Lightning Protection of GSM Containers and Local Data Centers

The importance of local container systems in the communication and data center sector is quite high. These container systems serve as technological bases in their locations and need protection to ensure uninterrupted communication. A possible lightning strike can come directly onto the container, or it can fall on surrounding structures or the ground. In any case, the electronic systems inside the container are affected. If the impulse in question is lightning, irreversible damage may occur. Apart from lightning, sudden voltage changes and switching element impulses also cause malfunctions in the systems inside the container. Interruption of communication, customer dissatisfaction, as well as significant economic loss are involved. Furthermore, the necessity for teams to go to the location for every malfunction and, most importantly, the risk of data loss makes it mandatory for containers to be properly protected against Lightning and Sudden Overvoltage.

passive air terminal

Unfortunately, in our country, as in every subject, there is a perception towards protecting containers with approximate dimensions of 3 meters with lightning rod (ESE) systems. However, within the scope of IEC 62305 standard, containers should be protected with passive air terminals in order to move the risk away and dampen the incoming impulse. Instead of attracting a possible impulse onto the container using an ion-emitting system, providing protection with passive air terminals that dampen the impulse actually directed at the container is the most correct way. Alternatively, a protection zone can be created with tripod 8000 mm air terminal systems, provided that the container is within the protection zone. Thus, we provide protection by ensuring sufficient ‘s’ separation distance without directing the impulse onto the container. If a system is to be installed on the container, the down conductors and rooftop system of this system must either be insulated from the container or the ‘S’ separation distance must be provided. The general practice in our country is to put a lightning rod on a long pole on a 3-meter container, go down to the ground with a bare conductor, and keep the ground separate. However, this is a faulty system from start to finish. In this way, we are doing nothing but attracting lightning, discharging it all over the container, and giving the impulse from the ground to the lines. What should happen is to design with passive systems and either provide descent with an isolated lightning down conductor (This conductor must be insulated for minimum 100 kA) or provide the ‘s’ separation distance as specified in the IEC 62305 standard. We can provide the ‘S’ separation distance with special insulated systems, but the most correct method is for the isolated down conductor system and the rooftop line to be insulated. As for grounding, giving the first impulse to the opposite direction of the container and then bringing it to equipotential with spark gap arresters appears as the most correct method.

The external lightning protection system is effective as a result of the direct impulse being directed at the container. We must also use LV Surge Arrester systems in Energy, Data, and Coaxial lines against impulses coming from the ground. We should not leave any line empty with Type 1+2+3 at the main energy entrance point, Cat LV Surge Arrester System in Cat lines, and Type 3 12, 24, 48 volt products in DC weak current systems. Interruption of communication and inability to transfer data is not cheaper than any protection measure. For example, the malfunction of a modem means the entire system becomes disabled. However, we can prevent all risks with an RJ11 Protection to be used at the modem input. We must definitely provide protection at such strategic points by making a survey suitable for the system feature with RJ11, RJ45, BNC, F, CAT6, POE, LSA, TELECOM LINE LV Surge Arrester systems. We must change what is known and protect our investments and labor with the correct methods.

POE and CAT 6 protection

As the Lightning Protection Center, we take containers under protection within the scope of IEC 62305 Standard. We select the right products by making the necessary surveys regarding LV Surge Arresters. Our company, which carries out the country responsibility of the Iskra Zascite_Raycap group regarding LV Surge Arresters, provides effective protection with products with SAFETEC technology designed by its expert R&D team.

Protecting containers against lightning is not a simple event. The lightning protection design of every system is different, and we cannot apply the system we apply in a residence for a container. The design changes even according to the location where the container will be placed. Therefore, risk analysis should be performed. Both people and devices inside the container should be protected with the correct methods. You can examine all these systems in detail with other articles on our blog.