About Lightning Protection Systems (LPS)
What is LPS?
LPS stands for Lightning Protection System. It is a set of measures and devices designed to safeguard structures and their occupants from the damaging effects of lightning strikes, including lightning rods, conductors, and grounding systems.
Types of LPS
Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) primarily come in two types:
Air Terminals: Lightning rods or air terminals are strategically placed on the highest points of a structure to attract lightning strikes.
Down Conductors: These conductors connect the lightning rods to the grounding system, safely directing the lightning’s energy into the ground.
Grounding System: Grounding components, such as ground rods and plates, disperse the lightning energy into the earth.
ESE Air Terminals: These specialized air terminals claim to emit upward leaders earlier than conventional lightning rods, providing an extended protective radius.
Advanced Ionization Technology: ESE systems often use ionization technology to enhance the ionization of air molecules, theoretically attracting lightning strikes from a greater distance.
Down Conductors and Grounding: ESE systems have down conductors and grounding components, unlike traditional systems.
The effectiveness of these systems is a topic of ongoing debate in the scientific and engineering communities, with both types being used in different parts of the world based on local regulations and preferences.
External LPS
External Lightning Protection System are designed to protect the buildings/structures from physical damages due to direct lightning strikes.
The components of an External LPS are:
Air terminal system
Down conductor system
Earth termination system
LPS Design Methodology
The position of the air termination system shall be designed by using placement methods as specified by IS/IEC 62305-3:
Protection Angle Method
Rolling Sphere Method
Mesh Method
Apart from these conventional LPS design methodology, some countries follow an LPS designing methodology based on the Radius of Protection using Early Stream Emission (ESE) type Active Lightning Arrestors.
How LPS is Installed
Visual Inspections should be Made to Ensure that:
The design is as per the standard
The LPS is in good condition
There are no loose connection
There are no accidental breaks or damages
There should not be any signs of corrosion
All the connections are proper
There should be any additions to the protected structure
Proper equipotential bonding should be established
Separation distances are maintained
LPS Diagrams
