Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems – Part Thirteen

In Article " Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems – Part Two ", I indicated the lightning
protection design process involves a number of design steps as in Fig.1.

Fig.1: The Lightning Protection Design Process

Step#1: Characteristics of the Structure to Be Protected

Explained in above Article
 Step#2: Risk Assessment Study

Also, In above Article, I indicated that:

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

The Manual Method (Equations and Tables Method) for Calculations of Risk Assessment Study as per IEC
62305-2 can be reviewed in the following Articles:

 Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems – Part Two

 Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems – Part Three
 Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems – Part Four
 Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems – Part Five
 Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems – Part Six

First: Manual Method (Equations And Tables Method) as per NFPA 780
The Manual Method (Equations and Tables Method) for Calculations of Risk Assessment Study as per IEC
62305-2 can be reviewed in the following Articles:

 Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems – Part Seven

 Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems – Part Eight
 Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems – Part Nine

Second: Software Method For Performing The Risk Assessment Study

S/N Program By
1 StrikeRisk V5.0 Furse Company
Faculty of Engineering- Aristotle University
2 RAPAL
of Thessaloniki
3 Riesgo Applicationes Tecnologicas Company

I explained the first software: StrikeRisk V5.0 in Article " Design Calculations of Lightning Protection
Systems – Part Ten ".

And I explained the Second software: RAPAL Software in Article " Design Calculations of Lightning
Protection Systems – Part Eleven ".

And I explained the third software: Riesgo Software in Article " Design Calculations of Lightning Protection
Systems – Part Twelve ".

Today, I will explain the Third method for performing the Risk Assessment Study: Excel Sheets Method.

For more information, please review the following Articles:

 Design Process for Lightning Protection Systems

 Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems – Part One

Third: Excel Sheets Method For Performing The Risk Assessment Study

Today, I will introduce two excel sheets for Need for Lightning Protection calculations as follows:

1. IEC62305-2 Need for Lightning Protection,

 2. NFPA 780 Simplified Method.

1- IEC62305-2 Need for Lightning Protection Excel Sheet

Today, I will introduce to you, the most powerful excel spreadsheet for Need for Lightning Protection
calculations.

Benefits For Using This Excel Spreadsheet

 List general data for designer and project,

 Calculate the collection areas for basic and adjacent structures,
power lines (if any and up to two lines) and telecommunication line (if any),
 Calculate the collection areas for different shapes (Rectangular,
cylindrical,…) basic and adjacent structures,
 List all input data (in green cells) that must be known to determine
the need for lightning protection,
 Provide all tables of IEC 62305-2 as dropdown menus for automatic
determination of parameter/factors values for the case under design,
 Provide two maps for assistance in determination of lightning ground
flash density (Ng) and isokeraunic number (thunder storm days/year).
 Provide comments as a help guide which explains the meaning of the
used parameters, factors and terms in this excel sheet.
 Provide the primary risk values automatically in the final results
report and make a comparison with the tolerable risk values and assign the
need for lightning protection based on this comparison for each type of loss.
 It saves time and effort lost in doing the calculations by the Manual
Method (Equations and Tables Method) As we see in the previous Articles.

This excels spreadsheet includes (6) nos. worksheets and (21) nos. pages as follows:

S/N Worksheet Name No. of Pages in Worksheet

1 Cover & General Data 1
2 Structure’s dimension and Areas 3
3 Data Inputs and Factors 2
4 Final Results Report 1
5 Maps 1
6 Locked Data -
 Total 8

First: Cover & General Data Worksheet

Cover & General Data Worksheet

 This worksheet lists the other worksheets in an index as shown in below figure, you can go to a
specific worksheet by just clicking on its name.
 You can email me directly by clicking on the phrase “Designed by: Ali Hassan” for any inquiries or
notes.
 This worksheet includes also the general data about the project and the designer which must be
filled for every new project designed by this excel sheet.

Second: Structure’s dimension and Areas Worksheet

 Basic Structure 's Dimensions & Areas

Green color cells =enter value for the Input/ Factor

Type of Basic Structure: Rectangular with a piched hipped roof

T
I I
H

Rectangular with a flat roof

Length (L): meter Lengt h (L): meter

Widt h (W): meter Width (W): meter

Height of the roof (H): meter Height of the roof (H1): meter

Collection Area (Ad): 9261.73 m2 Protrusion height (H2): meter

Collection Area (Am): 815398 m2 Collection Area (Ad): 0 m2

Clyindrical Complex with a know collection area

Height of the roof (H): meter Collection Area (Ad): m2

Diammeter (D) meter Collection Area (Am): m2

Collection Area (Ad): 0 m2

Collection Area (Am): 0 m2 Final Collect ton areas

Collection Area (Ad): 9261.73 m2

Collection Area (Am): 815398 m2

Structure’s dimension and Areas Worksheet-1
 Adjacent Structure's Dimensions & Areas

Does an Ajacent Structure Exist? No I~

Type of Adjacent Structure: Rectangular with a piched globed roof
I:J

T
I
H

1 lll

Rectangular w ith a flat roof Rectangular w ith a piched globed roof

l engt h (l): Lengt h (l}: meter

Widt h (W): Widt h (W): meter

Height of t he roof (H): meter

Collection Area (Mj): meter

J--o- i

Clyindrical Complex with a know collection area

Height of t he roof (H): meter Collection Area (Adj):

Diammet er (D) meter

Collection Area (Adj): m2 Final Collection areas

Collect ion Area (Adj): l 0 I m2

Structure’s dimension and Areas Worksheet-2
 Collection Areas for lines (power and/or Telecommunication)
'

Does a Power Line#l Exist? Yes

8
Does a Power line#2 Exist? No
8
Does a Telecommunication line Exist? No
s
l engt h (ll): meter Collect ion Area (All): 40000 m2

l engt h (l2): meter Collection Area (Al 2): 0 m2

l engt h (l3): meter Collection Area (Al3): 0 m2

Collect ion Area (All): 4000000 m2

Collection Area (A12): 0 m2

Collection Area (A13): 0 m2

Guideline in case of Structure as a part of a building

t. 2, 3 , s. 6. 7

Koy

B buildin9 or part of i1 for which prd.ectlon is

-
eonsldered ( ~valuation of A ia nHded)
0
part of bulldin.g fOf whlth proteeUon ls noc.
D considered (evoJuaOon of A-0 Is not needed)
i.-a. s $tructure to be eons:ldered roc risk
auessment (dimensions of S are to be
used for eva1uatlon of A ..)

- partltiooing REI ~ 1 20

partitioning REI <120

equipmem
7 8
l.s. l.s.
• ts.
 Structure’s dimension and Areas Worksheet-3

 This worksheet calculates the lightning collection areas based for the following:
1. Basic structure,
2. Adjacent structure,
3. Power lines (max. two),
4. Telecommunication line.
And give hints when calculating the collection areas in case of a structure as part of a building.

 The collection areas are calculated based on the following:

1- Type of the structure:

Type of the structure can be selected from the two dropdown menu type of basic structure or type of
adjacent structure (in the case of existence of adjacent structure), the type of structures are:

1. Rectangular with a flat roof

2. Rectangular with a pitched gabled roof
3. Cylindrical
4. Complex with a know collection area

2- The entered dimensions of the structure:

You can enter the dimension of the structure under design in the green cells under the selected type of
structure.

Important in the adjacent structure page#2

 Don’t forget to choose the right answer from the dropdown menu of
the question “Does an Adjacent Structure Exist?”.
 If you select Yes then proceed with calculation steps. But if you,
select No all the adjacent collection area will equal zero even if you enter
some dimensions in the input green cells.

Important in the Lines (power and/or Telecommunication) page#3

 Don’t forget to choose the right answers from the dropdown menus of
the three questions:

1. Does a Power Line#1 Exist?

2. Does a Power Line#2 Exist?
3. Does a Telecommunication Line Exist?
  If you select Yes for the above questions then proceed with
calculation steps. But if you, select No all the adjacent collection area will
equal zero even if you enter some dimensions in the input green cells.
 If you don’t know the length of the line enter 1000.
 Use the hints given when calculating the collection areas in case of a
structure as part of a building.

Third: Data Inputs and Factors Worksheet

 Data Inputs
Green color cells =enter value for the In ut/Factor

Reduction factor rf 0.001

Wlllt= met er
Wm2= met er
Factor K 51
Factor K 52 2.4
Shi el ded <abl es and cabl es running in meta l
Factor K 53 0.0001

2- Environmental Influences
line environmental. factor CE Rural 1

The location Factor CD 0.5

Ng = fl ashes/ km2/year

Td= davs/vear

Ng (Final Value)= fl ashes/ km2/year

The NG Map and isokeraunic maps may vary each year and you must get t he most recent one as possible
better result s
see NG Map and isokeraunic

Power lines

Shi el ded aeri al or buri ed w hose shi el d

Select Routing, shielding and
bonded to the same b-ond ing bar as equipment
bonding conditions
&1W/ km<RS$SW/km

Buri ed cabl es running entirely w i thin a

line installation factor Cl 0.01
meshed earth terminati on

line type factor CT HV pow er (wi th HV/ LV transformer) 0.2

4 KV
Factor K,. 0.25

Shi el ded aeri al line (power or TLC) -

Factor CLD Connection at entrance: Shi el d bonded to the 1
same bonding bar as equipment

Shi el ded buried line (power or TLC) -

Factor Cll Connecti on at entrance: Shi el d not bonded to 0.3
t he same bonding bar as equipment
Data Inputs and Factors Worksheet-1
 Data Inputs

4- Protection Measures

Additional Protection Measure

No prot ecti on measures 1
PTA
G

Probability P6 Strua ure not protected b y LPS 1

probability Ps•o No coordi nated SPD system 1 1

EJ
One of the follow i ng provi si ons: fi xed
Reduction factor r p automa tica lly operated extinguishi ng 0.2
installations; automatic alarm installationsa
El
Reduction factor rt Agricult ural, concrete O.ol
El

probability P,. III-IV 0.0 5 0.05

Factor hz 1

LT 0.01

LF (Loss L1) 0.02

LO (Loss L1) 0.001

numbernz
number nt
time tz hours per year

Yes

are values of LFE and t e known?

LFE
 Data Inputs and Factors Worksheet-2

 This worksheet includes the following Data:

1. Data Inputs in Green Cells,
2. Values of Parameters/Factors to be selected from the dropdown menus,
3. Calculated Parameters/Factors.

These data are categorized under the following categories:

1. Structure's Attributes,
2. Environmental Influences,
3. Service Lines,
4. Protection Measures,
5. Loss of Human Life (L1),
6. Loss of Service to The Public (L2),
7. Loss of Irreplaceable Cultural Heritage (L3).

Important

 When you select the cell of any Parameter/Factor, a comment will

appear to explain the meaning of this Parameter/Factor or to help you
selecting the right value.
 If you don’t know the value of Ng (lightning ground flash density),
enter the value of Td (thunder storm days/year).
 The NG Map and isokeraunic maps may vary each year and you must
get the most recent one as possible for better results.
 See NG Map and isokeraunic maps in Worksheet "Maps" for guidance.
 If the selected value from dropdown menu results in a value like
“select value from 0.005 to 0.001” as in dropdown menus of probability
PSPD and probability PEB, then you must enter your value in the cell to the
right which has a comment showing this action.

Fourth: Final Results Report Worksheet

 Final Results Report

Number of dangerous events per year Loss of Human life (L1) Risk Components for R1

ND = 6.4832 1E-02 LA = 5.70776E-06 RAl = 3.70046E-Q7

NM = 1.14156E+Ol LU = 5.70776E-Q6 R81 = 7.54894E-Ol

- - --
NDJ = O.OOOOOE+OO LS = 1.16438E-05 RCl =
--
3.70046E-06

--Nll = 1.1 2000E-03 LV =

---
1.16438E-05
--
RM1 = 8.44440E-11

NL2 = O.OOOOOE+OO LC = 5.70776E-Q5 RUl = 9.58904E-11

--
NL3 = O.OOOOOE+OO LM = 5. 70776E-05 RVl = 1.95616E- 10

N il = 1.12000E-01 LW = 5.70776E-05 RWl = 1.91 78 1E-Q8

Nl2 = L2 = = 3.06849E-07
O.OOOOOE+OO 5.70776E-05 R21
-----
N l3 = O.OOOOOE+OO
I
Probabilty of damage to structure
'\
Unacceptable Loss of Service to
p• = l .OOOOOE+OO Risk Components for R2
The Pubic (L2)

, LB = 2. OOOOOE-06 RB2 = 1.29664E-07

Ps = l.OOOOOE+OO

-- - LV = 2.00000E-06 RC2 = 6.4832 1E-05

Pc = l .OOOOOE+OO
- - · -1--
LC = l .OOOOOE-Q3 RM2 = 1.47946E-o9

P..., = 129600E-O. . .
-

~a1
I-
1
11!!!!!1 '-1. ooooo-,d= =
1.29600E~I-
3.36000E- 11
-- - - ~ RV2

P,. =
-, - • !-"
,1
_
~ l!lf'.OOOOOE-( RW2 = 3.36000E-Q7

P,o = 3.00000E-01
--
= =
, L2 l .OOOOOE-03
-- -
R22 5.37600E-Q6

Pu = 1.50000E-02

- -
Pv = 1.50000E-02

Pw = 3.00000E-Ql

Loss Of Irreplaceable Cultural

Risk Components for R3
Heritage (L3)
Pu = 1.60000E-01 LB = 1.14286E-05 RB3 = 7.40938E-Q7

Pz = 4.80000E-Q2 LV = 1.14286E-Q5 RV3 = 1.92000E- 10

 Final Results Report Worksheet

 This worksheet helps you to calculate the following:

1. Number of dangerous events per year,
2. Probability of damage to structure,
3. Loss of Human Life (L1),
4. Loss of Service to the Public (L2),
5. Loss of Irreplaceable Cultural Heritage (L3),
6. Risk Components for R1,
7. Risk Components for R2,
8. Risk Components for R3,
9. Primary Risks Values R1, R2, R3,
10. Need for Lightning Protection Result.

 The Need for Lightning Protection Result for each type of Risk will be one of the following:

1. Install lightning protection measures in order to reduce the calculated Risk R, this phrase will
appear in red color as a warning sign.
2. Structure is adequately protected for this type of loss and no lightning protection is required,
this phrase will appear in green color as it is an approval for the design.

Fifth: Maps Worksheet

 Maps Worksheet

This worksheet show two maps for assistance in determination of lightning ground flash density (Ng) and
isokeraunic number (thunder storm days/year).

Important

The NG Map and isokeraunic maps may vary each year and you must get the
most recent one as possible for better results.
Sixth: Locked Data Worksheet

This worksheet includes the tables used in this excel sheet which extracted from IEC 62305.

2- NFPA 780 Simplified Method Excel Sheet

 The Lightning Risk Calculator for Initial Screening is based on the Lightning Risk Assessment
methodology of the NFPA 780 version 2011, the American Standard for the Installation of Lightning
Protection Systems.
 The risk assessment assists you in determining the need of a Lightning Protection System (LPS) and
the risk of damage due to lightning.

Important

The methodology considers only the damage caused by direct strike to the
building or structure.

This excel sheet includes the following parts:

1- Lightning Flash Density (Ng) Part

In this part enter the yearly number of flashes to ground per km²
 Parts#1 and 2

2- Equivalent Collective Area (Ae) Part

Use this part for:

 Calculation of the Equivalent Collective Area (Ae) for a Rectangular Structure based on the entered
dimension (length, width and height).
 Calculation of the Equivalent Collective Area for a Structure with protrusions (Ae) as follows:
1. Calculation of the Equivalent Collective Area (Ae) for the Structure without protrusions,
2. Calculate the collective area of the protrusion (Ae’),
3. The maximum value of (Ae or Ae') will be taken into account.

3- Lighning Strike Frequency (Nd) Part

It includes:

1. Factor C1 dropdown menu where C1 = facilitating environmental coefficient depending on the

location of structure and the objects within the distance 3H from the structure that can affect the
Ae.
2. Nd calculation.

Parts#3, 4 and 5

4- Tolerable Lightning Frequency (Nc) Part

It includes:
 1. C2 = Structural coefficient dropdown menu,
2. C3 = Structure Contents Coefficient dropdown menu,
3. C4 = Structure Occupancy Coefficient dropdown menu,
4. C5 = Lightning Strike Consequence Coefficient dropdown menu,
5. Nc calculation.

5- Conclusion Part

The following risk evaluation should be considered as initial screening method. In this part, Comparison is
made between Nd and Nc as follows:

Nd ≤ Nc LPS OPTIONAL

Nd > Nc LPS NEEDED

To download your copy of IEC62305-2 Need for Lightning Protection Excel

Sheet, please click on the link.

To download your copy of NFPA 780 Simplified Method Excel Sheet, please
click on the link.

Note:

Non-registered members in Electrical-Knowhow website will not be able to

open and use this excel spreadsheet.

To register as a member of Electrical-Knowhow website, do the

following:

1. Click on the phrase “Join this site" in bottom of the home

page, above the images of our members.
2. After finishing your registration send email to
ali1973hassan@yahoo.com, asking for your password and I will send it
with email reply.

Notes for downloading our files:

 1. click on the file name that you want to download,
2. a new page will open, don't care about the message "these files
are temporary unavailable",
3. Look in the upper right corner of the page, you will find an
arrow point to down,
4. Click this arrow the download will start automatically,
5. After downloading, you will need to enter your password again
to open the file.

In the next Article, I will explain how to perform the Risk Assessment Study by using Online Calculators
Method. Please, keep following.