The Importance of Using Network Surge Protectors in Schools

Key considerations in the selection and use of low-voltage surge protectors for protecting schools against lightning… Across the country, 18 million students and 1 million teachers continue education and training in schools, mostly during lightning-prone seasons. As with earthquakes, when we consider lightning and the risks it creates, Lightning Protection of Schools is extremely important.

The number and intensity of lightning strikes have increased excessively in the last 2 years, and the number of damages across the country is increasing day by day. So, are we properly protecting schools, where millions of our citizens are present, against lightning?

The issue of lightning protection in schools has been carried out only by using lightning rod systems until today, as throughout the country. The accuracy of this system, the area it protects, its insulation, and its current condition are always open to debate. Yes, there is a lightning rod system in every school, but not even 1% of schools use an LV Surge Arrester system (AG Parafudr) that will protect fire and electrical systems and prevent financial losses. Lightning that may strike the lightning rod or a nearby point can easily reach electrical systems due to equipotential differences within a 2 km radius. Lightning can enter the facility through the main entrance or transformer, as well as through telecom lines. The biggest risk here is the risk of fire due to the absence of a surge arrester system that will dampen this sudden impulse. In addition, fire alarm systems, panels, security systems, boiler rooms, air conditioners, and all points that enable the school to provide sustainable education may be damaged. In addition, as is known, schools are now equipped with smart boards and computer technology, and many expensive systems are present in laboratories, all of which are likely to be damaged within 25 ns. Recently, many device damages have occurred in schools. Especially the lightning clouds that covered Istanbul at the beginning of October caused damage in many schools across the province.

In addition to Article 43 of the Internal Installation Regulation, the Ministry of National Education has now made the use of LV Surge Arresters (AG Parafudr) mandatory in schools. With the update of the lightning protection regulation in schools, every educational institution must use LV Surge Arresters. The selected product must provide protection against both lightning and grid surges. In addition, data and communication lines must also be protected with sensitive protection products. Considering the country’s lightning average, the use of Type 1+2+3 100kA protected products at main entrances will be beneficial. Lightning and grid surge protection products with a value of 100kA to be used at main entrances provide correct protection. The use of only Type 2 surge arresters is definitely not correct. Type 2 surge arresters should be installed on floor distribution panels and staged protection should be applied.

As Yılkomer, especially in school projects, the Raycap Iskra Zascite branded PROBLOC Type 1+2+3 Series, with its compact structure and arc-free safe technology, provides us with advantages in lightning protection in educational institutions. The gas discharge tube structure of these products ensures that possible arcs are extinguished within 25 ns and eliminates the possibility of fire caused by lightning strikes.

In conclusion, lightning is now a reality of our lives. And we do not have to wait for lightning to strike our facility to take the right precautions. As public awareness increases regarding natural disasters, the measures taken by our state increase accordingly. It is possible to avoid damage caused by lightning. Within the scope of IEC 62305 standards, you can now contact Yılkomer expert engineers for lightning protection of schools!

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