Lightning protection of structures

Abstract

The paper deals with actual methodology of lightning protection of structures based on IEC 62305 series of standards, which have been introduced as European (CENELEC) norms EN under the same number. Lightning affecting a structure can cause damage to the structure itself, to its occupants and contents, including failure of internal electrical and electronic systems. The damages and failures may also extend to the surroundings of the structure and even involve the local environment. The scale of this extension depends on the characteristics of the structure and on the characteristics of the lightning flash. When there is a desire to eliminate any avoidable risk, the decision to provide adequate lightning protection shall be based on a risk assessment, strictly following the recommendations resulting from such an assessment. Protection measures are directed to reduce the risk according to the type of damage and shall be considered effective only if they conform to the requirements of relevant standards:-for protection against injury to living beings and physical damage in a structure (IEC 62305-3);-for protection against failure of internal systems (IEC 62305-4);-for protection of services (IEC 62305-5). The selection of the most suitable protection measures shall be made by the designer according to the share of each risk component in the total risk Rand according to the technical and economic aspects of the different protection measures. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009.