Selected requirements for lightning protection in the light of actual standards and regulations on the example of an object to be protected

Abstract

Elements of the lightning protection system (LPS) often perform additional functions in the facility. Correct and economical design of these elements is possible with the fulfillment of specific requirements, close coordination and inter-branch cooperation. The article draws attention to important aspects of LPS design and highlights the ambiguities that may arise during this process. Firstly, the history of changes in national standardization in the field of lightning protection is approximated. Secondly, the individual components of external LPS are presented. Subsequently, the normative material requirements for earthing are compiled, depending on their function (for lightning protection and protection against electric shock in MV and LV installations). The last part of the paper is devoted to the comparison of the protective angle method and the rolling sphere method. The analysis was made on the example of a simple object for which LPS class I is required. It has been shown that despite the possibility of using both methods, they may result in different solutions. Depending on the choice of method, the difference in the arrangement of the air-termination system is indicated. Examples of generally available LPS solutions are also given, taking account of various materials and assembly technologies.