A lightning strike can generate approximately 100 million volts and 100,000 amperes of electrical current. In the face of this immense power, active lightning rods and equipment are essential for protecting our structures and lives. Even an electric current of just 0.5 amperes can cause cardiac arrest in the human body. For this reason, an effective lightning protection system is of vital importance.
What are active lightning rods?
Active lightning rods are high-tech systems designed to protect structures and areas from lightning hazards. They work with sensors that detect changes in the surrounding electrical field. Based on the Early Streamer Emission (ESE) principle, these systems detect lightning in advance by emitting ions and attract it to themselves. They provide protection against both positive and negative lightning strikes. Additionally, they reduce the risk of discharge by not unnecessarily ionizing the air. Compared to passive systems, active lightning rods are more effective in terms of protection area. They are manufactured from corrosion-resistant stainless steel and are long-lasting.
These systems create a circular protection area starting from the installation points. The protection radius varies depending on the height of the lightning rod and environmental factors. It is generally calculated using the formula Rp2 = h(2D-h) + ΔL(2D+ΔL). In addition to buildings, they are widely used in industrial structures such as wind turbines, oil platforms, and telecommunications towers. Active lightning rods and equipment produced in accordance with the French NFC 17-102 standard are among the most preferred lightning protection systems in Turkey. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of lives and property.
What Do Active Lightning Rods Do?
Lightning is a dangerous electrical discharge between clouds and the ground. Active lightning rods capture this energy and safely conduct it to the ground through installation components, protecting structures and living beings. Operating on the Early Streamer Emission (ESE) principle, these systems create a safe path for lightning by jumping from the ground to the return stroke. Active lightning rods, which have become the most widely used lightning protection method in Turkey since 2000, stand out for their ease of installation and effectiveness.
Active lightning rods initiate ion dispersion through their internal mechanisms when the electromagnetic field difference increases, forming a lightning channel and safely diverting the current to the ground. Additionally, their high efficiency in low-intensity lightning strikes and the ability to be manufactured in shorter lengths are significant advantages. However, the effectiveness of these systems is directly dependent on proper and independent grounding.
Active Lightning Rods and Equipment
A complete active lightning rod system consists of three main components: the lightning rod head, the down conductor, and the grounding system. The most critical component, the active lightning rod head, is made of stainless steel. It must also comply with the NFC 17-102 standard. The heads operate on an electrostatic or piezoelectric principle. Piezoelectric models provide ionization using wind energy, while electrostatic models attract lightning by utilizing the surrounding electromagnetic field. In these systems, the down conductor is installed in a smooth and uninterrupted manner to transmit lightning energy to the ground via the shortest path. In addition, the active lightning rod head must be mounted on hot-dip galvanized poles with a minimum length of 5 meters. It must also be located at least 2 meters above the highest point of the structure.
Other important equipment in the system includes a lightning counter, which records strikes above 4000A. The test device measures the grounding resistance. All components must comply with NFC 17-102, EN 50164, or EN 62561 standards. The grounding resistance of the system must be kept below 10 ohms.
Active Lightning Rods
Among the various types of lightning arresters available on the market today, active lightning arresters stand out due to their high protection performance. They differ according to their brands and features, and each has its own unique advantages.
Tesla
Tesla brand ST model Active Lightning Arrester complies with NFC17-102:2011 and TS 13709 standards. This model has been tested and approved by various prestigious organizations. It has passed the 100 kA surge current test by BET Technologiezentrum, the high-voltage test by ICMET Croiova, and the wind resistance test by TUBITAK SAGE. Additionally, it has been tested in a real lightning observation laboratory using actual lightning strikes.
The Tesla ST model features the ability to be controlled by an external test device. It also stands out with its 60-microsecond early warning time. It measures 400 x 800 mm and weighs 7.5 kg. These lightning protection devices, made of stainless steel, are offered with a 25-year corrosion resistance guarantee.
Pulsar
Pulsar active lightning arresters operate on the principle of electrostatic field change and do not use radioactive isotopes. This system detects changes in the atmospheric electric field through its internal piezoelectric circuits and initiates ionization. When the difference in the electromagnetic field in the air increases, the mechanism inside the lightning arrester activates and initiates ion dispersion. There are three models available based on protection radii: PULSAR 30 STAINLESS STEEL, PULSAR 45 STAINLESS STEEL, and PULSAR 60 STAINLESS STEEL. Sales and after-sales service are provided by ABB Group.
Lightning Counters
Lightning counters are used in conjunction with various types of lightning rods for the health check of lightning protection systems. They provide valuable data about the lightning strikes the system has been exposed to. These devices detect and count the lightning currents transferred from the down conductor to the ground. They provide critical information for maintenance and inspection procedures.
Forend Lightning Counter
Forend lightning counter is a reliable device widely used in active lightning rod systems. Available on the market with the product code EY.00.P.YS.FOREND, this device is called “Lightning Counter / Lightning Strike Counter.” It weighs 0.63 kg.
Test Devices
High-quality maintenance and regular inspection are essential for the long-lasting and reliable operation of lightning rod systems.
Test devices come into play at this point and enable us to determine whether the systems are functioning properly. Two different test methods are used to determine whether active lightning arresters are functioning correctly. Activation Test with Test Socket and Activation Test with Magnetic Probe.
Forend Test Device
The Forend Test Device is a compact and effective test equipment used in the regular maintenance of lightning protection systems. Available on the market with the product code AE 10441, this device weighs 0.47 kg. Thus, it offers an easy-to-carry solution for users.
Regular inspection is very important for the maintenance and testing of lightning protection systems. During the inspection, previous inspection reports are reviewed.
It is checked whether the specified deficiencies have been remedied. This ensures that the system continues to operate at an optimum level. Esco Elektrik has been providing reliable solutions in the field of lightning protection and grounding systems with its ISO and TSE certified products since 2010. For more information about all the products and services you need for the safety of your facilities, please contact us at contact.
