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BS EN 50164 standard series
TSC-0912 - 09.10.12
The BS EN 50164 series of standards focuses on
design and performance of components which
are to be installed in an external LPS.
Designers/users of these systems need to be assured
that the components, conductors, earth electrodes etc
that will be installed have the requisite durability to
survive long term exposure to the environmental
elements whilst retaining the ability to dissipate
lightning current safely and harmlessly to earth.
The BS EN 50164 series of standards defines the
processes by which these critical lightning protection
components are judged fit for purpose.
There are currently seven parts to the series:
BS EN 50164-1:2008 Lightning protection
components (LPC) Part 1: Requirement for
connection components
BS EN 50164-2:2008 Lightning protection
components (LPC) Part 2: Requirements for
conductors and earth electrodes
BS EN 50164-3:2009 Lightning protection
components (LPC) Part 3: Requirements for
isolating spark gaps (ISG)
BS EN 50164-4:2008 Lightning protection
components (LPC) Part 4: Requirements for
conductor fasteners
BS EN 50164-5:2009 Lightning protection
components (LPC) Part 5: Requirements for
earth electrode inspection housings and earth
electrode seals
BS EN 50164-6:2009 Lightning protection
components (LPC) Part 6: Requirements for
lightning strike counters
BS EN 50164-7:2008 Lightning protection
components (LPC) Part 7: Requirements for
earth enhancing compounds
Note: whilst BS EN 50164 is currently in force, a
comparable IEC standard (IEC 62561) is being published
in 2012, which in time will supercede BS EN 50164.
Independent testing
Whereas the previous standard focused on the use of
specific materials to ensure compliance, BS EN 50164
requires manufacturers to undertake thorough testing
and performance measurement of their components in
order to gain compliance.
Three specimens of the component are tested, with
conductors and specimens prepared and assembled in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, e.g.
to recommended tightening torques.
Testing can include environmental preconditioning
(various treatments such as salt mist spray or exposure
to a humid sulphorous atmosphere etc.) followed by
subjecting components to simulated lightning
discharges to assess their capacity to cope with
onerous conditions.
Environmental preconditioning is designed to rapidly
replicate the effect of component ageing under
expected environmental conditions at site, to prove
the component’s ability to conduct lightning over time.
Testing therefore ensures components have been
appropriately constructed for their application, meet
the requirements of the standard and will prove safe in
use for a number of years.
Furse product tests are undertaken by an independent
RvA Certified test laboratory - The Research
Development and Certification Centre, High Voltage
and High Current Testing Laboratory - to ensure our
products conform to BS EN 50164.
Environmental ageing chamber for ammonia
atmosphere ageing
BS EN 50164 series: Lightning
protection components (LPC)