Protection of Prefabricated Buildings Against Overvoltage and Lightning

Today, when it comes to prefabricated buildings, contrary to traditional perceptions, fully technological structures with large square meters and no different from conventional reinforced concrete buildings are being constructed. Prefabricated cities have recently been established all over the world for many reasons. In addition, power plants and monitoring points in automation systems are generally built within prefabricated structures in the field. In summary, prefabricated buildings that are easy to install can contain advanced technological systems, and in applications such as city designs, they can be lived in for long periods just like a regular house. In prefabricated systems, which generally consist of low-rise and metal equipment, we must protect both the electrical systems and the people living inside from lightning and sudden overvoltage surges. The fact that the main structure and cladding are metal (conductive) is particularly important at this point. Safety principles must always be prioritized in our designs.

Prefabricated facilities are generally formed by multiple structures coming into contact with each other. At this point, addressing the protection of systems as a whole will be the most accurate approach. Within the scope of the IEC 62305 standard, first of all, an external lightning protection system must be designed against direct lightning strikes. We definitely do not recommend the use of lightning rods; according to IEC standards, air terminals should be designed based on the rolling sphere method, and most importantly, lightning currents must be carried from the surface of the prefabricated structure using Insulated Lightning Down Conductors. Otherwise, the use of bare conductors may lead to electric shock risks in possible contact situations and, on the other hand, fire risks. The grounding of air terminals can be connected to the main equipotential bar via spark gap arresters; however, the crucial point is to ensure equipotential bonding with adjacent prefabricated structures.

For the protection of all electrical systems within buildings, the use of LV Surge Protective Devices is mandatory. Using Type 1+2 at the main energy entrance panel, Type 2+3 at distribution panels inside the building, and Type 3 products for data and communication lines is crucial to prevent the entire system from becoming electrically inoperative. In product selection, risk analysis, installation location, Uc continuous operating voltage level, and risk coefficients of the facility to be protected are important. Otherwise, a possible surge may damage all systems indiscriminately. To ensure long service life, the preference for VG technology products is important. You can find many detailed insights on this topic on our Blog page.

Lightning Protection Center has created a 4-level protection package for prefabricated systems. Especially before structures are transported to the site, design and product installations are provided by us, and on-site applications are supervised and carried out. In this regard, the protection project and product supply for 1,200 prefabricated structures installed in Qatar have been provided with Yılkomer assurance. For your questions and feedback, you can contact us at info@yilkomer.com or via our call center number 0212 210 2728.

Remember, Yılkomer Protects Your Values…