a comparison between two dispositions of down conductor in a typical

building.
in order to ensure the path of lightning currents from the mast to the earth, an effective earthing
system should be installed. In fact, the choice of earthing systems depends on multiple factors (lightning
parameters, structure, … etc.). Different methods to realize an earthing system, which can be in the
form of a loop, plate, rods, earthing grid or mesh network as shown in figure 8.

The characteristics of the earthing installation are established according to the result of the
calculation of a specific earthing system, such as the number of poles required. Overall, the main
objective is to establish a low resistance of the given earthing system, which is able to
effectively dissipate the current into the earth and can reduce the touch and the step voltages
within limited values.

It should be noted that all components of a lightning protection are made from materials that are
resistant to corrosion and they must be protected from accelerated deterioration since many
system components will be exposed to the atmosphere and climate. For this reason, combinations
of materials that form electrolytic couples in the presence of moisture shall not be used, and
current carrying system components must be highly conductive. In addition, prevailing site soil
conditions will impact in-earth system components. Therefore, the dimensions and materials of
the earth connection conductors must meet the requirements of local and international standards
such as IEC 62561-2.

The installation of a lightning strike counter above the protection tube is recommended for
checking and maintenance of the installation. It is well-known that the earth resistance must be
measured to ensure a good level of protection for the individual, structure and installations.

IV. Internal Lightning Protection System

Power surges produced by lightning discharges may affect the electrical network and cause
damages in home appliances. Moreover, transient overvoltage, one of the major sources of
lightning-related incidents, are introduced into the installation usually by external wire lines such
as low voltage, telecommunications, IT or radiocommunications networks. In order to ensure the
continuous protection against lightning strikes, additional measures are needed to protect
electronic devices and systems against these surges. A surge arrester is a device intended to limit
transient overvoltage and to drain lightning currents to earth. The term “surge arrester” defines
all the equipment protection devices against transient overvoltage, whether of atmospheric origin
or from networks (e.g., switching overvoltage, etc.). The term surge protector or surge protective
device is often used in everyday language to refer to a surge arrester.

In order to respond effectively to the constraints imposed by the different networks, several surge
arresters technologies are available, which include spark-gap, varistor or diode-based surge
arresters and combined surge arresters using several components. In general, the purpose of these
components is to quickly limit the voltages appearing at their terminals by the sudden
modification of their impedance at a determined voltage threshold. Thus, a surge protective
device contains at least one nonlinear component.

It should be noted that the effectiveness of this protection depends on several factors such as the
choice of surge arresters suited to the networks to be protected and to the estimated amplitude of
the attack. The selection of the optimised locations of the surge arresters as well as the quality of
the connection of the surge arresters both affect the efficiency of the protection system.

An Overview of the Key Elements of a

Lightning Protection System
People often ask us for a simple explanation of what lightning protection is and how the need for
it is determine

The idea that lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice is a long-held belief; however, this is
very far from the truth. In reality, lightning can and will strike the same area repeatedly.

Lightning strikes account for some of the most common insurance claims due to the severity of
the damage they create. Which is more often than not, due to a lack of a lightning protection
system in place, improper risk assessments prior to LPS installation, or simply due to using low-
quality components within the lightning protection system.

What Are the Main Components of a Lightning Protection

System?
When it comes to deciding what methods and materials are to be used, the designer would refer
to BS EN 62305 parts 3 & 4.

In essence a lightning protection system includes several internal and external parts that work in
unison to prevent damage from lightning.

The key elements are outlined below:

Air Termination
The process of intercepting lightning begins with the air termination network. The air
termination network dissipates the lightning discharge by presenting itself as a means through
which the lightning current can flow safely to earth. Thus minimising damage to your building
and its contents (structural lightning protection)
BS EN 62305-3 provides the designer with a number of methods that can be used to determine
the placement of the air termination network on your structure. These can be used in connection
with each other and are:

 Mesh system
 Rolling Sphere
 Protective Angle

So, for example, on larger structures a combination of conductors, masts and terminals might be
used in a mesh system. Whereas simple structures or items of roof mounted plant (like a chiller)
might use one or more air terminals/masts to provide protection under the protective angle
method.

The above describes the most commonly found Structural Lightning Protection System, one which is
fixed to the structure itself (known as non-isolated). There are cases however, where it is more desirable
not to fix the air termination to the structure, for example, where flammable material is stored. These
systems are known as “isolated systems” and may be comprised of lightning interceptor masts and or
catenary wires.
Down Conductors

Down conductors are an integral component of a lightning protection system in that they carry
the lightning discharge safely to the ground (by providing a low impedance path from the air
termination system to the earth system).
Down conductors must be:

 Sufficiently robust to resist mechanical damage

 Able to resist the effects of corrosion
 Placed with equal spacing around the building perimeter where possible

At Kingsmill Industries, our comprehensive range of PVC sheathed conductors enable

lightning protection designers greater freedom to aesthetically blend conductors into the building
facade. Our full range of conductors that can be used in both air termination and down conductor
networks is as follows

 Copper Conductors: We offer bare, tinned and PVC sheathed. The benefits of copper are
its inherently low impedance and its corrosion resistance. This later feature combined with
the high value of copper, makes it prone to theft!

So, we also offer lower cost alternatives for above ground use –

 Aluminium Conductors: combine the benefits of lightweight and easy installation. Such
materials exhibit little “spring back” and so are easier to dress to the contours and shapes of
the structure.

 STRIKEBAND Conductors: combine the corrosion resistance and inherent low resistivity
of copper with the lightness and flexibility of aluminium, providing a cost-effective, easy to
use alternative to solid copper.

When deciding which conductor to use the following might be taken into account

 Solid Circular Section Conductors: are the easiest to install since they can be bent through
any plane (360º), whereas tape can only be bent in two directions. In addition, 360º
overcomes problems that are presented by buildings with complex geometry.
 Rectangular or flat tape conductors can only be bent through one plane, but are easy to dress
to flat roofs and walls

 PVC-Covered Conductors in Aluminium or Copper: provide an aesthetically pleasing

product. We offer a range of colours designed to match commonly used building materials.
The PVC sheath also acts as additional corrosion protection for aluminium conductors.

Air Termination Network Usage Scenarios:

Copper: Expensive, but the best impedance and corrosion resistance.
Aluminium: Easy to install, commonly used in most UK, Europe, North America, and Asia
installations.

Strikeband: Offering a balance of corrosion resistance and ease of installation.

Equipotential Bonding
An important aspect of a Lightning Protection System (LPS) is that electrically continuous parts
of a structure must be bonded into the lightning protection network. The purpose of this bonding
is to ensure that, in the event of a lightning discharge, any sparking or flashover of the lightning
current to conductive parts of the structure, for example, water pipes, cables, etc., is avoided.

In most structures, there are typically a number of services other than electrical supply that
employ metallic connections in their design.

To eliminate indoor risks during a storm, equipotential bonding must be carried out to link all
metalwork and conductive items to have the same potential with respect to earth, this can be
done through the use of earth bars and isolating spark gaps.

Electrical and data lines can be equipotentially bonded through the use of Surge Protection
Devices or Lightning Current Arrestors.

Materials that can provide a low impedance pathway and may require physical bonding into the
lightning protection system include:

 Cable screens
 Metallic pipework
 Metallic handrails, stairways, screens
 Structural steelwork
 Reinforcing bar
 Ductwork
 Supporting structures for curtain wall systems
 Metallic cladding systems for buildings
Kingsmill Industries offer a wide range of bonding solutions:

 Mechanical Bonds and Clamps

 Earth Bars – Conductors
 Surge Protection Devices
 Isolating Spark Gaps

Earthing System
Earthing, also known as an earth termination, is a crucial component of any lightning protection
system.

The purpose of an earth termination network (earthing system) is to provide a low impedance
pathway for lightning discharge currents to dissipate into the ground safely.

An earthing network should be designed to provide a low resistance path to the earth, typically as
per IEC/BS EN 62305 standards which recommend being below 10 ohms.

To help achieve this, Kingsmill Industries supply many high-quality earthing components
designed and tested in accordance with the BS EN 62561 series of standards. These ensure a
safe, reliable, and low resistance connection for conductors and earth electrodes.

Typically, an earthing network will consist of a minimum of two earth rod positions, but can
also utilise lattice earth mats or bare stranded conductors.

For applications where resistance levels in the soil are high, these can be improved by:

 Connecting earth electrodes with ring conductors

 Using copper earth mats and earth plates

Using soil conditioning agents or conductive aggregate (Marconite) to improve conductivity.

(Also commonly referred to as Ground Enhancement Material (GEM)).

Surge Protection
Did you know that during lightning storms, transient overvoltages resulting from lightning, up to
1km away, can damage electronic equipment connected to a power network.

2km target for the impact of lightning around the structure

To prevent this, surge protection devices (SPDs, also known as lightning arresters) should be
added to conductors entering and exiting the building. This provides complete protection for
your electronic equipment from lightning induced transients travelling along electrical and
communication cables, as well as data lines

Surge Protection Device Types

Surge protector
A surge protector (or spike suppressor, surge suppressor, surge diverter,[1] surge protection
device (SPD) or transient voltage surge suppressor (TVSS) is an appliance or device intended
to protect electrical devices in alternating current (AC) circuits from voltage spikes with very
short duration measured in microseconds, which can arise from a variety of causes including
lightning strikes in the vicinity.

A surge protector limits the voltage supplied to the electrical devices to a certain threshold, by
short-circuiting current to ground or absorbing the spike when a transient occurs, thus avoiding
damage to the devices connected to it.

Final Words
A lightning protection system encompasses a wide range of external and internal elements and
components that work in tandem to achieve a singular purpose. From air termination to earthing
and everything else in between, Kingsmill Industries is always ready to assist you in finding the
best solution that fits your needs.