Lightning Protection System

Data Supported by U Win Myint BE(EP/1977)(Nov)

Knowledge for everyone

Date-10-8- 2024
Lightning discharge and sequence of lightning current
Thunderstorms come into existence when warm air masses containing
sufficient moisture are transported to great altitudes. This transport can
occur in a number of ways.
In the case of heat thunderstorms, the ground is heated up locally by
intense isolation. The layers of air near the ground heat up and rise.
For frontal thunderstorms, the invasion of a cold air front causes
cooler air to be pushed below the warm air, forcing it to rise.
Additional physical effects further increase the vertical upsurge of the
air masses. This forms updraught channels with vertical speeds of up
to 100km/h which create towering cumulonimbus clouds with typical
heights of 5- 12 km and diameter of 5-10km.
Electrostatic charge separation process,
e.g. friction and sputtering, are responsible for charging water
droplets and particles of ice in the cloud.
Positively charged particles accumulate in the upper part, and
negatively charged particles in the lower part of thundercloud.
If the space charge densities, which happen to be present in a
thundercloud, produce local field strengths of several 100kV/m,
leader discharges (leaders) are formed which initiate a lightning
discharge. Cloud –to- Cloud flashes result in charge neutralization
between positive and negative cloud charge centers, and do not
directly strike objects on the ground in the process.

The lightning electromagnetic impulse(LEMP) they radiate must be

taken into consideration, however, because they endanger electrical
and electronic systems.
Downward flash (cloud-to-earth flash)
Discharge mechanism of a negative Discharge mechanism of a positive
downward flash downward flash
(cloud-to-earth flash) (cloud-to-earth flash)
Lightning flashes
Lightning flashes to earth lead to a neutralization of
charge between the cloud charges and the electrostatic
charges on the ground. We distinguish between two types
of lightning flashes to earth:

Downward flash ( cloud-to-earth flash)

Upward flash ( earth-to-cloud flash)
Upward flash (earth-to-cloud flash)
Discharge mechanism of a negative upward Discharge mechanism of a positive upward
flash flash
(earth-to-cloud flash) (earth-to-cloud flash)
I. The Need for Protection
Before proceeding to design a detail lightning
protection system, first carefully consider if the structure
needs protection.
In many cases, it is obvious that some form of
protection is required. High risk structures ie explosives
factories, oil refineries, etc, will require the highest
possible class of lightning protection to be provided.

In many other cases the need for protection is not

so evident.
II. Major Components
The principle components of a lightning protection
system should comprise the following:

Air-termination networks
Down conductors
Earth termination networks
III. External lightning protection
Air-termination systems
The function of the air-termination systems of a lightning
protection system is to prevent direct lightning strikes
from damaging the volume to be protected. They must be
designed to prevent uncontrolled lightning strikes to the
structure to be protected.

By correct dimensioning of the air-termination systems,

the effects of a lightning strike to a structure can be
reduced in a controlled way.
When determining the siting of the air-termination
systems of the lightning protection system, special
attention must be paid to the protection of corners and
edges of the structure to be protected.

This applies particularly to air-termination systems on

the surfaces of roofs and the upper parts of facades. Most
importantly, air-termination systems must be mounted at
corners and edges.
 The Methods of Protection System

Three methods can be used to determine the

arrangement and the siting of air-termination
systems.

a. Rolling Sphere Method

b. Mesh Method

c. Protective Angle Method

 The Rolling Sphere Method – “ geometric-
electrical model
For lightning flashes to earth, a downward leader
grows to step-by-step in a series of jerks from the
cloud towards the earth.

When the leader has got close to the earth within a few
tens, to a few hundreds of meters, the electrical
insulation strength of the air near the ground is
exceeded. A further “leader” discharge similar to the
downward leader begins to grow towards the head of
the downward leader: the upward leader
The smallest distance between the head of the
downward leader and the starting point of the upward
leader is called the final striking distance hB
(corresponds to the radius of rolling sphere).
Starting upward leader during the point of strike
Model of a rolling sphere Ref: Prof. Dr A. Kern, Aachen
 Lightning protection level Radius of the Rolling Peak value current
LPL Sphere (Final striking KA
distance hB ) r in m
IV 60 15

III 45 10

II 30 5

I 20 3

Relations between lightning protection level, final striking

distance hB and min, peak value of current
Schematic application of the “rolling sphere” method at a
building with considerably structure surface
Penetration depth P of the rolling sphere
Air-termination system for installations mounted on the roof with
their protective area
Calculation h for several air-termination
rods according to rolling sphere method
 d Sag of the rolling sphere(m) (rounded up)

Distance between air-

termination rods(m) Class of LPS with rolling sphere radius in meter

I (20m) II (30m) III(45m) IV(60m)

2 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.01

Sag of
4 0.10 0.07 0.04 0.03
rolling
sphere over 6 0.23 0.15 0.10 0.08

two air- 8 0.40 0.27 0.18 0.13

termination 10 0.64 0.42 0.28 0.21
rods or two 12 0.92 0.61 0.40 0.30
parallel air-
14 1.27 0.83 0.55 0.41
termination
16 1.67 1.09 0.72 0.54
conductors
18 2.14 1.38 0.91 0.68

20 2.68 1.72 1.13 0.84

23 3.64 2.29 1.49 1.11

26 4.80 2.96 1.92 1.43

29 6.23 3.74 2.40 1.78

32 8.00 4.62 2.94 2.17

35 10.23 5.63 3.54 2.61

On structures lower than 60 m in height, generally flashes to the
side may not occur, hence air-termination protection on sides will
not be required.

On structure taller than 60 m, flashes to the side may occur,

especially to points, corners an edges of surfaces.
NOTES
1. Mesh size, Wm shall be as per Table 6.
2. Down-conductor spacing X, shall be
as per Table 7.

21A TYPICAL LIGHTNING

PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR
BUILDINGS OF HEIGHT, H≤ 60 m
FIG 21
NOTES
1. Mesh size, Wm shall be as per Table 6.
2. Down-conductor spacing X, shall be
as per Table 7.

21B TYPICAL LIGHTNING

PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR
BUILDINGS OF HEIGHT, H> 60 m

FIG 21 TYPICAL LIGHTNING

PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR
BUILDINGS
 Mesh Method
A “Mesh Method” air-termination system can be used universally
regardless of the height of the structure and shape of the roof. A
reticulated air-termination network with a mesh size according to
the class of lightning protection system is arranged on the roofing
(See Table)
To simplify matters, the sag of the rolling sphere is assumed to be
zero for a meshed air-termination system.
Class of LPS Mesh Size
III b-1
I 5x5m
II 10 X 10 m
III 15 X 15 m
IV 20 X 20 m
Mesh Size
Protective angle method
The protective angle depends on the class of lightning
protection system and the height of air termination
system above the reference plane.
Three Rods Model
Two Rods Model
Golf Car Model
Cone-shaped protection zone
Example of air- termination systems with
protective angle α
Area protected by an air-termination conductor
Protective angle α as a function of height h
depending on the class of lightning
protection system
External lightning protection system, volume protected by a vertical air-termination
rod
Method for designing of air-termination systems for
high buildings
Down Conductor System
The down conductor system is the electrically conductive connection
between the air-termination system and the earth-termination system.
The function of down-conductor system is to conduct the intercepted
lightning current to the earth-termination system without intolerable
temperature rises,
For example, to damage the structure.
To avoid damage caused during the lightning current discharge to the
earth-termination system, the down-conductor systems must be
mounted to ensure that from the point of strike to the earth,
* Several parallel current paths exist.
* The length of the current paths is kept as short as possible(
straight, vertical, no loops)
Determination of the number of down conductors
The number of down conductors depends on the perimeter of the
external edges of the roof (Perimeter of the projection on the ground
surface).
The down conductors must be arranged to ensure that, starting at the
corners of the structure, they are distributed as uniformly as possible
to the perimeter.
Depending on the structural features(e.g. gates, precast
components), the distance between the various down conductors can
be at least the total number of down conductor required for the
respective class of lightning protection system.
The IEC 62305-3(EN-62305-3) standard gives typical distances
between down conductors and ring conductors for each class of
lightning protection system(Table below)
Class of LPS Typical Distance
I 10 m
II 10 m
III 15 m
IV 20 m

Distance between down conductors

according to IEC 62305-3/ EN 62305-3)
Earth-Termination System
Earth-termination system is a part of an external LPS which
is intended to conduct and disperse lightning current into the earth.

In general, a low earthing resistance (if possible lower than

10 ohms when measured at low frequency) is recommended.
Definition of Touch Voltage
Touch voltage is a voltage acting upon a person between his
position on the earth and when touching the down conductor.
The current path leads from the hand via the body to the feet
(Figure 5.7.1).
For a structure built with a steel skeleton or reinforced
concrete, there is no risk of intolerably high touch voltages provided
that the reinforcement is safely interconnected or the down
conductors are installed in concrete.
Moreover, the touch voltage can be disregarded for metal
facades if they are integrated into the equipotential bonding and/or
used as natural components of the down conductor.
 If there is a reinforced concrete with a safe tying of the
reinforcement to the foundation earth electrode under the surface of
the earth in the areas outside the structure which is at risk, then this
measure already improves the curve of the gradient area and acts as a
potential control.
Hence step voltage can be left out of the considerations.
 The following measures can reduce the risk of someone being
injured by touching the down conductor:
 The down conductor is sheathed in insulating material (min. 3 mm
cross-linked polyethylene with an impulse withstand voltage of 100
kV 1.2/50 µs).
 The position of the down conductors can be changed, e.g. not in the
entrance of the structure.
 The probability of people accumulating can be reduced with
information or prohibition signs; barriers can also be used.
 The specific resistance of the surface layer of the earth at a distance
of up to 3 m around the down conductor must be not less than
5000Ωm.
A layer of asphalt with a thickness of 5 cm, or 5 cm thick bed
of gravel, generally meets this requirement.
Note – A downpipe, even if it is not defined as a down conductor, can
present a hazard to persons touching it. In such a case, one possibility
is to replace the metal pipe with PVC one (height: 3m).
Definition of Step Voltage
Step voltage is a part of the earthing potential which can be
bridged by a person taking a step over 1 m.
The current path runs via the human body from one foot to
the other (Figure 5.7.1).
The step voltage is a function of the form of the gradient
area.
As is evident from the illustration, the step voltage
decreases as the distance from the structure increases.
The risk to persons therefore decreases the more they are
away from the structure.
 The following measures can be taken to reduce the step
voltage:
 Persons can be prevented from accessing the hazardous areas
(e.g. by barriers of fences)
 Reducing the mesh size of the earthing installation network-
potential control.
 The specific resistance of the surface layer of the earth at a
distance of up to 3 m around the down-conductor system must
be not less than 5000Ωm.
A layer of asphalt with a thickness of 5 cm, or a 15 cm
thick bed of gravel generally meets this requirement.
Peak Value of Lightning Current
Lightning currents are load-independent currents, i.e. a
lightning discharge can be considered an almost ideal current
source.
If a load-independent active electric current flows through
conductive components, the amplitude of the current, and the
impedance of the conductive component the current flows through,
help to regulate the potential drop across the component flown
through by the current.
In the simplest case, this relationship can be described
using Ohm’s Law.
U=I•R
 If a current is formed at a single point on a homogeneously
conducting surface, the well-known potential gradient area arises.
This effect also occurs when lightning strikes
homogeneous ground (Figure 2.2.1).
If living beings (people or animals) are inside this potential
gradient area, a step voltage is formed which can case a shock
current to flow through the body (Figure 2.2.2).
The higher the conductivity of the ground, the flatter the
shape of the potential gradient area.
The risk of dangerous step voltages is thus also reduced.
If lightning strikes a building which is already equipped
with a lightning protection system, the lightning current flowing
away via the earth-termination system of the building gives rise to
a potential drop across the earthing resistance RE of the earth-
termination system of the building (Figure 2.2.3).
 As long as all conductive objects in the building which
persons can come into contact with, are raised to the same high
potential, persons in the building cannot be exposed to danger.
This is why it id necessary for all conductive parts in the
building with which persons can come into contact, and all external
conductive parts entering the building, to have equipotential bonding.
If this is disregarded, there is a risk of dangerous shock
hazard voltages if lightning strikes.
The rise in potential of the earth-termination system as a
result of lightning current also creates a hazard for electrical
installations (Figure 2.2.4).
 In the example shown, the operational earth of the low-
voltage supply network is located outside the potential gradient area
caused by the lightning current.
If lightning strikes the building, the potential of the
operational earth RB is therefore not identical to the earth potential of
the consumer system within the building.
In the present example, there is a difference of 1000 kV .
This endangers the insulation of the electrical system and the
equipment connected to it.
Earthing Theorey
Earthing Principle
The correct design and installation of a quality Earthing System
will ensure the safety of both people and equipment.
A good earth should have:
- Low electrical resistance (ohms)
- Good corrosion resistance
- Ability to carry high currents repeatedly
- A reliable life of at least 30 years
Soil resistivity is a crucial factor in obtaining a ‘good earth’
Factors Affecting Soil Resistivity
(a) Physical Composition
Different soil compositions give different average resistivities:
Soil Resistivity Ohm.m
Maeshy Ground 2-2.7
Loam and Clay 4-150
Chalk 60-400
Sand 90-800
Peat 200 Upward
Sandy Gravel 300-500
Rock 1000 Upward
Wherever possible, dry, sandy, rocky ground should be avoided;
however, in many installations no choice is available.
(b) Moisture
Increased moisture content of the ground can rapidly
decrease its resistance.

It is especially important to consider moisture content in

areas of high seasonal variation in rainfall.

This graph shows how, below 20% moisture content, the

resistance of red clay soars. Wherever possible the earth electrode
should be installed deep enough to reach the “water table” or
“permanent moisture level”.
Variation of Soil Resistivity with Moisture Content Red Clay Soil
(c) Chemical Composition
Certain minerals and salts can affect soil resistivity. Their levels
can vary with time due to rainfall or flowing water.

Effects of Salt on Resistivity

(Sandy loam, Moisture Content in 15%)

This table shows the effect of adding salt to sandy loam.

Added Salt Resistivity
(Percentage by weight of (ohm.m)
moisture)
0.0 107.0
0.1 18.0
1.0 4.6
5.0 1.9
10.0 1.3
20.0 1
(d) Temperature
When the ground becomes frozen, its resistivity rises
dramatically. An earth that may be effective temperature weather may
become ineffective in winter.
Earth electrodes should be installed below the frost line to ensure
year long performance.
Effects of Temperature on Resistivity
(Sandy loam, 15.2% Moisture)
Temperature Temperature Resistivity
˚C ˚F (ohm.m)

20 68 72
10 50 99
0 32 (Water) 138
0 32 (Ice) 300
-5 23 790
-15 14 3300

Note that if your soil temperature decreases +20˚C to -5 ˚C, the resistivity
increases more than ten times.
Selecting the Correct Earth Electrode
We have already shown that by reaching permanent
moisture and frost free soil levels, low resistance should be
achieved. Often these levels are some meters below the surface and
the most economical way of reaching them is by extensible deep
driven earth rod electrodes.
Furse recommended the use of deep driven earth rod
electrodes wherever conditions allow.
Where rods lie just below the surface and deep driving is not
possible, parallel driven shorter rods, plates, mats or buried
conductors, or a combination of these can be used. However, these
should still be buried as deep as possible to avoid seasonal variation
and damage from agricultural machinery etc.
 Often parallel rods are driven too close together; this decreases
their effectiveness. The distance between rods should be greater than the
rod length, L.
Earth Rod Electrodes
Earth rods are commonly made from the following materials:
- Copper clad steel (including copper bond and sheathed rods)
- Solid copper
- Galvanized steel
- Stainless steel
Furse can supply all four types, but the copper bonded steel
cored rod is by far the most popular.
It offers the installer:
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Ability to carry high fault current for many years
- Much lower cost than solid copper
- A high strength rigid rod essential for deep driving
Current Carrying Capacity of Furse Copperbond Rods

Nominal Actual Fusing Current (Ampere) Equiv,

Diameter Diameter ¼ sec ½ sec 1 sec Copper
(inches) (mm) Conductor
(mm sq)
3/8 8.9 15,200 10,700 7,600 25

1/2 12.7 31,200 22,000 15,600 53.4

5/8 14.2 38,800 27,400 19,400 70

3/4 17.3 57,400 40,500 28,700 95

1 23.2 109,800 77,600 54,900 177.3

 Earth Rod
Conductive Concrete
Suitable for all soil Conductive medium
conditions. Provide provides the
the lowest potential permanent solution
to earth for a wide to electrical and
range of soil, construction
granite, clay, sand, requirements where
glacier, rock, etc,. other products might
provide only a
Rock
temporary solution.

Picture showing conductive medium used with conventional earth

rod to provide increased low-resistance contact area. Thus, provide
a low-impedance to earth.
Usage
The conductive medium is available in unmixed form. It should
be mixed in the ratio of 3:1 by weight conductive medium : cement,
i.e. 6 x 25 kg bags of conductive medium to 1 x 50 kg bag of ordinary
Portland cement.
Type and Grading
Conductive cement is graded into four classifications, i.e. M1-
M4. It is specially designed for different applications.
Each is suitable for making conductive concrete and can be
compared to sand ranging from ‘sharp’ (or gritty) to ‘soft’ (fine).
Each grade falls within specified limits to optimize the bulk
density and to achieve maximum mechanical strength and minimum
lower electrical resistance.
As the medium is chemically insert and the soluble sulphate
content in particular is extremely low, it can be used with all
conventional types of cement, as well as proprietary resin-based
cements, adhesives and gypsum plasters.
Conductive Conductive
medium pre-mixed medium is also
of 25 kg bags available in pre-
should be added as mixed with cement
1300 kg per cubic of 25 kg bags.
meter. Approximately, 5
litres of water
should be added to
each 25 kg pre-
mixed bag.
ELECTRODE CONDUCTIVE NORMAL
CONNECTION CONCRETE CONCRETE

Picture showing conductive medium being used as a blinding layer

with an electrode conductor, used in building foundation as a
permanebt earth.
Resistivity

Resistivity of Conductive Medium : 0.001 ohm meter

( 0.1 ohm cm)
Resistivity of Bentonite : 3.0 ohm meter

Resistivity of Conducting Concrete : 0.1 ohm meter

(10 ohm cm)
Resistivity Of Ordinary Concrete : 30 to 90 ohm meter
Comparison
Conductive medium is not the same as Bentonite. It’s for a superior
system to the Bentonite, whereby the former system is electronic
whereas the latter ionic.
In other words, conductive medium is permanent and does not rely on
moisture in the ground to perform and provide a low resistance to
earth.
Bentonite is a temporary system which when dries and cracks in dry
conditions which resulting in high resistivity. It also leeches away, in a
high water table.

Bentonite and others’ is basically a natural clay which is dug out of the
ground, cleaned, dried and granulated and reconstituted by adding
water
Testing

The testing of materials for resistivity is to apply a standard pressure of

150 psi to it.
The resistivity of conductive concrete is calculated by British Standard
2030.
Product Application Guide
The illustration below is designed to demonstrate the position
and relationship of individual component.
It is not intended to represent the actual and typical
scheme conforming to any National Code of Practice. The drawing
is not to scale.
Key Key
Description Page Description Page
No. No.
1 Air Terminals 20 16 Bonds 9
2 Air Terminal Fixings for Tape 20 17 Tape - Earth Rod Clamps 7
3 Holdfast 21 18 Cable - Earth Rod Clamps 7
4 Copper Tape 16 19 Inspection Pits 8
5 Aluminium Tape 17 20 Earth Plates & Mats 8
6 Copper Strand 18 21 Earth Rods 6
7 Copper Solid Circular Conductor 17 22 Earth Rod Couplings 6
8 P.V.C Covered Tape 16 23 Disconnecting Links/Earth Bars 10
9 Tape Fixings 20 24 Cable Lugs 30
10 One Hole Conductor Clip 21 25 Flexible Braidind Bonds 9
11 Junction Clamps for Tape 21 26 Earthing Points 9
12 Junction Clamp 21 27 Furseweld Connections 35
13 Bi-Metallic Connectors 21 28 Earth Rod Seal 10
14 Test Clamps for Tape 22 29 Adhesive D.C. Clip 21
15 Test Clamp 22
Lightning Protection Systems of Buildings
Q & A

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