Ensuring Process Safety in Accordance with the IEC 62305 Lightning Protection Standard

Correct design of lightning protection systems is quite important for lossless and sustainable operation in industrial facilities. When we say Process safety , the concept of ‘Sustainable Production’ is directly focused on the success of the safety system. Sudden overvoltage fluctuations, Switching and Harmonic impulses, and Grid-sourced sudden voltage impulses, primarily Lightning impulses, are among the most critical issues risking process safety. Even if we fulfill all requirements for Process safety , production stoppage or fire within the facility can easily occur as a result of a lightning impulse that occurs and passes in 25 nanoseconds. Therefore, we must protect our facilities against lightning and sudden overvoltage impulses as prescribed by the IEC 62305 standard.

The IEC 62305 Standard tells us that;

You must protect your facility in 4 steps. These steps are, respectively: Isolated External Lightning Protection System – LV Surge Arrester system installation – Checking the accuracy of Equipotential and Grounding system. Unfortunately, in our country, this issue is reduced only to lightning rods (ESE), and many facilities are protected incorrectly, resulting in very negative situations. To prevent these, primarily external lightning protection systems should be designed in accordance with the IEC 62305 system, using passive air terminals according to the rolling sphere method, paying attention to penetration intervals, in a way that does not allow the impulse to cause any physical damage.

At this point, it is important to use ATEX certified and EXPROOF lightning protection systems, especially for flammable and explosive facilities. If bare conductors are installed without paying attention to the ‘S’ separation distance, we allow risks. Therefore, necessary surveys should be made, the ‘S’ Separation distance should be made important, and if possible, the design should be made using isolated systems, which is the most permanent solution. In addition, system grounding and external lightning protection down conductor groundings must be brought to equipotential with spark gap arresters.

The External Lightning Protection system is extremely important against fire and physical damage, but LV Surge Arrester systems, which are equally important, are of great importance for the safety of the entire process. A lightning impulse that can enter from your line can burn all points it passes through along the entire cable route. Therefore, starting from our Main Panels, sub-distribution panels, Automation and Scada systems, Camera and Security systems, Fire Alarm systems, Server Rooms, Test Systems, Weighbridges, Lighting systems should be taken under protection with Low Voltage Surge Arrester Systems in order of importance. If we do not, irreversible damages may occur besides system failures and card burnouts. Here, the surge arrester system most suitable for your system among 2000 different protection products should be selected and applied by expert engineers. It is difficult to experience a problem related to this issue in facilities where a Type 1-2-3 cascaded protection system is provided. Of course, product selection and quality are also of great importance. Selection of LV Surge Arrester systems with Safetec technology provides long-lasting protection.

Problems at the point of Grounding and Equipotential system will be revealed primarily by a detailed survey and measurement. Attention should be paid to this issue during the facility installation phase, and installation should be done in accordance with standards. It is possible to correct the grounding and equipotential system in completed facilities. Grounding is extremely important for the safety of the entire facility, especially human life.

As the Lightning Protection Center , with our free survey and design service, we identify the deficiencies in these four subjects in your facilities and follow a professional working method regarding system installation and 100% protection of the facility. Remember, Process safety can be fully ensured after all risks are foreseen and prevented.