Protection of Shopping Malls Against Lightning and Sudden Overvoltage

Shopping malls (AVM) have recently become one of the facilities frequently involved in our daily lives. Protecting these facilities against lightning and sudden surge impulses is of great importance both for providing uninterrupted service and for protecting human and property health. On the other hand, grounding and installation measurements of the shopping mall must be carried out regularly.

External Lightning Protection System

First of all, the shopping mall must be protected against the physical effects of lightning. For this, after the lightning risk analysis of the building is made, the appropriate protection radius should be determined. According to this protection radius, the building will be protected according to the rolling sphere method. Since shopping malls are places with high human circulation, precautions must definitely be taken against step voltage. Also, the external lightning protection system must be connected to the equipotential system with a spark gap arrester. If the building surface is made of a flammable or combustible material, it is recommended that the down conductor be isolated.

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Internal Lightning Protection System

Again, it is necessary to be protected from sudden surge impulses in order to provide uninterrupted service in shopping malls. First of all, Class B surge arresters must be used in main panels against lightning impulses. The protection of sub-panels and sensitive systems is the second stage. At this point, we recommend using products with low UP levels of Class C+D in sub-panels. Also, C+D surge arresters can be used in store sub-panels. Sensitive systems, UPS, telecom lines, LED lighting systems, etc. are protected from the energy panel they are fed from.