CURRENT LIGHTNING PROTECTION STANDARDS

Lightning Protection Standards; In our country, a lot of information regarding standards and regulations on lightning protection is currently confused. While one group believes that lightning rod standards and systems are in force in our country, another group argues that IEC norms are effective. In this article, we wanted to convey to you the standards on lightning protection that are valid in our country and internationally.

First of all, it should be stated that there is currently no active lightning rod standard in force by TSE in our country. The technical committee of the Turkish Standards Institute did not approve the draft standard TS 201812257 Lightning Protection – Active Lightning Rod Systems at its meeting held on 30.09.2019. We do not know what will happen in the future, but at present, the answer to the question frequently asked to us is that there is no lightning rod standard in force in our country.

The IEC 62305 series of standards published by IEC and accepted internationally are currently in force in our country as TSE EN 62305 Standards. This standard envisages carrying out lightning protection studies with passive systems such as the rolling sphere method, mesh method, protection angle method, and mesh method. Active lightning rod methods are not included in this standard. However, active lightning rod systems continue to be used in our country. For this reason, conceptual confusion understandably continues, especially among end users.

The point that should be emphasized here is that regardless of which external lightning protection system is used, AG Surge Arrester products must definitely be used, since external lightning protection systems do not provide protection for electrical systems against lightning. Although there is no single correct approach in lightning protection, standards are updated as current information is renewed and new and more comprehensive tests are conducted. Experience is very important in lightning protection engineering, and the correct protection should be designed as a result of a site survey specific to each structure. It is not necessary to design an insulated lightning protection system or apply the mesh method in every facility; the design should be made in the most accurate way according to the experience of the expert engineer specific to the structure and the conclusions drawn from the relevant standards.

Currently, the Lightning Protection Standards in force in our country by TSE can be summarized as follows;

1) Standard Containing General Rules Related to Lightning Protection Systems

-TS EN 62305-1:2012 +AC:2017 Lightning protection – Part 1

2) Standard Containing Lightning Protection Risk Management

-TS EN 62305-2:2012 Lightning protection – Part 2

3) Standard Containing Physical Damage and Life Hazard in Structures

-TS EN 62305-3:2011 Lightning protection – Part 3

4) Standard Containing Protection of Electrical and Electronic Systems in Structures

– TS EN 62305-4:2014:2017 Lightning protection – Part 4

5) Low Voltage Surge Protective Devices

-TS EN 61643-311:2014

– TS EN 61643-321:2002

– TS EN 61643-331:2018

– TS EN 61643-341:2002

6) Selection and application principles of isolating transformers (SITs) used against surges in telecommunication and signaling networks

-TS EN IEC 61643-352:2018

7) Protection for safety

-TS HD 60364-4-41:2018+A12:2019

– TS HD 60364-4-443:2016

– TS HD 60364-4-444: 2010+AC:2012

8) Protection for low voltage electrical installations

-TS HD 60364-5-534:2016

-TS HD 60364-5-54:2012+A11:2018

9) Insulation Coordination

-TS HD 60364-5-54:2012+A11:2018

As the Lightning Protection Center, our systems are designed based on the most up-to-date standards and products tested in accordance with the standards are used by us. Our global partners Raycap, Iskra Zascite in the AG Surge Arrester product group, and Elkobis, Gromtor, and Erico in external lightning protection manufacture the most accurate products, and our engineers make the most accurate designs.

We would like to see this chaotic process regarding lightning protection in our country clarified as soon as possible and all works implemented with equal principles in every facility within a certain standard, as in Europe. However, during this process, as Yılkomer, we try to protect facilities in the light of international norms.

For more detailed information and to participate in our trainings, you can follow yılkomer on our Instagram account.