All You Need to Know about Lightning Protection: Ensuring Safety and Peace of Mind
Introduction:
Lightning is a natural hazard that poses serious risks to individuals and causes significant economic losses worldwide. In India, lightning kills thousands of people every year and leads to the destruction of buildings and electrical equipment. To mitigate these dangers, the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) and the Lightning Awareness & Research Center (LARC) have been organizing training programs since 2006. As part of the VIDYUT SURAKSHIT BHARAT ABHIYAN, an awareness program on electrical safety in buildings, these organizations are conducting a webinar series on lightning protection. The training will be delivered by renowned expert Dr. G R Nagabhushana, who has extensive experience in high voltage engineering and lightning protection. The series covers various topics related to lightning hazards, protection measures for humans and buildings, and additional important topics. The programs have already received a great response, with over 600 participants in total.
Full Article: All You Need to Know about Lightning Protection: Ensuring Safety and Peace of Mind
Lightning Kills Thousands of People Annually in India
Lightning is a natural hazard that poses a serious threat to individuals, causing injuries, deaths, and significant financial losses around the world. In India, lightning strikes result in fires that can completely destroy buildings and homes. Additionally, the electrical current from lightning can irreversibly damage electronic and communication equipment. To mitigate these dangers and losses, it is crucial to educate the general public and engineers about lightning and its safety measures.
Organizing Training Programs to Raise Awareness
The Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) and the Lightning Awareness & Research Center (LARC) have been conducting training programs since 2006 to address the importance of Lightning Protection in India. This year, the program has become a part of VIDYUT SURAKSHIT BHARAT ABHIYAN, a year-long initiative to raise awareness about electrical safety in buildings.
Expert-Led Training for Effective Lightning Protection
Dr. G R Nagabhushana, a renowned expert in the field, will be leading the training sessions. Dr. Nagabhushana is a former Professor & Chairman of the Department of High Voltage Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. The webinar series will be held on four Sundays (May 22 & 29, June 5 & 12), from 11 AM to 1 PM, with each session lasting two hours. No registration is required for participation.
Program Syllabus
The training program will cover several essential topics related to lightning and its impact. The sessions will be divided into the following subjects:
Subject I: Lightning and Atmospheric Events (May 22, 2022)
- Atmospheric electric phenomena, including lightning and transient luminous events
- Different layers of the atmosphere and their role in lightning
- Physics of lightning phenomena, such as cloud electrification and types of lightning
- Basics of lightning hazards
Subject II: Hazards due to Lightning and Human Safety Basics (May 29, 2022)
- Fire hazards caused by lightning
- Electric shock hazards for humans and animals
- Protective measures for human safety
Subject III: Protection Techniques for Buildings (June 5, 2022)
- Electro geometric method and striking distance-based methods for lightning protection
- Building protection systems, including aerial terminals, down conductor systems, and earth conductor systems
- Simulation methods for verification
Subject IV: Additional Important Topics (June 12, 2022)
- Overview of illusory protection methods
- Laboratory testing and limitations
- Basics of lightning and power transmission system insulation coordination
All four training programs have been successful, with over 600 participants across the sessions. A Q&A session will also be included in the blog in the near future.
About Dr. G R Nagabhushana
Dr. G R Nagabhushana is a highly distinguished expert in the field of lightning and protection. He holds a BSc, BE, ME, and PhD, all from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. As a former Professor and Chairman of the Department of High Voltage Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science, he has extensive knowledge and experience in lightning protection for transmission lines, satellite launch pads, power equipment, and insulation coordination. Dr. Nagabhushana has also played a vital role in the design and commissioning of the Lightning Test Facility of ADA (DRDO), which evaluates the lightning performance of various aircraft components.
Summary: All You Need to Know about Lightning Protection: Ensuring Safety and Peace of Mind
Lightning Kills 1000’s of people annually in India and causes widespread damage. To address this issue, the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) and the Lightning Awareness & Research Center (LARC) have been organizing training programs since 2006. This year, the program is part of VIDYUT SURAKSHIT BHARAT ABHIYAN, an awareness program on electrical safety. The training is conducted by Dr. G R Nagabhushana, a renowned expert in the field. The program covers various topics such as hazards due to lightning, protection techniques for humans and buildings, and additional important topics. Over 600 participants have attended the programs, and the Q&A sessions will be included in the blog soon. Dr. G R Nagabhushana has extensive experience in the field and has contributed to the development of lightning test facilities and the evaluation of lightning performance in various aircraft components.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Lightning Protection – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is lightning protection?
Lightning protection is a system or set of measures designed to safeguard structures, people, and electrical systems from the damaging effects of lightning strikes. It involves installing lightning rods, conductors, grounding systems, surge protectors, and related equipment to redirect and dissipate the electrical energy generated by lightning.
Q2: Why is lightning protection important?
Lightning can cause severe damage to buildings, electrical systems, and can even lead to injury or loss of life. A comprehensive lightning protection system helps minimize these risks by providing a safe path for lightning to follow, effectively grounding it and protecting the structure and its occupants.
Q3: How does a lightning protection system work?
A lightning protection system consists of several key components. Lightning rods, also known as air terminals, are strategically placed on the roof or highest point of a structure. These rods provide a preferred path for lightning to strike, preventing it from hitting other vulnerable areas. Conductors, usually made of copper or aluminum, connect the lightning rods to a grounding system. The grounding system disperses the electrical charge safely into the ground.
Q4: Can lightning protection systems prevent lightning strikes?
No, lightning protection systems cannot prevent lightning strikes. They are designed to mitigate the effects of lightning strikes by redirecting the electrical energy and offering a safe path for it to follow. The objective is to protect the structure and its occupants from the devastating consequences of a direct lightning strike.
Q5: What types of structures require lightning protection?
Any structure, regardless of size, that is exposed to the risk of lightning strikes should consider implementing a lightning protection system. This includes residential buildings, commercial facilities, industrial complexes, historical landmarks, tall towers, stadiums, and even trees or other tall objects. Any structure that houses sensitive electrical equipment should especially prioritize lightning protection.
Q6: How often should a lightning protection system be inspected?
It is recommended to have a lightning protection system professionally inspected and maintained at least once every three years. Regular inspections ensure that all components are in good condition, adequately grounded, and capable of effectively protecting the structure. Additionally, inspections are crucial after major storm events or when modifications are made to the building’s structure or electrical systems.
Q7: Can I install a lightning protection system myself?
Proper installation of a lightning protection system requires expertise and adherence to specific standards and guidelines. It is highly recommended to hire a certified lightning protection professional who possesses the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to install a reliable and effective system. This ensures compliance with safety and industry standards, as well as maximizes the system’s performance.
Q8: Are there different types of lightning protection systems?
Yes, lightning protection systems can vary depending on the specific needs of a structure. Common types include the Franklin Rod or the conventional air terminal lightning protection system, as well as the Early Streamer Emission (ESE) lightning protection system. Each system has its advantages and is selected based on factors such as the structure’s height, location, and level of risk.
