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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
Lightning Protection System Adequacy Audit
A lightning protection system (LPS) seeks to prevent lightning strikes damage to building structures by first intercepting such strikes, then conducting the resultant high currents to the ground and finally dispersing the currents safely into the earth. As lightning strikes are unpredictable by nature, it is paramount that facilities have adequate and functioning lightning protection system to deal with them.
Initial LPS Review and Lightning Risk Assessment
The lightning protection adequacy audit is the first step to developing a well-rounded LPS. We begin by performing a comprehensive review of the existing LPS as well as collecting relevant data for all buildings within the facility. Our engineers will evaluate the LPS in relation to the regulatory standard (SS 555 Part 1 – 4: 2018 lightning protection standard) and determine whether the current system conforms to the standard.
After evaluating, we will proceed to update new/existing structural diagrams of the lightning and earthing systems on site.
Testing
Upon completion of the lightning protection audit, our engineers will be on site to examine the mechanical and electrical integrity of the entire LPS and to collect earth resistance readings.
The earthing audit seeks to ensure that the overall Earthing system is working as intended. As most of the Earthing system lies underground and is inaccessible, it tends to be “forgotten” and “neglected” over time. Therefore, it is important that there is periodic inspection schedules in place to ensure effectiveness of the Earthing system.
A well-functioning Earthing system should offer a low impedance path for fault current to flow, thereby helping to prevent accidents such as fire and electric shock from happening.
Report Generation
Our soil testing and earthing audit report consists of : Measured data at site, Anomalies and Defects Observed, Recommendations for rectification and Site Photographs
rectification and enhancements
The periodic lightning protection adequacy audit form the basis for any subsequent rectification works. We can provide comprehensive rectification services even if the initial audit report is done by a third party.
Some of the common rectifications include replacement of malfunctioning lightning conductors, installation of new lightning conductors as well as issues related to Earthing system. The reliability of our earthing equipment is also independently verified/calibrated by external 3rd party and included in the rectification report.
As part of our service, we will also propose enhancement solutions for better protection if any or if requested by customer.
design and installation
Lightning is a sudden electrostatic discharge that can be hazardous to both human and building structures. Hence, one primary goal of the lightning protection system is to mitigate the risks associated with lightning and reduce/prevent potential damages and losses. Over the years, as the number of high-rise buildings increased, so do the risks of lightning strikes and surges. In light of these developments, new standards have been recommended for the protection of buildings and structures against lightning.
Part 1: General Principles:
This provides the basic principles to be adhered to for protection of structures against lightning strikes, including their installations and contents, as well as individuals.
Part 2: Risk Assessment:
Main objective is to provide a framework and guidelines for the evaluation of such a risk. One key task is to identify and set an upper tolerable limit for the risk. Subsequently, appropriate protection measures can be selected/adopted to reduce the risk to or below the tolerable limit.
Part 3: Protection of structures & Life Hazards:
Protection, in and around a structure, against physical damage and injury to living beings due to touch and step voltages.
Part 4: Protection of electrical & electronic systems within structures:
Lightning strike is a high energy phenomenon. Lightning flashes typically release hundreds or thousands of mega-joules of energy while just mini-joules of energy is enough to inflict damages to electronic equipment and systems within a structure. It is clear then that adequate protection measures need to be in place. This is even more important for capital intensive businesses where there are processing plants involved and/or abundance of electronic systems used.
technological solutions
Conventional Lightning Protection Systems (LPS)
The traditional LPS makes use of the mounted lightning rod, known as Franklin rods, to conduct lightning safely to the ground, and is the most basic form of lightning protection. It is important to note that the rods do not prevent lightning, but instead they act as lightning “collectors” by attracting the strikes and then rerouting the energy to the ground, away from the crucial structures. With technological advancements, new solutions have been developed over the years.
Enhanced LPS – Early Streamer Emission (ESE)
The ESE concept is similar to conventional LPS, in the sense that the ESE systems also act as lightning attractors. However, they are designed to facilitate the advance trigger of upward streamers, which increases the probability of streamers and stepped leaders meeting during a lightning formation. This increases the efficiency of lightning attraction and grants a wider range of protection compared to the conventional lightning rod.
Lightning Warning System (LWS)
As the name implies, the lightning warning system is a system designed to alert/notify you about potential lightning strikes in a certain region. Due to her location being near the equator, Singapore has one of the highest lightning occurrences in the world. Therefore, it is important to be well-informed and prepared when there are potential lightning risks in the vicinity.
