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Lightning air terminal systems are the fundamental product group used in the design of lightning protection systems. Passive air terminals, which enable the establishment of a protection system different from active lightning rod heads, allow lightning protection system design in accordance with IEC 62305 standards using methods such as the protection angle method and the rolling sphere method. Lightning air terminals, which provide the main function of the lightning protection system designed in line with IEC 62305 standards, vary depending on the project type with characteristics such as height, cross-section, and material.

Passive air terminal systems, offering a wide range from 50 cm to 10 meters, function as a complete set including air terminal fixing elements, bases, and conductor connection components. Air terminals are basically divided into two groups: insulated and non-insulated. The most important tests for a lightning air terminal are having a 100 kA lightning impulse test and wind load resistance tests.

Protection Angle Design

The intensity and electrical load of a lightning strike must not cause any damage to the air terminal, and the air terminal must not be damaged under strong wind conditions. Therefore, 100 kA lightning resistance and 200 km/h wind speed resistance are indispensable tests for an air terminal system.

(Example protection angle calculation chart under IEC 62305 standard)

In addition, it is very important that the fiberglass parts of insulated air terminals do not melt in hot regions and are designed to withstand the thermal effects of a possible lightning strike. The lightning air terminal is the most important instrument for an engineer designing a lightning protection system, and mastering the entire product range is essential to perform this task correctly.

Franklin Rod – The First Air Terminal in History

The first passive lightning air terminal in history was used and tested by Benjamin Franklin. Therefore, air terminals are also referred to as Franklin rods.

Benjamin Franklin stated the similarity between electric current and lightning discharge as a result of his studies in 1749.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

In 1760, Benjamin Franklin designed a lightning protection system using the “lightning rod (today known as the Franklin rod or air terminal)” and proved its effectiveness when lightning struck the Mr. West building in Philadelphia.

Although technology has advanced and designs have become more professional since Benjamin Franklin, the fact that lightning is an electrical phenomenon has not changed. Today, with the advancement of material technologies, the fight against lightning continues with highly successful products.

As Yılkomer, we use Gromtor-branded lightning air terminals in our designs. With impulse testing, anti-corrosive properties, a 20-year product corrosion warranty, wind speed tests, and both non-insulated and insulated system options, we offer a high-quality product range. All systems we have installed over the last 10 years continue to operate as on the first day, and facilities are 100% safely protected against lightning strikes. Now, let us introduce our passive air terminal systems in general.

Insulated Lightning Air Terminal Systems

Isolating the lightning strike and safely directing it directly to the ground without allowing it to interact with the facility is the most accurate system we prefer and recommend as Yılkomer. Insulated air terminals should be preferred especially in metal-bodied structures, ex-proof systems, facilities with high human density, and facilities with fire risk. Considering values of 200 kA and 28,000°C, insulated lightning air terminals appear as the most ideal solution for every system.

Insulated air terminals work as an integrated system with insulated lightning down conductors to safely transfer the impulse to the ground. The insulated conductor passes through the insulated air terminal and must be adapted to the topmost point.

The body of insulated air terminals must have fiberglass insulation. After the lightning impulse strikes the air terminal, the impulse will not be able to propagate because the body is fiberglass, and it will transfer to the insulated down conductor inside. The insulated conductor will safely carry the impulse to the ground with 150 kA lightning insulation.

Aluminum Air Terminal Systems

Within the scope of the IEC 62305 standard, it is appropriate to use air terminals made of anti-corrosive AlMgSi alloy materials. Aluminum air terminals can be manufactured in different lengths from 1 meter up to 4.5 meters in 20 mm and 16 mm cross-sections. Air terminals, which generally have a tapered structure, can decrease to a diameter of up to 10 mm at the very tip. Aluminum air terminals can be easily used on rooftops on concrete foundations.

If there is no flat surface where we can fix the air terminals on a concrete base, it is also possible to fix them using special bases. Alternatively, air terminals can be mounted laterally onto a wall.

Tripod System Lightning Air Terminal Systems

The longer the lightning air terminal, the larger the protection area expands proportionally. Using long air terminals is very common to capture lightning at a higher point and to provide a wider protection zone. Non-insulated air terminals above 4 meters are generally designed on tripod legs. In our country, tripod systems are mainly used to protect solar power plants, and 8-meter air terminals are quite popular in this field. With long air terminals, lightning protection design is generally performed according to the Rolling Sphere Method. You can find how this system is designed on our blog page under Yılkomer Rolling Sphere Method content.

Our stainless-steel tripod systems stand out as the most professional product in this field with 200 km/h wind tests and a 20-year corrosion warranty. As Yılkomer, with the systems for which we personally provide installation and reporting, you can safely protect your facility against lightning strikes.

Copper Air Terminals

In standard projects in our country, copper air terminals with lengths of 60 cm to 80 cm are generally used. However, with such short air terminals, it is frankly not very possible to provide a correct protection area, comply with the rolling sphere method, or achieve a wide protection angle. The use of copper air terminals, which stand out with their high cost in somewhat “rule-of-thumb” installations, does not provide a correct protection method. Instead of products we can describe as habits, it is possible to use much more effective systems within the same budgets with new and correct designs.

Tile-Type Air Terminal Systems

Lightweight air terminals with mounting accessories that can be easily installed according to tile and roof characteristics are used very intensively, especially in Europe. Even in the simplest single-story buildings, the use of these air terminals is common. In our country, the use of active lightning rods is more common even in the simplest structures. Compared to active lightning rods, designing protection with such air terminals will be more reliable.

Chrome-Plated Brass Air Terminals

Chrome-plated brass air terminals, which are among the short air terminals widely used in our country, can be used individually up to 1500 meters, in the range of 16 mm and 20 mm.

As Yılkomer, in the light of IEC 62305 Standards, after site survey and project design for your facilities, we install your lightning protection systems with passive insulated air terminals. With the right products and engineering principles, we provide you with the safest solutions. For correct protection measures against the increasing lightning risk, you can contact the Yılkomer technical team at info@yilkomer.com.

Remember, Yılkomer ‘Protects Your Assets!’