:

on
t i
e c
o t
Pr
g e
ur s
S m
g
n ys te
i
n S
ht r
i g e
L ow Dr. Chandima Gomes

P University of Colombo
Email: [email protected]
 Why do we need Lightning Protection ?

Disaster Avoidance
To upgrade our
systems from

Disaster Recovery
Effects of Lightning

Side Flash
Direct strike
Once the building is struck, lightning current can cause
damage either by spark over or intrusion through service
Lightning generates
strong
electromagnetic
radiation in a broad
band of frequencies
Once entered into nearby structures, these radiation may damage
sophisticated electronics irrespective of whether they are in operation
or not
A service line may directly encountered with lightning or a nearby hit
may induced large voltage pulses in the service line
Direct strike on a high-voltage overhead line
Direct strike on a low-voltage overhead line
Coupling of voltage surges
(distant lightning strike)
 Pow
er li
n es
Com
m u n ic
ation
lines
Cab
le TV

Back-door intrusion

These surges enter the nearby structures through the lines

Coupling Mechanisms for
lightning effects
RESISTIVE

INDUCTIVE

CAPACITIVE
 p l in g
tive Co u
Res is

Lightning can strike the air conductors directly and surge

voltages are conducted within several kilometers. The
surge voltage reach the installation and is lead to ground
through the installation's equipment, which can lead to
damage or complete destruction of the material.
 p l in g
tive Co u
Res is

When a lightning strikes directly the ground or

through a structure connected to earth (i.e.
electrical post, lightning rod, etc.) the discharge
current can raise the potential of the ground to
several thousand volts as a consequence of the
current which circulates through it.
Potential gradients developed against distance
Vpeak

Distance

Local Ground 200KA

Strike

Potential gradient
 Resistive coupling into cabled system
200KA
Local Ground
Strike

High local
potential

High
potential
across
Local insulation
‘ground’
 pl i n g
e C ou
uct i v
Ind

The electric field caused by the impact of a

lightning flash on an object (post, tree, lightning
rod, etc.) induces transient currents in electrical
and data lines in the proximity, which are
transmitted to the installations where damage or
destruction of the connected equipment may happen.
Damages due to Inductive Coupling
Damages due to Inductive Coupling
Damages due to Capacitive Coupling
IT System

Low voltage power supply system

 Lightning is one of the Villains
 Equipment and devices connected or
related to power system can be damaged
due to various reasons.

 While or even before considering lightning

protection, you must make sure that your
power network is properly installed
Abnormal Conditions of
Power System

Terminology
Normal - This is the voltage that we all take for granted, every
second of the minute, every minute of the hour, every hour of
the day, every day of the year. But occasionally, for a short
time...

The voltage falls below normal: a sag. Sags are unlikely to

damage most appliances, but they can make a computer crash,
confuse some digital clocks and cause VCRs to forget their
settings.
The reverse of a sag is called a swell: a short duration increase
in the line voltage. This disturbance might upset sensitive
appliances, and damage them if it is a very large or very long
swell.

Over-voltage is an increase in voltage above 110% of nominal

for more than one minute. Over-voltage has detrimental effects
on most electronics by causing them to overheat.
Noise is a catch word sometimes used to describe very small and
persistent disturbances. These do not have damaging effects but
can be a nuisance

Harmonics are a recurring distortion of the waveform that can

be caused by various devices including variable frequency drives,
non-linear power supplies and electronic ballasts. Symptoms of
harmonic distortion include overheating  and equipment
operational problems
When the voltage drops below 10% of its nominal value it is
called an interruption or a blackout. 

Transients are very short duration (sub-cycle) events of

varying amplitude.  Often referred to as "surges", transients
are probably most dangerous power abnormally
External Causes

Lightning - Direct hit

Distant Lightning - Transients on Utility lines
Brownouts/Blackouts - Sags & Recovery Transient
Grid Switching - Utility switching
Other Users - Adding/Removing loads line
Internal Causes

Switching of

electrical motors
Elevator Motors
Air conditioner Compressors
Welding or heavy machinery.
Power Overloads.
 Lightning may cause significant damages to
your systems, but at the same time (I am
repeating) do not forget that transients may
be generated by the equipment at your
installation itself as well.
 Transient Anomalies
Catastrophe
Failure

Safe
Zone

Degradation
Upsets (Annoying)
Memory Loss
Data Errors
Random System Halts

Degredation (Un-noticed Damage)

Break-Down of ICs
Loss of Circuit Traces, or Insulation
Shortening of Component
Thermal Runaway of Semi-Conductors

Burn-Out (Catastrophic Failure)

Board Damage & Failure
System Down
System Failure
Damage claims paid out due to surges, including lightning
strikes (direct and indirect)

Water Fire
6% 5%
Negligence
Theft
23%
7%

Other Lightning and voltage surges

27% Storm 31%
1%
Analysis of about 9000 damage claims
Effects To Electronics
Damaged communication module
Sensitive components susceptible to surges
A piece has been blown from this IC, but nothing else appears damaged
Garage gate controller card
(placed underground)
Damage to a modem card

The surge has come through

the communication line. In
this case the damage to the
modem has prevented further
damage to the computer

But it is not the case always!!

Connector damage
Flashover has occurred within the connectors on this communication board
Strike at broadcast site
A lightning strike on the 1602kHz Print Disabled Radio 44 metre
mast at Levin damaged this SWR Coupler during mid 2000
The lightning has
either struck the
building or the power
line at very close
range
Solar Panel struck
Damage can be seen on the section at the right side,
second down from the top.
Most often surge related damages are much less dramatic. In 90% of
the cases there will be no visible damage.

But your equipment will not work at all or it will give you many
problems.

The effects may be observed immediately after the surge or even after
a couple of months
 Susceptibility of components to damage .
No damage Possible damage Destruction

Motors & Transform.

Relays
Valves
Passive components
Diodes
Transistors (power)
Integrated circuit ICs
Semi-conductor diodes

-8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 J
 History of EMC: Why failures are more now ???

Disturbance variables/
Number of
appliances with
electronics
Vacuum Transistors
tubes
Immunity to
Integrated circuits interference

Personal computers

Time

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

Protecting Equipment Against
Transients
  The lightning current is double exponential

25

20

15
kA

10

-5
0.0E+0 1.0E-6 2.0E-6 3.0E-6 4.0E-6
Time, seconds
 Lightning Current: Peak Value

 Typical value for the first stroke is 30 kA

 Typical value for the subsequent stroke is 15

kA

 Values over 250 kA has been recorded

 Lightning Current: Peak time
derivative

 Typical value for the first stroke is 12 kA/µs

 Typical value for the subsequent stroke is 40

kA /µs

 Values over 250 kA/µs has been recorded

 Multiplicity

 In a single flash an average of 5 subsequent

return stroke currents will flow along the
channel.

 Flashes with 18-20 subsequent strokes have

been recorded
Positive Lightning

Positive lightning is
believed to emerge from
positive charge source at the
top level of the cloud

The percentage of positive

lightning in tropics is about
5% of the total ground flashes
 Positive Lightning

They drive larger currents into earth than

their negative counter part.

Records reveal that the peak current of a

positive lightning may be as high as 500kA.

They contains long continuing currents

which have values over 1kA flowing for a
long period (100s of milliseconds)
 Do I need lightning surge
protection?

You may be one of the following

* I am the maintenance engineer/ Electrical
Engineer of a big Company; Regular Electronic
Damage is a headache

* I am the owner of a small or medium scale

industry; Lightning season is a nightmare

* I am a director of a company. We are going to

construct a building; I wonder whether our
electronics need some special protection

Do a simple risk assessment

 Cost of replacement/repairing of  Consultant’s fee (if applicable)
equipment (at a possible risk)
 Cost of Protective Equipment
 Cost of modification to the structure
 Cost of installation
 Cost of transport of equipment
 Cost of maintenance
 Loss of income during the time of
replacement/repairing of equipment
 Cost of replacement of surge
(downtime loss) protective devices
 Loss of reputation due to no-operation
during the downtime (add the cost of
possible contract cancellations, future
contract losses, late or reduced
payments for goods and services etc.)
Also think of the following alternatives

 Cost of converting signal systems into

optical fibres Vs Cost of getting Surge
protection

 Cost of getting an insurance policy against

electronic damages Vs Cost of getting Surge
protection ( Do not forget that insurance
does not cover downtime losses)
Surge protection Scenario
 PROPAGATION MODES:
Common or asymmetric mode:
Perturbations between an active conductor and earth (phase-earth
or neutral-earth), with risk of dielectric damage.

Differential or symmetric mode:

Perturbations between active conductors, (phase-phase or phase-
neutral), especially dangerous for computer equipment.
Principles of Surge Protection Devices

 Diverting surge current to earth

 Clamping output voltage to a safe level

 Principle of Power Protection

A protector performs like a switch controlled by voltage.

If the voltage is higher than the rated voltage of the
electrical line to be protected, then the protector changes
its state to low impedance and derives current to earth.
The usual state of the protector is being in high
impedance, so that the protector is transparent for the
installation.
In the case of an Earth Potential Rise

R
F1 Equipotentialisation achieved.
There is noSPD 1,2 & 3difference
potential
SPD operates
4 operates because
between
because of
F2
Y of Voltage
Earth line, Voltage
Neutral anddifference between
other phases.
difference between
Neutral
Electrical / Earth and
Electronic other phases
Equipment
line and Neutral is safe
B F3
since there is no voltage between phases
F4 F5 F6
and neutral

SPD 11

SPD 33
SPD 22

To Load
SPD
SPD

SPD
N High Voltage Equal to Earth
Voltage
SPD 4

PE

Earth potential rises during a lightning F1, F2, F3 - : Incoming ACB/MCCB/SFU

strike F4, F5, F6 -: Back up fuse for Surge Arrester
PE - : Panel Earth
For backup fuse rating refer manufacturers catalogue
The Protector must not interfere with or
restrict the system’s normal operation.
It should not:
• Corrupt the normal mains power
supply
• Break or shutdown the power
supply during operation
• Have an excessive earth leakage
current
Protectors shall be tested in accordance with the
requirements of :
 CE - Low voltage (73/23/EEC)
 DIN VDE 0675-6 : 1989-11
 DIN VDE 0675-6/A1: 1996-03
 EMC (89/336/EEC)
 UL-1449-2
 IEC 61643-1
 IEEEC62.41 – 1991
 DIN VDE 0110-1: 1997-04
 AS 1768: 1991
 BS 6651: 1992
 BS 2914 : 1972
 CP 33
 Zonal Concepts
The protection zone concept as described in IEC61312-1
 Lightning Description
Protection Zone

LPZ 0A Threat by direct lightning strikes, impulse currents up to

complete lightning currents and the entire lightning
field.
LPZ 0B Protected against direct lightning strikes. Threat by
impulse currents up to partial lightning currents and the
entire lightning field.

LPZ 0C Threat of contact and pace voltages for living beings.

Defined on earth level within a height of 3 m and a
distance of 3 m outside of a structure

LPZ 1 Impulse currents are further limited by current

distribution and SPDs situated at the zone boundaries.
The lightning field is mostly attenuated by spatial
shielding.
LPZ 2 Impulse currents are further limited by current
distribution and SPDs situated at the zone boundaries.
The lightning field is mostly attenuated by spatial
shielding.
Defining lightning protection zones

Lightning protection
zone concept

LPZ 0 A

LPZ 0 B

LPZ 1

LPZ 2

LPZ 3

LPZ = Lightning Protection Zone

 Lightning protection zone concept according to
IEC 61312-1 & IEC 62305 and DD ENV 61024-1:1995

• LPZ = lightning protection zone

• PAS = equipotential bonding bar

Electro-
• Screen 1 = building screen
magnetic
field • Screen 2 = room screen

LPZ 0/E 1 Lightning arresters

to IEC 61643 (also called as Class B)
LPZ 1
Requirement class I
LPZ 2

2 Surge arresters
3 to IEC 61643 (also called as Class C)
PAS Requirement class II
2
Cable 1 Screen 2
PAS
3 Surge arresters
to IEC 61643 (also called as Class D)
Screen 1
Earthing system Requirement class III

Computer, telecommunications and control system cables must also be covered

by the equipotential bonding by surge protection devices at their zone
interfaces.
 IEEE C62.41-1991 & BS 6651:1999
 Category C: Most severe. Power conductors outside a structure;
supply side of main incoming LV distribution board/switchgear;
load side of distribution board/switchgear for outgoing mains
cables such as to another structure or external equipment such
as transformers, pumps, external lights, etc.

 Category B: Power conductors inside a structure: between load

side of incoming distribution board and supply side of socket
outlet or fused spur, or within equipment not fed from a wall
socket, or sub-distribution boards located within 20 metres
cable run of Category C, or plug-in equipment or fused spur
within 20m cable run of Category C.

 Category A: Least severe. Power conductors to plug-in

equipment or fused spur located more than 20 metres cable
run from Category C and/or 10 metres from Category B.
(Category A may not exist in smaller structures.)
Before selecting surge protective devices
make sure that they are compatible with
your wiring system

In most SA countries TT
wiring system is practiced
This arrangement covers installations not provided with an earth
terminal by the Electricity Supply Company. Neutral and earth
(protective) conductors must be kept quite separate throughout
the installation, with the final earth terminal connected to an
earth electrode by means of an earthing conductor. Effective
earth connection is sometimes difficult. Because of this, socket
outlet circuits must be protected by a residual current device
(RCD) with an operating current of 30 mA
The surge protective devices are tested for

 Average Peak Current

 Average Rise time
 Average Multiplicity
 Average power
of negative lightning, which are called standard
values
A surge voltage generated by lightning effects is characterized by
very high energy levels and short duration (<100 µS) compared
to the frequency of 50 Hz in the electrical network (half a period
10ms=10.000 µS).
The model for the waveform of the current produced by lightning
effects is given by the 8/20 µS wave. The time to raise up to 90%
of its amplitude is 8 µs, and the time to decrease up to 50% of its
amplitude is 20 µs.
 Specifications of Surge protectors to be looked at

Maximum current (Imax): The maximum

current which a protector may derive to earth
one time without suffering damage. Also known
as Surge Current Capacity

There are several factors which may be considered when

selecting Imax of the protectors. The geographic area,
the proximity of lightning rods, the cost of the
equipment to be protected, and most importantly the
cost of not having the equipment working, where one
may consider both the financial cost and the loss of
prestige in the customer's eyes.
8/20µs Current Impulse Waveform
In general the Protector shall be rated
for a peak discharge current of not
less than 10 kA (8/20µs waveform)
between any two conductors (Phase
to neutral, phase to earth and neutral
to earth).
 General Guidance for selecting Imax in Sri Lanka

Location High Lightning Density Low Lightning Density

Areas Areas

Main panel 80 kA/phase (Low Risk) 40 kA/phase (Low Risk)

(Class I) 100 kA/Phase (High Risk) 60 kA/Phase (High Risk)

Sub panels 40 kA/phase (Low Risk) 20 kA/phase (Low Risk)

(Class II) 60 kA/Phase (High Risk) 40 kA/Phase (High Risk)

Equipment stage 20 kA/phase (Low Risk) 10 kA/phase (Low Risk)

(Class III) 40 kA/Phase (High Risk) 20 kA/Phase (High Risk)

Low Risk: domestic, offices, factories, non-essential service providers etc.

High Risk: hospitals, power generation and distribution, communication,
broadcasting and other essential service providers
Maximum Impulse Current (I imp)

The withstanding capacity of a surge protector for

10μs/350μs impulse.

Specified in IEC standards but not in IEEE/ANSI

Should be considered for protective devices having a

possible exposure to directly coupled lightning
currents (Class I only, i.e At the main panel)
10/350µs Current Impulse Waveform
 Contradiction between American
Standards and International Standards

ANSI/IEEE C62.41-1991 "Recommended

Practice on Surge Voltages in Low-Voltage AC
Power Circuits."

The ANSI/IEEE C62.41 does not differentiate between

switching events and lightning events when defining their
characteristic test waveforms.
 ANSI/IEEE C62.41-1991 recommends for
location Category C3 environments (those
with direct AC power connection to the
outside world), the performance waveform
for current handling is an 8/20µs impulse
event with a magnitude of 10kA.

 The C62.41 also states "direct lightning

strikes at the point of interest would produce
larger voltages and currents".
But the values are not specified?
 IEC 61312 "Protection against lightning
electromagnetic impulse” and other European
Standards

 The impulse-current wave form 10/350 µs is

recommended in international, European and
national standards as test currents for components
and devices for the protection against direct
lightning strikes

 Components and equipment, which do not have to

carry currents out of direct lightning strikes, are
tested with impulse currents of 8/20 µs
1 = Test impulse current for lightning current arresters
2 = Test impulse current for surge arresters
When visually
comparing a 100kA
peak pulse 8x20µs
waveform to a 50kA
peak pulse 10x350µs
waveform, one can
see that performance
of the longer duration
waveform at half the
peak current value
appears to be a more
accurate indication of
the robustness of an
SPD. As the IEC
standards prescribe, it
will be a more
accurate
representation of an
actual lightning event.
Rated current (In):

The value in amps a current of

waveform 8/20 µS which the protector
is able to handle 20 times without
suffering damage
Residual voltage (Ures): The maximum voltage that
appears between the ends of the protector (due to its
impedance) as surge current pass through it. The
protected equipment voltage will be exposed to this
voltage

Also known as the Let-Through-Voltage (LTV) or Voltage

Protection Level

V2

LTV = V1+V2

V1
Unless otherwise stated, the peak transient let-
through voltage should not exceed 600 Volts, for
Protectors with a nominal working Voltage of 230 or
240 Volts, when tested in accordance with BS
6651:1999 Category B – High (6kV 1.2/50µs open
Circuit Voltage, 3kA 8/20µs short Circuit Current).
1.2/50µs Open-circuit Voltage
V PK Pulse

90%

50%

10%
1.2µs t
50µs
 The Let-through voltage is an inherent property
of the surge protector. Thus select a protector
which has a Let-through voltage less than the
withstanding voltage of the equipment to be
protected.

 However the actual voltage that appears across

the equipment is higher than the let-through
voltage

 This is due to the voltage that drops across the

cables in the path of the transient driven into
ground
 The earth lead that connect the surge protector to the
main earth bar should be as short as possible

Vex = voltage to which

Vex = Vdm + Vcm + Vel the equipment is exposed

Vdm

Vcm
Vdm = diff. mode voltage

Vel Vcm = com. mode voltage

Vel = voltage due to

earth lead
 Therefore connect the protectors with the
minimum possible length of cables

 The maximum length depends on let-thru

voltage of the surge protector and the level of
protection of the equipment

 In general a maximum length of 50 cm of

bound wires is recommended

 When the length of the wires is long the

voltage appearing in the downstream may be
several times greater than the let-thru voltage
 Connecting wires
If it is not possible to keep to the recommended line length of ≤ 0.5 m to the
arrester and from the arrester to the earthing point (VDE V 0100, Part 534), the
surge protection devices should not be connected with a spur line, but in a V-
shape.

Take care to run the outgoing and return lines as far apart as possible.

 0.5 m

Protective conductor rail

 0.5 m

Main equipotential Main equipotential

bonding rail or terminal, bonding rail or
or protective conductor terminal
rail
Connecting wires

OUT
IN

Protective conductor
16 mm2 Cu

Internal bridge via lateral channel

 Response Time

How quickly the SPD switches from a high

impedance path, to a low impedance path, to
divert the transient.

SAD (Silicon Avalanche Diode) is the fastest (about 2 nano

seconds)

MOV is also fast in response (about 20 ns)

Spark gaps are the slowest (about 150 ns)

 Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage
(MCOV)

The maximum sustained operating voltage

(over voltage) that the SPD can with stand

** One of the most important parameter in

selecting SPDs in Sri Lanka
Generally, for 230V line supply, MCOV value above
300V is recommended in Sri Lanka

Greater the MCOV larger the let-through voltage

Therefore, it is always advisable to go for the lowest

value of MCOV, provided that the SPDs can withstand
the fluctuations in the power system
 PROTECTION LEVEL (Up)

The protection level (Up) is the value of the

voltage withstood by the equipment to be
protected without suffering damage.

It has to be verified that the voltage between

both ends of the protector (Ures) appearing
during the discharge of current is less than the
maximum voltage which can be withstood by
the equipment to be protected
Ex
am
pl
es
fo
r ty
pi
ca
lU
p va
lu
es
 THE PERFECT PROTECTOR

The perfect protector should drive the

maximum current (Imax) generated by the
surge voltage and the residual voltage
appearing between its ends (Ures) should be
less than the voltage which can be withstood
by the equipment to be protected.
Essentials of Surge Protection

 Identify the location of SPDs logically –

Critical points

 Estimate the rating required

 Absolute Grounding
 Modes of Protection

4 - mode protection: 3 P-N; 1 N-E or 4 P+N - E

7 - mode protection: 3 P-N; 3P-E; 1 N-E

10 - mode protection: 3 P-N; 3P-E; 3 P-P; 1 N-E

L1 L1

L2 L2

L3 L3

N N

E E

Connection Connection
Type-2 Type-1
The protector between either
line and earth or
neutral and earth
should be A Spark gap technology
based SPD to avoid excessive
leakage current
Installation guide 3 Phase 4 wire Network

Cable to
MSB Cable to SSB load
Arrester in Sub Arrester Class
Mains Incoming
Switch Board D

Main Earthing bar Local Earthing

bar

Spark gap based arrester between neutral and

earth
Connection of RCDs (or RCCBs or ELCBs)
 If SPDs are installed on the load side of a residual
current device, the RCD (with or without time
delay), should have an immunity to surge currents
of at least 3 kA 8/20.

 One major problem in connecting SPDs in this way

is the nuisance tripping of RCDs under both
transient conditions and leakage current
conditions.
The inherent problem with the spark-gaps is the after-transient follow current
which again trip off the RCD.

Most of the present-day surge spark-gaps are designed to have a high threshold
of cut-off current
 Thermic disconnectors

The protectors can be

complemented with an
additional protection against
over-currents and short
circuits, in order to isolate
the protected equipment
device
eak ing from the installation in case
uit-b r
na l cir c of failure.
tio
Addi
 Imax Fuses Over current
switch
65 KA 80 A 25 A curva C
40 KA 40 A 10 A curva C
15 KA 32 A 10 A curva C
-
Depending on the required performance, two
connection possibilities exist for the circuit-breaking
device.

The first possibility gives priority to the continuity of

service. When the fuse or the automatic switch open,
then the protection is disconnected, however the
equipment has power supply and continues in service.
In this case the equipment is unprotected until the
protection module is replaced.

The second possibility gives priority to the protection.

When the fuse or the automatic switch open, then the
power supply and at the same time the equipment and
protector are switched off. The power supply of the
equipment is disconnected and thus it cannot receive
any surge voltage.
 The present day practice is to use MCBs in
the place of Thermal fuses in series with
surge protectors.

 In this case too the utility engineer should

have a careful eye on the specifications of
the MCBs that the vendor installs.
Reasons for having more than one zone
of protection
Achieving a high discharge capacity and low residual voltage in the
same protector is not possible. Thus, using a single protector often
cannot assure the protection of the whole installation if there are
sensitive equipments. The solution is to use 2 or more coordinated
protectors.
The first protector (P1) is selected in order to achieve the maximum
possible discharge capacity (Imax).
The second and following protectors depending on the required Up are
installed in the more sensitive lines and as close as possible to the
equipment which has to be protected.
Ever neglected backdoor intrusion
Surges may enter the equipment generated by
other in-house equipment (Switching impulses)

Therefore it is very
essential to have a
scheme of
protection rather
than a single
protective device
only at the main
power/Communicat
ion entrance
Distance between The more effective the
protectors and protection should be, the closer
equipment to be it should be installed to the
protected: equipment to be protected.

In many installations it is typical

to have a distance of more than
30m between the mains input
and the location of the
equipment which needs to be
protected.

Due to this it is necessary to

install more than one protector.
Also, in order to have a high
discharge power and an
appropriate protection level, the
installation of more than one
protector is necessary.
 Main
D-Board
panel

Surge Surge
protector protector
Surge
protector

Equipment

Therefore, installing a protector in the mains input with high

discharge power and then close to the equipment another
protector with appropriate protection level while keeping the
minimum distance between the protectors, is required to
provide a secure protection to the installation.
 Surge protection devices
 Spark gaps (air gaps)
 Gas discharge tubes (GDTs)
 Zener diodes (avalanche diodes)
 Metal oxide varistors (MOVs)
 Transobers
 Relays
 Fuses
 PTCR (Positive Temperature Coefficient Resistor)
 TBU (Transient Blocking Unit)
MOV/GDT/SAD

MOV

GDT

SILICON DIODE
 TESTING OF SURGE PROTECTORS

Look for an acceptable Laboratory certification

Eg. UL Certification
 Earthing for lightning
protection - principles

Divert current as soon as possible

Use dedicated low impedance connection

Make sure other systems are bonded to it,

once!
 Preferred earthing system
Incoming Surge
SPD DC Power
 Disastrous earthing system
Incoming Surge
SPD DC Power

To
distribution
earth
 Star connected system earths

Telecoms Instrumentation

Computers
Recommended earthing philosophy
 Equipotential bonding for lightning protection
The purpose of equipotential bonding is to reduce the potential differences between

metal parts and systems inside the volume to be protected from lightning

LPZ 0 A

LPZ 0 B

LPZ 1

LPZ 2

LPZ 3
 Connecting all the equipotential
bonding measures

S M
configuration configuration
star grid

basic
S M
equipotential bonding
network

equipotential bonding
Ss Mm
with the common
earthing system

ERP
Integrated
earthing System
1. Building with
meshed network
of the
reinforcement
2. Tower inside the
plant
3. Stand alone
equipment
4. Cable tray
 Down conductors – natural components
Using of the reinforcement as a down conductor and screening against LEMP

a 1
1 Connection between air termination 2
and
down conductor 3
2 Air termination

a
b 8
3 Reinforcement 7
4 Down conductor and ring conductor 5
5 Equipotential bonding bar for the 4
internal
lightning protection
6 Test joint
6
7 Clamp tested with lightning current
8 Connection without clamp 5
typical dimensions:
a  5 m, b =   1 m
 Down conductors – natural components

Example for the usage of the concrete buttress as a down conductor.

The down conductors

have to be connected with
the reinforcement inside
the concrete buttress.
 Example for a foundation earth

1 Foundation earth, z. B. strap conductor 30 mm  3,5 mm, hot-dip

galvanised
2 Connection point for the down conductor to the strap conductor
3 Connection point with the reinforcement
4 Clamp between reinforcement and strap conductor
Strap conductor for the connection between the
reinforcement
Strap conductor of the foundation earth at the lowest point of the
reinforcement
Different cross connectors / Connection between strap
conductor and reinforcement
Earthing of the steel buttress
Main equipotential bonding system for
lightning protection
Bonding of all metallic
components to the EBR*

Connection of the PEN

conductor to the earthing
system of the building

Connection of the lightning

arresters to the earthing
system of the building.
Minimum cross-section:
16 mm2 Cu

Connection of the EBR* to the

earthing system of the building

*EBR: equipotential bonding

rail
The earthing of the panels sophisticated equipment (generators with ATS panels,
communication equipment in studios etc), and cases where safety against electrocution
is very important, good results can be gained by connecting the casing to the common
earthing network via Transient Couplers. (not yet included in IEC standards)
 Clean and unclean lines should not be placed together
 Bundled wires introduce much less voltage
drop than unbundled wires
 Commercially Available
Protective Devices

 Please ignore the brand names

 45KA 1pole MOV module w/fuse
Category: Surge Protection
Type: Transient Voltage Protectors - Industrial (DIN Rail Mounting)
Voltage Rating: 230- 280V
Maximum Surge Current: 45 (8/20µs, 1 Surge); 30 (8/20µs, 4 Surges);
3 (8/20µs, 300 Surges)
Transient Response Time < 20ns
Location Category: C; 300 Surges
 1P MOV module w/fuse protection

Category: Surge Protection

Type: Transient Voltage Protectors - Industrial (DIN Rail Mounting)
Voltage Rating: 230 - 320Vrms
Maximum Surge Current: 16 (8/20 µs, 1 Surge); 5 (8/20 µs, 4 Surges);
2(8/20 µs, 300 Surges)
Transient Response Time < 5ns
Dimensions (L x W x D) 57.9 x 38.1 x 88.9mm
Location Category C; 300 Surges
Weight 136g
Din rail Type Surge protectors for main panel
 MOV transient voltage suppressor,240Vac

Category: Surge Protection

Type: Transient Voltage Protectors - Industrial (DIN Rail Mounting)
Voltage Rating 240V(ac)
Maximum Surge Current: 6.5 (8/20 µs)
Dimensions (L x W x D) 78 x 12.5 x 55mm
Category: Surge Protection
Type: Transient Voltage Protectors - Industrial (Modular)
Voltage Rating: 200-280Vrms
Maximum Surge Current: 30 (8/20 µs, 1 Surge); 10 (8/20 µs, 10 Surges)
(L-N & L-E)
Transient Response Time < 10ns
Dimensions (L x W x D) 176x42x72mm
Location Category: C
Weight: 0.65kg
Parallel SPDS For small distribution panels,
tower lights, equipment cabinets and confined
spaces.
SPDs of Current handling capacity 150 kA to 600 kA.
402XT, AC Power Line Main Service Panel Protector,
Cat B surge & noise protector,7A 230Vac
The Point-of-Use Surge Protectors
provide protection for advanced electronic equipment such as
personal computers, fax machines, home electronics and appliances.
Rackmount & Cabinet Surge Protectors
Power line extension protector.
Common Myths…….!!!!
 UPS WILL PROVIDE DEPENDABLE
SURGE PROTECTION !!!!!

 Because a UPS costs far more than a

surge protector, it is often assumed to
provide better surge protection.

 However, virtually all UPS units

designed for microcomputers simply
combine an inexpensive MOV surge
suppressor with a battery backup
power source
 The MOV surge protection is designed
primarily to protect the UPS's own
circuitry, and diverts incoming surges to
ground, just like a common surge
protector.
 So called standby UPSs normally provide
direct utility power to the computer, with
only the MOVs at the UPS power inlet
offering any surge protection.

 On-line UPSs generally have a bypass circuit

to enable utility power to flow directly to
the load in the event of UPS failure. Both
these circuits provide paths for incoming
surges. In the case of the standby UPS, the
surge must pass through the transfer
switch.

 These switches are often solid-state

components with modest tolerance for high
energy surges, so they may not prevent a
surge from passing through.
 We have Isolation Transformer!!
Why SPDs ?

 As the name implies, Isolation

Transformer isolates the Secondary from
any shorts that takes place in Primary.

 When the Surge is between Live &

Neutral, I.T. simply passes the surge.
In fact, a transformer is far from being an ideal
surge suppressor, and it presents significant
disadvantages, including ringing, regulation,
increased source impedance, and efficiency
loss.

Transformers also have substantial parasitic

capacitance that can couple surges to load.

Finally, transformers used for surge protection

often incorporate MOVs, since the transformer
itself may be unable to handle the higher
voltages in surges.
Remnants of an isolation transformer after the passage of lightning current
ONCE INSTALLED SURGE PROTECTORS EVRYTHING
WILL BE FINE FOR THE REST OF THE LIFE !!!

 Irrespective of the type of surge protective component a

wearing and tearing take place at each passage of surge.

 Therefore irrespective of the cost of the product surge

protectors should be changed periodically.

 The period of replacement depends on

1. The quality of the product

2. Electrical environment of the installation
3. The lightning exposure level of the building
4. Lightning occurrence density in the region
SIGNAL GROUND IS ISOLATED
FROM CHASSIS GROUND

Some manufacturers attempt to isolate signal

ground from frame ground, but all such isolation
configurations have coupling coefficients and
dynamic ranges which are likely to be exceeded
by high-energy surges. The effectiveness of most
such isolation circuits is generally limited to
short-duration, low-energy noise.
 COMPUTER MODEM DAMAGE IS USUALLY CAUSED
BY SURGES ON THE PHONE LINE !!!

 The phone line is a high-impedance circuit which cannot support high

energy surges, so they die away rapidly after the inducing source (e.g.,
lightning) disappears.

 In contrast, the low-impedance power- line provides an ideal

propagation network for high-energy surges. Also, the telephone service
entrance is protected to under 300 volts, while power-line surges can
reach 6000 volts before they will arc over.

 Most computer modem damage is caused when high energy power-line

surges are diverted to the reference ground and coupled into the digital
side of the modem.

 This elevated voltage then seeks the phone line ground reference on
the analogue side of the modem and arcs through the modem. As a
result of this, phone-line protectors which provide shunts to the power-
line ground may introduce more disturbance to the phone line than they
relieve, creating more problems than they solve.
Psychology of Lightning Protection
Passing the ball!
Is it the solution?

Many of our administrators

are not bothered about
lightning protection
because they think that it is
some other’s job.
“When the modem is burnt telecom will replace
it because it belongs to them”

“When the antenna system is damaged that

company repairs it because it belong to them”

“That part of this system is not ours, that

company will replace it when it gets damaged”

“Why spending money on a protection system?

The insurance company takes care of the
damages”
 Few are bothered about
 The down time
 Customer dissatisfaction
 Data & information loses
 Long term equipment degradation
 Above all the Life hazards

Can this mentality be changed?

 Beyond (Before!!) Surge Protection
 Check whether the transformer earthing has
been done properly
 Check whether you are supplied with correct
voltage
 Make sure you have single earth point with
low earth resistance (at most 10 Ohms)
 Check whether the load balancing is properly
done
 Check whether the D-boards are properly
selected
 Beyond (Before!!) Surge Protection
 Make sure that the wiring system is installed
with appropriate safety devices, RCDs, MCCBs
etc.
 Make sure that power outlet circuits are not
overloaded
 Make sure that your UPSs are in good condition
 Make sure that the wiring system (especially
new extensions) has proper gauges

THEN GO FOR SURGE PROTECTION

THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE

m a
d i
a n
Ch
Surge protection

Supplement
Details of SPDs
 Gas Discharge Arresters
 Two electrodes, close together, enclosed in a tube filled
with gas
 When the voltage rises, a low impedance arc is formed
between the two electrodes

 Symbol:

 Also called gas-filled surge arrester

Gas Discharge Arresters
 Gas Discharge Arrester
Properties
V
 Two states of
operation:
ON state OFF state

Typical spark gap V~I curve

 Gas Discharge Arrester Properties

 GDAs place a short-circuit across the lines

when they fire, causing them to conduct
“follow-on current”

 Capacitance is very low, around 2pF

 Some GDAs fire more quickly than others

under surge conditions.
 Gas Discharge Arrester Properties

 Surge rating depends on size

 Surge ratings range from 5kA to 150kA

 Can survive 10,000’s of surges below surge

rating

 May fail on any surge that exceeds surge rating

 Metal Oxide Varistor
 Variable resistor – resistance depends on
voltage
 Symbol:

 The most common type of varistor is the Metal

Oxide Varistor, or MOV
 MOV Characteristics
 V~I curve is normally V
given on a log scale
 Two operating
regions:
 High impedance
 Low impedance Vc
 Regions are separated
by the 1mA
conduction point I

1mA 1A 1kA

Typical varistor V~I curve (log scale)

MOVs
 MOV Features

 Surge rating depends on disc size:

 5mm MOV rating  100A
 40mm MOV rating  100kA
 MOVs lifespan depends on:
 Number of surges
 Magnitude of surges
 Duration of surges
 Surge rating of varistor
 MOV Features
 A prolonged over voltage will cause a varistor to fail

 They may become extremely hot and can catch fire or

explode!

 Generally fail short-circuit, so they must be fused

 Capacitance is relatively high, between 1nF and 10nF

 Silicon Avalanche Diodes

 Semiconductor devices with similar

characteristics to varistors
 Symbol:

 Also called “transorbs” and “clamping

diodes”
Silicon Avalanche Diodes
 SAD Properties
V
 V~I curve
is flatter
than for MOV
MOVs SAD

1mA 1A 1kA I

Typical varistor V~I curve (log scale)

 SAD Properties

 Surge rating depends on size

 Surge ratings are much lower than MOVs,
1A  1kA
 SADs lifespan also depends on:
 Magnitude of surges
 Duration of surges
 Surge rating of SAD
 SAD Properties
 A prolonged over voltage will cause a SAD to
fail

 Generally fail short-circuit, so they must be

fused

 Capacitance is relatively low, less than 200pF

SAD Application Matrix
Design
R x C Ma t r ix f o r TVS S D e s ig n



 R x (Voltage Component)

R: # of Rows
Yields Initial Voltage
C: # of Columns    
    Clamp Level
   



C x (Voltage Component)
Yields Current Handling
 Surge Arrester Characteristics
MOV SAD GDA
Let-through voltage Good Best Bad
Surge rating Good Bad Best
Lifespan Good Best Good
Current sharing Good Fair Bad
Leakage current Fair Good Best
Capacitance Bad Good Best
 Combining
Components
in an attempt to
Maximize their benefits
while Minimizing
their Weaknesses ???
 Conventional hybrid SPD

2
 PTCR
a l l a1

Diode
Over Voltage
l
Arrestor

b l l b1
 Multi-stage SPD operation
1

Without GDT only Surge Diode only Hydrid

Protection protection