10

5
5.1

standards such as cable specifications, non-ferrous metals

standards etc.

CODES AND PRACTICES

Overview

Two main families of codes govern earthing installations, and

hence the demand for earthing contract work, systems,
products and materials in Europe. One covers lightning
protection systems, the other the way in which the earthing
systems of electrical installations are constructed.
Earthing installation designs and standards also reflect a
number of additional codes and practices in European
countries, principally the various national electrical installation
and electricity supply regulations and practices. Some of the
main standards are listed in Exhibit 2, and their impact on
demand discussed in the following Sections.
The components and materials of construction used in
European installations are covered by these codes. (See
Exhibits 9 and 10). They also reflect a number of additional

Exhibit 2

National construction regulations, legislation on public

buildings, health and safety in the workplace etc add
additional requirements. Special regulations or codes of
practice govern lightning protection and earthing in
telecommunications systems, the mining industry, lifts and
elevators, fire alarms and emergency lighting installations.

5.2

Lightning Protection
Codes

Three principal international codes on lightning protection are

published by the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC). IEC 61024-1:1990 covers the protection of structures,
and IEC 50164:1992 the components of structural lightning
installations. A more recent specification, IEC 61312-1:1995,
addresses the protection of electrical and electronic equipment
against damage from direct or indirect lightning strikes.

Overview - Codes and Regulations - Earthing and Lightning Protection Systems

CODE

International, US

Substation
Code

ANSI/IEEE
80:1986

Electrical
Installation
Code

National
Electrical Code

NF C 15-100

DIN VDE
0100:1991

Earthing,
Earthing
components

IEC 10234-1
IEC 60364

NF C 15-100,
N 542.2, 3, 4

DIN
18014:1994-02

Lightning
Protection

IEC 61024-1:1993
IEC 61312:1995

prENV
61024-1: 1991

UTE
C15-531:1986

DIN 57185
VDE 0185:1983

UL467

prEN 50164-1:1993

Other

Lightning and
transients:
IEEE C62.41:1991

European

France

Germany

Italy

DIN VDE
0141:1989

UK
BS 7354:1990

CEI

BS 7671:1992

BS 7430:1991

CEI 81-1:1990

BS 6651:1992

prEN 50164-1:1996
Legislation on
electrostatic
earthing

Overvoltage
protection
VDE 0845:1995

Electronic systems,
lightning and
transients: BS6651:
1992 Appx C