5.

External lightning protection

5.1 Air-termination systems
The function of the air-termination systems of a lightning protection system is to prevent direct lightning strokes from damaging the volume to be protected. They must be designed to prevent uncontrolled lightning strokes to the structure to be protected. By correct dimensioning of the air-termination systems, the effects of a lightning stroke to a structure can be reduced in a controlled way. Air-termination systems can consist of the following components and be combined with each other as required: Rods Spanned wires and cables Intermeshed conductors When determining the siting of the airtermination systems of the lightning protection system, special attention must be paid to the protection of corners and edges of the structure to be protected. This applies particularly to air-termination systems on the surfaces of roofs and the upper parts of faades. Most importantly, air-termination systems must be mounted at corners and edges. Three methods can be used to determine the arrangement and the siting of the air-termination systems: Rolling sphere method Mesh method Protective angle method The rolling sphere method is the universal method of design particularly recomIf there are external areas of the structure situated in heights which are higher than the radius of the corresponding rolling sphere (Tab. 5.1.1.3), an airtermination system has to be installed applying e.g. the mesh method. mesh size and rolling sphere radius corresp. to the type of LPS air-termination system rolling sphere downward leader point afar from the head of the downward leader height acc. to type of LPS starting upward leader head of the downward leader starting upward leader
ng iki str h B al ce fin istan d

mended for geometrically complicated applications. The three different described below. methods are

5.1.1 Installation methods and types of air-termination systems

The rolling sphere method geometricelectrical model For lightning flashes to earth, a downward leader grows step-by-step in a series of jerks from the cloud towards the earth. When the leader has got close to the earth within a few tens, to a few hundreds of metres, the electrical insulating strength of the air near the ground is exceeded. A further leader discharge similar to the downward leader begins to grow towards the head of the downward leader: the upward leader. This defines the point of strike of the lightning stroke (Fig. 5.1.1.1). The starting point of the upward leader and hence the subsequent point of strike is determined mainly by the head of the downward leader. The head of the downward leader can only approach the earth to within a certain distance. This distance is defined by the continuously increasing electrical field strength of the ground as the head of the downward leader approaches. The smallest distance between the head of the downward leader and the starting point of the upward leader is called the final striking distance hB (corresponds to the radius of the rolling sphere). Immediately after the electrical insulating strength is exceeded at one point, the upward leader which leads to the final strike and manages to cross the final striking distance, is formed. Observations of the protective effect of overhead

earth wires and high voltage towers were used as the basis for the so-called geometric-electrical model. This is based on the hypothesis that the head of the downward leader approaches the objects on the ground in an arbitrary way, unaffected by anything, until it reaches the final striking distance. The point of strike is then determined by the object closest to the head of the downward leader. The upward leader starting from this point forces its way through (Fig. 5.1.1.2).

5
Fig. 5.1.1.2 As this model examination shows, a rolling sphere can touch not only the steeple, but also the nave of the church at several points. All points touched are potential points of strike Ref.: Prof. Dr. A. Kern, Aachen

closest point to the head of the downward leader

protective angle acc. to type of LPS Fig. 5.1.1 Air-termination system for high buildings (h 60 m) Mesh method

Fig. 5.1.1.1 Starting upward leader defining the point of strike

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LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 37

Classification of the type of lightning protection system and radius of the rolling sphere As a first approximation, a proportionality exists between the peak value of the lightning current and the electrical charge stored in the downward leader. Furthermore, the electrical field strength of the ground as the downward leader approaches is also linearly dependent on the charge stored in the downward leader, to a first approximation. There is therefore a proportionality between the peak value I of the lightning current and the final striking distance R/radius of the rolling sphere:

R = 10 i I
R I in m in kA

0 , 65

The protection of structures against lightning is described in DIN V VDE V 0185-1. Among other things, this standard defines the classification into individual types of lightning protection system and stipulates the resulting lightning protection measures. It differentiates between four types of lightning protection system. A Type I lightning protection system provides the most protection and a Type IV, by comparison, the least. The interception effectiveness Ei of the air-termination systems is concomitant with the type of lightning protection system, i. e. which percentage of the prospective lightning strokes is safely controlled by the air-termination systems. From this results the final striking distance and hence the radius of the rolling sphere. The correlations between type of lightning protection system, interception effectiveness Ei of the air-termination systems, final striking distance/radius of the rolling sphere and current peak value are shown in Table 5.1.1.1. Taking as a basis the hypothesis of the geometric-electrical model that the head of the downward leader approachLightning protection level Interception criterion Ei IV III II I
Table 5.1.1.1

es the objects on the earth in an arbitrary way, unaffected by anything, until it reaches the final striking distance, a general method can be derived which allows the volume to be protected of any arrangement to be inspected. Carrying out the rolling sphere method requires a scale model (e. g. on a scale of 1:100) of the building/structure to be protected, which includes the external contours and, where applicable, the air-termination systems. Depending on the location of the object under investigation, it is also necessary to include the surrounding structures and objects, since these could act as a natural protective measure for the object under examination. Furthermore, a true-to-scale sphere is required according to the type of lightning protection system with a radius corresponding to the final striking distance (depending on the type of lightning protection system, the radius R of the rolling sphere must correspond true-to-scale to the radii 20, 30, 45 or 60 m). The centre of the rolling sphere used corresponds to the head of the downward leader formed by the respective upward leader. The rolling sphere is now rolled around the object under examination and the contact points representing potential points of strike are marked in each case. The rolling sphere is then rolled over the object in all directions. All contact points are marked again. All potential points of strike are thus shown on the model; it is also possible to determine the areas which can be hit by lateral strokes. The naturally protected zones resulting from the geometry of the object to be protected and its surroundings can also be clearly seen. Air-termination conductors are not required at these points (Fig. 5.1.1.3). It must be borne in mind, however, that lightning footprints have also been found on steeples in places not directly touched as the rolling sphere rolled over. This is traced to the fact that, Radius of the rolling Min. peak sphere (final striking value of current distance hB) R in m I in kA 60 45 30 20 15.7 10.1 5.4 2.9

rolling sphere
R

R R R R

building Fig. 5.1.1.3 Schematic application of the rolling sphere method at a building with considerably structured surface

among other things, in the event of multiple lightning flashes, the base of the lightning flash moves because of the wind conditions. Consequently, an area of approx. one metre can come up around the points of strike determined where lightning strokes can also occur. Example 1: New administration building in Munich During the design phase of the new administration building, the complex geometry led to the decision to use the rolling sphere method to identify the areas threatened by lightning strokes. This was possible because an architectural model of the new building was available on a scale of 1:100. It was determined that a Iightning protection system Type I was required, i. e. the radius of the rolling sphere in the model was 20 cm (Fig. 5.1.1.4).

Fig. 5.1.1.4 Construction of a new administration building: Model with rolling sphere acc. to lightning protection system Type I Ref.: WBG Wiesinger

0.84 0.91 0.97 0.99

Relations between ligtning protection level, interception criterion Ei, final striking distance R and min. peak value of current I Ref.: Table 5 and 6 of DIN V VDE V 0185-1

The points where the rolling sphere touches parts of the building, can be hit by a direct lightning stroke with a corresponding minimum current peak value of 2.9 kA (Fig. 5.1.1.5). Consequently, these points required adequate air-termination systems. If, in addition, electrical installations were localised at these points or in their immediate vicinity (e. g. on the roof of the building), these loca-

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tions were equipped with additional air termination measures. The application of the rolling sphere method meant that air-termination systems were not installed where protection was not required. On the other hand, locations in need of more protection could be equipped accordingly, where necessary. (Fig. 5.1.1.5).
Fig. 5.1.1.6 Aachen Cathedral: Model with environment and rolling spheres for lightning protection systems type II and III Ref.: Prof. Dr. A. Kern, Aachen

Fig. 5.1.1.7 illustrates this consideration. Air-termination rods are frequently used to protect the surface of a roof, or installations mounted on the roof, against a direct lightning stroke. The square arrangement of the air-termination rods, over which no cable is normally spanned, means that the sphere does not roll on rails but sits deeper instead, thus

sphere decreases, i. e. which areas of Aachen Cathedral had additionally to be considered at risk of being hit by lightning strokes, if a lightning protection system Type II with a higher degree of protection was used. The rolling sphere with the smaller radius (according to a type of lightning protection system with a higher lightning protection level) naturally touches also the model at all points already touched by the rolling sphere with the larger radius. Thus, it is only necessary to determine the additional contact points. As demonstrated, when dimensioning the air-termination system for a structure, or a structure mounted on the roof, the sag of the rolling sphere is decisive. The following formula can be used to calculate the penetration depth p of the rolling sphere when the rolling sphere rolls on rails, for example . This can be achieved by using two spanned wires, for example .

cuboidal protective area between four air-termination rods

I R 20

Type of LPS II III 30 45

IV 60

Fig. 5.1.1.5 Construction of a DAS administration building: Top view (excerpt) on the zones threatened by lightning strokes for lightning protection system type I Ref.: WBG Wiesinger

Example 2: Aachen Cathedral The cathedral stands in the midst of the old town of Aachen surrounded by several high buildings. Adjacent to the cathedral there is a scale model (1:100) whose purpose is to make it easier for visitors to understand the geometry of the building. The buildings surrounding the Aachen Cathedral provide a partial natural protection against lightning strokes. Therefore, and to demonstrate the effectiveness of lightning protection measures, models of the most important elements of the surrounding buildings were made according to the same scale (1:100) (Fig. 5.1.1.6). Fig. 5.1.1.6 also shows rolling spheres for lightning protection systems Types II and III (i. e. with radii of 30 cm and 45 cm) on the model. The aim here was to demonstrate the increasing requirements on the air-termination systems as the radius of the rolling

d p= R R 2
2

Fig. 5.1.1.8 Air-termination system for installations mounted on the roof with their protective area

R d

Radius of the rolling sphere Distance between two air-termination rods or two parallel air-termination conductors
air-termination conductor

increasing the penetration depth of the sphere (Fig. 5.1.1.8). The height of the air-termination rods h should always be greater than the value of the penetration depth p determined, and hence greater than the sag of the rolling sphere. This additional height of the air-termination rod ensures that the rolling sphere does not touch the structure to be protected. Another way of determining the height of the air-termination rods is using Table 5.1.1.2. The penetration depth of the rolling sphere is governed by the largest distance of the air-termination rods from each other. Using the greatest distance, the penetration depth p (sag) can be taken from the table. The air-termination rods must be dimensioned according to the height of the structures mounted on the roof (in relation to the location of

penetration depth p

d Fig. 5.1.1.7 Penetration depth p of the rolling sphere

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LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 39

d Distance between airtermination rods 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 23 26 29 32 35

Table 5.1.1.2

Sag of the rolling sphere [m] (rounded up) Type of LPS with rolling sphere radius in metres I (20 m) 0.03 0.10 0.23 0.40 0.64 0.92 1.27 1.67 2.14 2.68 3.64 4.80 6.23 8.00 10.32 II (30 m) 0.02 0.07 0.15 0.27 0.42 0.61 0.83 1.09 1.38 1.72 2.29 2.96 3.74 4.62 5.63 III (45 m) 0.01 0.04 0.10 0.18 0.28 0.40 0.55 0.72 0.91 1.13 1.49 1.92 2.40 2.94 3.54 IV (60 m) 0.01 0.03 0.08 0.13 0.21 0.30 0.41 0.54 0.68 0.84 1.11 1.43 1.78 2.17 2.61

By using the ridge and the outer edges of the structure, as well as the metal natural parts of the structure serving as an airtermination system, the individual cells can be sited as desired. The air-termination conductors on the outer edges of the structure must be laid as close to the edges as possible. A metal attic can serve as an air-termination conductor and/or a down-conductor system if the required minimum dimensions for natural components of the airtermination system are complied with (Fig. 5.1.1.10).

Sag of the rolling sphere over two air-termination rods or two parallel air-termination conductors

e.g. gutter

ago d di

nal

domelight installed on the roof

Fig. 5.1.1.10 Meshed air-termination system

Fig. 5.1.1.9 Calculation h for several air-termination rods according to rolling sphere method

the air-termination rod) and also the penetration depth (Fig. 5.1.1.9). If, for example, a total height of an airtermination rod of 1.15 m is either calculated or obtained from the table, an airtermination rod with a standard length of 1.5 m is normally used Mesh method A meshed air-termination system can be used universally regardless of the height of the structure and shape of the roof. A reticulated air-termination network with a mesh size according to the

Type of LPS I II III IV

Table 5.1.1.3 Mesh size

Mesh size 5 x 5m 10 x 10 m 15 x 15 m 20 x 20 m

type of lightning protection system is arranged on the roofing (Table 5.1.1.3). To simplify matters, the sag of the rolling sphere is assumed to be zero for a meshed air-termination system.

Protective angle method The protective angle method is derived from the electric-geometrical lightning model. The protective angle is determined by the radius of the rolling sphere. The comparable protective angle with the radius of the rolling sphere is given when a slope intersects the rolling sphere in such a way that the resulting areas have the same size (Fig. 5.1.1.11). This method must be used for structures with symmetrical dimensions (e. g. steep roof) or roof-mounted structures (e. g. antennas, ventilation pipes). The protective angle depends on the type of lightning protection system and the height of the air-termination system

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equal surface areas air-termination rod

Table 5.1.1.4 provides the corresponding protective angle for each type of lighth1: Physical height of the air-termination rod angle angle Note: Protective angle 1 refers to the height of the air-termination system h1 above the roof surface to be protected (reference plane); Protective 2 refers to the height h2 = h1 + h,while the earth surface is the reference plane. Fig. 5.1.1.16 External lightning protection system, volume protected by a vertical air-termination rod

protective angle

base

Fig. 5.1.1.11 Protective angle and comparable radius of the rolling sphere

above the reference plane (Fig. 5.1.1.12).

angle angle

Air-termination conductors, air-termination rods, masts and wires should be arranged to ensure that all parts of the building to be protected are situated within the volume of protection of the air-termination system. The protection zone can be coneshaped or tent-shaped, if a cable, for example, is spanned over it (Figs. 5.1.1.13 to 5.1.1.15). If air-termination rods are installed on the surface of the roof to protect structures mounted thereon, the protective

ning protection system and the corresponding distance (zone of protection). Protective angle method for isolated air-termination systems on roof-mounted structures Special problems may occur when roofmounted structures, which are often installed at a later date, protrude from zones of protection, e. g. the mesh. If, in addition, these roof-mounted structures contain electrical or electronic equipment, such as roof-mounted fans, antennas, measuring systems or TV cameras, additional protective measures are required. If such equipment is connected directly to the external lightning protection system, then, in the event of a lightning stroke, partial currents are conducted into the structure. This could result in the destruction of surge sensitive equipment. Direct lightning strokes to such structures protruding above the roof can be prevented by having isolated air-termination systems. Air-termination rods as shown in Fig. 5.1.1.17 are suitable for protecting smaller roof-mounted structures (with electrical equipment). They form a cone-shaped zone of protection and thus prevent a direct lightning stroke to the structure mounted on the roof. The separation distance s must be taken into account when dimensioning the height of the air-termination rod (see Chapter 5.6).

Fig. 5.1.1.14 Expamle of air-termination systems with protective angle

h2

rolling sphere

angle can be different. In Fig. 5.1.1.16, the roof surface is the reference plane for protective angle 1. The ground is the reference plane for the protective angle 2. Therefore the angle 2 according to Fig. 5.1.1.12 and Table 5.1.1.4 is less than 1.

h1

h1

air-termination conductor

ht

Fig. 5.1.1.13 Cone-shaped protection zone

Fig. 5.1.1.15 Area protected by an air-termination conductor Protective angle method

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 2 10 20 30 40 50 60 h (m) I II III IV

Fig. 5.1.1.12 Protective angle as a function of height h depending on the type of lightning protection system

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ht

Angle depends on the type of lightning protection system and the height of the air-termnation conductor above ground

LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 41

Height of the airtermination rod h in m 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60

Table 5.1.1.4

Type of LPS I Angle Distance a in m 67 67 67 65 59 57 54 52 49 47 45 42 40 37 35 33 30 28 25 23 2.36 4.71 7.07 6.43 6.66 7.70 8.26 8.96 9.20 9.65 10.00 9.90 10.07 9.80 9.80 9.74 9.24 9.04 8.39 8.07

Type of LPS II Angle Distance a in m 71 71 71 69 65 62 60 58 56 54 52 50 49 47 45 44 42 40 39 37 36 35 33 32 30 29 27 26 25 23 2.90 5.81 8.71 10.42 10.72 11.28 12.12 12.80 13.34 13.76 14.08 14.30 14.95 15.01 15.00 15.45 15.31 15.10 15.39 15.07 15.26 15.40 14.94 15.00 14.43 14.41 13.76 13.66 13.52 12.73

Type of LPS III Angle Distance a in m 74 74 74 72 70 68 66 64 62 61 59 58 57 55 54 53 52 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 40 39 38 37 36 35 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 3.49 6.97 10.46 12.31 13.74 14.85 15.72 16.40 16.93 18.04 18.31 19.20 20.02 19.99 20.65 21.23 21.76 21.45 21.86 22.21 22.52 22.78 23.00 23.18 23.31 23.41 22.66 22.67 22.66 22.61 22.52 22.41 23.11 22.93 22.73 22.50 22.23 21.94 21.62 21.27 20.89 20.48 20.05 19.59 19.10

Type of LPS IV Angle Distance a in m 78 78 78 76 73 71 69 68 66 65 64 62 61 60 59 58 57 56 55 54 53 52 51 50 49 49 48 47 46 45 44 44 43 42 41 40 40 39 38 37 37 36 35 35 34 33 32 32 31 30 30 29 28 27 27 26 25 25 24 23 4.70 9.41 14.11 16.04 16.35 17.43 18.24 19.80 20.21 21.45 22.55 22.57 23.45 24.25 24.96 25.61 26.18 26.69 27.13 27.53 27.87 28.16 28.40 28.60 28.76 29.91 29.99 30.03 30.03 30.00 29.94 30.90 30.77 30.61 30.43 30.21 31.05 30.77 30.47 30.14 30.90 30.51 30.11 30.81 30.35 29.87 29.37 29.99 29.44 28.87 29.44 28.82 28.18 27.51 28.02 27.31 26.58 27.05 26.27 25.47

angle

height h of the air-termination rod

distance a
Protective angle depending on the types of lightning protection system

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Figs. 5.1.1.20 and 5.1.1.21 illustrate one type of air-termination system which is isolated from the structure

s 4

2 1 3 1 2 3 4 Air-termination mast Protected structure Reference plane Separation distance s corresponding to 5.3, main section 1 of DIN V VDE V 0185-3 Protective angle acc. to Table 5.1.1.3 1

Fig. 5.1.1.17 Protection of small-sized installations on roofs against direct lightning strokes by means of airtermination rods

Isolated and non-isolated air-termination systems When designing the external lightning protection system of a structure, we distinguish between two types of air-termination system: isolated non-isolated The two types can be combined. Air-termination systems of a non-isolated external lightning protection system for protection of a structure can be installed in the following ways: If the roof is made of non-flammable material, the conductors of the air-termination system can be installed on the surface of the structure (e. g. gable or flat roof). Normally non-flammable building materials are used. The components of the external lightning protection system can therefore be mounted directly on the structure (Figs. 5.1.1.18 and 5.1.1.19).

between the flammable parts of the roof and the air-termination rods, air-termination conductors or air-termination meshes of the air-termination system must not be less than 0.4 m. Easily inflammable parts of the structure to be protected must not be in direct contact with parts of the external lightning protection system. Neither may they be located under the roofing, which can be punctured in the event of a lightning stroke (see also Chapter 5.1.5 Thatched roofs). With isolated air-termination systems, the complete structure is protected against a direct lightning stroke via airtermination rods, air-termination masts or masts with cables spanned over them. When installing the air-termination systems, the separation distance s to the structure must be kept.

Fig. 5.1.1.20 Isolated external lightning protection system with two separate air-termination masts according to the protective angle method; Projection on a vertical area 2 s1 s2 3 1 1 s2

Air-termination mast Horizontal air-termination conductor Protected structure 3 s1, s2 separation distance acc. to DIN V VDE V 0185-3 Fig. 5.1.1.21 Isolated external lightning protection system, consisting of two separate airtermination masts, connected through a horizontal air-termination conductor: Projection on a vertical surface via the two masts (vertical section) 1 2

The separation distance s between the air-termination system and the structure must be kept. Air-termination systems isolated from the structure are frequently used, when the roof is covered with inflammable material, e. g. thatch or also for ex-installations, e. g. tank installations. See also Chapter 5.1.5 Air-termination system for structures with thatched roofs.

Fig. 5.1.1.18 Gable roof with conductor holder

If the roof is made of easily inflammable material (building material class B 3, see Annex E of DIN V VDE V 0185-3) e. g. thatched roofs, then the distance

Fig. 5.1.1.19 Flat roof with conductor holder

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A further method of designing isolated air-termination systems consists in securing the air-termination systems (air-termination rods, conductors or cables) with electrically insulating materials such as GRP (glass fibre-reinforced plastic). This form of isolation can be limited to local use or applied to whole parts of the installation. It is often used for roofmounted structures such as fan systems or heat exchangers with an electrically conductive connection into the structure (see also chapter 5.1.8). Natural components of air-termination systems Metal structural parts such as attics, guttering, railings or cladding can be used as natural components of an air-termination system. If a structure has a steel skeleton construction with a metal roof and faade made of conductive material, these can be used for the external lightning protection system, under certain circumstances. Sheet metal cladding on the walls or roof of the structure to be protected can be used if the electrical connection between the different parts is permanent. These permanent electrical connections can be made by e.g. brazing, welding, pressing, screwing or riveting, for example. If there is no electrical connection, a supplementary connection must be made for these elements e. g. with bridging braids or bridging cables. If the thickness of the sheet metal is not less than the value t' in Table 5.1.1.5, and if there is no requirement to take account of a through-melting of the sheets at the point of strike or the ignition of flammable material under the cladding, then such sheets can be used as an air-termination system. Material Fe Cu Al / StSt
Table 5.1.1.5

sheet metal shall not be less than value t in Table 5.1.1.6. Material Fe Cu Al / StSt
Table 5.1.1.6

Thickness t 4 mm 5 mm 7 mm

protective angle method. An air-termination system with a mesh size according to the type of lightning protection system used can be installed if the whole arrangement is isolated (elevated) from the structure to be protected by at least the required separation distance s. A universal system of components for the installation of isolated air-termination systems is described in chapter 5.1.8.

Min. thickness of metal plates (if melt-through is not allowed)

The required thickness t of the materials can generally not be complied with, for example, for metal roofs, For pipes or containers, however, it is possible to meet the requirements for these minimum thicknesses (wall thickness). If, though, the temperature rise (heating-up) on the inside of the pipe or tank represents a hazard for the medium contained therein (risk of fire or explosion), then these must not be used as airtermination systems (see also chapter 5.1.4). If the requirements on the appropriate minimum thickness are not met, the components, e. g. conduits or containers, must be situated in an area protected from direct lightning strokes. These natural components can nevertheless still be in a position to conduct lightning currents and can therefore be used as an interconnecting conductor or down-conductor system. A thin coat of paint, 1 mm bitumen or 0.5 mm PVC cannot be regarded as insulation in the event of a direct lightning stroke. Such coatings break down when subjected to the high energies deposited during a direct lightning stroke. There must be no coatings on the joints of the natural components of the downconductor systems. If conductive parts are located on the surface of the roof, they can be used as a natural air-termination system if there is no conductive connection into the structure. By connecting, e.g., pipes or electrical conductors into the structure, partial lightning currents can enter the structure and affect or even destroy sensitive electrical/electronic equipment. In order to prevent these partial lightning currents from penetrating, isolated air-termination systems shall be installed for the aforementioned roof-mounted structures. The isolated air-termination system can be designed using the rolling sphere or

5.1.2 Air-termination systems for structures with gable roofs

Air-termination systems on roofs are the metal components in their entirety, e. g. air-termination conductors, air-termination rods, air-termination tips. The parts of the structure usually hit by lightning strokes, such as the top of the gable, chimneys, ridges and arrises, the edges of gables and eaves, parapets and antennas and other protruding structures mounted on the roof, must be equipped with air-termination systems. Normally, a reticulated air-termination network is installed on the surface of gabled roofs, said network corresponding to the mesh size of the appropriate type of lightning protection system (e. g. 15 m x 15 m for a lightning protection system Type III) (Fig. 5.1.2.1).

Thickness t 0.5 mm 0.5 mm 0.7 mm

Fig. 5.1.2.1 Air-termination system on a gable roof

Min. thickness of metal plates (if melt-through is allowed)

The material thicknesses are not distinguished according to the type of lightning protection system. It is, however, necessary to take precautionary measures against through-melting or intolerable heating-up at the point of strike, if the thickness of the

By using the ridge and the outer edges of the structure, as well as the metal parts of the structure serving as an air-termination system, the individual meshes can be sited as prefered. The air-termination conductors on the outer edges of the structure must be installed as close to the edges as possible. Generally, the metal gutter is used for closing the mesh of the air-termination system on the roof surface. If the gutter itself is connected so as to be electrically conductive, a gutter clamp is

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mounted at the crossover of the air-termination system and the gutter. Roof-mounted structures made of electrically non-conductive material (e. g. PVC vent pipes) are considered to be sufficiently protected if they do not protrude more than h = 0.3 m from the plane of the mesh (Fig. 5.1.2.2).

conductor systems must be maintained (Fig. 5.1.2.4).

Air-termination systems on the ridge have a tent-shaped zone of protection (according to the protective angle method). The angle depends on the height above the reference plane (e. g. surface of the earth) and the type of lightning protection system chosen.

5.1.3 Air-termination systems for flat-roofed structures

h

Fig. 5.1.2.4 Building with photovoltaic system Ref.: Wettingfeld Lightning Protection, Krefeld, Germany Fig. 5.1.2.2 Height of a roof superstructure made of electrically non-conductive material (e.g. PVC), h 0.3 m

An air-termination system for structures with flat roofs (Figs. 5.1.3.1 and 5.1.3.2) is designed using the mesh method. A mesh-type air-termination system with a mesh size corresponding to the type of lightning protection system is installed on the roof (Table 5.1.1.3). Fig. 5.1.3.3 illustrates the practical application of the meshed air-termination system in combination with air-termination rods to protect the structures mounted on the roof, e. g. domelights, photovoltaic cells or fans. Chapter 5.1.8 shows how to deal with these roof-mounted structures. Roof conductor holders on flat roofs are laid at intervals of approx. 1 m. The airtermination conductors are connected with the attic, this being a natural component of the air-termination system. As the temperature changes, so does the length of the materials used for the attic, and hence the individual segments must be equipped with slide plates. If the attic is used as an air-termination system, these individual segments must be permanently interconnected so as to be electrically conductive without restricting their ability to expand. This can be achieved by means of bridging braids, straps or cables (Fig. 5.1.3.4). The changes in length caused by changes in temperature must also be taken into account with air-termination conductors and down-conductor systems (see Chapter 5.4). A lightning stroke to the attic can cause the materials used to melt through. If this is unacceptable, a supplementary airtermination system, e. g. with air-termination tips, must be installed, its location being determined by using the rolling sphere method.

If the protrusion is h > 0.3 m, the structure must be equipped with an air-termination system (e. g. interception tip) and connected to the nearest air-termination conductor. One way of doing this would be to use a wire with a diameter of 8 mm up to a maximum free length of 0.5 m, as shown in Fig. 5.1.2.3.

Air-termination rods for chimneys must be erected to ensure that the whole chimney is in the zone of protection. The protective angle method is applied when dimensioning the air-termination rods. If the stack is brick-built or constructed with preformed sections, the air-termination rod can be mounted directly on the stack. If there is a conductive pipe in the interior of the stack, e. g. as found when redeveloping old buildings, the separation distance to this conductive component must be kept. This is an example where isolated air-termination systems are used and the air-termination rods are erected with distance holders. The assembly to protect parabolic antennas in particular is similar to that to protect stacks with an internal stainless steel pipe. In the event of a direct lightning stroke to antennas, partial lightning currents can enter the structure to be protected via the shields of the coaxial cables and cause the effects and destruction previously described. To prevent this, antennas are equipped with isolated air-termination systems (e. g. air-termination rods) (Fig. 5.1.2.5).

Fig. 5.1.2.3 Additional air-termination system for ventilation pipes

Metal structures mounted on the roof without conductive connection into the structure do not need to be connected to the air-termination system if all the following conditions are met: Structures mounted on the roof may protrude a maximum distance of 0.3 m from the plane of the mesh. Structures mounted on the roof may have a maximum enclosed area of 1 m2, (e. g. dormer windows) Structures mounted on the roof may have a maximum length of 2 m (e. g. sheet metal roofing parts) Only if all three conditions are met, no terminal is required. Furthermore, with the conditions stated above, the separation distance to the airtermination conductors and down-

Fig. 5.1.2.5 Antenna with air-termination rod Ref.: Upper Austrian Lightning Protection, Linz, Austria

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LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 45

Conductor holders for flat roofs, homogeneously welded In the wind, roof sheetings can move across the roof surface horizontally, if they are only fixed mechanically/laid on the surface. A special position fixing is required for the air-termination conductor for preventing the conductor holders for air-termination systems from being displaced on the smooth surface. Conventional roof conductor holders cannot be permanently bonded to roof sheetings since the latter do not usually permit the application of adhesives. A simple and safe way of fixing the position is to use roof conductor holders Type KF in combination with straps (cut the strips to fit) made of the roof sheeting material. The strap is clamped into the plastic holder and both sides are welded onto the seal. Holder and strap should be positioned immediately next to a roof sheeting joint at a distance of approx. 1 m. The strip of foil is welded to the roof sheeting according to the manufacturer of the roof sheeting. This prevents airtermination conductors on flat roofs from being displaced. If the slope of the roof is greater then 5, each roof conductor holder must be equipped with a position fixing element. If the synthetic roof sheetings are secured by mechanical means, the roof conductor holders must be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the mechanical fixing elements. When carrying out this work, it must be considered that welding and bonding work on the seal affect the guarantee provided by the roofer. The work to be carried out must therefore only be done with the agreement of the roofer responsible for the particular roof, or be carried out by him himself (Fig. 5.1.3.5).
Fig. 5.1.3.2 Air-termination system on a flat roof

Roof conductor holder Type FB2 Part No. 253 050

Bridging braid Part No. 377 015

expansion piece

flexible connection Roof conductor holder Type FB Part No. 253 015 distance between the roof conductor holders approx. 1 m

Fig. 5.1.3.1 Air-termination system

Fig. 5.1.3.3 Use of air-termination rods

Fig. 5.1.3.4 Bridged attic

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~70
00 ~3

VDE V 0185-3 lightning protection standard clearly illustrates the risk of damage to metal roofs. Where an external lightning protection system is required, the metal sheets must have the minimum values stated in Table 5.1.4.1. The thicknesses t are not relevant for roofing materials. Metal sheets with a thickness t may only be used as a natural air-termination system if puncturing, overheating and melting is tolerated. The owner of the structure must agree to tolerate this type of roof damage, since there is no longer any guarantee that the roof will offer protection from the rain. Also the Rules of the German Roofing Trade concerning lightning protection on and attached to roofs require the agreement of the owner. If the owner is not prepared to tolerate damage to the roof in the event of a lightning stroke, then a separate air-termination system must be installed on a metal roof. The air-termination system must be installed to ensure that the rolling sphere (radius R which corresponds to the type of lightning protection system chosen) does not touch the metal roof (Fig. 5.1.4.3). When mounting the air-termination system it is recommended to install a socalled hedgehog roof with longitudinal cables and air-termination tips. In practice, the heights of air-termination tips according to Table 5.1.4.2 are tried and tested, regardless of the type of lightning protection system involved. Holes must not be drilled into the metal roof when fixing the conductors and airtermination tips. Various conductor holders are available for the different types of metal roofs (round standing seam, standing seam, trapezoidal). Fig. 5.1.4.4a shows one possible design for a metal roof with round standing seam.

~3 ~9 0

00

distance between the roof conductor holders approx. 1 m

flexible connection

Roof conductor holder Type KF Part No. 253 030 Fig. 5.1.3.5 Highly polymeric roof sheetings for flat roofs - Roof conductor holder Type KF / KF2

5.1.4 Air-termination systems on metal roofs

Modern industrial and commercial purpose-built structures often have metal roofs and faades. The metal sheets and plates on the roofs are usually 0.7 1.2 mm thick. Fig. 5.1.4.1 shows an example of the construction of a metal roof.

roof insulation becomes damp and/or the ceiling becomes wet. Protection against the rain is no longer guaranteed to be provided. One example of damage, assessed using the Lightning-Information Service from Siemens (BLIDS) illustrates this problem (Fig. 5.1.4.2). A current of approx. 20,000 A struck the sheet metal roof and made a hole (Fig. 5.1.4.2: Detail A). Since the sheet metal roof was not earthed with a down-conductor system, flashovers to natural metal components in the wall occurred in the area around the fascia (Fig. 5.1.4.2: Detail B), which also caused a hole. To prevent such kind of damage, a suitable external lightning protection system with wires and clamps capable of carrying lightning currents must be installed even on a thin metal roof. The DIN V

Fig. 5.1.4.1 Types of metal roofs, e.g. roofs with round standing seam Detail B

When the roof is hit by a direct lightning stroke, melting through or vaporisation can cause a hole formed at the point of strike. The size of the hole depends on the energy of the lightning stroke and the characteristics of the material, (e. g. thickness). The biggest problem here is the subsequent damage, e. g. water entering at this point. Days or weeks can pass before this damage is noticed. The

Detail A

Evaluation: BLIDS SIEMENS I = 20400 A Residential building Fig. 5.1.4.2 Example of damage: Metal plate cover

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Metal sheetings can be used as natural components of the air-termination system, if the thickness t / t of the metal plate is not less than: Materials If the melting through or the ignition of adjacent material below the sheeting is impermissible: permissible: Thickness t Thickness t 4 mm 5 mm 7 mm 0.5 mm 0.5 mm 0.7 mm

Suitable for all types of lightning protection systems Distance of the horizontal conductors 3m 4m 5m 6m Height of the airtermination tip*)

Galvanised steel Copper Aluminium / StSt

Table 5.1.4.1

0,15 m 0.25 m 0.35 m 0.45 m

Natural components of an air-termination system

*) recommended values Table 5.1.4.2 Lightning protection for metal roofs Height of the air-termination tips

rolling sphere with a radius acc. to type of LPS air-termination tip

When installing the cables, care must be taken that the conductor holder located at the highest point of the roof must be designed with a fixed conductor leading, whereas all other conductor holders must be designed with a loose conductor leading because of the linear compensation caused by changes in temperature (Fig. 5.1.4.4b).
air-termination tip conductor holder with loose conductor leading

5
Fig. 5.1.4.3 Air-termination system on a metal roof - Protection against holing Parallel connector 1 St/tZn Part No. 307 000

bridging braid

KS connector

2 1 3

Roof conductor holder for metal roofs, loose conductor leading, DEHNgrip conductor holder StSt Al Part No. 223 011 Part No. 223 041

roof connection bridging cable Fig. 5.1.4.4b Conductor holder for metal roofs with round standing seam

2 3

Roof conductor holder for metal roofs fixed conductor leading with clamping frame StSt Al Part No. 223 010 Part No. 223 040

The conductor holder with fixed conductor leading is illustrated in Fig. 5.1.4.5 using the example of a trapezoidal sheet roof. Fig. 5.1.4.5 also shows an air-termination tip next to the conductor holder. The conductor holder must be hooked into the fixing screw above the covering plate for the drill hole to prevent any entering of water. Fig. 5.1.4.6 uses the example of a round standing seam roof to illustrate the loose conductor leading. Fig. 5.1.4.6 also shows the connection to the roof with round standing seam at the

Fig. 5.1.4.4a

Conductor holders for metal roofs - Round standing seam

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5.1.5 Principle of an air-termination system for structures with thatched roof

The design of lightning protection systems Type III generally meets the requirements of such a structure. In particular individual cases, a risk analysis based on DIN V VDE V 0185-2 can be carried out. Subclause 3.1.2 of DIN V VDE V 0185-3 stipulates a special installation procedure for an air-termination system for a structure with thatched roof. The air-termination conductors on such roofs (made of thatch, straw or rushes) must be fastened across isolating supports to be free to move. Certain distances must also be maintained around the eaves. When a lightning protection system is installed on a roof at a later date, the distances must be increased. This allows maintain the necessary minimum distances when re-roofing is carried out. For a lightning protection system Type III, the typical distance of the down-conductor system is 15 m. The exact distance of the down-conductor systems from each other resuslts from calculating the separation distance s in accordance with DIN V VDE V 0185-3 Clause 1, Subclause 5.3. Chapter 5.6 explains how to calculate the separation distance.

Ideally, ridge conductors should have spans up to around 15 m, and down-conductor systems up to around 10 m without additional supports. Fastening posts must be tightly connected to the roof structure (rafters and rails) by means of bolts and washers. Metal components situated above the roof surface (such as weather vanes, irrigation systems, conductors) must be secured, e. g. on non-conductive supports so that a large enough separation distance s is maintained, in accordance with 5.3 Clause 1. Irrigation system feeds in the vicinity of the duct through the skin of the roof, which are at least 0.6 m above and below it, may only be made of plastic (Figs. 5.1.5.1 to 5.1.5.3). The previously described system for protection against lightning is not effective for thatched roofs covered with a metal wire mesh. The metal wire meshwork must be removed or substituted with a UV-resistant plastic mesh. Similarly, effective protection against lightning is not possible if metal covers, irrigation systems, vent pipes, chimney skirtings, dormer windows, skylights and the like are present. In such cases, effective protection against lightning can only be achieved with an isolated external lightning protection system with air-termination rods near the structure, or with airtermination nets between masts adjacent to the structure.

Fig. 5.1.4.5 Model construction of a trapezoidal sheet roof, conductor holder with clamping frame

Fig. 5.1.4.6 Model construction of a roof with standing seam

roof edge, which is capable of carrying currents. Unprotected installations projecting above the roof, e. g. domelights and chimney covers, are exposed points of strike for a lightning discharge. In order to prevent these installations from being struck by a direct lightning stroke, air-termination rods must be installed adjacent to the installations projecting above the roof. The height of the air-termination rod results from the protective angle .

Signs and symbols Air-termination conductor Connecting point Isolating point / Measuring point Earth conductor Down conductor Important distances (min. values) 0.6 m Air-term. conductor / Gable 0.4 m Air-term. conductor / Roofing 0.15 m Eaves / Eaves support 2.0 m Air-termination conductor / Branches of trees

a b c d

Fig. 5.1.4.7 Air-termination rod for a domelight on a roof with round standing seam

Fig. 5.1.5.1 Air-termination system for buildings with thatched roofs

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1 2 6

4 5 Pos Description 1 Clamping cap with air-termination rod 2 Wood pile 3 Support for roof conductors 4 Eaves support 5 Tensioning block 6 Air-term. conductor, e.g. Al cable 1 2 DIN Part No. 48811 A 145 309 48812 48827 48827 B 145 241 240 000 239 000 241 002 840 050

If a thatched roof borders onto metal roofing material, and if the structure has to be equipped with an external lightning protection system, then an electrically non-conductive roofing material at least 1 m wide, e. g. in plastic, must be inserted between the thatched roof and the other roof. Tree branches must be kept at least 2 m away from a thatched roof. If trees are very close to, and higher than, a structure, then an air-termination conductor must be mounted on the edge of the roof facing the trees (edge of the eaves, gable) and connected to the lightning protection system. The necessary distances must be maintained. A further way of protecting structures with thatched roofs against a stroke of lightning is to erect air-termination masts so that the whole structure is in the protected volume. This method can be found in Chapter 5.1.8 Isolated air-termination system (steel telescopic lightning protection masts).

tection system (see Chapter 5.1.1, Table 5.1.1.3). If it can be guaranteed that no persons will be on this area during a thunderstorm, then it is sufficient to install the measures described above. Persons who can go onto this storey of the car park must be informed by means of a sign that they must immediately clear this storey when a thunderstorm occurs, and not return for the duration of the storm (Fig. 5.1.6.1). If it is also possible that persons are on the roof during a thunderstorm, then the air-termination system must be designed to protect these persons, assuming they have a height of 2.5 m (with outstretched arm) from direct lightning strokes. The air-termination system can be dimensioned using the rolling sphere or the protective angle method according to the type of lightning protection system (Fig. 5.1.6.2). These air-termination systems can also be constructed from spanned cables or airtermination rods. These air-termination rods are secured to structural elements such as parapets or the like, for example . Furthermore, lighting masts, for example, can also act as air-termination rods to prevent life hazards. With this version, however, attention must be paid to the partial lightning currents which can be conducted into the structure via the power lines. It is imperative to have lightning equipotential bonding measures for these lines.

5.1.6 Walkable and trafficable roofs

3 4

5
5 6

It is not possible to mount air-termination conductors (e. g. with concrete blocks) on drive-over roofs. One possible solution is to install the air-termination conductors in either concrete or the joints between the sections of the roadway. If the air-termination conductor is installed in these joints, mushroom-type collectors are installed at the intersections of the mesh as defined points of strike. The mesh size must not exceed the value according to the type of lightning pro-

Fig. 5.1.5.2 Components for thatched roofs

Mushroom-type collector after asphalting

Mushroom-type collector Part No. 108 001

conductors installed within concrete or the joints of the roadway (plates) Warning! Keep off the car park during thunderstorms

down conducting via steel reinforcement

Fig. 5.1.5.3 Thatched roof

Fig. 5.1.6.1 Lightning protection for car park roofs - Building protection

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additional airtermination cable

h height of the air-termination rod dimensioned according to the required protective angle h = 2.5 m + s Fig. 5.1.6.2 Lightning protection for car park roofs - Building and life protection

5.1.7 Air-termination system for planted and flat roofs

A planted roof can make economic and ecological sense. This is because it provides noise insulation, protects the roof skin, suppresses dust from the ambient air, provides additional heat insulation, filters and retains rainwater and is a natural way of improving the living and working conditions. Moreover, in many regions it is possible to obtain grants from public funds for cultivating plants on the roof. A distinction is made between so-called extensive and intensive cultivation. An extensive planted area requires little care, in contrast to an intensive planted area which requires fertiliser, irrigation and cutting. For both types of planted area, either earth substrate or granulate must be laid on the roof. It is even more expensive if the granulate or substrate has to be removed because of a direct lightning stroke. If there is no external lightning protection system, the roof seal can be damaged at the point of strike. Experience has shown that, regardless of the type of care required, the air-termination system of an external lightning protection system can, and should, also be installed on the surface of a planted roof. For a meshed air-termination system, the DIN V VDE V 0185-3 lightning protection standard prescribes a mesh size which depends on the type of lightning protec-

tion system chosen (see Chapter 5.1.1, Table 5.1.1.3). An air-termination conductor installed inside the covering layer is difficult to inspect after a number of years because the air-termination tips or mushroom-type collectors are overgrown and no longer recognisable, and frequently damaged by maintenance work. Moreover, air-termination conductors installed inside the covering layer are more susceptible to corrosion. Conductors of air-termination meshes installed uniformly on top of the covering layer are easier to inspect even if they become overgrown, and the height of the interception system can be lifted up by means of air-termination tips and rods and grown with the plants on the roof. Airtermination systems can be designed in different ways. The usual way is to install a meshed air-termination net with a mesh size of 5 x 5 m (lightning protection system Type I) up to a max. mesh size of 15 x 15 m (lightning protection system Type III) on the roof surface, regardless of the height of the structure. It is preferable to determine the installation site of the mesh considering the external edges of the roof and any metal structures acting as an air-termination system. Stainless steel (Material No. 1.4571) has proven to be a good material for the conductors of air-termination systems on planted roofs. Aluminium wire must not be used for installing conductors in the covering layer (in the earth substrate or granulate), (Figs. 5.1.7.1 to 5.1.7.3).

5
Fig. 5.1.7.1 Planted roof

Fig. 5.1.7.2 Air-termination system on a planted roof

Fig. 5.1.7.3 Conductor leading on the covering layer

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5.1.8 Isolated air-termination systems

Roof-mounted structures such as air conditioning and cooling systems, e. g. for mainframes, are nowadays used on the roofs of larger office blocks and industrial structures. Antennas, electrically controlled domelights, advertising signs with integrated lighting and all other protruding roof-mounted structures having a conductive connection, e. g. via electrical cables or ducts, into the structure, must be treated in a similar way. According to the State of the Art for lightning protection, such roof-mounted structures are protected against direct lightning strokes by means of separately mounted air-termination systems. This prevents partial lightning currents from entering the structure, where they would affect or even destroy the sensitive electrical/electronic installations. In the past, these roof-mounted structures were connected directly. This direct connection meant that parts of the lightning current were conducted into the structure. Later, indirect connection via a spark gaps was introduced. This meant that direct lightning strokes to the roof-mounted structure could also flow away via the internal conductors to some extent, and in the event of a more distant lightning stroke to the structure, the spark gap should not operate. The operating voltage of approx. 4 kV was almost always attained and hence a partial lightning current was also carried into the structure via the electrical cable, for example . This can

affect or even destroy electrical or electronic installations inside the structure. The only way of preventing these coupled currents is to use isolated air-termination systems which maintain the separation distance, previously also known as safety distance. Fig. 5.1.8.1 shows a partial lightning current penetrating the inside of the structure. These widely different roof-mounted structures can be protected by various designs of isolated air-termination systems. Air-termination rods For smaller roof-mounted structures (e. g small fans) the protection can be achieved by using individual, or a combination of several, air-termination rods. Air-termination rods up to a height of 2.0 m can be fixed with one or two concrete bases piled on top of each other (e. g. Part No. 102 010) to be isolated (Fig. 5.1.8.2).

If an air-termination rod is higher than 2.5 m to 3.0 m, the air-termination rods must be secured to the property to be protected with distance holders made of electrically insulating material (e. g. DEHNiso distance holder) (Fig. 5.1.8.3).

Fig. 5.1.8.3 Air-termination rod with distance holder

Angled supports are a practical solution when air-termination rods also have to be secured against the effects of side winds (Figs. 5.1.8.4 and 5.1.8.5).

Fig. 5.1.8.2 Isolated air-termination system, protection provided by an air-termination rod Fig. 5.1.8.4 Angled support for air-termination rods

direct connection Roof

connection via isolating spark gap

1st Floor Fig. 5.1.8.5 Supporting element for the air-termination rod data lines

Ground floor

Basement EB

If higher air-termination rods are required, e. g. for larger roof-mounted structures, which nothing can be secured to, the air-termination rods can be installed by using special supports. Self-supporting air-termination rods up to a height of 8.5 m can be installed by using a tripod. These supports are secured to the floor with standard concrete bases (one on top of another).

Fig. 5.1.8.1 Connection of roof mounted structures

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Additional guy lines are required above a free height of 6 m in order withstand the stresses caused by the wind. These self-supporting air-termination rods can be used for a wide variety of applications (e. g. antennas, PV installations). The special feature of this type of air-termination system is its short installation time as no holes need to be drilled and only few elements need to be screwed together (Figs. 5.1.8.6 to 5.1.8.7).

Fig. 5.1.8.8 Additional corrosion protection in the transition area by anticorrosive band for underground application

Fig. 5.1.8.10 Installed air-termination system, Ref.: Wettingfeld Lightning Protection, Krefeld, Germany

tective angle, mesh) is provided by the DEHNiso-Combi programme of products. The aluminium insulating pipes with isolating distance (GRP glass-fibre-reinforced plastic), which are fixed to the object to be protected, provide an indirect way of guiding the cables. The cables are subsequently guided separately to the down-conductor systems or supplementary air-termination systems (e. g. mesh) by means of GRP distance holders.

Fig. 5.1.8.6 Isolated air-termination system for photovoltaic system

Fig. 5.1.8.9 Installation of a steel telescopic lightning protection mast

Fig. 5.1.8.7 Isolated air-termination system for terrestrial antenna

For protecting complete structures or installations (e. g. PV installations, ammunition depots) with air-termination rods, lightning protection masts are used. These masts are installed in natural soil or in a concrete foundation. Free heights of 19 m above ground level can be achieved, even higher, if custommade ones are used. It is also possible to span a cable between these masts if they are especially designed for this purpose. The standard lengths of the steel telescopic lightning protection masts are supplied in sections of 2 m, offering enormous advantages for transportation. Further information (e. g. installation, assembly) about these steel telescopic lightning protection masts can be found in installation instructions No. 1489 (Figs. 5.1.8.8 and 5.1.8.9).

Spanned over by cables or conductors According to DIN V VDE V 0185-3, air-termination conductors can be installed above the structure to be protected. The air-termination conductors generate a tent-shaped zone of protection at the sides, and a cone-shaped one at the ends. The protective angle depends on the type of lightning protection system and the height of the air-termination system above the reference plane. The rolling sphere method with its corresponding radius (according to the type of lightning protection system) can also be used to dimension the conductors or cables. The mesh type of air-termination system can also be used if an appropriate separation distance s between the components of the installation and the airtermination system must be maintained. In such cases, isolating distance holders in concrete bases are installed vertically, for example, for guiding the mesh on an elevated level (Fig. 5.1.8.10). DEHNiso-Combi A user-friendly way of installing conductors or cables in accordance with the three different design methods for airtermination systems (rolling sphere, pro-

Further information about the application is contained in the publications DS 123E DEHNiso-Combi System for isolated Air-termination Systems, DS 111 DEHNiso Distance Holder: The Modular Lightning Protection System and in the set of installation instructions No. 1475. The types of design described can be combined with each other as desired to adapt the isolated air-termination systems to the local conditions (Fig. 5.1.8.11 to 5.1.8.14).

Fig. 5.1.8.11 Tripod support for self-supporting insulating pipes

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5.1.9 Air-termination system for steeples and churches

External lightning protection system According to DIN V VDE V 0185-3, Subclause 7.1 a, lightning protection systems Type III meet the normal requirements for churches and steeples. In particular individual cases, for example in the case of culturally significant structures, a special risk analysis in accordance with DIN V VDE V 0185-2 must be carried out. Nave According to DIN V VDE V 0185-3, Subclause 7.5, the nave must have its own lightning protection system and, if a steeple is attached, this system must be connected by the shortest route with a down-conductor system of the steeple. In the transept, the air-termination conductor along the transverse ridge must be equipped with a down-conductor system at each end.
Fig. 5.1.8.12 Isolated air-termination systems with DEHNiso-Combi

Steeple Steeples up to a height of 20 m must be equipped with a down-conductor system. If steeple and nave are joined, then this down-conductor system must be connected to the external lightning protection system of the nave by the shortest route (Fig. 5.1.9.1). If the down-conductor system of the steeple coincides with a down-conductor system of the nave, then a common down-conductor system can be used at this location. According to DIN V VDE V 0185-3, Subclause 7.3, steeples above 20 m in height must be provided with at least two down conductors. At least one of these down conductors must be connected with the external lightning protection system of the nave via the shortest route.

Fig. 5.1.8.13 Detail picture of DEHNiso-Combi

Fig. 5.1.8.14 Isolated air-termination system with DEHNiso-Combi

Fig. 5.1.9.1 Installing the down-conductor system at a steeple

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Down-conductor systems on steeples must always be guided to the ground on the outside of the steeple. They must not be installed inside the steeple (DIN V VDE V 0185-3, Subclause 7.2). Further, the separation distance s to metal components and electrical installations in the steeple (e. g. clock mechanisms, belfry) and under the roof (e. g. air conditioning, ventilation and heating systems) must be maintained by suitable arrangement of the external lightning protection system. The required separation distance can become a problem especially at the clock. In this case, the conductive connection into the structure can be replaced with an isolating connector (e. g. a GRP pipe) to prevent hazardous sparking in parts of the external lightning protection system. In more modern churches built with reinforced concrete, the reinforcement steels can be used as down-conductor systems if it can be ensured that they provide a continuous conductive connection. If pre-cast reinforced concrete parts are used, the reinforcement may be used as a down-conductor system if terminals to connect the reinforcement continuously are provided on the pre-cast concrete parts.

potential differences in the event of a lightning stroke.

5.1.11 Wind load stresses on lightning protection air-termination rods

receptor wire meshwork

Roofs are being used more and more as areas for technical installations. Especially when extending the technical equipment in the structure, extensive installations are being sited more than ever on the roofs of larger office blocks and industrial structures. It is essential to protect roof-mounted structures such as air conditioning and cooling systems, transmitters for cell sites on host buildings, lamps, flue gas vents and other apparatus connected to the electrical low voltage system (Fig. 5.1.11.1).

Fig. 5.1.10.1 WT with integrated receptors in the rotor blades

5.1.10 Air-termination systems for wind turbines (WT)

Requirement for protection against lightning E DIN VDE 0127-24 describes measures to protect wind turbines against lightning. Lightning protection measures are carried out in accordance with the DIN V VDE V 0185 series of standards. In its VdS 2010 directive Risk-orientated lightning and surge protection, the VdS recommends that a lightning protection system Type II to be installed for wind turbines. This can control lightning strokes with currents measuring up to 150,000 A. This recommendation results from the assessment of the risk of damage from a lightning stroke for structures, as described in DIN V VDE V 0185-2. Principle of an external lightning protection system for wind turbines The external lightning protection system comprises air-termination systems, down-conductor systems and an earth termination system and protects against mechanical destruction and fire. Lightning strokes to wind turbines usually affect the rotor blades. Hence, receptors, for example, are integrated to determine defined points of strike (Fig. 5.1.10.1).

In order to allow the coupled lightning currents to flow to earth in a controlled way, the receptors in the rotor blades are connected to the hub with a metal interconnecting conductor (often flat line St/tZn 30 x 3.5 mm). Carbon fibre brushes or air spark gaps then, in turn, bridge the ball-bearings in the head of the nacelle in order to avoid the welding of the revolving parts of the structure. In order to protect structures on the nacelle, such as anemometers in the event of a lightning stroke, air-termination rods or air-termination cages are installed (Fig. 5.1.10.2).
Fig. 5.1.11.1 Protection against direct lightning strokes by self-supporting air-termination rods

Fig. 5.1.10.2 Lightning protection for wind speed indicators at WT

The metal tower or, in case of a prestressed concrete version, the down-conductor systems embedded in the concrete (round conductor St/tZn 8...10 mm or tape conductor St/tZn 30 x 3.5 mm) is used as the down-conductor system. The wind turbine is earthed by a foundation earthing electrode in the base of the tower and the meshed connection with the foundation earthing electrode of the operation building. This creates an equipotential surface which prevents

In accordance with the relevant lightning protection standards contained in the DIN V VDE V 0185 series, these roofmounted structures can be protected from direct lightning strokes with isolated air-termination systems. This requires an isolation of both the air-termination systems, such as air-termination rods, air-termination tips or air-termination meshes, and the down-conductor systems, i. e. to be installed with sufficient separation distance from the roofmounted structures within the zone of protection. The construction of an isolated lightning protection system creates a zone of protection in which direct lightning strokes cannot occur. It also prevents partial lightning currents from entering the low voltage system and hence the structure. This is important as the entering of partial lightning currents

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LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 55

into the building can affect or destroy sensitive electrical/electronic installations. Extended roof-mounted structures are also equipped with a system of isolated air-termination systems. These are connected with each other and also with the earth-termination system. Among other things the magnitude of the zone of protection created depends on the number and the height of the air-termination systems installed. A single air-termination rod is sufficient to provide the protection required by smaller roof-mounted structures. The procedure involves the application of the rolling sphere method in accordance with DIN V VDE V 0185-3 (Fig. 5.1.11.2). With the rolling sphere method, a rolling sphere whose radius depends on the type of lightning protection system chosen is rolled in all possible directions on and over the structure to be protected. During this procedure, the rolling sphere must touch the ground and/or the airtermination system only. This method produces a protection volume where direct lightning strokes are not possible. To achieve the largest possible zone of protection, and also to be able to protect larger roof-mounted structures against direct lightning strokes, the individual air-termination rods should ideally be erected with a corresponding height. This requires to prevent self-supporting
Max. height of the building Type Radius of the Mesh size M of LPS rolling sphere R I II III IV 20 m 30 m 45 m 60 m 5x5m 10 x 10 m 15 x 15 m 20 x 20 m mesh size M air-termination conductor

air-termination rods from tilting and breaking by a suitably designed base and supplementary guys (Fig. 5.1.11.3). The requirement for the self-supporting air-termination rods to be built as high as possible must be balanced against the higher stress exerted by the active wind loads. A 40% increase in wind speed, for example, doubles the active tilting moment. At the same time, from the application point of view, users demand a lightweight system of self-supporting air-termination rods, which are easier to transport and install. To ensure that it is safe to use air-termination rods on roofs, their mechanical stability must be proven. Stress caused by wind loads Since self-supporting air-termination rods are installed at exposed sites (e. g. on roofs), mechanical stresses arise which, owing to the comparable location and the upcoming wind speeds, correspond to the stresses suffered by antenna frames. Self-supporting air-termination rods must therefore basically meet the same requirements concerning their mechanical stability as set out in DIN 4131 for antenna frames. DIN 4131 divides Germany up into 4 wind zones with zone-dependent wind speeds (Fig. 5.1.11.4). When calculating the prospective actual wind load stresses, apart from the zonedependent wind load, the height of the

air-termination rod with air-termination tip

bracing

variable tripod

Fig. 5.1.11.3 Self-supporting air-termination rod with variable tripod

air-termination rod protective angle h2

rolling sphere
R
2

structure and the local conditions (structure standing alone in open terrain or embedded in other buildings) must also be included. From Fig. 5.1.11.4 it can be seen that around 95% of Germanys surface area lies within Wind Zones I and II. Air-termination rods are therefore generally designed for Wind Zone II. The use of self-supporting air-termination rods in Wind Zone III and Wind Zone IV must be assessed for each individual case taking the arising stresses into account. According to DIN 4131 a constant dynamic pressure over the height of a structure can be expected for structures up to a height of 50 m. For the calculations, the maximum height of the structure was considered 40 m, so that a total height (height of the structure plus length of the air-termination rods) is kept below the 50 m mark. When designing self-supporting airtermination rods, the following requirements must be met for the wind load stress: Tilt resistance of the air-termination rods Fracture resistance of the rods Maintaining the required separation distance to the object to be protected even under wind loads (prevention of intolerable deflections)

h1

down conductor earth-termination system

Fig. 5.1.11.2 Procedure for installation of air-termination systems according to DIN V VDE V 0185-3

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zone IV
Kiel Rostock

and the lever arm of the air-termination rod. Load torque formed from the weight of the post, the weight of the air-termination rod and the guy lines, and the length of the tilt lever through the tripod.
Berlin Hannover Magedburg Potsdam

Hamburg

Schwerin

zone III
Bremen

zone II

Essen Dortmund Dsseldorf Kln Bonn Frankfurt Wiesbaden Wrzburg Erfurt

Halle Leipzig Dresden Chemnitz

Stability is achieved when the ratio of load torque to the tilting moment assumes a value >1. Basically: the greater the ratio of load torque to tilting moment, the greater the stability. The required stability can be achieved in the following ways:
Wind strength

zone I

Nrnberg Saarbrcken Mannheim Stuttgart Regensburg Augsburg Freiburg Mnchen

Zone Dynamic pressure Wind velocity v [km/h] q [kN/m2] I 0.8 126.7 II 1.05 145.1 III 1.4 161.5 IV 1.7 184.7

12 - 17

In order to keep the wind contact surface of the air-termination rod small, the cross sections used have to be as small as possible. The load on the air-termination rod is reduced, but, at the same time, the mechanical strength of the air-termination rod decreases (risk of breaking). It is therefore crucial to make a compromise between a smallest possible cross section to reduce the wind load and a largest possible cross section to achieve the required strength. The stability can be increased by using larger base weights and/or larger post radii. This often conflicts with the limited areas for erection and the general requirement for low weight and easy transport. Implementation In order to provide the smallest possible wind contact surface, the cross sections of the air-termination rods were optimised in accordance with the results of the calculation. For ease of transportation and installation, the air-termination rod comprises an aluminium tube (in sections, if so desired) and an aluminium airtermination rod. The post to hold the airtermination rod is available in two versions. One fixed version for lower rod heights and an adjustable post version for higher rod heights. With this version, the radius of the post is adjusted to the height of the air-termination rod to minimise the space required. Determination of the fracture resistance Not only the stability of the air-termination rod must be proven, but also the fracture resistance, since the occuring wind load exerts bending stresses on the self-supporting air-termination rod. The bending stress in such cases must not exceed the max. permissible stress. The bending stress occuring is higher for longer air-termination rods. The air-termination rods must be designed to

Fig. 5.1.11.4 Division of Germany into wind load zones and corresponding values of dynamic pressure and max. wind velocity Ref.: DIN 4131: 1991-11. Steel radio towers and masts, Berlin: Beuth-Verlag GmbH

Determination of the tilt resistance The dynamic pressure arising (depends on the wind speed), the resistance coefficient cw and the contact surface of the wind on the air-termination rod, generate a uniform load q on the surface which generates a corresponding tilting moment MT on the self-supporting airtermination rod. To ensure that the selfsupporting air-termination rod is stable, the tilting moment MT must be opposed by a load torque MO, which is generated by the post. The magnitude of the load torque MO depends on the standing weight and the radius of the post. If the tilting moment is greater than the load torque, the wind load pushes the air-termination rod over. The proof of the stability of self-supporting air-termination rods is also obtained from static calculations. Besides the mechanical characteristics of the materials used, the following information is included in the calculation: Wind contact surface of the air-termination rod: determined by length and diameter of the individual sections of the air-termination rod. Wind contact surface of the guy: very high self-supporting air-termination rods are anchored with 3 cables mounted equidistantly

around the circumference. The wind contact surface of these cables corresponds to the area projected by these cables onto a plane in a right angle to the direction of the wind, i. e. the cable lengths are shortened accordingly when considered in the calculation. Weight of the air-termination rod and the guy lines: the dead weight of the air-termination rod and the guy lines is taken into account in the calculation of the load torque. Weight of the post: the post is a tripod weighted down with concrete blocks. The weight of this post is made up of the dead weight of the tripod and the individual weights of the concrete blocks used. Tilting lever of the post: the tilting lever denotes the shortest distance between the centre of the tripod and the line or point around which the whole system would tilt. The proof of stability is obtained by comparing the following moments: Tilting moment formed from the wind-load-dependent force on the air-termination rod or the guy lines

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ensure that wind loads as can arise in Wind Zone II cannot cause permanent deformation of the rods. Since both the exact geometry of the airtermination rod and the non-linear performance of the materials used must be taken into account, the proof of the fracture resistance of self-supporting air-termination rods is obtained using an FEM calculation model. The finite elements method, FEM for short, is a numerical method for calculation of stresses and deformations of complex geometrical structures. The structure under examination is broken down into so-called finite elements using imaginary surfaces and lines which are interconnected via nodes. The calculation requires the following information: FEM calculation model: The FEM calculation model corresponds to the simplified geometry of the self-supporting air-termination rod. Material characteristics: The performance of the material is represented by the details of crosssectional values, modulus of elasticity, density and lateral contraction. Loads:

Implementation Guy cables create an additional bearing point which significantly reduces the bending stresses occuring in the air-termination rod. Without supplementary guys, the air-termination rods would not cope with the stresses of Wind Zone II. Therefore, air-termination rods higher than 6 m are equipped with guy cables.
Bending moment [Nm] 1200 air-termination rod without guy cables (length = 8.5 m)

In addition to the bending moments, the FEM calculation also provides the tensile forces occuring in the guy cables, whose strength must also be proven. Determination of the wind-loaddependent deflection of the air-termination rod A further important value calculated with the FEM model is the deflection of the tip of the air-termination rod. Wind loads cause the air-termination rods to bend. The bending of the rod results in a change to the zone of protection. Objects to be protected are no longer situated in the zone of protection and/or proximities can no longer be maintained. The application of the calculation model on a self-supporting air-termination rod without and with guys produces the following results (Figs. 5.1.11.6 and 5.1.11.7).

1000

800

600

400

200

The wind load is applied to the geometric model as a pressure load.

0

The fracture resistance is determined by comparing the permissible bending stress (material parameter) and the max. bending stress which can occur (calculated from the bending moment and the effective cross section at the point of maximum stress). Fracture resistance is achieved if the ratio of permissible to actual bending stress is > 1. Basically, the same principle also applies here: the greater the ratio of permissible to actual bending stress, the greater the fracture resistance. Using the FEM calculation model, the actual bending moments for two air-termination rods (length = 8.5 m) were calculated as a function of their height with and without guys (Fig. 5.1.11.5). This clearly illustrates the effect of a possible guy on the course of the moments. Whereas the max. bending moment of the air-termination rod without a guy in the fixed-end point is around 1270 Nm, the guy reduces the bending moment to around 270 Nm. This guy cable makes it possible to reduce the stresses in the airtermination rod to such an extent that, for the max. expected wind loads, the strength of the materials used is not exceeded and the air-termination rod is not destroyed.

2 4 6 8 Height of air-termination rod [m]

Bending moment [Nm] air-termination rod with guy cables (length = 8.5 m) Fig. 5.1.11.6 FEM model of a self-supporting air-termination rod without guy cables (length = 8.5 m)

200

150

100

50

-50

-100

-150 0 2 4 6 8 Height of air-termination rod [m] Fig. 5.1.11.7 FEM model of a self-supporting air-termination rod with guy cables (length = 8.5 m)

Fig. 5.1.11.5 Comparison of bending moment courses at self-supporting air-termination rods with and without guy cables (length = 8.5 m)

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For the example chosen, the calculation gives a displacement of the tip of the airtermination rod with guy of around 390 mm. Without guy there would be a deflection of around 3740 mm, a theoretical value which exceeds the breaking point of the air-termination rod under consideration. Implementation Above a certain rod height, supplementary guys reduce this deflection significantly. Furthermore, this also reduces the bending load on the rod. Conclusion Tilting resistance, fracture resistance and deflection are the decisive factors when designing air-termination rods. Base and air-termination rod must be coordinated to ensure that the loads occuring as a result of the wind speeds of Zone II do not cause a tilting of the rod, nor damage it. It must still be borne in mind that large deflections of the air-termination rod reduce the separation distance and thus intolerable proximities can arise. Higher air-termination rods require a supplementary guy to prevent such intolerable deflections of the tips of the air-termination rods. The measures described ensure that selfsupporting air-termination rods can cope with Zone II wind speeds according to DIN 4131.

5.2.1 Determination of the number of down conductors

The number of down conductors depends on the perimeter of the external edges of the roof (perimeter of the projection on the ground surface). The down conductors must be arranged to ensure that, starting at the corners of the structure, they are distributed as uniformly as possible to the perimeter. Depending on the structural features (e. g. gates, precast components), the distances between the various down conductors can be different. These possibly different distances, e. g. from 12 m to 18 m for a lightning protection system Type III (typically 15 m) must also be taken into account when calculating the separation distance. In each case, there must be at least the total number of down conductor required for the respective type of lightning protection system. The DIN V VDE V 0185-3 standard gives typical distances between down conductors and ring conductors for each type of lightning protection system (Table 5.2.1.1). Type of LPS I II III IV
Table 5.2.1.1

the separation distance. The measures specified can change the separation distance positively for structures and thus the lightning current can be safely discharged. If these measures are not sufficient to maintain the required separation distance, it is also possible to use a new type of high voltage-resistant insulated conductors (HVI). These are described in Chapter 5.2.4. Chapter 5.6 describes how the exact separation distance can be determined.

5.2.2 Down-conductor system for a non-isolated lightning protection system

The down-conductor systems are primarily mounted directly onto the structure (with no distance). The criterion for installing them directly on the structure is the temperature rise in the event of lightning striking the lightning protection system. If the wall is made of flame-resistant material or material with a normal level of flammability, the down-conductor systems may be installed directly on or in the wall. Owing to the specifications in the building regulations of the German federal states, highly flammable materials are generally not used. This means that the down-conductor systems can usually be mounted directly on the structure. Wood with a bulk density greater than 400 kg/m2 and a thickness greater than 2 mm is considered to have a normal level of flammability. Hence the down-conductor system can be mounted on wooden poles, for example . If the wall is made of highly flammable material, the down conductors can be installed directly on the surface of the wall, provided that the temperature rise when lightning currents flow is not hazardous. The maximum temperature rises T in K of the various conductors for each type of lightning protection system are stated in Table 5.2.2.1. These values mean that, generally, it is even permissible to install down conductors underneath heat insulation because these temperature rises present no fire risk to the insulation materials. This ensures that the fire retardation measure is also provided. When installing the down-conductor system in or underneath heat insulation, the temperature rise (on the surface) is reduced if an additional PVC sheath is used. Aluminium wire sheathed in PVC can also be used.

Typical distance 10 m 10 m 15 m 20 m

Distance between down conductors according to DIN V VDE V 0185-3

5.2 Down-conductor system

The down-conductor system is the electrically conductive connection between the air-termination system and the earthtermination system. The function of down-conductor systems is to conduct the intercepted lightning current to the earth-termination system without intolerable temperature rises, for example, to damage the structure. To avoid damage caused during the lightning current discharge to the earthtermination system, the down-conductor systems must be mounted to ensure that from the point of strike to the earth, Several parallel current paths exist, The length of the current paths is kept as short as possible (straight, vertical, no loops), The connections to conductive components of the structure are made wherever required (interval < s; s = separation distance).

The exact number of down conductors can only be determined by calculating the separation distance s. If the calculated separation distance cannot be maintained for the intended number of down conductors of a structure, then one way of meeting this requirement is to increase the number of down conductors. The parallel current paths improve the current splitting coefficient kc. This measure reduces the current in both down conductors, and the required separation distance can be maintained. Natural components of the structure (e. g. reinforced concrete supports, steel skeleton) can also be used as supplementary down conductors if continuous electrical conductivity can be ensured. By interconnecting the down conductors at ground level (base conductor) and using ring conductors for higher structures, it is possible to symmetrise the distribution of the lightning current which, in turn, reduces the separation distance s. The latest DIN V VDE V 0185 series of standards attaches great significance to

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q mm2 16 50
(8 mm)

Aluminium III+IV 146 12 4 II 454 28 9 I * 52 17

Iron

Copper

Stainless steel II * 460 174 I * 940 310

Fig. 5.2.2.1.3 Air-termination system with connection to the gutter

Type of lightning protection system III+IV II I III+IV II I III+IV 1120 37 15 * 96 34 * 211 66 56 5 3 143 12 5 309 22 9 * 96 78

78
(10mm)

* melting / vaporising
Table 5.2.2.1 Max. temperature rise T in K of different conductor materials

If the wall is made of highly flammable material, and the temperature rise of the down-conductor systems presents a hazard, then the down conductors must be mounted to ensure that the distance between the down-conductor systems and the wall is greater than 0.1 m. The mounting elements may touch the wall. The erector of the structure must state whether the wall, where a down-conductor system is to be installed, is made of flammable material. The precise definition of the terms flameresistant, normal level of flammability and highly flammable can be taken from Annex E of DIN V VDE V 0185-3.

The separation distance s is calculated using the total length l = l1 + l2 + l3. Down-conductor systems must not be installed in gutters and downpipes, even if they are sheathed in an insulating material. The damp in the gutters would badly corrode the down-conductor systems. If aluminium is used as a down conductor, it must not be installed directly (with no distance) on, in or under plaster, mortar, concrete, neither should it be installed in the ground. If it is equipped with a PVC sheath, then aluminium can be installed in mortar, plaster or concrete, if it is possible to ensure that the sheath will not be mechanically damaged, nor will the insulation fracture at low temperatures. It is recommended to mount down conductors to maintain the required separation distance s to all doors and windows (Fig. 5.2.2.1.2). Metal gutters must be connected with the down conductors at the points where they intersect (Fig. 5.2.2.1.3).

The base of metal downpipes must be connected to the equipotential bonding or the earth-termination system, even if the pipe is not used as a down conductor. Since it is connected to the eaves gutter, through which the lightning current flows, the downpipe also takes a part of the lightning current which must be conducted into the earth-termination system. Fig. 5.2.2.1.4 illustrates one possible design.

StSt wire 10 mm

5.2.2.1 Installation of down-conductor systems

The down conductors must be arranged to be the direct continuation of the airtermination conductors. They must be installed straight and vertically so as to represent the shortest possible direct connection to the earth. Loops, e. g. overprojecting eaves or structures, must be avoided. If this is not possible, the distance measured where two points of a down-conductor system are closest, and the length l of the down-conductor system between these points, must fulfil the requirements on separation distance s (Fig. 5.2.2.1.1).
l1

Fig. 5.2.2.1.4 Earthed downpipe

l3

the connection must be as short as possible, straight and installed vertically

downpipes may only be used as down conductor, if they are soldered or riveted

Fig. 5.2.2.1.1 Loop in the down conductor Fig. 5.2.2.1.2 Down-conductor system

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l2

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5.2.2.2 Natural components of a down-conductor system

When using natural components of the structure as a down-conductor system, the number of down conductors to be installed separately can be reduced or, in some cases, they can be dispensed with altogether. The following parts of a structure can be used as natural components of the down-conductor system: Metal installations, provided that the safe connection between the various parts is permanent and their dimensions conform to the minimum requirements for down conductors. These metal installations may also be sheathed in insulating material. The use of conduits containing flammable or explosive materials as down conductors is not permitted if the seals in the flanges/couplings are non-metallic or the flanges /couplings of the connected pipes are not otherwise connected so as to be electrically conductive. The metal skeleton of the structure If the metal frame of structures with a steel skeleton or the interconnected reinforced steel of the structure is used as a down-conductor system, then ring conductors are not required since additional ring conductors would not improve the splitting of the current. Safe interconnected reinforcement of the structure The reinforcement of existing structures cannot be used as a natural component of the down-conductor system unless it can be ensured that the reinforcement is safely interconnected. Separate external down conductors must be installed. Precast parts Precast parts must be designed to provide terminal connections for the reinforcement. Precast parts must have an electrically conductive connection between all terminal connections. The individual components must be interconnected on site during installation (Fig. 5.2.2.2.1).
expansion joint

that they are continuously conductive from the connection on the airtermination system to the connection on the earth-termination system, then they can be used as a down-conductor system (Figs. 5.2.2.2.2 and 5.2.2.2.3).

vertical box section expansion joint wall fixing

Fixed earthing terminal Part No. 478 200

Bridging braid Part No. 377 115

Fig. 5.2.2.2.1 Use of natural components - new buildings made of ready-mix concrete

Note: In the case of prestressed concrete, attention must be paid to the particular risk of possible intolerable mechanical effects arising from lightning current and resulting from the connection to the lightning protection system. For prestressed concrete, connections to tensioning rods or cables must only be effected outside the stressed area. The permission of the person responsible for erecting the structure must be given before using tensioning rods or cables as a down conductor. If the reinforcement of existing structures is not safely interconnected, it cannot be used as a down-conductor system. In this case, external down conductors must be installed. Furthermore, faade elements, mounting channels and the metal substructures of faades can be used as a natural down-conductor system, provided that the dimensions meet the minimum requirements of down-conductor systems. For sheet metal, the thickness must not be less than 0.5 mm. Their electrical conductivity in vertical direction must be ensured. If metal faades are used as a downconductor system, they must be interconnected to ensure that the individual plates are safely interconnected with each other by means of screws, rivets, or bridging connections. There must be a safe connection capable of carrying currents to the air-termination system and also to the earth-termination system. If plates are not interconnected in accordance with the above requirement, but the substructure ensures

horizontal support

Bridging braid Part No. 377 015 Fig. 5.2.2.2.2 Metal subconstruction, conductively bridged

Fig. 5.2.2.2.3 Earth connection of a metal faade

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Metal downpipes can be used as natural down conductors, as long as they are safely interconnected (brazed or riveted joints) and comply with the minimum wall thickness of the pipe of 0.5 mm. If a downpipe is not safely interconnected, it can serve as a holder for the supplementary down conductor. This type of application is illustrated in Fig. 5.2.2.2.4. The connection of the downpipe to the earth-termination system must be capable of carrying lightning currents since the conductor is held only along the pipe.

earth-termination system (e. g. foundation earthing electrode). The measuring point may only be opened with the help of a tool for the purpose of taking measurements, otherwise it must be closed. Each measuring point must be able to be clearly assigned to the design of the lightning protection system. Generally, all measuring points are marked with numbers (Fig. 5.2.2.3.1).

Large structures with flat roofs, such as large production halls or also distribution centres, frequently require internal down-conductor systems. In such cases, the ducts through the surface of the roof should be installed by a roofer because he is responsible for ensuring that the roof provides protection against rain. The consequences of the partial lightning currents through internal downconductor systems within the structure must be taken into account. The resulting electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the down conductors must be taken into consideration when designing the internal lightning protection system (pay attention to inputs to electrical/electronic systems).

5.2.2.5 Courtyards
Structures with enclosed courtyards having a perimeter greater than 30 m must have down-conductor systems installed with the distances shown in Table 5.2.1.1. At least 2 down conductors must be installed (Fig. 5.2.2.5.1).
metal attic

5
Fig. 5.2.2.2.4 Down conductor installed along a downpipe

Fig. 5.2.2.3.1 Isolating point with number plate

45 m 15 m

5.2.2.3 Measuring points

There must be a measuring point at every connection of a down conductor with the earth-termination system (above the lead-in, if possible). Measuring points are required to allow the inspection of the following characteristics of the lightning protection system: Connections of the down conductors via the air-termination systems to the next down conductor Interconnections of the terminal lugs via the earth-termination system, e. g. in the case of ring or foundation earthing electrodes (earthing electrode Type B) Earthing electrode resistance of single earthing electrodes (earthing electrode Type A) Measuring points are not required if the structural design (e. g. reinforced concrete structure or steel skeleton) allows no electrical disconnection of the natural down-conductor system to the

If the edges of the structure (length and width) are four times as large as the distance of the down conductor which corresponds to the type of lightning protection system, then supplementary internal down conductors must be installed (Fig. 5.2.2.4.1). The grid dimension for the internal down-conductor systems is around 40 x 40 m.

Fig. 5.2.2.5.1 Down-conductor systems for courtyards roof bushing

roofing heat insulation wood insulation

30 m

Courtyards with circumferences of more than 30 m must be furnished with min. 2 down conductors. Typical distances according to type of LPS.

7.5 m

5.2.2.4 Internal down-conductor systems

courtyard circumference > 30 m

separation distance s

internal down conductor metal construction If the separation distance is too short, the conductive parts of the building construction have to be connected to the air-termination system. The effects from the currents have to be taken into account. Fig. 5.2.2.4.1 Air-termination system installed on large roofs - Internal down-conductor system

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5.2.3 Down conductors of an isolated external lightning protection system

If an air-termination system comprises air-termination rods on isolated masts (or one mast), then this is both air-termination system and down-conductor system at the same time (Fig. 5.2.3.1).
s s

5.2.4 High-voltage resistant, isolated down-conductor system HVIconductor

A multitude of structures is used in order to create an exhaustive network of cell sites. Some of these structures have lightning protection systems. In order to design and implement the mast infrastructure in accordance with the standards, the actual situation must be taken into account during the design phase while the relevant standards have to be strictly differentiated. Owing to the different protection objectives (protection against lightning or earthing of the cell site), it is not permissible to mix DIN V VDE V 0185-3 and DIN VDE 0855 Part 300. For the operator of a mobile phone network there are basically three different situations: Structure has no lightning protection system Structure is equipped with a lightning protection system which is no longer capable of functioning Structure is equipped with a funtioning lightning protection system Structure has no lightning protection system The cell site is constructed in accordance with DIN VDE 0855 Part 300. This deals with the earthing of the cell site. In accordance with the concept for protection against surges of the mobile phone network operators, supplementary protection against surges is integrated into the meter section. Structure is equipped with a lightning protection system which is no longer capable of functioning The cell site must be connected to the external lightning protection system (LPS) as required by the type of lightning protection system determined. The lightning current paths required for the cell site are investigated and assessed. This involves replacing non-functional components of the existing installation which are required to discharge the lightning current, such as air-termination conductor, down-conductor system and connection to the earth-termination system. Any observed defects to parts of the installation which are not required must be notified in writing to the owner of the structure. Structure is equipped with a functioning lightning protection system Experience has shown that most lightning protection systems are designed

Fig. 5.2.3.1 Air-termination masts isolated from the building

Each individual mast requires at least one down conductor. Steel masts or masts with an interconnected steel reinforcement require no supplementary downconductor system. For optical reasons, a metal flag pole, for example can also be used as an air-termination system. The separation distance s between the air-termination and down-conductor systems and the structure must be maintained. If the air-termination system consists of one or more spanned wires or cables, each end of the cable which the conductors are attached to requires at least one down conductor (Fig. 5.2.3.2).
s

according to lightning protection systems Type III. Regular inspections are prescribed for certain structures. It must be planned to integrate the cell site installation in accordance with the type of lightning protection system determined. For installations with lightning protection systems Type I and II, the surroundings of the installation must be recorded photographically to ensure that, if problems subsequently arise with proximities, the situation at the time of construction can be proven. If a cell site is erected on a structure with a functional external lightning protection system, its erection is governed by the latest lightning protection standard (DIN V VDE V 0185). In this case, DIN VDE 0855 Part 300 can only be used for the equipotential bonding of the antenna cable. Proximities must be calculated as appropriate to the type of lightning protection system. All mechanical components used must be able to cope with the prospective partial lightning currents. For reasons of standardisation, all the steel fixing elements and structures for holding antennas of many mobile phone network operators must be designed for lightning protection systems Type I. The connection should be done via the shortest route, which is not a problem, however, as the air-termination conductors on flat roofs are usually designed to be meshed. If there is a functional lightning protection system on the host building, this has a higher priority than an antenna earthing installation. Because of how it is designed, the type of lightning protection system to be effected must be laid down at the discussion stage of the project: If other system components are also situated on the roof, it is preferable to install the electrical cable on the exterior side of the structure. If other system components are situated on the roof, and if it is intended to erect a central mast, the installation must be equipped with an isolated lightning protection system. If the system technology is located within the structure, it is preferable to have an isolated lightning protection embedment. Care must be taken that the cell site infrastructure is designed to be geometrically small so that the costs of the isolated lightning protection system are economically viable. Experience has shown that, in many cases, existing lightning protection systems have old defects which adversely affect the effectiveness of the installa-

Fig. 5.2.3.2 Air-termination masts spanned with cables

If the air-termination system forms an intermeshed network of conductors, i. e. the individual spanned wires or cables are interconnected to form a mesh (being cross-linked), there must be at least one down conductor at the end of each cable the conductors are attached to (Fig. 5.2.3.3).
mechanical fixing

down conductor Fig. 5.2.3.3 Air-termination masts spanned with cables with cross connection (meshing)

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LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 63

tion. These defects mean that even if the cell site is correctly tied-in to the external lightning protection system, damage can still be caused within the structure. In order to enable a designer of mobile phone networks to erect antenna installations in accordance with the standards even in difficult situations, the only thing available to him used to be the isolated lightning protection system with horizontal distance holders. In such cases, however, the design of the antenna installation, could really not be considered architecturally aesthetic (Fig. 5.2.4.1). Air-termination systems as shown in Fig. 5.2.4.1 are not applicable for locations where the antennas have to be pleasing to look at.

which enables the high impulse voltages caused by the lightning to be directed to a reference potential. In order to achieve this, a connection between the special external coating and the equipotential bonding must be created at a defined distance (1.40 m 1.60 m from the supply point) (Figs. 5.2.4.1.2 to 5.2.4.2.3). There must be no connection between components of the air-termination system and the down conductor.

head piece

KS connector

sealing unit range

supporting clamp

connection to the equipotential bonding

length of the HVI conductor to be shortened on site. To avoid low energy flashovers arising as a result of the capacitive displacement currents, the HVI conductor can be additionally connected to the equipotential bonding as the conductor is being installed. These terminals do not have to be capable of conducting lightning currents since the capacitive displacement currents are low in energy and do not lead to dangerous sparking. The HVI conductor with its high dielectric strength can be assigned an equivalent separation distance in air of s = 0.75 m. Specifying an equivalent separation distance in air of s = 0.75 m, one obtains max. cable lengths as a function of the lightning protection level provided by the lighting protection system and the current splitting coefficient kc. By improving the current splitting to several down conductors (reducing cc) it is possible to further increase the max. cable length for a given lightning protection level for a structure.

EB terminal earth connection element HVI conductor

5.2.4.2 Installation example

Application for cell sites Cell site installations are frequently erected on host structures. There is usually an agreement between the operator of the cell site installation and the owner of the structure that the erection of the cell site installation must not increase the risk to the structure. For protection against lightning, this particularly means that no partial lightning currents must enter the structure if there is a lightning stroke to the frame structure. A partial lightning current within the structure would especially put the electrical and electronic apparatus at risk. Fig 5.2.4.2.1 shows one possible solution for the isolated air-termination system on the frame structure of an antenna.

Fig. 5.2.4.1.2 Components of HVI Conductor

Fig. 5.2.4.1 Isolated air-termination system with distance holder

The isolated HVI conductor is an innovative solution which provides the installer of lightning protection systems with novel possibilities for design and for easy maintaining of the separation distance.

The coaxial HVI conductor consists of a 19 mm2 copper wire, thick-walled highvoltage-resistant insulation, and a special external weatherproof coating. The prefabricated HVI conductor supplied by the manufacturer is equipped with a matched terminal on the supply side. The earth side is also designed for a terminal. This can be mounted on the HVI conductor on site (delivered: mounted on the earth side). This allows the

5.2.4.1 Installation of a HVI isolated down conductor

If no additional measures are provided, impulse voltages > 250 kV cause flashovers along the surface of insulating materials. This effect is known as creeping flashover. Fig. 5.2.4.1.1 shows how a creepage discharge is caused. To prevent creepage discharges, the new HVI conductor has been equipped with a specially doped special external coating

inner conductor insulation

proximity

Fig. 5.2.4.1.1 Basic development of a creepage discharge at an isolated down conductor without special coating

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HVI conductor air-termination rod insulating pipe supporting clamp GRP/Al HVI conductor

sealing unit range

earthing clamp

earth connection feeding point

If several structures are mounted on the roof then, according to the basic illustration in Fig. 5.2.4.2.3, several isolated airtermination systems must be installed. This must be done to ensure that all structures protruding above the roof must be arranged in an area protected from lightning strokes (lightning protection zone 0B).

antenna

5.2.4.3 Project example: Training and residential building

Structure The structure in Fig. 5.2.4.3.1 was built conventionally from the ground floor to the 6th floor. At a later date, the 7th floor was attached to the existing roof surface. The external faade of the 7th floor consists of metal sheets. The media centre is situated on the 3rd floor, the ground floor is used for administration. All other floors up to the 7th floor are used for appartments. The roof surface of the 6th and 7th floors was finished off with a metal attic whose components are interconnected so as to be non-conductive. The complete structure is 25.80 m high (without attic) up to the roof level (- 7th floor). Subsequently, five antenna systems for mobile phone systems and microwaves were installed by different operators of mobile phone networks on the roof surface of the 7th floor. The antennas were erected both in the corners and in the middle of the roof surface. The cables (coax cables) from the four antennas in the corners of the roof surface were installed in the vicinity of the attic to the south-west corner. From this point, the cables are led through a metal cable duct which is connected to the attic of the roof surfaces of the 7th and 6th floors to the BTS room on the 6 th floor. The cables from the antenna in the middle are also installed by means of a metal cable duct directly to the 2nd BTS room on the north-east side of the structure to the 6th floor. This cable duct is also connected to the surrounding attics. The structure was equipped with a lightning protection system. The new installation of the external lightning protection system to protect against damage to the structure and life hazards was designed in accordance with lightning protection standard DIN V VDE V 0185-3. During the installation of the antennas, the equipotential bonding and earthing measures of the system were carried out in accordance with DIN VDE 0855 Part 300.

Fig. 5.2.4.2.2b Connection to the antenna construction for directing potential

s = separation distance Fig. 5.2.4.2.1 Isolated air-termination sytem with voltage-controlled isolated down conductor

The air-termination tip must be fixed to the frame structure of the antenna by means of an insulating pipe in non conductive material so that it is isolated. The height of the air-termination tip is governed by the requirement that the structure of the frame and any electrical devices which are part of the cell site installation (BTS) must be arranged in the zone of protection of the air-termination tip. Structures with several antenna systems must be equipped with multiple isolated air-termination systems. Figs.5.2.4.2.2a and b illustrate the installation on an antenna post.
air-termination tip feeding point

Roof-mounted structures Metal and electrical roof-mounted structures protrude above roof level and are exposed points for lightning strokes. The risk of partial lightning currents flowing within the structure is also existing because of conductive connections with conduits and electrical conductors leading into the structure. To prevent this and to set up the necessary separation distance for the complete structure easily, the air-termination system must be installed with a terminal to the isolated down-conductor system, as shown in Fig. 5.2.4.2.3.

isolated airtermination system

metal attic cover in the protective area of the isolated air-termination system

sealing unit range EB terminal

metal earthed roofmounted structure cable duct earth connection reinforcement cable duct separation distance s HVI conductor I

HVI conductor

insulating pipe

foundation earthing electrode

Fig. 5.2.4.2.2a Insulating pipe within the antenna area

Fig. 5.2.4.2.3 Keeping the required separation distance with voltage-controlled isolated down conductor (HVI)

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LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 65

The earthing of the systems, however, was not isolated from the existing external lightning protection system at the earth-termination system at ground level, but directly at the air-termination system. Hence, in the event of a lightning discharge, partial lightning currents are conducted directly into the structure via the coax cable shields. These partial lightning currents do not only present a life hazard, they also present a hazard to the existing technical equipment of the structure. New concept A lightning protection system was required, which prevents partial lightning currents from being conducted directly into the structure via the antenna components (frame structures, cable shields and installation systems). At the same time, the required separation distance s between the frame structures of the antennas and the air-termination system on the roof surface of the 7th floor must be realised. This cannot be effected with a lightning protection system of a conventional design. By installing the HVI conductor, a lightning protection system was constructed with an isolated air-termination system. This required the following components: Air-termination tips on insulating pipes in GRP material, secured directly to the antenna pole (Fig. 5.2.4.2.2a). Down conductor from the airtermination tip by means of an HVI conductor with connection to the isolated ring conductor (Fig. 5.2.4.3.2). Field-controlled feeding point to ensure the resistance against creeping flashovers at the input (Figs. 5.2.4.2.2a and 5.2.4.2.2b). Isolated ring conductor on insulating supports made of GRP, supports as high as according to the calculation of the required separation distance Down conductors installed separately from the isolated ring conductor via the respective metal attics and metal faade to the bare metal down conductors on the 6th floor with the required separation distance s to the lower attic (Fig. 5.2.4.3.3).

Supplementary ring conductor, all down-conductor systems interconnected at a height of approx. 15 m to reduce the required separation distance s of the interception and down-conductor system (Figs. 5.2.4.3.4 and 5.2.4.4.1). The various implementation stages explained in detail are summarised in Fig. 5.2.4.3.4. It is also important to note that the proposed design concept was discussed in detail with the system erector in order to avoid mistakes when carrying out the work. When designing the external lightning protection system, care was taken that the deck on the 6th floor (Fig. 5.2.4.3.1) and the lower attachments (Fig. 5.2.4.3.4) were also arranged in the zone of protection/protective angle of the air-termination system.
Antennas of the cell site operators (1 - 5) 5 4 3 1 2 cable tray

Fig. 5.2.4.3.1 Total view

HVI conductor

isolated ring conductor

HVI-Leitung

cable tray

connection to
equipotential bonding

HVI conductor

isolated ring conductor Fig. 5.2.4.3.2 Isolated air-termination system and isolated ring conductor Ref.: H. Bartels GmbH, Oldenburg, Germany Fig. 5.2.4.3.3 Down conductor of isolated ring conductor

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air-termination tip HVI conductor

isolated ring conductor attic cable duct bare down condductor

ring conductor

bare down conductor

Fig. 5.2.4.3.4 Total view on a new installed external lightning protection system

5.2.4.4 Separation distance

When calculating the required separation distance s, not only the height of the structure but also the heights of the individual antennas with the isolated air-termination system had to be taken into consideration. Each of the four corner antennas protrudes 3.6 m above the surface of the roof. The antenna in the middle protrudes 6.6 m above the roof surface. Considering the height of the structure ,result the following total heights to be taken into account when calculating the installation: 4 corner antennas to the base of the air-termination tip + 29.40 m 1 antenna in the middle of the roof surface to the base of the air-termination tip + 32.40 m Three further, isolated separate airtermination rods on the west side of the roof surface and two isolated airtermination masts on the balcony 6th floor, south side, realise the zone of protection of the complete roof surface. A special cable, DEHNconductor, Type HVI, was used as the isolated down conductor, allowing an equivalent separation distance of s = 0.75 m (air) / 1.5 m (solid building materials) to be maintained. The calculation of the required separation distances was done as shown in Fig. 5.2.4.4.1 for three partial areas : 1. Partial section with height + 32.4 m and height + 29.4 m (antennas) to + 2.

27.3 m (isolated ring conductor) on the roof. Partial section of + 27.3 m to + 15.0 m (isolated ring conductor on roof up to lower supplementary ring conductor). Partial section of + 15.0 to 0 m (lower ring conductor to ground level).

3.

The complete down-conductor system comprises six down conductors from the isolated ring conductor at a height of + 27.3 m to the supplementary ring conductor at ground level + 15.0 m. The ring conductor at ground + 15.0 m is connected with the earthing ring conductor via the six down conductors of the residential structure and four further down conductors on attached parts of the structure. This produces a different splitting of the current in the individual partial areas which had to be taken into consideration for the design of the lightning protection system. The equipotential bonding required and the earthing of the antenna components on the roof surface (including the cable ducts, metal faades and the attics on both roof levels) was done using two supplementary earthing cables NYY 1x25 mm2 connected to the equipotential bonding of the individual BTS stations. The erection of this isolated air-termination system on the surface of the roof and on the antenna systems, as well as the isolated down conductors around metal parts of the structure, prevent partial lightning currents from entering the structure.

kc1

L1

7th floor

kc2

L2

6th floor 5th floor 4th floor 3rd floor 2nd floor 1st floor ground floor

ring conductor down conductor

kc3

Fig. 5.2.4.4.1 Calculation of the required separation distance

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LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 67

EB conductor

5.3 Materials and minimum dimensions for air-termination conductors and down conductors
Table 5.3.1 gives the minimum cross sections, form and material of air-termination systems. These requirements arise from the electrical conductivity of the materials to carry lightning currents (temperature rise) and the mechanical stresses when in use. When using a round conductor 8 mm as an air-termination tip, the max. free height permitted is 0.5 m. The height limit for a round conductor 10 mm is 1 m in free length. Note: According to DIN V VDE V 0185-3 Clause 1, Table 9, the minimum cross section for an interconnecting conductor between two equipotential bonding bars is 16 mm2 Cu. Tests with a PVC-isolated copper conductor and short strokes of 100 kA (10/350 s) determined a temperature rise of around 56 K. Thus, a cable NYY 1 x 16mm2 Cu can be used as a down conductor or as a surface and underground interconnecting cable, for example.

Material

Form

Min. crosssection mm2 50 50 50 200 50 50 50 70 50 50 50 50 50 200 50 50 50 200 60 105 50 70 200 78

Remarks

Copper

tape round cable round

c, d

min. thickness 2 mm 8 mm min. diameter per wire 1.7 mm 16 mm min. thickness 2 mm 8 mm min. diameter per wire 1.7 mm min. thickness 3 mm 8 mm min. diameter per wire 1.7 mm min. thickness 2.5 mm 8 mm min. diameter per wire 1.7 mm 16 mm min. thickness 2.5 mm 8 mm min. diameter per wire 1.7 mm 16 mm min. thickness 2 mm min. thickness 3 mm 8 mm min. diameter per wire 1.7 mm 16 mm 10 mm

Tin-coated tape copper a round cable Aluminium tape round cable Aluminium tape alloy round cable round c Hot-dip galvanised steel b Stainless steel e tape round cable round c, d tape f tape round f cable round c round d

a b

Tin-coated or galvanised, mean value 2 m. The zinc coating should be smooth, continuous and free of residual flux, mean value 50 m. For air-termination rods only. For applications where mechanical loads, like wind loads, are not critical, a max. 1 m long rod can be used, which is made of 10 mm round material. For lead-in earthing rods only. Chromium 16 %, nickel 8 %, carbon max. 0.03 % For stainless steel in concrete and/or in direct contact with flammable material, the min. cross section for round material has to be increased to 75 mm2 (10 mm) for round material and to 75 mm2 (thickness 3 mm) for flat material
Material, form and min. cross sections of air-termination conductors, air-termination rods and down conductors

e f

Table 5.3.1

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0.2 m

. 1.2

1.2 m max.

ma x

0.4 m
Fig. 5.4.1

0.5 m

Detail examples of an external lightning protection system at a building with an inclined tiled roof

5.4 Assembly dimensions for air-termination and down-conductor systems

The following dimensions (Fig. 5.4.1) have been tried and tested in practice and are primarily determined by the mechanical forces acting on the components of the external lightning protection system. These mechanical forces arise not so much as a result of the electrodynamic forces generated by the lightning currents, but more as a result of the compression forces and the tensile forces, e. g. due to temperature-dependent changes in length, wind loads or the weight of snow. The information concerning the max. distances of 1.2 m between the conductor holders primarily relates to St/tZn (relatively rigid). For using aluminium, distances of 1 m have become the norm in practice. DIN V VDE V 0185-3 gives the following assembly dimensions for an external lightning protection system (Fig. 5.4.2).

Fig. 5.4.3 illustrates the application on a flat roof.

1m

> 0.5 m and a distance of approx. 1 m from the structure (Fig. 5.4.4). When driving in several earth rods next to each other (necessitated by ground conditions), the earth rods should be separated by at least the pile depth. The individual earth rods must be interconnected. For the earth entries or terminals on the foundation earthing electrode (ring earthing electrodes), corrosion protection must be considered. Measures such as anticorrosive bands or wires with PVC sheath at a min. of 0.3 m above and below the turf (earth entry) must be employed (Fig. 5.4.5) for protection. An optically acceptable and corrosionfree connection possibility is provided by a stainless steel fixed earthing terminal set to be laid in concrete. Moreover, there must also be corrosion protection for the terminal lug for equipotential bonding inside the building in damp and wet rooms.

Fig. 5.4.3 Application on a flat roof

0.5 m

1.5 m

0.3 m

max. 1.2 m

0.15 m

If possible, the separation distances to windows, doors and other openings should be maintained when installing down conductors. Further important assembly dimensions are: Installation of surface earthing electrodes (e. g. ring earthing electrodes) around the structure at a depth of

building

0.5 m

0.3 m corrosion protection 1m Fig. 5.4.4 Dimensions for ring earthing electrodes 0.3 m

e = 0.2 m
appropriate distance Fig. 5.4.2 Air-termination rod for chimneys Fig. 5.4.5 Points threatened by corrosion

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The material combinations below (within air-termination systems, down conductors and with parts of the structure) have been tried and tested, provided that no particularly corrosive environmental conditions must be taken into consideration. These are values obtained from experience (Table 5.4.1).

Steel (tZn) Steel (tZn) Aluminium Copper StSt Titanium yes yes no yes yes yes
Material combinations

Aluminium yes yes no yes yes yes

Copper no no yes yes no yes

StSt yes yes yes yes yes yes

Titanium yes yes no yes yes yes

Tin yes yes yes yes yes yes

5.4.1 Change in length of metal wires

In practice, the temperature-dependent changes in length of air-termination and down conductors are often underestimated. The older regulations and stipulations recommended an expansion piece about every 20 m as a general rule in many cases. This stipulation was based on the use of steel wires, which used to be the usual and sole material employed. The higher values for the coefficients of linear expansion of stainless steel, copper and especially aluminium materials were not taken into account. In the course of the year, temperature changes of 100 K must be expected on and around the roof. The resulting changes in length for different metal wire materials are shown in Table 5.4.1.1. It is noticeable that, for steel and aluminium, the temperature-dependent changes in length differ by a factor of 2. The stipulations governing the use of expansion parts in practice are thus as shown in Table 5.4.1.2.

Tin
Table 5.4.1

Material

Surface under the fixing of the air-termination system or down conductor soft, e.g. flat roof with bitumen- or synthetic roof sheetings hard, e.g. pantiles or brickwork X

Distance between the expansion pieces in m

Steel StSt / Copper Aluminium

X X X X X

15 20 15 15 10

Use of expansion pieces, if no other length compensation is provided

Table 5.4.1.2 Expansion pieces in lightning protection - Recommended application

Material

Coefficient of linear expansion 1 1 106 K

Steel Stainless steel Copper Aluminium

11 16 17 24

When using expansion pieces, care must be taken that they provide flexible length equalisation. It is not sufficient to bend the metal wires into an S shape since these expansion pieces, handmade on site, are not sufficiently flexible. When connecting air-termination systems, for example to metal attics surrounding the edges of roofs, care should be taken that there is a flexible connection to suitable components or measures. If this flexible connection is not made, there is a risk that the metal attic cover will be damaged by the temperaturedependent change in length.

To compensate for the temperaturedependent changes in length of the airtermination conductors, expansion pieces must be used to equalise the expansion (Fig. 5.4.1.1).

Fig. 5.4.1.1 Air-termination system - Compensation of expansion with bridging braid

Calculation formula:

L = i L i T
Assumed change in temperature on the roof: T = 100 K Steel Stainless steel Copper Aluminium
Table 5.4.1.1

L = 11 10-6 100 cm 100 = 0.11 cm = 1.1 mm/m L = 16 10-6 100 cm 100 = 0.16 cm = 1.6 mm/m L = 17 10-6 100 cm 100 = 0.17 cm = 1.7 mm/m L = 24 10-6 100 cm 100 = 0.24 cm 2.4 mm/m
Calculation of the temperature-related change in length L of metal wires in lightning protection

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17 18 3 4 1 11 6 7 5 8

10 13

9 16 EB 2 14 15 12

21 19

20 Fig. 5.4.2.1 External lightning protection of a residential building

5.4.2 External lightning protection system for a residential house

Fig. 5.4.2.1 illustrates the design of the external lightning protection system for a residential house with attached garage. Fig. 5.4.2.1 and Table 5.4.2.1 show examples of the components in use today. No account is taken of the measures required for an internal lightning protection system such as lightning equipotential bonding and surge protection (see also Chapter 6). Particular attention is drawn to DEHNs DEHNsnap and DEHNgrip programme of holders. The DEHNsnap generation of synthetic holders (Fig. 5.4.2.2) is suitable as a basic component (roof and wall). The cap simply snaps in to fix the conductor in the holder while still being loosely guided. The special snap-in technique exerts no mechanical load on the fastening. DEHNgrip (Fig. 5.4.2.2) is a screwless stainless steel system of holders which was put into the programme to supplement the DEHNsnap system of synthetic holders.

DEHNsnap conductor holder

5
cap base part

DEHNgrip conductor holder

Fig. 5.4.2.2 DEHNsnap und DEHNgrip conductor holders

This screwless system of holders can also be used as both a roof and a wall conductor holder for 8 mm conductors. Simply press in the conductors and the conductor is fixed in DEHNgrip (Fig. 5.4.2.2).

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Pos. in Fig. 5.4.2.1

1

Part description Round conductor 8 mm DEHNALU, medium-hard, soft-twistable

Part No. 840 008 840 018

Pos. in Fig. 5.4.2.1

11

Part description Bridging bracket made of aluminium Bridging braid made of aluminium

Part No.

377 006

Steel strip 30 x 3.5 mm St/tZn 810 335

2

377 015 480 150 480 175 275 116 275 260

Round conductor 10 mm StSt V4A Roof conductor holders for ridge and hip tiles

860 010
12

Lead-in earthing rod 16 mm complete Rod holder with flange

202 204 204 204 206 206 204 204 202 202 202 206 206

020 109 249 269 109 239 149 179 010 050 080 209 309

13

Roof conductor holders for conductors within roof surfaces

14

Parallel connector Cross unit SV clamps made of St/tZn SV clamps made of StSt Rod holder with cleat and flange for heat insulation

305 306 319 308 308

000 020 201 220 229

15

275 260 273 730

DEHNsnap DEHNgrip conductor holder with cleat and flange for heat insulation Gutter clamp for beads made of stainless steel Single-screw gutter glamp made of stainless steel MV clamp made of Al MV clamp made of StSt Gutter board clamp

204 006 207 009 275 160 273 740 339 339 339 339 050 059 100 109
16

Number plate for marking isolating points Air-termination rod with forged tab with rounded ends Rod clamp

480 006 480 005

5
7 8

17

100 075 483 075 380 020 262 130

390 050 390 059

18

Rod holder with tip

343 000
19

Downpipe clamp adjustable for 60-150 mm for any cross sections

423 020 423 200

20

Earth rod St/tZn sectional unit with bolt and hole Impact tip for deep-driven earth rods Connecting clamp for earth rods unilateral for earth rods

620 625 620 625

150 150 151 151

620 001 625 001

KS connector for connecting conductors made of StSt MV clamp

301 000 301 009

21

620 011 625 011 620 015 625 015

10

390 051

Table 5.4.2.1 Components for external lightning protection of a residential builiding

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5.4.3 Application tips for mounting roof conductor holders

Ridge and hip tiles: Adjust roof conductor holders with adjusting screw to suit the dimension of the ridge tile (Fig. 5.4.3.1).

For dry ridges, the DEHNsnap conductor holder (1) (Fig. 5.4.3.3) is put on the ridge clamp already on the structure (2) and tightened manually (only turn DEHNsnap).

Smooth tiles (Fig. 5.4.3.5):

Fig. 5.4.3.5 Roof conductor holder with preformed brace - Used on smooth tiles, e.g. plain tiles

Fig. 5.4.3.1 Conductor holder with DEHNsnap for ridge tiles

The conductor leading can, in addition, be gradually adjusted by means of conductor holders from the top centre to the bottom side. (conductor holder can be loosened by either turning the holder or opening the fixing screw.) SPANNsnap roof conductor holder with DEHNsnap synthetic conductor holder or DEHNgrip stainless steel conductor holder (Fig. 5.4.3.2).

Slate roofs: When using it on slate roofs, the internal hook system is bent (Fig. 5.4.3.6) or equipped with a supplementary clamp (Part No. 204 089).

Fig. 5.4.3.3 FIRSTsnap for mounting on existing ridge clamps

Grooved pantiles: The roof conductor holder with preformed struts is used for the roof surfaces. The conductor holder is bent by hand before being hooked into the battens. Additionally, it can also be secured with nails (Fig. 5.4.3.4).

angle the inner latching for use on slate roofs

Fig. 5.4.3.2 SPANNsnap with plastic DEHNsnap conductor holder

Fig. 5.4.3.6 Roof conductor holder with preformed brace - Used on slate roofs
angled by hand

Permanent tension due to stainless steel tension spring. Universal tension range from 180-280 mm with laterally adjustable conductor leading for Rd 8 mm conductors. FIRSTsnap conductor holder with DEHNsnap synthetic conductor holder for putting on existing ridge clamps for dry ridges.

Fig. 5.4.3.4 Roof conductor holder with preformed brace - Used on grooved pantiles

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Grooved tiles: FLEXIsnap roof conductor holder for grooved tiles, for direct fitting on the groove (Fig. 5.4.3.7).
insert the holder underneath

lift tile

lift tile

Overlapped constructions: In case of overlapped constructions (3) (e. g. slabs and natural slates), DEHNsnap conductor holder (1) (Fig. 5.4.3.10) with clamping terminals (2) is pushed on from the side and secured with a screw driver when the holder is open. For slabs laid on a slant, DEHNsnap can also be turned to allow a plumb conductor leading.

insert the holder underneath

1 2
press tile on it

1
press tile on it
DEHNsnap

Fig. 5.4.3.8 Roof conductor holder for hanging into the bottom seam of pantile roofs

Fig. 5.4.3.7 Conductor holder for direct fitting on the seams

The flexible stainless steel strut is pushed between the grooved tiles. By pressing on the top grooved tile, the stainless steel strut is deformed and adapts itself to the shape of the groove. Thus it is fixed tightly under the tile. This application with an aluminium strut makes it easy to adapt to the shape of the groove. A notch is provided for an eventually existing window hook. The strut of the holder can also be nailed down (holes in the strut). Roof conductor holders with preformed strut, for hooking into the bottom groove for pantile roofs (Fig. 5.4.3.8).

Flat tiles or slabs: DEHNsnap conductor holder (1) (Fig. 5.4.3.9) and its clamping device (2) is pushed in between the flat tiles (3) (e. g. plain tile) or slabs and tightened manually (only turn DEHNsnap).

2 Fig. 5.4.3.10 PLATTENsnap roof conductor holder for overlapped constructions

1 2

1
DEH Nsn ap

Fig. 5.4.3.9 ZIEGELsnap, for fixing between flat tiles or plates

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5.5 Earth-termination systems

A detailed explanation of the terms used in earth-termination technology is contained in DIN V VDE V 0185-3 "Lightning protection physical damage to structures and life hazards", DIN VDE 0101 "Power supply systems for nominal ac voltages above 1 kV", DIN VDE 0100 "Erection of power supply systems with nominal voltages up to 1000 V" (Part 200 and Part 540). Below, we repeat only the terminology which is required to understand the following designs.

trical connection with it (includes also foundation earthing electrodes). Earth-termination system is a localised entirety of interconnected conductive earthing electrodes or metal components acting as such, (e. g. reinforcements of concrete foundations, cable metal sheaths in contact with the earth, etc.). Earthing conductor is a conductor connecting a system component to be earthed to an earthing electrode and which is installed above the ground or insulated in the ground. Lightning protection earthing is the earthing installation of a lightning protection system to discharge lightning currents into the earth. Below some types of earthing electrodes and their classification are described according to location, form and profile. Classification according to location Surface earthing electrode is an earthing electrode generally driven in at a shallow depth down to 1 m. It can consist of round material or flat strips and be designed as a star-type, ring or meshed earthing electrode or a combination thereof. Earth rod is an earth rod generally driven in plumb down to greater depths. It can consist of round material or material with another profile, for example.

Classification according to form and profile One distinguishes between: flat strip earthing electrodes, cruciform earthing electrodes and earth rods. Natural earthing electrode is a metal component in contact with the earth or with water either directly or via concrete, whose original function is not as an earthing electrode but which acts as an earthing electrode (reinforcements of concrete foundations, conduits, etc.). Foundation earthing electrode is a conductor embedded in concrete which is in contact with the earth over a wide area. Control earthing electrode is an earthing electrode whose form and arrangement serves more to control the potential than to maintain a certain earthing electrode resistance. Types of resistance Specific earth resistance E is the specific electrical resistance of the earth. It is given in m and represents the resistance between two opposite sides of a cube of earth with edges of 1 m in length. Earthing electrode resistance RA of an earthing electrode is the resistance of the earth between the earthing electrode and reference earth. RA is practically a resistance. Impulse earthing resistance Rst is the resistance as lightning currents traverse from one point of an earth-termination system to the reference earth. Voltages at current carrying earth-termination systems, control of potential Earth potential UE is the voltage arising between an earth-termination system and reference earth (Fig. 5.5.1). Potential of the earths surface is the voltage between one point of the earths surface and reference earth (Fig. 5.5.1).

Terminology
Earth is the conductive ground whose electrical potential at each point is set equal to zero as agreed. The word "earth" is also the designation for both the earth as a place as well as earth as a material, e. g. the type of soil: humus, loam, sand, gravel and rock. Reference earth (neutral earth) is the part of the earth, especially the surface of the earth outside the sphere of influence of an earthing electrode or an earth-termination system, in which, between two arbitrary points, no perceptible voltages arising from the earthing current occur (Fig. 5.5.1). Earthing electrode is a conductive component or several conductive components in electrical contact with the earth and forming an elec-

UE Earth potential UB Shock hazard voltage UB1 Shock hazard voltage without potential control (at the foundation earthing electrode) UB2 Shock hazard voltage with potential control (foundation and control earthing electrode)

US FE CE

Step voltage Earth surface potential Foundation earthing electrode Control earthing electrode (ring earthing electrode)

CE FE 1m UB2

UB1

FE US

FE + SE

reference earth

Shock hazard voltage UB is the part of the potential of the earths surface which can be bridged by humans (Fig. 5.5.1), the current path via the human body running from hand to foot (horizontal distance from touchable part around 1 m) or from one hand to the other.

Fig. 5.5.1 Earth surface potential and voltages at a foundation earthing electrode FE and control earthing electrode CE flown through by currents

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UE

LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 75

Earthing electrode resistance RA ()

Step voltage US is the part of the potential of the earths surface which can be bridged by humans taking one step 1 m long, the current path via the human body running from one foot to the other (Fig. 5.5.1). Potential control is the effect of the earthing electrodes on the earth potential, particularly the potential of the earths surface (Fig. 5.5.1). Equipotential bonding for lightning protection systems is the connection of metal installations and electrical systems to the lightning protection system via conductors, lightning current arresters or isolating spark gaps. earthing electrode resistance / Specific earth resistance earthing electrode resistance RA The conduction of the lightning current via the earthing electrode into the ground does not happen at one point but rather energises a particular area around the earthing electrode. The type of earthing electrode and the way it is installed must now be chosen to ensure that the voltages affecting the surface of the earth (shock hazard and step voltages) do not assume hazardous values. The earthing electrode resistance RP of an earthing electrode can best be explained with the help of a metal sphere buried in the ground. If the sphere is buried deep enough, the current discharges radially to be equally distributed over the surface of the sphere. Fig. 5.5.2a illustrates this case; as a comparison, Fig. 5.5.2b illustrates the case of a sphere buried just under the earths surface. The concentric circles around the surface of the sphere represent surfaces of equal voltage. The earthing electrode resistance RA is composed of the partial resistances of individual layers of the sphere connected in series.

The resistance of such a layer of the sphere is calculated using

I R = E i q
where E is the specific earth resistance of the ground, assuming it is homogeneous, l the thickness of an imaginary layer of the sphere and q the medial surface of this layer of the sphere

160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 1

RA = 161 approx. 90%

2 3 4 5 Distance x (m)

To illustrate this, we assume a metal sphere 20 cm in diameter buried at a depth of 3 m at a specific earth resistance of 200 m. If now the increase in earthing electrode resistance for the different layers of the sphere is calculated, then as a function of the distance from the centre of the sphere, a curve as shown in Fig. 5.5.3 is obtained. The earthing electrode resistance RA for the spherical earthing electrode is calculated using:

Fig. 5.5.3 Earthing electrode resistance RA of a spherical earthing electrode with 20 cm, 3 m deep, at E = 200 m as a function of the distance x from the centre of the sphere

trode resistance RA has already been achieved. Specific earth resistance E The specific earth resistance E, which determines the magnitude of the earthing electrode resistance RA of an earthing electrode, is a function of the composition of the soil, the amount of moisture in the soil and the temperature. It can fluctuate between wide limits. Values for various types of soil Fig. 5.5.4 gives the fluctuation ranges of the specific earth resistance E for various types of soil. Seasonal fluctuations Extensive measurements (literature) have shown that the specific earth resistance varies greatly according to the burial depth of the earthing electrode. Owing to the negative temperature coefficient of the ground ( = 0.02 ... 0.004), the specific earth resistances attain a maximum in winter and a minimum in summer. It is therefore advisable to convert the measured values obtained from earthing electrodes to the maximum prospective values, since even under unfavourable conditions (very low temperatures), permissible values must not be exceeded. The curve of the specific earth resistance E as
Concrete Boggy soil, turf Farmland, loam Humid sandy soil Dry sandy soil Rocky soil Gravel Lime River and lake water

rK E i 100 1 + 2 t RA = i 2 i rK 2
E Specific earth resistance in m t rK Burial depth in cm Radius of the spherical earthing electrode in cm

This formula gives a earthing electrode resistance of RA = 161 for the spherical earthing electrode. The trace of the curve in Fig. 5.5.3 shows that the largest fraction of the total earthing electrode resistance occurs in the immediate vicinity of the earthing electrode. Thus, for example, at a distance of 5 m from the centre of the sphere, 90 % of the total earthing elec-

equipotential lines

a) Spherical earthing electrode deep in the ground

b) Spherical earthing electrode close to the earth surface

Sea water

0.1

10

100

1000

10000 E in m

Fig. 5.5.2 Current distribution from the spherical earthing electrode

Fig. 5.5.4 Specific earth resistance E of different ground types

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a function of the season (ground temperature) can be represented to a very good approximation by a sine curve having its maximum around the middle of February and its minimum around the middle of August. Investigations have further shown that, for earthing electrodes buried not deeper than around 1.5 m, the maximum deviation of the specific earth resistance from the average is around 30 % (Fig. 5.5.5).
+ E in % 30 20 10 0 10 20 30 burial depth < 1.5 m burial depth > 1.5 m
June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Jan. Feb. March April May Dec.

measured resistance R one can determine the specific earth resistance E of the ground:

E = 2 i e i R
R e measured resistance in probe distance in m E average specific earth resistance in m down to a depth corresponding to the probe distance e By increasing the probe distance e and re-tuning the earthing measuring bridge, the curve of the specific earth resistance can be determined E as a function of the depth. Calculation of earthing electrode resistances Table 5.5.1 gives the formulae for calculating the earthing electrode resistances of the most common types of earthing electrode. In practice, these approximate formulae are quite sufficient. The precise formulae for the calculations must be taken from the following sections.

Straight surface earthing electrode Surface earthing electrodes are generally embedded horizontally in the ground at a depth of 0.5...1 m. Since the layer of soil covering the earthing electrode dries out in summer and freezes in winter, the earthing electrode resistance RA of such a surface earthing electrode is calculated as if it lays on the surface of the ground:

RA =

2il E i In d iI

RA earthing electrode resistance of a stretched surface earthing electrode in E Specific earth resistance in m l d Length of the surface earthing electrode in m Half the width of steel strip in m or diameter of the round wire in m

E in % Fig. 5.5.5 Specific earth resistance E as a function of the seasons without influencing of rainfall (burial depth of the earthing electrode < 1.5 m)

For earthing electrodes buried deeper (particularly for earth rods), the fluctuation is merely 10 %. From the sineshaped curve of the specific earth resistance in Fig. 5.5.5, the earthing electrode resistance RA of an earth-termination system measured on a particular day can be converted to the maximum prospective value. Measurement The specific earth resistance E is determined using an earthing measuring bridge with 4 clamps which operates according to the null method. Fig. 5.5.6 illustrates the measuring arrangement of this measuring method named after WENNER. The measurement is carried out from a fixed central point M which is retained for all subsequent measurements. Four measuring probes (earthing spikes 30 ... 50 cm long) are driven into the soil along a line a a' pegged out in the ground. From the
e e e

Earthing electrode resistance Surface earthing electrode (star-type earthing electrode) earth rod (earth rod) Ring earthing electrode

Rough estimate

Auxiliary

RA = RA = RA = RA = RA = RA =

2 i E l

5
2

E l
2 i E 3iD

D = 1.13 i D = 1.13 i

A A

Meshed earthing electrode

E 2iD E 4.5 i a E iD

Earth plate

Hemispherical earthing electrode RA Earthing electrode resistance ()

D = 1.57 i

E Specific earth resistance (m) I D Length of the earthing electrode (m) Diameter of a ring earthing electrode, of the area of the equivalent circuit or of a hemispherical earthing electrode Area (m2) of the enclosed area of a ring or meshed earthing electrode Edge length (m) of a square earth plate, for rectangular plates value: b i c , while b and c are the two sides of the rectangle Content (m3) of a single foundation element
Formulae for calculating the earthing electrode resistance RA for different earthing electrodes

measuring device Fig. 5.5.6 Determination of the specific earth resistance E with a four-terminal measuring bridge acc. to the WENNER method

A a V

Table 5.5.1

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Max. step voltage in % of the total voltage

The earthing electrode resistance RA as a function of the length of the earthing electrode can be taken from Fig. 5.5.7. Fig. 5.5.8 shows the transverse and longitudinal earthing potential UE for an 8 m long flat strip earthing electrode. The effect of the burial depth on the earthing potential can be clearly seen. Fig. 5.5.9 illustrates the step voltage US as a function of the burial depth.
Earthing electrode resistance RA () 100

Combination of earthing electrodes

% 100 80 60 40 20 0.5 1 1.5 2m

Burial depth Fig. 5.5.9 Max. step voltage US as a function of the burial depth for a stretched earth strip

In practice, the calculation is done using the approximate formula in Table 5.5.1:

RA =

2 i E l

E = 100 m E = 200 m 50 E = 500 m

Earth rod The earthing electrode resistance RA of a earth rod is calculated using:

RA =

2il E i ln d 2 i l

RA Earthing electrode resistance in E Specific earth resistance in m l

50 Length I of the stretched surface earthing electrode (m) 100

Length of the earth rod in m Diameter of the earthing rod in m

The earthing electrode resistances calculated using the formulae and the measurement results given in the diagrams apply to low frequency dc current and ac current provided that the expansion of the earthing electrode is relatively small (a few hundred metres). For longer lengths, e. g. for surface earthing electrodes, the ac current also has an inductive part. Furthermore, the calculated earthing electrode resistances do not apply to lightning currents. This is where the inductive part plays a role, which can lead to higher values of the impulse earthing resistance for larger expansion of the earth-termination system. Increasing the length of the surface earthing electrodes or earth rods above 30 m reduces the impulse earthing electrode resistance by only an insignificant amount. It is therefore expedient to combine several shorter earthing electrodes. In such cases, because of their interaction, care must be taken that the actual total earthing electrode resistance is greater than the value calculated from the individual resistances connected in parallel. Star-type earthing electrodes Star-type earthing electrodes in the form of cruciform surface earthing electrodes are important when relatively low earthing electrode resista nces shall be created in poorly conducting ground at an affordable price. The earthing electrode resistance RA of a cruciform surface earthing electrode whose sides are at 90 to each other is calculated using:

Fig. 5.5.7 Earthing electrode resistance RA as a function of length I of the surface earthing electrode at different specific earth resistance E

As an approximation, the earthing electrode resistance RA can be calculated using the approximate formula given in Table 5.5.1:

RA =
LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION Earth potential UE (%) UE 100 80 60 40 20 50 cm t = 0 cm t 100 cm a V

E l

Fig. 5.5.10 shows the earthing electrode resistance RA as a function of the rod length l and the specific earth resistance E.
Earthing electrode resistance RA 100 a 80 60 E = 500 m

RA =

2il E + 2.5 i ln d 4 i l

Distance a (m) from earthing electrode TRANSVERSE DIRECTION UE 100 80 60 40 20 100 cm 50 cm t = 0 cm a Distance a (m) from earthing electrode Fig. 5.5.8 Earth potential UE between supply conductor and earth surface as a function of the distance from the earthing electrode, at an earth strip (8 m long) in different depths t a V

RA Earthing electrode resistance of the cruciform surface earthing electrode in E Specific earth resistance in m l d Side length in m Half a bandwidth in m or diameter of the round wire in m

Earth potential UE (%)

40 20

E = 200 m E = 100 m 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 Drive-in depth l of the earth rod

As a rough approximation, for longer lengths of the star arrangement (l > 10 m), the earthing electrode resistance RA can be determined using the total length of the star obtained from the equations in Table 5.5.1.

Fig. 5.5.10

Earthing electrode resistance RA of earth rods as a function of their length l at different specific earth resistances E

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Fig. 5.5.11 shows the curve of the earthing electrode resistance RA of cruciform surface earthing electrodes as a function of the burial depth;

RA = E 2iD
Where D is the diameter of the analogous circle having the same area as the meshed earthing electrode, which is determined as follows: For rectangular or polygonal dimensions of the meshed earthing electrode:

Where D is the diameter of the analogous hemisphere having the same volume as the foundation

D = 1.57 i V
V Volume of the foundation

Earthing electrode resistance RA () % 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0.5 1 Burial depth (m) 1.5 l = 25 m l = 10 m E = 200 m

D=
A

Ai4

Area of the meshed earthing electrode

When calculating the earthing electrode resistance, one must be aware that the foundation earthing electrode can only be effective if the concrete body has a large contact area with the surrounding ground. Water repellent, isolating shielding significantly increases the earth earthing electrode resistance. Earth rods connected in parallel To keep the interactions within acceptable limits, the distances between the individual earthing electrodes and earth rods connected in parallel should not be less than the pile depth, if possible. If the individual earthing electrodes are arranged roughly in a circle and if they all have about the same length, then the earthing electrode resistance can be calculated as follows:

For square dimensions (edge length b):

D = 1.1 i b
Fig. 5.5.13 illustrates the curve of the impulse earthing electrode resistance of surface earthing electrodes with single and multiple stars for square-wave voltages. As can be seen from this diagram, for a given length, it is more expedient to install a radial earthing electrode than one single arm.
Z RA n nl = 150 = 10 = 1 ... 4 = 300 m

l = Side length Fig. 5.5.11 Earthing electrode resistance RA of crossed surface earthing electrodes (90) as a function of the burial depth

Fig. 5.5.12 shows the curve of the earthing voltage.

Voltage %

RA =

RA ' p

160 Impulse earth resistance Rst 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 0 Z RA n l

n=4

100 80 60 40 20 10 20 30 m Distance from the centre of the intersection

n=1 2 3 4 RA = 10

Where RA' is the average earthing electrode resistance of the individual earthing electrode. The reduction factor p as a function of the length of the earthing electrode, the distance of the individual earthing electrodes and the number of earthing electrodes can be taken from Fig. 5.5.14.

20 1 2 3 4 5 6 Time s 10 p 10 5 3 2 1 5 3 2 n = 20

d m irect ea io su n re of m en tI

direction of measurement II Fig. 5.5.12

Side length 25 m

Surge impedance of the earth conductor Earthing electrode resistance Quantity of the parallel connected earthing Mean length of the earthing electrodes Impulse earth resistance Rst of single or multiple star-type earthing electrodes with equal length

Earth potential UE between the supply conductor of the earthing electrode and earth surface of crossed surface earthing electrodes (90) as a function of the distance from the cross centre point (burial depth 0.5 m)

For star-type earthing electrodes, the angle between the individual arms should be greater than 60. According to Fig. 5.5.12 the earthing electrode resistance of a meshed earthing electrode is given by the formula:

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45

Fig. 5.5.13

Foundation earthing electrode The earthing electrode resistance of a metal conductor in a concrete foundation can be calculated as an approximation using the formula for hemispherical earthing electrodes:

0.5

2 a l

10

p n a l

E RA = iD

Reduction factor Quantity of the parallel connected earthing electrodes Mean distance of the earthing electrodes Mean length of the earthing electrodes Reduction factor p for calculating the total earthing electrode resistance RA of earth rods connected in parallel

Fig. 5.5.14

LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 79

Combination of flat strip earthing electrodes and earth rods If sufficient earthing electrode resistance is provided by earth rods, for example from deep water carrying layers in sandy soil, then the earth rod shall be as close as possible to the object to be protected. If a long feed is required, it is expedient to install a radial multiple star-type earthing electrode in parallel to this in order to reduce the resistance as the current rises. As an approximation, the earthing electrode resistance of a flat strip earthing electrode with earth rod can be calculated as if the flat strip earthing electrode were extended by the drive-in depth of the earth rod.

atically and the lightning current is safely distributed in the ground. The lightning current i raises the structure to be protected to the earthing potential UE

U E = i i RA +

1 di iLi 2 dt

with respect to the reference earth. The potential of the earths surface decreases with increasing distance from the earthing electrode (Fig. 5.5.1). The inductive voltage drop across the earthing electrode during the lightning current rise must only be taken into account for extended earth-termination systems (e. g. as required for long surface earthing electrodes in poorly conducting soils with bedrock). In general, the earthing electrode resistance is determined only by the ohmic part. If isolated conductors are led into the structure, the earthing potential UE has its full value with respect to the conductor. In order to avoid the risk of punctures and flashovers here, such conductors are connected via isolating spark gaps or with live conductors via surge protective devices (see DEHN main catalogue for Surge Protection) to the earth-termination system as part of the lightning equipotential bonding. In order to keep contact and step voltages as low as possible, the magnitude of the earthing electrode resistance must be limited. The earth-termination system can be designed as a foundation earthing electrode, a ring earthing electrode and, for structures with large surface areas, as a meshed earthing electrode and, in special cases, also as an individual earthing electrode. Foundation earthing electrodes must be designed in accordance with DIN 18014. The foundation earthing electrode must be designed as a closed ring and arranged in the foundations of the external walls of the structure, or in the foundation slab, in accordance with DIN 18014. For larger structures, the foundation earthing electrode should contain interconnections to prevent an exceeding of the max. mesh size 20 m x 20 m. The foundation earthing electrode must be arranged to be enclosed by concrete on all sides. For steel strips in non-reinforced concrete, the earthing electrode must be installed on edge.

RA

E I flat strip + I earth rod

Ring earthing electrode For circular ring earthing electrodes with large diameters (D > 30 m), the earthing electrode resistance is calculated as an approximation using the formula for the flat strip earthing electrode (where the circumference D is used for the length of the earthing electrode):

In the service entrance room, a connection must be established between foundation earthing electrode and equipotential bonding bar. According to DIN V VDE V 0185-3, a foundation earthing electrode must be equipped with terminal lugs for connection of the down-conductor systems of the external lightning protection system to the earth-termination system. Due to the risk of corrosion at the point where a terminal lug comes out of the concrete, supplementary corrosion protection should be considered (with PVC sheath or by using stainless steel with Material No. 1.4571). The reinforcement of plate and strip foundations can be used as a foundation earthing electrode if the required terminal lugs are connected to the reinforcement and the reinforcements are interconnected via the joints. Surface earthing electrodes must be installed in a depth of at least 0.5 m. The impulse earthing resistance of earthing electrodes is a function of the maximum value of the lightning current and of the specific earth resistance. See also Fig. 5.5.13. The effective length of the earthing electrode for the lightning current is calculated as an approximation as follows: Surface earthing electrode:

RA =

E 2 i D i ln d iD
2

For non-circular ring earthing electrodes, the earthing electrode resistance is calculated by using the diameter D of an analogous circle with the same area:

I eff = 0.28 i E
earth rod:

I eff = 0.2 i E
Ieff Effective length of the earthing electrode in m Peak value of the lightning current in kA

RA = D=
A

2 i E 3iD Ai4

E Specific earth resistance in m

The impulse earthing resistance Rst can be calculated using the formulae in (Table 5.5.1), where the effective length of the earthing electrode Ieff is used for the length I. Surface earthing electrodes are always advantageous when the upper soil layers have less specific resistance than the subsoil. If the ground is relatively homogeneous (i.e. if the specific earth resistance at the surface is roughly the same as it is deep down) then, for a given earthing electrode resistance, the construction costs of surface earthing electrodes and earth rods are roughly the same.

Area enclosed by the ring earthing electrode

Implementation According to the DIN VDE standards, each installation to be protected must have its own earth-termination system which must be fully functional in itself without requiring metal water pipes or earthed conductors of the electrical installation. The magnitude of the earthing electrode resistance RA is of only secondary importance for protecting a structure or installation against physical damage. It is important that the equipotential bonding at ground level is carried out system-

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According to Fig. 5.5.15, a earth rod must have only around half the length of a surface earthing electrode. If the conductivity of the ground is better deep down than it is on the surface, e. g.
Earthing electrode resistance RA ()
90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 15 10 5 0 0 5 10 15 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

erally, however, a low earth resistance (less than 10 , measured with low frequency) is recommended. The standard classifies earthing electrode arrangements into Type A and Type B. For both Type A and B earthing electrode arrangements, the minimum earthing electrode length I1 of the earthing conductor is a function of the type of lightning protection system (Fig. 5.5.1.1) The exact specific earth resistance can only be determined by on-site measurements using the WENNER method (four-conductor measurement). Earthing electrode Type A

earthing electrode resistance of less than 10 is achieved. earth rods are generally driven in vertically down to greater depths into natural soil which is generally initially encountered below the foundations. Earthing electrode lengths of 9 m have proved to be advantageous. earth rods provide the advantage of lying at greater depths in soil layers whose specific resistance is generally lower than in the areas closer to the surface. In frosty conditions, it is recommended to consider the first 50 cm of a vertical earthing electrode as ineffective. Earthing electrodes Type A do not fulfil the equipotential bonding requirements between the down conductors and the potential control.

surface earthing electrode earth rod

E = 400 m E = 100 m

Length of the earthing electrode l (m) Fig. 5.5.15 Earthing electrode resistance RA of surface and earth rods as a function of the length of the earthing electrode I

l1 (m)
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 500 1000 1500

because of ground water, then an earth rod is generally more cost-effective than the surface earthing electrode. The issue of whether earth rods or surface earthing electrodes are more costeffective in a particular case, can often only be decided by measuring the specific earth resistance as a function of the depth. Since earth rods are easy to assemble and achieve excellent constant earthing electrode resistances without the need to dig a trench and without damaging the ground, these earthing electrodes are also suitable for improving existing earth-termination systems.

e typ
ty

of

LPS

I
I

fL pe o

PS I

type of LPS III-IV

2000 2500 3000

E (m) Fig. 5.5.1.1 Min. lengths of earthing electrodes

5.5.1 Earth-termination systems in accordance with DIN V VDE V 0185-3

Earth-termination systems are the continuation of air-termination and downconductor systems to discharge the lightning current into the earth. Further functions of the earth-termination system are to create equipotential bonding between the down conductors and a potential control in the vicinity of the walls of the structure. It must be borne in mind that a common earth-termination system for the various electrical systems (lightning protection, low voltage systems and telecommunications systems) is preferable. This earthtermination system must be connected to the equipotential bonding (MEB main equipotential bonding bar). Since DIN V VDE V 0185-3 assumes a systematic lightning equipotential bonding, no particular value is required for the earth earthing electrode resistance. Gen-

Earthing electrode arrangement Type A describes individually arranged horizontal star-type earthing electrodes (surface earthing electrodes) or vertical earthing electrodes (earth rods), each of which must be connected to a down-conductor system. There must be at least 2 earthing electrodes Type A. Lightning protection systems Type III and IV require a minimum length of 5 m for earthing electrodes. For lightning protection systems, Type I and II the length of the earthing electrode is determined as a function of the specific ground resistance. The minimum length for earthing electrodes I1 can be taken from Fig. 5.5.1.1. Minimum length of each earthing electrode is: I1 x 0.5 for vertical or slanted earthing electrodes I1 for star-type earthing electrodes The values determined apply to each individual earthing electrode. For combinations of the various earthing electrodes (vertical and horizontal) the equivalent total length should be taken into account. The minimum length for the earthing electrode can be disregarded if an earth

Earthing electrodes Type B Earthing electrodes of the Type B arrangement are ring earthing electrodes around the structure to be protected, or foundation earthing electrodes. The requirements on these earthing electrodes are described in DIN 18014. If it is not possible to have a closed ring outside around the structure, the ring must be completed using conductors inside the structure. Conduits or other metal components which are permanently electrically conductive can also be used for this purpose. At least 80% of the length of the earthing electrode must be in contact with the earth to ensure that, when calculating the separation distance, the earthing electrode Type B can be used as the base. The minimum lengths of the earthing electrodes corresponding to the Type B arrangement are a function of the type of lightning protection system. For lightning protection systems Type I and II, the minimum length for earthing electrodes is also determined as a function of the

area A1 to be considered

A = A1 = A2 r = r l1 A

circular area A2, mean radius r

With respect to ring or foundation earthing electrodes, the mean radius r of the area enclosed by the earthing electrode must not be shorter than l1.

Fig. 5.5.1.2 Earthing electrode Type B - Determination of the mean radius - example calculation

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12 m area A1 to be considered 12 m 5m 7m 5m A = A1 = A2 r = r l1 A

use stainless steel with Material No. 1.4571 (Fig. 5.5.2.1). The following systems can make additional demands on the earth-termination system, for example: Electrical systems conditions of disconnection from supply with respect to the type of network (TN, TT, IT systems) in accordance with VDE 0100 Part 410 Equipotential bonding in accordance with VDE 0100 Part 540 Electronic systems data information technology Antenna earthing installation in accordance with VDE 0855 Electromagnetic compatibility Substation in or near the structure in accordance with VDE 0101 and 0141
20 m

additional terminal conductor for forming meshes 20 m x 20 m

7m

Example: Residential building. Sk III. l1 = 5 m

20 m terminal lug Recommendation: Several terminal lugs e.g. in every technical centre Fig. 5.5.2.2 Mesh of a foundation earthing electrode

A1 = circular area A2 mean radius r r = r =

109

m2

109 m2 3.14 5.89 m

No further earthing electrodes required! Fig. 5.5.1.3 Earthing electrode Type B Determination of the mean radius

specific ground resistance (see also Fig. 5.5.4). For earthing electrodes Type B, the average radius r of the area enclosed by the earthing electrode must be not less than the given minimum length l1. To determine the average radius r, the area under consideration is transferred into an equivalent circular area and the radius is determined as shown in Figs.5.5.1.2 and 5.5.1.3. Below a calculation example: If the required value of l1 is greater than the value r corresponding to the structure, supplementary star-type earthing electrodes or vertical earthing electrodes (or slanted earthing electrodes) must be added, their respective lengths lr (radial/horizontal) and lv (vertical) being given by the following equations:

5.5.2 Earth-termination systems, foundation earthing electrodes and foundation earthing electrodes for special structural measures
Foundation earthing electrodes Earthing electrodes Type B DIN 18014 "Foundation earth electrode" specifies the requirements on foundation earthing electrodes. Many national and international standards specify foundation earthing electrodes as a preferred earthing electrode because, when professionally installed, it is enclosed in concrete on all sides and hence corrosion-resistant. The hygroscopic characteristics of concrete generally produce a sufficiently low earth earthing electrode resistance. The foundation earthing electrode must be installed as a closed ring in the strip foundation or the bedplate (Fig. 5.5.2.1) and thus also acts primarily as the equipotential bonding. The division into
Terminal lug min. 1.5 m long, noticeably marked steel strip 30 x 3.5 mm StSt round steel bar 10 mm round steel bar 10 mm with PVC coating fixed earthing point

meshes 20 m x 20 m and the terminal lugs to the outside required to connect the down conductors of the external lightning protection system, and to the inside for equipotential bonding, must be considered (Fig. 5.5.2.2). According to DIN 18014, the installation of the foundation earthing electrode is an electrical engineering measure to be carried out or monitored by a recognised specialist electrical engineer. The question of how to install the foundation earthing electrode must be decided according to the measure required to ensure that the foundation earthing electrode is enclosed on all sides as the concrete is being poured in.

lr = l1 r lv = l1 r 2

Fig. 5.5.2.3 Foundation earthing electrode

The number of supplementary earthing electrodes must not be less than the number of down conductors, but a minimum of 2. These supplementary earthing electrodes shall be connected to the ring earthing electrode so as to be equidistant around the circumference. If supplementary earthing electrodes have to be connected to the foundation earthing electrode, care must be taken with the materials of the earthing electrode and the connection to the foundation earthing electrode. It is preferable to

Installation in non-reinforced concrete Non-reinforced foundations, e. g. strip foundations of residential structures (Fig. 5.5.2.3), spacers requires the use of. Only by using the spacers at distances of approx. 2 m, is it possible to ensure that the foundation earthing electrode is "lifted up" and can be enclosed on all sides by concrete. Installation in reinforced concrete When using steel mats, reinforcement cages or reinforcement irons in foundations, it is not only possible to connect the foundation earthing electrode to these natural iron components. Furthermore, this should be done. The function

Foundation earthing electrode steel strip 30 x 3.5 mm round steel bar 10 mm Fig. 5.5.2.1 Foundation earthing electrode with terminal lug

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of the foundation earthing electrode is thus made even more favourable. There is no need to use spacers. The modern methods of laying concrete and then vibrating it, ensure that the concrete also flows under the foundation earthing electrode enclosing it on all sides. Fig. 5.5.2.4 illustrates one possible application for the horizontal installation of a flat strip as a foundation earthing electrode. The intersections of the foundation earthing electrode must be connected so as to be capable of carrying currents. Galvanised steel is sufficient as material of the foundation earthing electrode.

Perimeter / Base insulation The magnitude of the specific resistance of the perimeter insulating plates is a decisive factor when considering the effect of perimeter insulation on the earthing electrode resistance of foundation earthing electrodes in conventional arrangements in the foundation (strip foundation, foundation slab). Thus, for a polyurethane rigid foam with bulk density 30 kg/m2, for example , a specific resistance of 5.4 1012 m is given. In contrast, the specific resistance of concrete lies between 150 m and 500 m. This alone shows that, in the case of continuous perimeter insulation, a conventional foundation earthing electrode arranged in the foundations has practically no
terminal lug soil perimeter / base insulation

effect. The perimeter insulation also acts as an electrical insulator. The diagrams below illustrate the various ways of insulating the foundations and walls for structures with perimeter and base insulation. The arrangement of the foundation earthing electrodes for each design is shown in Figs.5.5.2.5 to 5.5.2.7 . The exact arrangement of the earthing electrode in the strip foundation with insulated sides towards the outside and the bedplate is not important (Fig. 5.5.2.6).

concrete

MV Terminal Part No. 390 050

Fixed earthing terminal for EB Part No. 478 800

Cross unit Part No. 318 201 Fig. 5.5.2.4 Foundation earthing electrode in use

insulation moisture barrier basement floor foundation slab granular sub-grade course

Terminal lugs to the outside into the ground must have supplementary corrosion protection at the outlet point. Suitable materials are, for example, plastic sheathed steel wire (owing to the risk of fracture of the plastic sheath at low temperatures, special care must be taken during the installation), high-alloy stainless steel, Material No. 1.4571, or fixed earthing terminals. If professionally installed, the earthing electrode is enclosed on all sides by concrete and hence corrosion-resistant. When designing the foundation earthing electrode, meshes no bigger than 20 m x 20 m must be created. This mesh size bears no relation to the type of lightning protection system of the external lightning protection system. Modern building techniques employ various types of foundations in a wide variety of designs and sealing versions. The thermal insulation regulations have also influenced the design of the strip foundations and foundation slabs. For foundation earthing electrodes installed in new structures in accordance with DIN 18014, the insulation affects their installation and arrangement.

Distance holder Part No. 290 001

foundation earthing electrode drainage

Ref.: VDE series 35

Fig. 5.5.2.5 Arrangement of a foundation earthing electrode in a strip foundation (insulated basement wall) terminal lug soil perimeter / base insulation MV Terminal Part No. 390 050 Fixed earthing terminal for EB Part No. 478 800

concrete

Cross unit Part No. 318 201 Distance holder Part No. 290 001

insulation moisture barrier insulating layer basement floor foundation slab

granular sub-grade course foundation earthing electrode drainage Fig. 5.5.2.6 Arrangement of a foundation earthing electrode in a strip foundation
Ref.: VDE series 35

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LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 83

concrete soil terminal lug Mat No. 1.4571

against life hazards in accordance with DIN VDE 0100 Part 410, and as a lightning protection earthing electrode in accordance with DIN V VDE V 0185.
Fixed earthing terminal for EB Part No. 478 800

MV Terminal Part No. 390 050

perimeter / base insulation

Cross unit Part No. 318 209

insulation moisture barrier foundation slab basement floor

granular sub-grad course ring earthing electrode Mat No. 1.4571 reinforcement
Ref.: VDE series 35

Fig. 5.5.2.7 Arrangement of a foundation earthing electrode in case of a closed floor slab (fully insulated)

If the foundation slab is completely insulated, the earthing electrode must be installed below the bedplate. Material V4A (Material No. 1.4571) should be used (Fig. 5.5.2.7). It is efficient to install fixed earthing terminals, especially for reinforced structures. In such cases, care must be taken that the installation during the construction phase is carried out professionally (Fig. 5.5.2.8).

ensure that no troublesome moisture can form on the inside of the wall. Modern building techniques apply both above mentioned processes for sealing against penetrating water. One particular issue in this context is whether the efficiency of a foundation earthing electrode is still provided for maintaining the measures to protect
terminal lug concrete soil

Foundation earthing electrodes for structures with white tank The name "white tank" is used to express the opposite of "black tank": a "white tank" receives no additional treatment on the side facing the earth, hence it is "white". The "white tank" is manufactured from a special type of concrete. The concrete body is waterproof, which, however, does not mean that the concrete cannot absorb any water. The concrete tank being waterproof means that, if water acts upon one side of it over a long period of time, it does not penetrate the concrete of the tank. On the side of the tank away from the water, no water leaks through nor become any damp patches evident. If the concrete is manufactured correctly and the "white tank" is 10 - 40 cm thick, the maximum permissible value of water/concrete is 0.6 (W/C < 0.6). The penetration depth of the water for this concrete is then a maximum of 5 cm. If a closed round or steel strip ring is laid in the lowest layer of the concrete plate as a foundation earthing electrode, a sufficient effect of the earthing electrode can be expected.

MV Terminal Part No. 390 050

Fixed earthing terminal for EB Part No. 478 800

Fig. 5.5.2.8 Fixed earthing point

Cross unit Part No. 318 201

insulation moisture barrier foundation plate basement floor

Black, white tank In structures erected in regions with a high groundwater table, or in locations, e. g. on hillsides, with pressing water, the cellars are equipped with special measures to prevent moisture penetrating. The outer walls surrounded by earth, and the foundation slab are sealed against the penetration of water to

granular sub-grade course foundation earthing electrode foil reinforcement

drainage
Ref.: VDE series 35

Fig. 5.5.2.9 Arrangement of a foundation earthing electrode in case of a closed floor slab white tank

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If a specific value of the earth earthing electrode resistance is required in order to maintain the protection against electrical shock, e. g. in the TT system (automatic disconnection by means of RCDs or fuses), this must be proved via corresponding earthing measurements. If the requirements on the earthing electrode resistance to protect against life hazards (automatic disconnection of supply, shock hazard voltage) are not met, supplementary earthing electrodes (startype earthing electrodes, earth rods, ring earthing electrodes) must be installed. Fig. 5.5.2.9 illustrates the arrangement of the foundation earthing electrode in a white tank. Earthing electrodes for structures with black tank The name "black tank" derives from the multi-layered strips of black bitumen applied to the sections of the structure which are outside in the ground. The body of the structure is coated with bitumen/tar which is then covered by generally up to 3 layers of bitumen strips. A ring conductor set into the foundation slab above the seal can act as the potential control in the structure. Due to the high-impedance insulation to the outside, however, the earthing electrode is ineffective. In order to comply with the earthing requirements stipulated in the various standards, an earthing electrode, e.g. a ring earthing electrode, must be installed externally around the structure or below all seals in the granular sub-grade course. Wherever possible, the external earthing electrode should be led into the structure above the seal of the structure (Fig. 5.5.2.10), in order to ensure the tightness of the tank also in the long term. A waterproof penetration of the "black tank" is only possible using a special bushing between earthing electrode and building (Fig. 5.5.2.11). Fibre concrete foundation slabs Fibre concrete is a type of concrete which forms a heavy-duty concrete slab with steel fibres added to the liquid concrete before hardening. The steel fibres are approx. 6 cm long and have a diameter of 1 2 mm. The steel fibres are slightly wavy and are admixed equally to the liquid concrete. The proportion of steel fibres is around 20 30 kg/m3 concrete. The admixture gives the concrete slab both a high compression strength and also a high tensile strength and, compared to a conventional concrete slab

concrete soil terminal lug min. 150 cm lead-in above ground water level e.g. StSt (Mat. No. 1.4571)

Max. ground water level

tank seal

foundation plate granular sub-grade course ring earthing electrode

Ref.: VDE series 35

soil

Fig. 5.5.2.10 Arrangement of the earthing electrode outside of the tank seal black tank concrete soil

tank seal

Max. ground water level

Bushing between earthing electrode and building Part No. 478 600

tank seal foundation plate granular sub-grade course ring earthing electrode
Ref.: VDE series 35

soil

Fig. 5.5.2.11 Arrangement of the earthing electrode outside of the tank seal black tank

with reinforcement, it also provides a considerably higher elasticity. The liquid concrete is discharged on site. This allows to create large areas with a smooth surface and no joints. It is used for bedplates in the foundations of large halls, for example. Fibre concrete has no reinforcement. This requires a supplementary ring conductor or a meshed network to be constructed for installing earthing measures. The

earthing conductor can be set in the concrete and, if it is made of galvanised material, it must be enclosed on all sides. This is very difficult to do on site. It is therefore recommended to install a corrosion-resistant high-alloy stainless steel, Material No. 1.4571, below the subsequent concrete bedplate. The corresponding terminal lugs have to be considered.

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Note: A specialist must install the earthing conductors and connecting components in concrete. If this is not possible, the building contractor can undertake the work only if it is supervised by a specialist.

5.5.3 Earth rod Earthing electrode Type B

DIN 18014 stipulates that all new structures must have foundation earthing electrodes. The earth-termination system of existing structures can be designed in the form of a ring earthing electrode (Fig. 5.5.3.1). This earthing electrode must be installed in a closed ring around the structure or, if this is not possible, a connection to close the ring must be made inside the structure. 80 % of the conductors of the earthing electrode shall be installed so as to be in contact with the earth. If this 80 % cannot be achieved, it has to be checked if supplementary earthing electrodes Type A are required. The requirements on the minimum length of earthing electrodes according to the type of lightning protection system must be taken into account (see Chapter 5.5.1). When installing the ring earthing electrode, care must be taken that it is installed at a depth > 0.5 m and a distance of 1 m from the structure. If the earthing electrode is driven in as previously described, it reduces the step voltage and thus acts as a potential control around the structure. This earthing electrode should be installed in natural soil. Setting it in gravel or ground filled with construction waste worsens the earth earthing electrode resistance.

When choosing the material of the earthing electrode with regard to corrosion, the local conditions must be taken into consideration. It is advantageous to use stainless steel. This earthing electrode material does not corrode nor does it subsequently require the earth-termination system to be refurbished with time-consuming and expensive measures such as removal of paving, tar coatings or even steps, for installing a new flat strip. In addition, the terminal lugs must be particularly protected against corrosion.

no increase in diameter so that the earth rod is in close contact with the ground along the whole of its length Self-closing when driving in the rods Simple to drive in with vibration hammers (Fig. 5.5.4.2) or mallets Constant resistance values are achieved since the earth rods penetrate through the soil layers which are unaffected by seasonal changes in moisture and temperature High corrosion resistance as a result of hot-dip galvanising (zinc coating 70 m thick)

5.5.4 Earth rods Earthing electrodes Type A

The sectional earth rods, System DEHN, are manufactured from special steel and hot-dip galvanised, or they consist of high-alloy stainless steel with Material No. 1.4571 (the high-alloy stainless steel earthing electrode is used in areas especially at risk from corrosion). The particular feature of these earth rods is their coupling point, which allows the earth rods to be connected without increasing their diameter. Each rod has a bore at its lower end, while the other end of the rod has a corresponding spigot (Fig. 5.5.4.1). With earthing electrode Type S, the soft metal insert deforms as it is driven into the bore, creating an excellent electrical and mechanical connection. With earthing electrode Type Z, the high coupling quality is achieved with a multiply knurled spigot. With earthing electrode Type AZ, the high coupling quality is achieved with a multiply knurled and shouldered spigot. The advantages of the DEHN earth rods are: Special coupling:

type S

type Z

type AZ

Fig. 5.5.4.1 Couplings of DEHN earth rods

EB

Fig. 5.5.3.1 Ring earthing electrode around a residential building

Fig. 5.5.4.2 Driving the earth rod in with a work scaffolding and a vibrating hammer

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 Galvanised earth rods also provide hot- galvanised coupling points Easy to store and transport since individual rods are 1.5 or 1 m long.

5.5.6 Intermeshing of earth-termination systems

An earth-termination system can serve a wide variety of purposes. The purpose of protective earthing is to safely connect electrical installations and equipment to earth potential and to prevent life hazards and physical damage to property in the event of an electrical fault. The lightning protection earthing system takes over the current from the down conductors and discharges it into the ground. The functional earthing installation serves to ensure that the electrical and electronic installations operate safely and trouble-free. The earth-termination system of a structure must be used for all earthing tasks together, i. e. the earth-termination system deals with all earthing tasks. If this were not the case, potential differences could arise between the installations earthed on different earth-termination systems. Previously, a clean earth was sometimes applied in practice for functional earthing of the electronic equipment, separately from the lightning protection and the protective earth. This is extremely disadvantageous and can even be dangerous. In the event of lightning effects, great potential differences up to a few 100 kV occur in the earth-termination system. This can lead to destruction of electronic installations and also to life hazards. Therefore, DIN V VDE V 0185-3 and -4 require continuous equipotential bonding within a structure. The earthing of the electronic systems can be constructed to have a radial, central or intermeshed 2-dimensional design within a structure, (Fig. 5.5.6.1). This depends both on the electromagnetic

5.5.5 Earthing electrodes in rocky ground

In bedrock or stony ground, surface earthing electrodes such as ring earthing electrodes or star-type earthing electrodes are often the only way of creating an earth-termination system. When installing the earthing electrodes, the flat strip or round material is laid on the stony ground or on the rock. The earthing electrode should be covered with gravel, wet-mix slag aggregate or similar. It is advantageous to use stainless steel Material No. 1.4571 as earthing electrode material. The clamped points should be installed with particular care and be protected against corrosion (anticorrosive band).

environment and also on the characteristics of the electronic installation. If a larger structure comprises more than one building, and if these are connected by electrical and electronic conductors, then combining the individual earthing systems can reduce the (total) earth resistance. In addition, the potential differences between the structures are also reduced considerably. This diminishes noticeably the voltage load of the electrical and electronic connecting cables. The interconnection of the individual earthtermination systems of the structure should produce a meshed network. The meshed earthing network should be constructed to contact the earth-termination systems at the points where the vertical down conductors are also connected. The smaller the mesh size of the network of the earthing installation, the smaller the potential differences between the structures in the event of a lightning stroke. This depends on the total area of the structure. Mesh sizes from 20 m x 20 m up to 40 m x 40 m have proved to be costeffective. If, for example, high vent stacks (preferred points of strike) are existing, then the connections around this part of the plant should be made closer, and, if possible, radial with circular interconnections (potential control). When choosing the material for the conductors of the meshed earthing network, the corrosion and material compatibility must be taken into account.

workshop

stock power centre

administration

gate

production

production production Fig. 5.5.6.1 Intermeshed earth-termination system of an industrial facility

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5.5.7 Corrosion of earthing electrodes 5.5.7.1 Earth-termination systems with particular consideration of corrosion
Metals in immediate contact with soil or water (electrolytes) can be corroded by stray currents, corrosive soils and the formation of voltaic cells. It is not possible to protect earthing electrodes from corrosion by completely enclosing them, i. e. by separating the metals from the soil, since all the usual sheaths employed until now have had a high electrical resistance and therefore negate the effect of the earthing electrodes. Earthing electrodes made of a uniform material can be threatened by corrosion from corrosive soils and the formation of concentration cells. The risk of corrosion depends on the material and the type and composition of the soil. Corrosion damage due to the formation of voltaic cells is being increasingly observed. This cell formation between different metals with widely different metal/electrolyte potentials has been known for many years. What is not widely realised, however, is that the reinforcements of concrete foundations can also become the cathode of a cell and hence cause corrosion to other installations. With the changes to the way buildings are constructed larger reinforced concrete structures and smaller free metal areas in the ground anode/cathode surface ratio is becoming more and more unfavourable, and the risk of corrosion of the more base metals is inevitably increasing. In many cases it was previously suspected that the corrosion was caused by other influences, e. g. ac currents. By means of extensive measurements it could be proved, however, that ac currents with the technical frequencies of 16 2/3 and 50 Hz at the current densities occurring in practice could not be neglected as a reason for the corrosion of bare metals usually used in the ground nowadays. An electrical isolation of installations acting as anodes to prevent this cell formation is only possible in exceptional cases. The aim nowadays is to integrate all earthing electrodes including those metal installations connected to the earth in order to achieve equipotential bonding and hence maximum safety against shock hazard voltages at faults or lightning strokes. In high voltage installations, high voltage protective earthing electrodes are increasingly being connected to low voltage operating earthing electrodes in

accordance with DIN VDE 0101. Furthermore, DIN VDE 0100 Part 410 requires the integration of conduits and other installations into the shock hazard protective measures. Thus, the only way of preventing or at least reducing the risk of corrosion for earthing electrodes and other installations in contact with them is choosing suitable materials for the earthing electrodes. DIN VDE 0151 "Material and minimum dimensions of earth electrodes with respect to corrosion" has been available since June 1986 as a white paper. Apart from decades of experience in the field of earthing technology, the results of extensive preliminary examinations have also been embodied in this standard. Many interesting results are available which are important for the earthing electrodes, including those of lightning protection systems. The fundamental processes leading to corrosion are explained below. Practical anticorrosion measures especially for lightning protection earthing electrodes shall be derived from this and from the wealth of material already acquired by the VDE task force on "Earthing electrode materials". Terms used in corrosion protection and corrosion protection measurements Corrosion is the reaction of a metal material to its environment which leads to impairment of the characteristics of the metal material and/or its environment. The reaction is usually of electrochemical character. Electrochemical corrosion is corrosion during which electrochemical processes occur. They take place exclusively in the presence of an electrolyte. Electrolyte is an ion-conducting corrosive medium (e. g. soil, water, fused salts). Electrode is an electron-conducting material in an electrolyte. The system of electrode and electrolyte forms a half-cell. Anode is an electrode from which a dc current enters the electrolyte. Cathode is an electrode from which a dc current leaves the electrolyte. Reference electrode is a measuring electrode for determining the potential of a metal in the electrolyte.

Copper sulphate/Electrode is a reference electrode which can hardly be polarised, made of copper in saturated copper sulphate solution. The copper sulphate electrode is the most common form of reference electrode for measuring the potential of subterranean metal objects (Fig. 5.5.7.1.1). Corrosion cell is a voltaic cell with different local partial current densities for dissolving the metal. Anodes and cathodes of the corrosion cell can be formed on the material due to different metals (contact corrosion) or different structural components (selective or intercrystalline corrosion). on the electrolyte caused by different concentrations of certain materials having stimulatory or inhibitory characteristics for dissolving the metal.

Potentials Reference potential Potential of a reference electrode with respect to the standard hydrogen electrode. Electropotential is the electrical potential of a metal or an electron-conducting solid in an electrolyte.

1 2 3 4

5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6

Electrolyte copper bar with hole for measurements Rubber plug Ceramic cylinder with porous base Glaze Saturated Cu/CuSO4 solution Cu/CuSO4 crystals

Fig. 5.5.7.1.1 Application example of a non-polarisable measuring electrode (copper/copper sulphate electrode) for tapping a potential within the electrolyte (crosssectional view)

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5.5.7.2 Formation of voltaic cells, corrosion

The corrosion processes can be clearly explained with the help of a voltaic cell. If, for example, a metal rod is dipped into an electrolyte, positively charged ions pass into the electrolyte and conversely, positive ions are absorbed from the electrolyte from the metal band. In this context one speaks of the solution pressure of the metal and the "osmotic pressure" of the solution. Depending on the magnitude of these two pressures, either more of the metal ions from the rod pass into the solution (the rod therefore becomes negative compared to the solution) or the ions of the electrolyte collect in large numbers on the rod (the rod becomes positive compared to the electrolyte). A voltage is thus created between two metal rods in the electrolyte. In practice, the potentials of the metals in the ground are measured with the help of a copper sulphate electrode. This consists of a copper rod dipped into a saturated copper sulphate solution (the reference potential of this reference electrode remains constant). Definition 1 2 3 4
1) 2)

Consider the case of two rods made of different metals dipping into the same electrolyte. A voltage of a certain magnitude is now created on each rod in the electrolyte. A voltmeter can be used to measure the voltage between the rods (electrodes); this is the difference between the potentials of the individual electrodes compared with the electrolyte. How does it now come that current flows in the electrolyte and hence that material is transported, i.e. corrosion occurs? If, as shown here, the copper and iron electrodes are connected via an ammeter outside the electrolyte, for example, the following (Fig 5.5.7.2.1) is ascertained: in the outer circuit, the current i flows from + to , i.e. from the nobler copper electrode according to Table 5.5.7.2.1 to the iron electrode. In the electrolyte, on the other hand, the current i must therefore flow from the "more negative" iron electrode to the copper electrode to close the circuit. As a generalisation, this means that the more negative pole passes positive ions to the electrolyte and hence becomes the Measuring unit V V Copper 0 to 0.1 0.2 Lead 0.5 to 0.6 0.65 33.9 0.3

electrode I Fe

electrode II Cu

electrolyte Fig. 5.5.7.2.1 Galvanic cell: iron/copper

anode of the voltaic cell, i.e. it dissolves. The dissolution of the metal occurs at those points where the current enters the electrolyte. A corrosion current can also arise from a concentration cell (Fig 5.5.7.2.2). In this case, two electrodes made of the same metal dip into different electrolytes. The electrode in electrolyte II with the higher concentration of metal ions becomes electrically more positive than the other. Connecting the two electrodes enables the current i to flow and the electrode, which is electrochemically more negative, dissolves. Tin 0.4 to 0.6 2) 0.65 19.4 0.27
2)

Symbol(s) UM-Cu/CuSO UM-Cu/CuSO K= m It Wlin = s/t

Iron 0.5 to 0.8 3) 0.85 9.1 0.12

4)

Zinc 0.9 to 1.1 5) 1.2 10.7 0.15

5)

Free corrosion potential in the soil1) Cathodic protective potential in the soil1) Electrochemical equivalent Linear corrosion rate at J = 1 mA/dm2

kg / (A year) 10.4 mm/year 0.12

Measured to saturated copper/copper sulphate electrode (Cu/Cu SO4). Values are verified in presently performed tests. The potential of tin-coated copper depends on the thickness of the tin coating. Common tin coatings up to now have amounted up to a few m and are thus between the values of tin and copper in the soil. These values do also apply to lower alloyed types of iron. The potential of steel in concrete (reinforcing iron of foundations) depends considerably on external influences. Measured to a saturated copper/copper sulphate electrode it generally amounts to 0.1 to 0.4 V. In case of metal conductive connections with wide underground installations made of metal with more negative potential, it is cathodically polarised and thus reaches values up to approximately 0.5 V. In anaerobic soils the protective potential should be 0.95 V. Hot-dip galvanised steel, with a zinc coating according to the above mentioned table, has a closed external pure zinc layer. The potential of hot-dip galvanised steel in the soil corresponds therefore to approximately the stated value of zinc in the soil. In case of a loss of the zinc layer, the potential gets more positive. With its complete corrosion it can reach the value of steel. The potential of hot-dip galvanised steel in concrete has approximately the same initial values. In the course of time, the potential can get more positive. Values more positive than approx. 0.75 V, however, have not been found yet. Heavily hot-dip galvanised copper with a zinc layer of min. 70 m has also a closed external pure zinc layer. The potential of hot-dip galvanised copper in soil corresponds therefore to approx. the stated value of zinc in soil. In case of a thinner zinc layer or a corrosion of the zinc layer, the potential gets more positive. Limit values have still not been defined yet.
Potential values and corrosion rates of common metal materials

3)

4) 5)

Table 5.5.7.2.1

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i electrode I permeable to ions i electrode II

electrolyte I

electrolyte II

Fig. 5.5.7.2.2 Concentration cell

A concentration cell of this type can be formed, for example, by two iron electrodes, one of which is fixed in concrete while the other lies in the ground (Fig. 5.5.7.2.3).
i electrode I Fe electrode II Fe

which is decisive, but also, in particular, its density, i.e. the current per unit of area of the discharge area. It is often not possible to determine this current density directly. In such cases, this is managed with potential measurements the extent of the available "polarisation" can be taken from. The polarisation behaviour of electrodes is discussed only briefly here. Let us consider the case of a galvanised steel strip situated in the ground and connected to the (black) steel reinforcement of a concrete foundation (Fig 5.5.7.2.4). According to our measurements, the following potential differences occur here with respect to the copper sulphate electrode:
i electrode I St/tZn electrode II St

i concrete soil

soil

concrete

Fig. 5.5.7.2.3 Concentration cell: Iron in soil / Iron in concrete

Fig. 5.5.7.2.4 Concentration cell: Galvanised steel in soil / steel (black) in concrete

Connecting these electrodes, the iron in the concrete becomes the cathode of the concentration cell and the one in the ground becomes the anode; the latter is therefore destroyed by ion loss. For electrochemical corrosion it is generally the case that, the larger the ions and the lower their charge, the greater the transport of metal associated with the current flow i, (i. e. i is proportional to the atomic mass of the metal). In practice, the calculations are carried out with currents flowing over a certain period of time, e. g. over one year. Table 5.5.7.2.1 gives values which express the effect of the corrosion current (current density) in terms of the quantity of metal dissolved. Corrosion current measurements thus make it possible to calculate in advance how many grammes of a metal will be eroded over a specific period. Of more practical interest, however, is the prediction if, and over which period of time, corrosion will cause holes or pitting in earthing electrodes, steel tanks, pipes etc. So it is important whether the prospective current attack will take place in a diffuse or punctiform way. For the corrosive attack, it is not solely the magnitude of the corrosion current

steel, (bare) in concrete: steel, galvanised, in sand:

200 mV 800 mV

For illustration, we consider the following example: A well-insulated steel gas pipe in the ground is connected to copper earthing electrodes. If the insulated pipe has only a few small spots where material is missing, there is a higher current density at these spots resulting in rapid corrosion of the steel. In contrast, the current density is low over the much larger area of the copper earthing electrodes where the current enters. Thus the polarisation is greater at the more negative insulated steel conductor than at the positive copper earthing electrodes. The potential of the steel conductor is shifted to more positive values. Thus, the potential difference across the electrodes decreases as well. The magnitude of the corrosion current is therefore also a function of the polarisation characteristics of the electrodes. The strength of the polarisation can be estimated by measuring the electrode potentials for a split circuit. The circuit is split in order to avoid the voltage drop in the electrolyte. Recording instruments are usually used for such measurements since there is frequently a rapid depolarisation immediately after the corrosion current is interrupted. If strong polarisation is now measured at the anode (the more negative electrode), i.e. if there is an obvious shift to more positive potentials, then there is a high risk that the anode will corrode. Let us now return to our corrosion cell steel (bare) in concrete/steel, galvanised in the sand (Fig. 5.5.7.2.4). With respect to a distant copper sulphate electrode, it is possible to measure a potential of the interconnected cells of between 200 and 800 mV. The exact value depends on the ratio of the anodic to cathodic area and the polarisability of the electrodes. If, for example, the area of the reinforced concrete foundation is very large compared to the surface of the galvanised steel wire, then a high anodic current density occurs at the latter, so that it is polarised to almost the potential of the reinforcement steel and destroyed in a relatively short time. High positive polarisation thus always indicates an increased risk of corrosion. In practice it is, of course, now important to know the limit above which a positive potential shifting means an acute risk of corrosion. Unfortunately, it is not possible to give a definite value, which applies in every case; the effects of the soil conditions alone are too various. It is, how-

Thus there is a potential difference of 600 mV between these two metals. If they are now connected above ground, a current i flows in the outer circuit from reinforced concrete to the steel in the sand, and in the ground from the steel in the sand to the steel in the reinforcement. The magnitude of the current i is now a function of the voltage difference, the conductance of the ground and the polarisation of the two metals. Generally, it is found that the current i in the ground is generated by changes in the material. But a change to the material also means that the voltage of the individual metals changes with respect to the ground. This potential drift caused by the corrosion current i is called polarisation. The strength of the polarisation is directly proportional to the current density. Polarisation phenomena now occur at the negative and positive electrodes. However, the current densities at both electrodes are mostly different.

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ever, possible to stipulate fields of potential shifting for natural soils. Summary: A polarisation below + 20 mV is generally non-hazardous. Potential shifts exceeding + 100 mV are definitely hazardous. Between 20 and 100 mV there will always be cases where the polarisation causes considerable corrosion phenomena. To summarise, one can stipulate: The precondition for the formation of corrosion cells (voltaic cells) is always the presence of metal and electrolytic anodes and cathodes connected to be conductive. Anodes and cathodes are formed from Materials different metals or different surface conditions of a metal (contact corrosion), different structural components (selective or intercrystalline corrosion), Electrolytes: different concentration (e. g. salinity, ventilation). In corrosion cells, the anodic fields always have a more negative metal/electrolyte potential than the cathodic fields. The metal/electrolyte potentials are measured using a saturated copper sulphate electrode mounted in the immediate vicinity of the metal in or on the ground. If there is a metal conductive connection between anode and cathode, then the potential difference gives rise to a dc current in the electrolyte which passes from the anode into the electrolyte by dissolving metal before entering again the cathode. The area rule is often applied to estimate the average anodic current density I:

The polarisation resistance is the ratio of the polarisation voltage and the total current of a mixed electrode (an electrode where more than one electrode reaction takes place). In practice, it is indeed possible to determine the driving cell voltages UA UC and the size of the areas AC and AA as an approximation for estimating the rate of corrosion. The values for A (specific polarisation resistance of the anode) and C, however, are not available to a sufficient degree of accuracy. They depend on the electrode materials, the electrolytes and the anodic and cathodic current densities. The results of examinations available until now allow the conclusion that A is much smaller than C. To C applies: steel in the ground copper in the ground steel in concrete approx. 1 m2 approx. 5 m2 approx. 30 m2

5.5.7.3 Choice of earthing electrode materials

Table 5.5.8.1 is a compilation of the earthing electrode materials and minimum dimensions usually used today. Hot-dip galvanised steel Hot-dip galvanised steel is also suitable for embedding in concrete. Foundation earthing electrodes, earthing electrodes and equipotential bonding conductors made of galvanised steel in concrete may be connected with reinforcement iron. Steel with copper sheath In the case of steel with copper sheath, the comments for bare copper apply to the sheath material. Damage to the copper sheath, however, creates a high risk of corrosion for the steel core, hence a complete closed copper layer must always be present. Bare copper Bare copper is very resistant due to its position in the electrolytic insulation rating. Moreover, in combination with earthing electrodes or other installations in the ground made of more base materials (e. g. steel), it has additional cathodic protection, albeit at the expense of the more "base" metals. Stainless steels Certain high-alloy stainless steels according to DIN 17440 are inert and corrosionresistant in the ground. The free corrosion potential of high-alloy stainless steels in normally aerated soils is mostly close to the value of copper. Stainless steels shall contain at least 16 % chrome, 5 % nickel and 2 % molybdenum. Extensive measurements have shown that only a high-alloy stainless steel with the Material No. 1.4571, for example, is sufficiently corrosion-resistant in the ground. Other materials Other materials can be used if they are particularly corrosion-resistant in certain environments or are at least equally as good as the materials listed in Table 5.5.8.1.

From the area rule, however, it is clear, that powerful corrosion phenomena occur both on enclosed steel conductors and tanks with small spots in the sheath where material is missing, connected to copper earthing electrodes, and also on earthing conductors made of galvanised steel connected to extended copper earth-termination systems or extremely large reinforced concrete foundations. By choosing suitable materials it is possible to avoid or reduce the risk of corrosion for earthing electrodes. To achieve a satisfactory service life, material minimum dimensions must be maintained (Table 5.5.8.1).

I =
UA, UC

U C U A AK i in A/m 2 AA C
Anode or cathode potentials in V Specific polarisation resistance of the cathode in m2 Anode or cathode surfaces in m2

K
AA, AC

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LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 91

5.5.7.4 Combination of earthing electrodes made of different materials

The cell current density resulting from the combination of two different metals installed in the earth to be electrically conductive, leads to the corrosion of the metal acting as the anode (Table 5.5.7.4.1). This essentially depends on the ratio of the magnitude of the cathodic area AC to the magnitude of the anodic area AA. The "Corrosion behaviour of earthing electrode materials" research project has found the following with respect to the choice of earthing electrode materials, particularly regarding the combination of different materials: A higher degree of corrosion is only to be expected if the ratio of the areas is

should therefore be made of stainless steel or copper. This also applies particularly to short connecting cables in the immediate vicinity of the foundations. Installation of isolating spark gaps As already explained, it is possible to interrupt the conductive connection between systems with very different potentials installed in the ground by integrating isolating spark gaps. Normally, then it is no longer possible for corrosion currents to flow. At upcoming surges, the isolating spark gap operates and interconnects the installations for the duration of the surges. However, isolating spark gaps must not be installed for protective and operating earthing electrodes, since these earthing electrodes must always be connected to the plant.

Generally, bitumen coatings are not sufficient. Sheathing not absorbing moisture offers protection, e. g. butyl rubber strips or heat-shrinkable sleeves. Underground terminals and connections Cut surfaces and connection points in the ground must be designed to ensure that the corrosion resistance of the corrosion protection layer of the earthing electrode material is the same for both. Connection points in the ground must therefore be equipped with a suitable coating, e. g. sheathed with an anticorrosive band. Corrosive waste When filling ditches and pits to install earthing electrodes, pieces of slag and coal must not come into immediate contact with the earthing electrode material; the same applies to construction waste.

AC > 100 AA
Generally, it can be assumed that the material with the more positive potential will become the cathode. The anode of a corrosion cell actually present can be recognised by the fact that it has the more negative potential when opening the metal conductive connection. Connecting steel installations in the ground, the following earthing electrode materials always behave as cathodes in (covering) soils: bare copper, tin-coated copper, high-alloy stainless steel.

5.5.7.5 Other anticorrosion measures

Galvanised steel connecting cables from foundation earthing electrodes to down conductors Galvanised steel connecting cables from foundation earthing electrodes to down conductors shall be laid in concrete or masonry up to above the surface of the earth. If the connecting cables are led through the ground, galvanised steel must be equipped with concrete or synthetic sheathing or, alternatively, terminal lugs with NYY cable, stainless steel or fixed earthing terminals must be used. Within the masonry, the earth conductors can also be led upwards without corrosion protection. Earth entries made of galvanised steel Earth entries made of galvanised steel must be protected against corrosion for a distance of at least 0.3 m above and below the surface of the earth. Material with great area

Steel reinforcement of concrete foundations The steel reinforcement of concrete foundations can have a very positive potential (similar to copper). Earthing electrodes and earthing conductors connected directly to the reinforcement of large reinforced concrete foundations

Material with small area Galvanised steel Steel Steel in concrete Steel with Cu coating Copper / StSt
Table 5.5.7.4.1

Galvanised steel + + + + +

Steel + + + + +

Steel in concrete + + + +

Copper StSt + + + +

Material combinations of earth-termination systems for different area ratios (AK > 100 x AA)

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Min. dimension Material Copper Form cable

f

Earth rod

Earthing Earth plate conductor 50 mm2

Notes min. wire 1,7 mm 8 mm min. thickness 2 mm

5.5.8 Materials and minimum dimensions for earthing electrodes

Table 5.5.8.1 illustrates the minimum cross sections, shape and material of earthing electrodes.

round strip round pipe plate

50 mm2 50 mm2 20 mm 20 mm

min. wall thickness 2 mm 500 x 500 mm min. thickness 2 mm 600 x 600 mm 25 x 2 mm cross section

5.6 Electrical isolation of the external lightning protection system Separation distance
There is a risk of uncontrolled flashovers between components of the external lightning protection system and metal and electrical installations within the structure, if there is insufficient distance between the air-termination or downconductor system on one hand, and metal and electrical installations within the structure to be protected, on the other. Metal installations such as water and air conditioning pipes and electric power lines, produce induction loops in the structure which are induced by impulse voltages due to the rapidly changing magnetic lightning field. These impulse voltages must be prevented from causing uncontrolled flashovers which can also possibly cause a fire. Flashovers on electric power lines, for example, can cause enormous damage to the installation and the connected consumers. Fig. 5.6.1 illustrates the principle of separation distance. The formula for calculating the separation distance is difficult for the practitioner to apply.
s Separation distance MDB Main distribution board

grid-type plate Steel galvanised round a,b galvanised pipe a,b galvanised strip a galvanised plate a galvanised grid-type plate copper-plated 14 mm round
c

20 mm 25 mm

10 mm min. wall thickness 2 mm 100 mm2 min. thickness 3 mm 500 x 500 mm min. thickness 3mm 600 x 600 mm 30 x 3 mm cross section min. 250 m coating with 99.9 % copper

bare, round bare or galvanised strip d,e galvanised cable d Stainless steel g round strip
a h

10 mm 75 mm2 min. thickness 3 mm min. wire- 1.7 mm 10 mm h 100 mm2 min. thickness 3 mm

100 mm2 20 mm

electrical installation

The zinc coating must be smooth, continuous and free of residual flux, mean value 50m for round and 70 m for flat material. The material must be formed correspondingly before galvanising. The copper must be connected unresolvably with the steel. Only permitted, if embedded completely in concrete. Only permitted for the part of the foundation in contact with the earth, if connected safely with the reinforcement every 5 m. Can also be tin-coated. Chrome 16 %, nickel 5 %, molybdenum 2 %, carbon 0.03 %. Also permitted as earth entry. Aluminium and aluminium alloys must not be laid in soil
foundation earthing electrode metal installation soil down conductor s

b c d e

MDB L EB

f g h

Note:

Table 5.5.8.1 Material, form and min. cross sections of earthing electrodes

Fig. 5.6.1 Illustration - Separation distance

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The formula is:

s = ki
where ki kc

kc i L(m) km

is a function of the type of lightning protection system chosen, is a function of the geometric arrangement (current splitting coefficient), is a function of the material in the point of proximity and

Further material factors are not given. Deviating values must be proved by technical tests. A factor of 0.7 is specified for the GRP material (glass fibre-reinforced plastic) used in the products of the isolated air-termination systems from DEHN + SHNE (DEHNiso distance holder, DEHNiso Combi). This factor can be used for calculation in the same way as the other material factors. Length L is not the actual length of the down conductor but the plumb distance (vertical measurement), measured from the point of the proximity to the next equipotential bonding or the next lightning equipotential bonding level. Each structure with lightning equipotential bonding has an equipotential surface of the foundation earthing electrode or earthing electrode near the surface of the earth. This surface is the reference plane for determining the distance L. If a lightning equipotential bonding level is to be created for high structures, then for a height of 20 m, for example, the lightning equipotential bonding must be carried out for all electrical and electronic conductors and all metal installations. The lightning equipotential bonding must be realised by using surge protective devices Type I. Otherwise, even for high structures, the equipotential surface of the foundation earthing electrode/earthing electrode shall be used as reference point and basis for the length L. Higher structures are making it more and more difficult to maintain the required separation distances. The potential difference between the structures installations and the down conductors is equal to zero near the earths surface. The potential difference increases with increasing height. This can be imagined as a cone standing on its tip (Fig. 5.6.2). Hence, the separation distance to be maintained is greatest at the tip of the building or on the surface of the roof and becomes less towards the earth-termination system. This requires a multiple calculation of the distance from the down conductors with a different distance L.

down conductor

km

L (m) is the geometric distance measured from the point of the proximity to the next point of the lightning equipotential bonding level. The coefficient ki (induction factor) of the corresponding type of lightning protection system represents the threat from the steepness of the current. The following values are defined for the types of lightning protection system: Type of LPS I Coefficient ki 0.1 0.075 0.05

soil earthing electrode Fig. 5.6.2 Potential difference with increasing height

II III / IV

The calculation of the current splitting coefficient kc is often difficult because of the different structures. If a single air-termination rod is erected next to the structure, for example, the total lightning current flows in this one air-termination conductor and down conductor. Factor kc is therefore equal to 1. The lightning current cannot split here. Therefore it is often difficult to maintain the separation distance. In Fig. 5.6.3, this can be achieved by erecting the mast further away from the structure.

Factor kc takes into consideration the splitting of the current in the down-conductor system of the external lightning protection system. The standard gives different formulae for determining kc. In order to achieve the separation distances which still can be realised in practice, particularly for higher structures, it is recommended to install ring conductors, i. e. to intermesh the down conductors. This intermeshing balances the current flow, which reduces the required separation distance. The material factor km takes into consideration the insulating characteristics of the surroundings. This calculation assumes the electrical insulating characteristics of air to be a factor of 1. All other solid materials used in the construction industry (e. g. masonry, wood, etc.) insulate only half as well as air. Material Air Solid material Factor km 1 0.5

protective angle

s Fig. 5.6.3 Air-termination mast with kc = 1

Almost the same situation occurs for airtermination rods e.g. for roof-mounted structures. Until it reaches the next connection of the air-termination rod to the air-termination or down conductor. This defined path carries 100 % (kc = 1) of the lightning current (Fig. 5.6.4).

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kc = 1 s
M

The following example illustrates the calculation of the coefficient for a gable roof with two down conductors (Fig. 5.6.6). An earth-termination system Type B (ring or foundation earthing electrode) is existing.

kc =

1 + 0.1 + 0.2 2i4

12 9

Result: kc 0.45 The example of a detached house with a lightning protection system Type III (ki = 0.05) and both values of the factor kc determined (for 2 and 4 down conductors) is intended to illustrate the calculation of the separation distance s for the ridge conductor. The required distance between the ridge conductor and the electrical conductor, e. g. for the loft lighting, shall be determined (Fig. 5.6.8). The roofing and the roof structure are situated between the two conductors. The material factor is thus km = 0.5. An earth-termination system Type B (foundation earthing electrode, ring earthing electrode) is taken as given. Separation distance for 2 down conductors (first example kc = 0.7) height of the structure 9 m, the electrical conductor is installed at a height of 8.5 m (distance from ridge conductor 0.5 m).

9 + 12 kc = = 0.7 2 i 9 + 12

f soil Fig. 5.6.4 Flat roof with air-termination rod and ventilation outlet

If two air-termination rods or air-termination masts have a cable spanned between them, the lightning current can split between two paths (Fig. 5.6.5). Owing to the different impedances, however, the splitting is not always 50 % to 50 %, since the lightning flash does not always strike the exact centre of the arrangement but can also strike along the length of the air-termination system. The most unfavourable case is taken into account by calculating the factor kc in the formula. This calculation assumes an earth-termination system Type B. If single earthing electrodes Type A are existing, these must be interconnected.

Fig. 5.6.6 Determination of kc for a gable roof with 2 down conductors

The arrangement of the down-conductor system shown in Fig. 5.6.6 should no longer be installed, not even on a detached house either. The current splitting coefficient is significantly improved by using two further down conductors, i.e. a total of 4 (Fig. 5.6.7). The following formula is used in the calculation:

s = ki s = 0.05

kc L(m) km 0.7 8.5( m ) 0.5

kc =
h c

h+c 2h + c
h c n

kc =

1 + 0.1 + 0.2 2n

c h

Result: s = 0.595 m The actual distance of 0.5 m is not sufficient since the required separation distance is 0.595. There is a risk of uncontrolled flashovers.

plumb distance, height of the building mutual distance of the air-termination rods or air-termination masts

plumb distance, height up to the gable of the building mutual distance of the down conductors is the total number of down conductors

c c

lamp

electrical conductor L

Fig. 5.6.5 Determination of kc with two masts with overspanned cable and an earthing electrode Type B

Fig. 5.6.7 Gable roof with 4 down conductors

Fig. 5.6.8 Separation distance s Problematic installation of electrical conductors

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If the number of down conductors is increased by 2 (second example kc = 0.46), the separation distance results as follows:

0.45 s = 0.05 8.5( m ) 0.5

Result: s 0.39 m The required separation distance of 0.39 m (less than 0.5 m) between the roof lighting and the air-termination system on the ridge is maintained. To determine the separation distance at the height of the eaves gutter (5 m above ground level), the calculation is as follows:

Due to local conditions (e. g gates, support distances) down conductors can often not be arranged equally (Fig. 5.6.10). In such cases, a correction factor must be incorporated into the calculation.

distance s for a flat roof with roofmounted structures is determined below. Example: Domelights were installed on a structure with a lightning protection system Type III. They are controlled electrically. Structure data: Length 40 m Width 30 m Height 14 m = perimeter 140 m Earth-termination system, foundation earthing electrode Type B Number of earthing electrodes: 11 Distance of the down conductors: min. 12 m max. 16 m Height of the electrically controlled domelights: 1.5 m The calculation of the current splitting coefficient kc for the structure is:

kc =
n cs cd h

1 + 0.1 + 0.2 2n

cs h

cd cs

total number of down conductors distance from the next down conductor distance from the next down conductor on the other side plumb distance, height of the building

s = 0.05

0.45 5( m ) 0.5

Result: s 0.23 m Consequently, in case of a wall thickness of 24 cm, an electrical conductor could be installed in the inside of the structure, e.g. in a cable duct , without risk of uncontrolled flashovers. For structures with flat roofs, the current splitting coefficient is calculated as follows, if the down conductors are distributed equally on the perimeter (same distance). In this case, an earthing electrode arrangement Type B is a precondition (Fig. 5.6.9).

cs

cd h

kc =

1 + 0.1 + 0.2 2i11

12 14

16 12

Result: kc 0.345 It is not necessary to calculate the factor kc for the air-termination rod kc = 1.

Fig. 5.6.10

Values of coefficient kc in case of asymmetric arrangement of the down conductors

Calculation of the separation distance for the top edge of the roof of the structure: The material factor km is set as for solid building material km = 0.5.

kc =
h c n

1 + 0.1 + 0.2 2n

c h

plumb distance, height of the building mutual distance of the down conductors the total number of down conductors

If electrical structures or domelights are located on the flat roof (Fig. 5.6.11), then two current splitting coefficients must be taken into account when calculating the separation distance. For the air-termination rod, kc = 1 to the next air-termination/down conductor. The calculation of the current splitting coefficient kc for the subsequent course of the air-termination system and down conductors is performed as explained above. For illustration, the separation

s = 0.05

0.345 14 ( m ) 0.5

Result: s 0.48 m Calculation of the separation distance for the air-termination rod: The material factor is km = 0.5 because of the position of the air-termination rod on the flat roof.

s = 0.05

1 1.5( m ) 0.5

Result: s = 0.15 m

Fig. 5.6.9 Values of coefficient kc in case of a meshed network of air-termination conductors and an earthing Type B Fig. 5.6.11

km = 0.5 Material factors of an air-termination rod on a flat roof

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This calculated separation distance would be correct if the air-termination rod were erected on the surface of the earth (lightning equipotential bonding level). In order to obtain the separation distance completely and correctly, the separation distance of the structure must be added. Stot = sstructure + sair-termination rod = 0.48 m + 0.15 m Stot = 0.63 m This calculation states that a separation distance of 0.63 m must be maintained at the uppermost point of the domelight. This separation distance was determined using the material factor 0.5 for solid materials. Erecting the air-termination rod with a concrete base, the full insulating characteristics of the air are not available at the foot of the air-termination rod (Fig. 5.6.11). If lightning equipotential bonding levels are created for high structures at differ-

ent heights by integrating all metal installations and all electrical and electronic conductors by means of lightning current arresters (SPD Type I), then the following calculation can be carried out. This involves calculating distances to conductors installed on only one lightning equipotential bonding level, and also to those installed over several levels. This assumes an earth-termination system in form of a foundation or ring earthing electrode (Type B) (Fig. 5.6.12). As previously explained, supplementary ring conductors can be installed around the structure (truss) to balance the lightning current. This has a positive effect on the separation distance. Fig. 5.6.13 illustrates the principle of ring conductors around the structure, without installing a lightning equipotential bonding level by using lightning current arresters at the height of the ring conductors.

(A)

h1

da

df

Ia

h2

dg Ig cd db Ib

h3

dc

h4

Ic

dd cs

Fig. 5.6.12

hn

Id

Values of coefficient kc in case of an intermeshed network of air-termination, ring conductors interconnecting the down conductors and an earthing Type B

If

5
kc1 = 1 + 0.1 + 0.2 2n
3

cs L

cd cs kc1 L1

7th floor

ring conductor

6th floor

1 kc2 = + 0.1 n L2 kc2

5th floor

4th floor

3rd floor L3 down conductor

2nd flor

kc3 =

1 + 0.01 n

kc3

1st floor

ground floor

Fig. 5.6.13

Principle of ring conductors installed around a building

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The individual segments are assigned different current splitting coefficients kc. If the separation distance for a roofmounted structure shall now be determined, the total length from the equipotential surface of the earthing electrode to the uppermost tip of the roof-mounted structure must be used as the base (sum of the partial lengths). If the total separation distance sg is to be determined, the following formula must be used for the calculation:

5.7 Step and contact voltages

DIN V VDE V 0185-3 draws attention to the fact that, in special cases, contact or step voltages outside a structure in the vicinity of the down conductors can present a life hazard even though the lightning protection system was designed according to the latest standards. Special cases are, for example, the entrances or canopies of structures frequented by large numbers of people such as theatres, cinemas, shopping centres, where bare down conductors and earthing electrodes are present in the immediate vicinity. Structures which are particularly exposed (at risk of lightning strokes) and freely accessible to members of the public may also be required to have measures preventing intolerably high step and contact voltages. These measures (e. g. potential control) are primarily applied to steeples, observation towers, mountain huts, floodlight masts in sports grounds and bridges. Gatherings of people can vary from place to place (e. g. in shopping centre entrances or in the staircase of observation towers). Measures to reduce step and contact voltages are therefore only required in the areas particularly at risk. Possible measures are potential control, isolation of the site or the additional measures described below. The individual measures can also be combined with each other. Definition of contact voltages

Contact voltage is a voltage acting upon a person between his position on the earth and when touching the down conductor. The current path leads from the hand via the body to the feet (Fig. 5.7.1). For a structure built with a steel skeleton or reinforced concrete, there is no risk of intolerably high contact voltages provided that the reinforcement is safely interconnected or the down conductors are installed in concrete. Moreover, the contact voltage can be disregarded for metal faades if they are integrated into the equipotential bonding and/or used as natural components of the down conductor. If a reinforced concrete with a safe tie-in of the reinforcement to the foundation earthing electrode is already present under the surface of the earth in the areas outside the structure which are at risk, then this measure already improves the curve of the gradient area and acts as a potential control. Hence step voltages can be left out of the considerations. The following measures can reduce the risk of someone being injured by touching the down conductor: the probability of people accummulating can be reduced with information or prohibition signs; barriers can also be used. the position of the down conductors can be changed, e. g. not in the entrance of the structure

sg =

ki ( kc1 i l1 + kc 2 i l2 + kc 3 i l3 ) km

With this design of supplementary ring conductors around the structure, it is still the case that no partial lightning currents whatsoever are conducted into the structure. Even if the numerous down conductors and supplementary ring conductors do not allow a maintaining of the separation distance for the complete installation, it is possible to define the upper edge of the structure as the lightning equipotential bonding surface (+/ 0). This roof-level lightning equipotential bonding surface is generally implemented for extremely high structures where it is physically impossible to maintain the separation distance. This requires the integration of all metal installations and all electrical and electronic conductors into the equipotential bonding by means of lightning current arresters (SPD Type I). This equipotential bonding is also directly connected to the external lightning protection system. These previously described measures allow to set the separation distances on the upper edge of the structure to 0. The disadvantage of this type of design is that all conductors, metal installations, e. g. reinforcements, lift rails and the down conductors as well, carry lightning currents. The effect of these currents on electrical and electronic systems must be taken into account when designing the internal lightning protection system (surge protection). It is advantageous to split the lightning current over a large area.

UE Ut

Earth potential Touch voltage

US FE

Step voltage Potential of earth surface Foundation earthing electrode

FE 1m Ut

FE US

FE + SE

UE reference earth www.dehn.de

Fig. 5.7.1 Illustration of touch voltage and step voltage

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 the down conductor is sheathed in insulating material (min. 3 mm crosslinked polyethylene with an impulse withstand voltage of 100 kV 1.2/50 s) The specific resistance of the surface layer of the earth at a distance of up to 3 m around the down conductor must be not less than 5000 m. A layer of asphalt with a thickness of 5 cm generally meets this requirement Compression of the meshed network of the earth-termination system by means of potential control Note A downpipe, even if it is not defined as a down conductor, can present a hazard to persons touching it. In such a case, one possibility is to replace the metal pipe with a PVC one (height: 3 m; zone 0c ). Definition of step voltages Step voltage is a part of the earthing potential which can be bridged by a person taking a step over 1 m. The current path runs via the human body from one foot to the other (Fig. 5.7.1). The step voltage is a function of the form of the gradient area. As is evident from the illustration, the step voltage decreases as the distance from the structure increases. The risk to persons therefore decreases the more after they are from the structure. The following measures can be taken to reduce the step voltage: Persons can be prevented from accessing the hazardous areas (e. g. by barriers or fences) Reducing the mesh size of the earthing installation network Potential control The specific resistance of the surface layer of the earth at a distance of up to 3 m around the down-conductor system must be not less than 5000 m. A layer of asphalt with a thickness of 5 cm generally meets this requirement If large numbers of people frequently congregate in a hazardous area near to the structure to be protected, then a potential control must be provided to protect them. The potential control is sufficient if the resistance gradient on the surface of the

earth in the field to be protected does not exceed 1 /m. To achieve this, an existing foundation earthing electrode should be supplemented by a ring earthing electrode installed at a distance of 1 m and a depth of 0.5 m. If the structure already has an earth-termination system in form of a ring earthing electrode, this is already the first ring of the potential control. Additional ring earthing electrodes should be installed at a distance of 3 m from the first one and the subsequent ones. The depth of the ring earthing electrode shall be increased (in steps of 0.5 m) the more after it is from the structure (see Table 5.7.1). Distance from the building 1st Ring 2nd 3rd 4th Ring Ring Ring 1m 4m 7m 10 m Depth 0.5 m 1.0 m 1.5 m 2.0 m

If a potential control is implemented for a structure, it must be installed as follows (Fig. 5.7.2): The down conductors must be connected to all the rings of the potential control. The individual rings must be connected at least twice, however. If ring earthing electrodes (control earthing electrodes) cannot be designed to be circular, their ends must be connected to the other ends of the ring earthing electrodes. There should be at least two connections within the individual rings (Fig. 5.7.5).

Table 5.7.1

Ring distances and depths of the potential control

0.5 m

1m

1.5 m

1m

3m

3m

3m

2m reference earth

symbolic course Fig. 5.7.2 Potential control - Illustration and symbolic course of the gradient area

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LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 99

clamped points connection to e.g. existing foundation (reinforced concrete)

3m 1m 3m 3m

3m 1m

mast Fig. 5.7.4 Potential control performance for a flood light or cell site mast

mast

Fig. 5.7.3 Possible potential control in entrance area of the building

Fig. 5.7.5 Connection control at the ring / foundation earthing electrode

When choosing the materials for the ring earthing electrodes, attention must be paid to the possible corrosion load (Chapter 5.5.7). Stainless steel V4A (Material No. 1.4571) has proved to be a good choice for taking the formation of voltaic cells between foundation and ring earthing electrodes into account. Ring earthing electrodes can be designed as round wires 10 mm or as flat strips 30 x 3.5 mm.

100 LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE

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