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Technical reference
IEC/BS EN62561 series - Lightning protection systemcomponents
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 IEC/BS EN 62561 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:
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IEC/BS EN 62561-1
Lightning protection system
components (LPSC) Part 1: Requirement for connection
components
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IEC/BS EN 62561-2
Lightning protection system
components (LPSC) Part 2: Requirements for conductors
and earth electrodes
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IEC/BS EN 62561-3
Lightning protection system
components (LPSC) Part 3: Requirements for isolating
spark gaps (ISG)
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IEC/BS EN 62561-4
Lightning protection system
components (LPSC) Part 4: Requirements for conductor
fasteners
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IEC/BS EN 62561-5
Lightning protection system
components (LPSC) Part 5: Requirements for earth
electrode inspection housings and earth electrode seals
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IEC/BS EN 62561-6
Lightning protection system
components (LPSC) Part 6: Requirements for lightning
strike counters
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IEC/BS EN 62561-7
Lightning protection system
components (LPSC) Part 7: Requirements for earth
enhancing compounds
Independent testing
IEC/BS EN 62561 series 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.
Environmental ageing chamber for ammonia atmosphere ageing
The IEC/BS EN 62561 series of standards
focuses on design and performance
of components which are to be installed
in an external LPS.