Furse Total Solution to Earthing & Lightning Protection

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Total Solution to Earthing & Lightning Protection | 9AKK106354A3360 16/19
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Conclusion
Lightning poses a clear threat to a structure but a growing
threat to the systems within the structure due to the increased
use and reliance of electrical and electronic equipment. The
IEC/BS EN 62305 series of standards clearly acknowledge
this. Structural lightning protection can no longer be in
isolation from transient overvoltage or surge protection of
equipment. The use of enhanced SPDs provides a practical
cost-effective means of protection allowing continuous
operation of critical systems during LEMP activity.
A Guide to BS EN 62305 Protection Against Lightning
Further to this summary on IEC/BS EN 62305, we have available
a comprehensive guide to the BS EN 62305 standard for those
interested in learning more about the new developments
governing lightning protection design and installation. This A4
Guide helps to explain in clear terms the requirements of
BS EN 62305. Following the 4 sections of the standard (Part 1
- General principles; Part 2 - Risk management; Part 3 - Physical
damage to structures and life hazard; and Part 4 - Electrical and
electronic systems within structures) the Guide provides the
information necessary to enable the reader to identify all risks
and calculate the required level of protection in accordance with
BS EN 62305.
To request your free of charge copy - contact us directly at any
of the addresses given on the back cover or visit
Enhanced SPDs
Whilst outright damage to equipment is not desirable, the
need to minimize downtime as a result of loss of operation or
malfunction of equipment can also be critical. This is
particularly important for industries that serve the public,
i.e. hospitals, financial institutions, manufacturing plants or
commercial businesses, where the inability to provide a
service due to the loss of operation of equipment would result
in significant health and safety and/or financial consequences.
Standard SPDs may only protect against common mode
surges (between live conductors and earth), providing
effective protection against outright damage but not against
downtime due to system disruption.
IEC/BS EN 62305 therefore considers the use of enhanced
SPDs (SPD*) that further reduce the risk of damage and
malfunction to critical equipment where continuous operation
is required. Installers will therefore need to be much more
aware of the application and installation requirements of SPDs
than perhaps they may have been previously.
Superior or enhanced SPDs provide lower (better) let-through
voltage protection against surges in both common mode
and differential mode (between live conductors) and therefore
also provide additional protection over bonding and
shielding measures.
Such enhanced SPDs can even offer up to mains Type 1+2+3
or data/telecom Test Cat D+C+B protection within one unit.
As terminal equipment, e.g. computers, tends to be more
vulnerable to differential mode surges, this additional
protection can be a vital consideration.
Furthermore, the capacity to protect against common and
differential mode surges permits equipment to remain in
continued operation during surge activity - offering
considerable benefit to commercial, industrial
and public service organisations alike.
All Furse SPDs offer enhanced SPD performance with industry
leading low let-through voltages (voltage protection level,
Up), as this is the best choice to achieve cost-effective,
maintenance-free repeated protection in addition to
preventing costly system downtime. Low let-through voltage
protection in all common and differential modes means fewer
units are required to provide protection, which saves on
unit and installation costs, as well as installation time.