Regarding the earthing system, it is essential to measure the earth’s resistance, as it could vary with time. By doing so, it is unnecessary to physically access the air terminal, since it has a system that daily checks its state and sends the result to a web application where the updated data can be consulted at any time. To make this maintenance task easier, Aplicaciones Tecnológicas has incorporated a remote tester into the ESE terminal DAT CONTROLER® REMOTE. Therefore, in most cases, it is difficult to access these air terminals and puts the operator is put in danger when carrying out these inspections. The lightning rods are installed at the highest point of the structure, always two meters above any element to be protected and usually on a six-meter mast. In the case of ESEs, the correct operation of the air terminals must also be checked. It is necessary to verify the electrical continuity of the down conductors and the correct performance of the lightning rod according to the specifications indicated by the manufacturer.
#LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM TYPES VERIFICATION#
The complete verification includes the visual inspections described above as well as other measures.
The state of the equipotential bonding is correct.Ĭomplete verification in the maintenance of the lightning protection system. There are no parts damaged by corrosion. The continuity of the conductors is correct. The lightning rod keeps all its elements in a good state. There is no damage due to lightning strikes. The procedure for lightning rod maintenance consists of two types of verifications: Visual inspection in the maintenance of lightning protection systems How is the lightning rod revision carried out? 
Ground resistance must remain below 10 ohms so the lightning current dissipates quickly, minimizing the return currents and the contact voltages, which that can be very dangerous for people.Down conductors must maintain continuity at all times and be well-fixed to avoid sparks and breakage.In the case of the early streamer emission (ESE), the element that emits the upward leader should be fully operational to maintain the time of the advance of the ESE air terminal that has been measured in the laboratory.
The lightning rods, or air terminals must work correctly. The different elements of the lightning protection system can be deteriorated over time, reducing the safety levels of the system if they are not properly maintained.įor a lightning protection system to work optimally each and every part needs to be in good condition: If the lightning rod is not properly maintained, there is a risk that lightning strikes are not controlled nor their current conducted and dispersed safely. Why is the maintenance of lightning rods necessary?Īll lightning protection systems should have routine maintenance and monitoring carried out. The inspection of the lightning protection system must be part of the maintenance routine of the buildings and the annual action plans. disconnection or theft), or other circumstances, such as extensions to the building where the lightning rod is located. These periodic inspections of the lightning rod allow detection of deviations from the reference standards or anomalies in the installation caused by environmental conditions (e.g. This is achieved by interconnecting all isolated conducting parts of the installation by means of conductors or surge protective devices.Lightning rods must be regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with national and international standards (UNE21186, NF-C 17 102, IEC EN 62305). Lightning equipotential bonding reduces the potential differences caused by lightning currents. Prevention of dangerous sparking in the structure by establishing equipotential bonding or keeping a separation distance between the LPS components and other electrically conducting elements. Distribution of the lightning current in the ground via an earth-termination systemįunctions of an internal lightning protection system. Safe discharge of lightning current to earth via a down-conductor system. Interception of direct lightning strikes via an air-termination system. An overall lightning protection system consists of external lightning protection (lightning protection/earthing) and internal lightning protection (surge protection).įunctions of an external lightning protection system The function of a lightning protection system is to protect structures from fire or mechanical destruction and to prevent that persons in buildings are injured or even killed.
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