Lightning Protection and Overvoltage Protection - Part 2
In today's world, most modern buildings have lightning protection and overvoltage protection systems in place. Unfortunately, there are still some that lack these systems or have outdated ones that cannot provide the best protection and security.
In the previous part of the article, we discussed both systems and their features. Today, we will continue the topic by sharing how to differentiate between them and why it's important to safeguard your property.
What's the Difference Between the Two Systems?
From a functional perspective, lightning protection is a system designed to safeguard structures from direct lightning strikes. On the other hand, overvoltage protection systems are meant to safeguard electrical equipment from transient processes and overvoltages.
The ways in which these two systems operate and their components also differ. You can learn more details about them in the previous article and the categories on our website.
Another difference is that the lightning protection system is always present and ready to divert lightning strikes. In contrast, the overvoltage protection system monitors internal systems and only triggers when a transient voltage occurs within the circuit, above the system's activation level.
How Do the Two Systems Work Together?
Certainly, lightning strikes aren't the most common transient event, but as we mentioned before, they are the most significant. While lightning protection shields the building's façade from the impact of the charge, the overvoltage protection system safeguards the internal electrical network, consumers, and systems.
It's necessary to protect all systems connected to it from the transient processes that the electrical surge would create. Upon activation, the overvoltage protection system begins conducting energy to the grounding system. This occurs when the voltage of the connected equipment exceeds the normal limits (activation threshold).
Even if you have lightning protection, it doesn't mean your electrical network and devices are fully protected. You need overvoltage protection to limit the currents entering the internal environment. This means that these two facilities are interdependent, and you need both to ensure the security of your property.
In the regulatory framework of the Republic of Bulgaria and European legislation, specific requirements for the construction and use of both systems are outlined. Special attention is given to the special facilities for their combined use.
It's important for overvoltage protection to be compatible with lightning protection according to the nominal discharge current or the peak value at which it can still function.
Do You Have Questions About Both Systems?
At Blitz Guard, we have extensive experience in implementing lightning protection, protective grounding, and overvoltage protection. Our team would be pleased to offer you a practical solution for your building, facility, or structure.
Reach out to us at the phone numbers: 0885919404 and 0886845706, and we will assist you with professional advice.