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Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part Two

In Article " Design Process for Lightning Protection Systems ", I indicated that the
Design Process for Lightning Protection Systems is commonly broken into discrete
phases, allowing the lightning protection designer to present an integrated design
package. These phases can be listed as follows:
Planning phase,
Consultation phase,
Detailed Design phase.
Also, in Article " Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part One ", I
explained an Introduction to design calculations of lightning protection systems.

Today, I will Continue explaining Design Calculations of Lightning Protection

Systems.

Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Continued

Third: Detailed Design Phase

The Lightning Protection Design Process involves a number of design steps as in

Fig.1.

Fig.1: Lightning Protection Design Process

Step#1: Characteristics of the Structure to Be Protected

A- The Characteristics of the Structure

When Lightning strikes affecting a structure, the Characteristics of the

structure will determine the damage level to the structure itself and to its
occupants and contents, including failure of internal systems. The
damages and failures may also extend to the surroundings of the structure

and even involve the local environment. The Characteristics of the

structure include:

The design of the building,

The environment around the building,
The material in the building,
The number of lightning strikes to earth in the area of the building,
The value of the building and its contents,
Sensitive electronics in the building,
Loss of revenue In the event of breakdown,
Escape facilities and number of staff in the building,
Fire protection in the building,
The historical and cultural value of the building,
The social function of the building,
Cable laying up to the building,
Conductivity of the ground in the area of the building,
The risk to the surroundings.

1- The Design Of The Building:

A building that is tall and has a large footprint has a greater likelihood of
being struck by lightning. IEC Technical Report No 61662 "Assessment of
the Risk of Damage due to Lightning" contains a method for calculating
how often a building may be expected to be struck by lightning.

2- The Environment Around The Building:

The environment affects the probability that the building will be struck by
lightning. If there are nearby buildings or if the buildings situated in a
hollow, the risk of the building being struck is reduced.
The method in IEC Technical Report No 61661 'Assessment of the Risk of
Damage due to Lighting" can take into consideration these factors and the
way they influence the likelihood of the building being struck by lightning.

3- The Material In The Building:

Ira material used in the building has an effect on the seriousness of the
consequences of a lightning strike. If the material on the outside is
electrically conductive, e.g. sheeting or reinforced concrete, there is a
certain natural lightning protection. These buildings tolerate a lightning
strike better than buildings comprising non-conductive material such as
timber or brick. A non-conductive material can be blown apart by the
lightning strike.

4- The Number Of Lightning Strikes To Earth In The Area Of The Building:

Certain areas have a larger mean number of lightning strikes to earth

annually than others. The probability that the building will be exposed to a
lightning strike is larger in areas with a larger mean number of strikes.

5- The Value Of The Building And Its Contents:

If lightning protection is to be installed merely to protect property, the cost

of the lightning protection must be compared with the value of the
building's content. Consideration must also be given to how unique these
are Also the contents of the building must be reviewed to proive the

adequate protection measure, if any, like for presence of combustible or

noncombustible materials and presence explosive or non-explosive
materials.

6- Sensitive Electronics In The Building:

Sensitive electronics n the building may be destroyed or cease to function

as a result of a direct strike, overvolrages that are conducted into the
bilking, or by voltage induced into the building by the lightning's
electromagnetic pulse.
Here it is important to investigate how important the electronics are for
continued function of the activity in the building, and how serious the
consequences of a failure of the electronics would be. The cost of repairs
to the electronics also affects the need for lightning protection.

7- Loss Of Revenue In The Event Of Breakdown:

If the effect of lightning on the building would cause a breakdown in

operations, it is important to investigate how long and how expensive such
a breakdown would be. Such an investigation should also consider
whether such breakdown could also entail loss of market shares.

8- Escape Facilities And The Number Of Persons In The Building:

For the safety of persons it is important to consider how many persons are
regularly present in the building and if they have limited freedom of
movement or reduced physical mobility. Statistically speaking, it is
relatively improbable to be killed by lightning. This does not, however;
mean that lightning cannot strike a place of assembly, in which case the

consequences can be very serious.

9- Fire Protection In The Building:

Good fire protection in the building is important because it can alleviate

the consequences of a fire started by a lightning strike.
A lightning strike can destroy or disrupt fire alarm installations and in this
way negatively affect fire protection.
Lightning often triggers an automatic fire alarm without the outbreak of
fire. A correctly installed lightning protection considerably reduces the risk
of this happening.

10- The Historic And Cultural Value Of The Building:

For a building where lightning protection is being considered only because

of the high historic and cultural value of the building, the probability of the
building being affected by lightning should be investigated.

11- The Social Function Of The Building:

If the building has an important social function, e.g. hospital, nuclear plant
water, gas or electricity installation, major telecommunications installation
and radio stations, alarm and surveillance centers, important installations
for the police, military, rescue services and traffic control, a lightning
protection may be needed.
Other social functions of the building are dwelling house, office, farm,
theatre, hotel, school, church, prison, department store, bank, factory,
industry plant and sports area, a lightning protection should be

determined by risk assessment.

An assessment should be made of the consequences for the pubic if the
installation is knocked out by lightning. It should also be assessed whether
the function which these buildings have are especially important during
thundery weather Or whether a breakdown then can be accepted.

12- Cable Laying Up To The Building:

If electric and telecommunications cables are completely laid in the

ground, the risk that lightning current will be led into the building is less
than if the cables are placed wholly or partly above ground. "Assessment
of the Risk of Damage due to Lightning" contains a method for calculating
how often a building will be exposed to over-voltages.

13- Conductivity Of The Ground In The Area Of The Building:

If the ground has good conductivity, the voltage due to the lightning
decreases over some tens of meters from the site of the strike. If the
conductivity of the ground is low, large voltages may arise along the
ground surface over up to several kilometers from the site of strike.
Voltages can then enter the building via the ground, electric or
telecommunications networks or some other metallic conductor.
In some areas the soil layer is relatively thin, and at times of powerful
storms high voltages can therefore arise over a distance of several
kilometers from the site of strike.
Clay-like materials have good conductivity, while sand, fine sand and
stone have lower conductivity.

14- The Risk To The Surroundings:

The risk to the surroundings should be considered if lightning protection is

to be installed. This mainly applies to industries. For installations which
must conduct a hazard analysis, lightning and also the effect of Lightning
on the security system must be included as a hazard.
The risk to the surroundings should be considered also for connected lines
to the building (power lines, telecommunication lines, pipelines).

B- Effects Of Lightning On A Structure

Lightning affecting a structure can cause damage to the structure itself

and to its occupants and contents, including failure of internal systems.
The damages and failures may also extend to the surroundings of the
structure and even involve the local environment.
The scale of this extension depends on the characteristics of the structure
and on the characteristics of the lightning flash.

Table-1 reports the effects of lightning on various types of structures as

follows:

Type Of Structure According

To Function and/or Contents
Dwelling-house

Effects Of Lightning
Puncture of electrical installations, fire and material
damage
Damage normally limited to structures exposed to
the point of strike or to the lightning current path
Failure of electrical and electronic equipment and
systems installed (e.g. TV sets, computers, modems,

telephones, etc.)

Farm building

Primary risk of fire and hazardous step voltages as

well as material damage
Secondary risk due to loss of electric power, and life
hazard to livestock due to failure of electronic control
of ventilation and food supply systems, etc.

Theatre
Hotel
School

Damage to the electrical installations (e.g. electric

lighting) likely to cause panic
Failure of fire alarms resulting in delayed fire fighting
measures

Department store
Sports area

Bank
Insurance company

As above, plus problems resulting from loss of

communication, failure of computers and loss of data

Commercial company, etc.

Hospital
Nursing home

As above, plus problems of people in intensive care,

and the difficulties of rescuing immobile people

Prison

Industry

Additional effects depending on the contents of

factories, ranging from minor to unacceptable
damage and loss of production

Museums and archaeological

site

Loss of irreplaceable cultural heritage

Church

Telecommunication

Unacceptable loss of services to the public

Power plants

Firework factory
Munitions works

Chemical plant
Refinery

Consequences of fire and explosion to the plant and

its surroundings

Fire and malfunction of the plant with detrimental

consequences to the local and global environment

Nuclear plant
Biochemical laboratories and
plants

Table-1: Effects of lightning on typical structures

Step#2: Risk Assessment Study

A- What are the benefits from performing risk assessments study?

The benefits from performing the risk assessment study are to:

It provides the basis on which decisions can be made in order to limit the
risks for a given structure.
It makes clear which risks should be covered by insurance.

It is used to Objectify and quantify the risk to buildings and structures, and
their contents, as a result of direct and indirect lightning strikes.
Determine if lightning protection is required or not.
if required, to select the appropriate lightning class which determines the
minimum lightning protection level (LPL) that is used within the lightning
protection design.

Important Notes:

There are some minor differences to the procedures, parameters and

parameters values between national standards of different countries like
IEC 62305-2, BS EN 62305-2 and NFPA 780 due to different lightning
activity from country to country coupled with each countrys interpretation
and perception of risk.
These differences occurred to better reflect the localized conditions and
acceptable local tolerable risk. These differences will be highlighted in
next articles.
The decision to provide lightning protection may be taken regardless of
the outcome of risk assessment where there is a desire that there be no
avoidable risk. Lightning protection can be installed even when the risk
management process may indicate that it is not required. A greater level
of protection than that required may also be selected.
Local regulations requirements, if any, may be applicable and have to be
taken into account.

Methods Of Calculations For Risk Assessment Study

The risk assessment study can be done by (4) different methods as

follows:

1- Manual Method (equations and tables method),which will be explained

as per:
IEC 62305-2,
NFPA780.

2-Software Method,
3- Excel Sheets Method,
4-Online Calculators Method.

First: Manual Method (Equations And Tables Method) as per IEC 62305-2

Procedure For Performing The Risk Assessment Study By Manual Method

Procedure for performing the risk assessment study includes three parts
as follows:

Part#1: evaluating Need for lightning protection,

Part#2: Determination of Required Protection Measure,
Part#3: evaluating the cost-effectiveness of protection measures.

Part#1: Evaluating Need of Lightning Protection

To evaluate the need of lightning protection, the following steps need to be

carried out a follows:

Step#2-1: Identify the structure to be protected.

Step#2-2: Identify the types of loss relevant to the structure to be

protected Rn, where:

R1 risk of loss of human life,

R2 risk of loss of services to the public,
R3 risk of loss of cultural heritage.

Step#2-3: For each loss to be considered, identify the tolerable level of

risk RT (tolerable means still acceptable).

Step#2-4: For each type of loss to be considered , identify and calculate

the risk components Rx that make up risk Rn which are: RA, RB, RC, RM,
RU, RV, RW, RZ.

Step#2-5: Calculate Rn = Rx

Step#2-6: Comparing the calculated actual risk Rn of each loss to a

tolerable level of risk (RT), then we have (2) cases:

Case#1: If the calculated risk Rn is equal or less than the respective

tolerable risk RT i.e. Rn RT , then Structure is adequately protected for

this type of loss and no lightning protection is required for this type of loss,

Case#2: If the calculated risk Rn is higher than the tolerable risk RT i.e.
Rn > RT, then Install lightning protection measures in order to reduce Rn.

Step#2-7: go back to step#2-4 and make a series of trial and error

calculations until the risk Rn is reduced below that of RT (Rn RT).

Note:

In cases where the risk cannot be reduced to a tolerable level, the site
owner should be informed and the highest level of protection provided to
the installation.

The following flow diagram in Fig.2 shows this procedure for evaluating
Need of lightning protection.

Fig.2: Procedure for Evaluating Need of Lightning Protection

Part#2: Determination of Required Protection Measure

Repeat from step#2-1 to step#2-6.

Step#2-7 in above procedure: ignored.

Step#2-8: if the lightning protection measure is needed, then we have (3)

cases:

Case#1: check if the risk components RA+RB +RU+RV> RT. if yes, Install
an adequate type of LPS. Otherwise, install adequate type of LPMS. Then
go back to step#2-4 to calculate new values of risk components and make
a series of trial and error calculations until the risk Rn is reduced below
that of RT (Rn RT). Otherwise go to case#2.

Case#2: If the structure under study had LPS installed but the Risks still
need to be reduced, you will need to install LPMS. Then go back to step#24 to calculate new values of risk components and make a series of trial
and error calculations until the risk Rn is reduced below that of RT (Rn
RT). Otherwise go to case#3.

Case#3: If the structure under study had both LPS and LPMS installed but
the Risks still need to be reduced, you will need to install other protection
measures. Then go back to step#2-4 to calculate new values of risk
components and make a series of trial and error calculations until the risk
Rn is reduced below that of RT (Rn RT).

The other protection measures that can reduce and influence the values of
the risk components are shown in Table-2:

Characteristics of
structure or of internal
systems Protection
measures

RA

RB

RC

RM

RU

RV

RW RZ

Collection area

Surface soil resistivity

Floor resistivity

Physical restrictions,
insulation, warning
notice, soil
equipotentialization

LPS

Bonding SPD

Xa

Isolating interfaces

Xc

Xc

Coordinated SPD system

Spatial shield

Shielding external lines

Xb

Xb

Shielding internal lines

Routing precautions

Bonding network

Fire precautions

Fire sensitivity

Special hazard

Impulse withstand
voltage

a Only for grid-like external LPS.

b Due to equipotential bonding.
c Only if they belong to equipment.
Table-2: Factors influencing the Risk Components

Notes:

In step#2-8, case#1: If RA+ RB < RT, a complete LPS is not necessary; in

this case SPD(s) according to IEC 62305-3 are sufficient.
In cases where the risk cannot be reduced to a tolerable level, the site
owner should be informed and the highest level of protection provided to
the installation.

The following flow diagram in Fig.3 shows this procedure for Determination
of Required Protection measure.

Fig.3: Procedure for Determination of Required Protection Measure

Notes:

In any case, the installer or planner should identify the most critical risk
components and reduce them, also taking into account economic aspects.

Selected Protection measures shall be considered effective only if they

conform to the requirements of the national relevant standards which may
be:

IEC 62305-3 or BS EN 62305-3 for protection against injury to living beings

and physical damage in a structure,
IEC 62305-4 or BS EN 62305-4 for protection against failure of electrical
and electronic systems,
NFPA 780.

Where protection against lightning is required by the authority having

jurisdiction for structures with a risk of explosion, at least a class (II) LPS
should be adopted. Exceptions to the use of lightning protection level (II)
may be allowed when technically justified and authorized by the authority
having jurisdiction. For example, the use of lightning protection level (I) is
allowed in all cases, especially in those cases where the environments or
contents within the structure are exceptionally sensitive to the effects of
lightning. In addition, authorities having jurisdiction may choose to allow
lightning protection level (III) systems where the infrequency of lightning
activity and/or the insensitivity of the contents of the structure warrants it.
When the damage to a structure due to lightning may also involve
surrounding structures or the environment (e.g. chemical or radioactive
emissions), additional protection measures for the structure and measures
appropriate for these zones may be requested by the authorities having
jurisdiction.

Part#3: evaluating the cost-effectiveness of protection measures

It may be beneficial to evaluate the economic benefits of providing a

specified protection measure to establish if lightning protection is cost

effective. This can be assessed by evaluating R4: risk of loss of economic

value. R4 is not equated to a tolerable level risk RT but compares,
amongst other factors, the cost of the loss in an unprotected structure to
that with protection measures applied (There is no tolerable risk RT, but
rather a cost-benefit analysis).
The procedure for performing Part#3: evaluating the cost-effectiveness of
protection measures, will be explained later in next Articles after finishing
parts#1 &2.

In the next Article, I will continue explaining Step#2: Risk Assessment Study. Please,
keep following.
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Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part One

In Article " Design Process for Lightning Protection Systems ", I indicated that the
Design Process for Lightning Protection Systems is commonly broken into discrete
phases, allowing the lightning protection designer to present an integrated design
package. These phases can be listed as follows:
Planning phase,
Consultation phase,
Detailed Design phase.

Today, I will explain Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems.

Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems

1- Introduction to Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems

It is very important before explaining the design calculations of lightning

protection systems to highlight some important topics or expressions that
will be used in these calculations. These topics can be listed as follows:

Sources and Types of Damage to a Structure,

Types of Loss,
Types of Risks Associated with Losses,
Lightning Protection Levels (LPL),

Lightning Protection Zones (LPZ),

Class of LPS,
Protection Measures.

1.1 Sources and Types of Damage to a Structure

There is an initial focus on the damage that can be caused by lightning.

Damage to a structure is subdivided into:

Sources of Damage,
Types of Damage.

1.1.A Sources of Damage (see Fig.1)

Fig.1: Sources of Damage

The lightning current is the source of damage. The following situations

shall be taken into account, depending on the position of the point of
strike relative to the structure considered:

S1: flashes to the structure;

S2: flashes near the structure;
S3: flashes to the lines connected to the structure;
S4: flashes near the lines connected to the structure.

S1: Flashes to the structure can cause:

Immediate mechanical damage, fire and/or explosion due to the hot

lightning plasma arc itself, due to the current resulting in ohmic heating of
conductors (over-heated conductors), or due to the charge resulting in arc

erosion (melted metal);

Fire and/or explosion triggered by sparks caused by overvoltages resulting
from resistive and inductive coupling and to passage of part of the
lightning currents;
Injury to living beings by electric shock due to step and touch voltages
resulting from resistive and inductive coupling;
Failure or malfunction of internal systems due to LEMP.

S2: Flashes near the structure can cause:

Failure or malfunction of internal systems due to LEMP.

S3: Flashes to a line connected to the structure can cause:

Fire and/or explosion triggered by sparks due to overvoltages and lightning

currents transmitted through the connected line;
Injury to living beings by electric shock due to touch voltages inside the
structure caused by lightning currents transmitted through the connected
line;
Failure or malfunction of internal systems due to overvoltages appearing
on connected lines and transmitted to the structure.

S4: Flashes near a line connected to the structure can cause:

Failure or malfunction of internal systems due to overvoltages induced on

connected lines and transmitted to the structure.

Notes:

Only the sparks carrying lightning current (total or partial) are regarded as
able to trigger fire.
Lightning flashes, direct to or near the incoming pipelines, do not cause
damages to the structure, and provided that they are bonded to the
equipotential bar of the structure (see IEC 62305-3).

1.1.B Types of damage

Each source of damage may result in one or more of three types of

damage as follows:

D1: injury to living beings by electric shock;

D2: physical damage (fire, explosion, mechanical destruction, chemical
release) due to lightning current effects, including sparking;
D3: failure of internal systems due to LEMP.

The damage to a structure due to lightning may be limited to a part of the

structure or may extend to the entire structure. It may also involve
surrounding structures or the environment (e.g. chemical or radioactive
emissions).

1.2 Types of Loss

Loss LX mean amount of loss (humans and goods) consequent on a

specified type of damage due to a dangerous event, relative to the value
(humans and goods) of the structure to be protected.

While a Dangerous event means lightning flash to or near the structure to

be protected, or to or near a line connected to the structure to be
protected that may cause damage

Each type of damage relevant to structure to be protected, alone or in

combination with others, may produce different consequential loss. The
type of loss that may appear depends on the characteristics of the
structure itself.
The following types of loss, which may appear as consequence of
damages relevant to structure, are considered:

L1: loss of human life (including permanent injury);

L2: loss of service to the public;
L3: loss of cultural heritage;
L4: loss of economic value (structure, its content, and loss of activity).

Notes:

For the purposes of IEC 62305, only utilities such as gas, water,TV, TLC
and power supply are considered service to the public.
Losses of type L1, L2 and L3 may be considered as loss of social values,
whereas a loss of type L4 may be considered as purely an economic loss.
L4 relates to the structure and its contents; to the service and the loss of
activity, due to the loss. Typically, loss of expensive and critical equipment
that may be irretrievably damaged due to the loss of the power supply or
data/telecom line. Similarly the loss of vital financial information for
example that could not be passed onto clients of a Financial institution due

to damage, degradation or disruption of internal IT hardware caused by

lightning transients.

The relationship between source of damage, type of damage and loss is

reported in Fig.2.

Fig.2: Relationship between Source of damage, Type of damage and Loss

1.3 Types of Risks Associated with Losses

Risk R: is the value of probable average annual loss (humans or goods)

due to lightning, relative to the total value (humans or goods) of the
structure to be protected.

Fig.3: Types of Loss and corresponding Risks resulting

For each type of loss which may appear in a structure, the relevant risk

shall be evaluated corresponding to their equivalent type of loss. The risks

to be evaluated in a structure may be as follows: (see Fig.3)

R1: risk of loss of a human life (including permanent injury),

R2: risk of loss of service to the public,
R3: risk of loss of cultural heritage,
R4: risk of loss of economic value.

R1: Risk of loss of human life:

It is by far the most important risk to consider, and as such the examples
and subsequent discussions relating to IEC 62305-2 Risk management will
focus largely on R1.

R2: Risk of loss of service to the public:

It may initially be interpreted as the impact/implications of the public

losing its gas, water or power supply. However the correct meaning of loss
of service to the public lies in the loss that can occur when a service
provider (whether that be a hospital, financial institution, manufacturer
etc) cannot provide its service to its customers, due to lightning inflicted
damage.
For example, a financial institution whose main server fails due to a
lightning overvoltage occurrence will not be able to send vital financial
information to all its clients. As such the client will suffer a financial loss
due to this loss of service as they are unable to sell their product into the
open market.

R3: Risk of loss of cultural heritage:

It covers all historic buildings and monuments, where the focus is on the
loss of the structure itself.

R4: risk of loss of economic value:

It evaluates the economic benefits of providing protection to establish if

lightning protection is cost effective.R4 is not equated to a tolerable level
risk RT but compares, amongst other factors, the cost of the loss in an
unprotected structure to that with protection measures applied.

Notes:

To evaluate risks, R, the relevant risk components (partial risks depending

on the source and type of damage) shall be defined and calculated. (This
will be explained later).
Each risk, R, is the sum of its risk components. When calculating a risk, the
risk components may be grouped according to the source of damage and
the type of damage.
Protection against lightning is required if the risk R (whether this be R1, R2
or R3) is greater than the tolerable risk RT. Conversely if R is lower than RT
then no protection measures are required.

1.4 Lightning protection zones (LPZ)

Lightning protection zone LPZ are used to define the lightning

electromagnetic environment. The zone boundaries of an LPZ are not
necessarily physical boundaries (e.g. walls, floor and ceiling). The zones
are areas characterized according to threat of direct or indirect lightning
flashes and full or partial electromagnetic field. Protection measures such
as LPS, shielding wires, magnetic shields and SPD determine lightning
protection zones (LPZ).

Fig.4: LPZ defiend by an LPS -IEC 62305-3

Fig.5: LPZ defiend by an LPMS -IEC 62305-4

With respect to the threat of lightning, the following LPZs are defined (see
Figures 4 and 5):

LPZ 0A zone where the threat is due to the direct lightning flash and the
full lightning electromagnetic field. The internal systems may be subjected
to full or partial lightning surge current;
LPZ 0B zone protected against direct lightning flashes but where the
threat is the full lightning electromagnetic field. The internal systems may
be subjected to partial lightning surge currents;
LPZ 1 zone where the surge current is limited by current sharing and by
isolating interfaces and/or SPDs at the boundary. Spatial shielding may
attenuate the lightning electromagnetic field;

LPZ 2, ..., n zone where the surge current may be further limited by
current sharing and by isolating interfaces and/or additional SPDs at the
boundary. Additional spatial shielding may be used to further attenuate
the lightning electromagnetic field.

A comparison between the exposure threats for each Lightning Zone can
be listed in Fig.6 in below:

Fig.6: Comparison between the exposure threats for each Lightning Zone

Notes:

In general, the higher the number of an individual zone, the lower the
electromagnetic environment parameters. LPZ 0 (Zero) is considered the
lowest zone, LPZ 1, 2, 3, being respectively higher.
It is the design and placement of the LPS that ensures the structure and
internal contents are within an LPZ 0B zone.
Internal systems are required be located within an LPZ 1 (or higher) zone.
As seen from Fig.5, electrical/electronic equipment located in LPZ 1 (or
higher) and connecting to external services (located in LPZ 0B or LPZ 0A)
require surge protective devices to limit energy being conducted from
zones exposed to direct lightning or full/partial electromagnetic fields or
surge current.

Non electrical services (e.g. water, gas, etc) meet this requirement by the
application of the bonding requirements.
As a general rule for protection, the structure to be protected shall be in
an LPZ whose electromagnetic characteristics are compatible with the
capability of the structure to withstand stress causing the damage to be
reduced (physical damage, failure of electrical and electronic systems due
to overvoltages).
For most electrical and electronic systems and apparatus, information
about withstand level can be supplied by manufacturer.

1.5 Lightning protection levels (LPL)

Lightning protection level LPL: is a number related to a set of lightning

current parameters values relevant to the probability that the associated
maximum and minimum design values will not be exceeded in naturally
occurring lightning.

In the IEC 62305 series, (4) lightning protection levels are introduced and
the design rules are based on the LPS being able to protect against
maximum values (sizing efficiency) and minimum values (interception
efficiency) of current.

The four lightning protection levels are:

LPL I, LPL II, LPL III and LPL IV.

LPL I offers the highest protection level (greatest level of protection), with

LPL IV offering the lowest level of protection.

Fig.7 indicates for these lightning protection levels the maximum current
expected and the probability that this may be exceeded. The probability of
occurrence of lightning with minimum or maximum current parameters
outside the range of values defined for LPL I is less than 2 %.

Fig.7

Note:
The design must ensure that air-termination, conductor and earth
termination size are sufficient to withstand the expected maximum
current.

As the lightning downward leader approaches the ground or structure, the

electric field increases to the point that the ground or structure launches
an upward leader that may eventually intercept the downward leader. This
is termed the striking distance (see fig.8). The larger the amount of
charge carried by the lightning leader, the greater will be the distance at
which this happens. The larger the charge of the leader, the larger the
resulting lightning current. It is generally accepted that the striking
distance r is given by:

r = 10 I 0.65

Where I is the peak current of the resulting stroke.

Fig.8: Striking Distance

For each of the lightning protection levels, a minimum current level to be

protected against has been determined (selected). Fig.9 details these
current levels, together with probability percentages that lightning may be
greater than these levels.

Fig.9

For example:

LPL I positions terminals such that 99% of all lightning flashes are
intercepted (all those of 3 kA or greater). There is only a 1% probability
that lightning may be smaller than the 3 kA minimum, and may not be
close enough to an air-terminal to be intercepted. It should be noted that
flashes of less than 3 kA are rare, and typically would not be expected to
cause damage to the structure. Protection greater than LPL I (99%) would
require significantly more material, is not covered by the standard and
generally is not required for commercial construction.

To further explain Fig.9, a lightning protection system to provide LPL IV,

designed using the rolling sphere method, would use air-terminals placed
using a rolling sphere radius of 60 m.

These air-terminals would be positioned such that they would capture all
lightning flashes of 16 kA or greater, thus offering protection to at least
84% of the lightning (the term at least is used to indicate that the
percentage of lightning captured might be greater, since smaller lightning
flashes could be captured if they were closer to the air-terminal).

To offer a greater lightning protection level (e.g. LPL I, II or III) a smaller

rolling sphere radius would be used. This would result in a reduced spacing
between air-terminals (more air-terminals), thus positioning the airterminals to capture smaller lightning flashes, and increasing the total
percentage of lightning flashes captured.

Notes:

The lower lightning protection levels (LPL II, III & IV) each increase the airterminal spacing, reducing their ability to capture smaller lightning
flashes, thus reducing overall the percentage of lightning events they can
protect against.
The maximum values of lightning current parameters for the different
lightning protection levels are given in Fig.7 and are used to design
lightning protection components (e.g. cross-section of conductors,
thickness of metal sheets, current capability of SPDs, separation distance
against dangerous sparking) and to define test parameters simulating the
effects of lightning on such components.
Lightning protection level is used to design protection measures according
to the relevant set of lightning current parameters.
The minimum values of lightning current amplitude for the different LPL
are used to derive the rolling sphere radius in order to define the lightning
protection zone LPZ 0B which cannot be reached by direct strike. The
minimum values of lightning current parameters together with the related
rolling sphere radius are given in Fig.9. They are used for positioning of the
air-termination system and to define the lightning protection zone LPZ 0B.
The protection measures specified in IEC 62305-3 and IEC 62305-4 are
effective against lightning whose current parameters are in the range
defined by the LPL assumed for design. Therefore the efficiency of a
protection measure is assumed equal to the probability with which
lightning current parameters are inside such range. For parameters
exceeding this range, a residual risk of damage remains.

1.6 Class of LPS

Class of LPS is a number denoting the classification of an LPS according to

the lightning protection level for which it is designed power line or
telecommunication line connected to the structure to be protected.

Four classes of LPS (I to IV), as shown in Fig.10, are defined in this

standard corresponding to lightning protection levels defined in IEC 623051.

Fig.10: Relation between Lightning Protection Level (LPL) and Class of

LPS

Each class of LPS is characterized by the following:

A- Data dependent upon the class of LPS:

Lightning parameters (see Tables 3 and 4 in IEC 62305-1:2010);

Rolling sphere radius, mesh size and protection angle;
Typical preferred distances between down-conductors;
Separation distance against dangerous sparking;
Minimum length of earth electrodes.

B- Factors not dependent upon the class of LPS:

Lightning equipotential bonding,

Minimum thickness of metal sheets or metal pipes in air-termination
systems,
LPS materials and conditions of use,
Material, configuration and minimum dimensions for air-terminations,
down-conductors and earth-terminations,
Minimum dimensions of connecting conductors.

The choice of what Class of LPS shall be installed is governed by the result
of the risk assessment calculation. Thus it is prudent to carry out a risk
assessment every time to ensure a technical and economic solution is
achieved.

1.7 Protection Measures

Protection Measures are measures to be adopted for the structure to be

protected in order to reduce the risk, according to the type of damage, in
the event of a lightning strike to or near a structure or connected service.

For each type of loss, there is a number of protection measures which,

individually or in combination, make the condition R RT. Lightning
protection science include (3) types of protection measures as follows:(see
fig.11)

LPS Protection Measures,

LPMS Protection Measures,
Other Protection Measures.

Fig.11: Protection Measures

Where:

LEMP: Lightning Electromagnetic Pulse,

LPMS: LEMP Protection Measures System,

LPS: Lightning Protection Measures System.

1- LPS Protection Measures:

It used to reduce physical damage, Protection is achieved by the lightning

protection system (LPS) which includes the following features:

Air-termination system;
Down-conductor system;
Earth-termination system;
Lightning equipotential bonding (EB);
Electrical insulation (and hence separation distance) against the external
LPS.

Notes:

When an LPS is installed, equipotentialization is a very important measure

to reduce fire and explosion danger and life hazard.
Provisions limiting the development and propagation of the fire such as
fireproof compartments, extinguishers, hydrants, fire alarms and fire
extinguishing installations may reduce physical damage.
Protected escape routes provide protection for personnel.

2- LPMS Protection Measures:

It used to reduce failure of electrical and electronic systems, Possible

protection measures (LPMS) include:

Earthing and bonding measures,

Magnetic shielding against induced Lightning Electromagnetic Impulse
(LEMP) effects,
Careful planning in the routing of internal cables and the suitable location
of sensitive equipment,
Isolating interfaces,
The correct installation of coordinated Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)
which will additionally ensure continuity of operation.

Notes:

These measures in total are referred to as an LEMP Protection Measures

System (LPMS).
These LPMS Protection measures may be used alone or in combination.
When source of damage S1 is considered, protection measures are
effective only in structures protected by an LPS.
The use of storm detectors and the associated provision taken may reduce
failures of electrical and electronic systems.

3- Other Protection Measures:

It used to reduce injury of living beings by electric shock, other Possible

protection measures include:

Adequate insulation of exposed conductive parts;

Equipotentialization by means of a meshed earthing system;
Physical restrictions and warning notices;

Lightning equipotential bonding (EB).

Notes:

Equipotentialization and an increase of the contact resistance of the

ground surface inside and outside the structure may reduce the life
hazard.
Protection measures are effective only in structures protected by an LPS.
The use of storm detectors and the associated provision taken may reduce
the life hazard.

Details of the methodology and criteria for deciding the most suitable
protection measures are given in the Risk management study which will
be explained in next Articles.

In the next Article, I will continue explaining Design Calculations of Lightning

Protection System. Please, keep following.

Back To

Course Lightning-2: Lightning Protection System Design and Calculations

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