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Lightning_Protection_System_Franklin_Method_with_Tables 2

Lightning

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Mukhtar Ali
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7 views

Lightning_Protection_System_Franklin_Method_with_Tables 2

Lightning

Uploaded by

Mukhtar Ali
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lightning Protection System –

Franklin Method
A detailed overview for
telecommunications applications,
covering the Franklin lightning
protection system and its application
in telecommunication towers.
Introduction to Lightning
Protection
• Lightning protection systems are designed to
safeguard structures by providing a controlled
path for the lightning discharge to travel to the
ground. The Franklin method, also known as
the lightning rod method, is one of the most
widely used techniques for lightning
protection in buildings, towers, and critical
infrastructure such as telecommunication
sites.
Components of the Franklin
System
• 1. Air Termination: The lightning rod or air
terminal is installed at the highest point of the
structure.
• 2. Down Conductors: Conductive paths that
direct the lightning current from the air
termination to the ground.
• 3. Earthing System: A grounding system that
safely disperses the lightning current into the
earth.
System Mechanism
• The Franklin rod functions by intercepting the
lightning strike and directing the electrical
discharge safely to the ground, preventing
damage to the structure. The air termination
is typically a pointed metallic rod that attracts
lightning, while the down conductors and
grounding system ensure the current is
dissipated harmlessly.
Types of Lightning and Their Effects
• 1. Direct Strike: Lightning strikes the structure
directly.
• 2. Indirect Strike: Lightning strikes nearby and
induces electrical surges.
• Both types can cause severe damage to
telecommunications equipment, hence the
importance of proper protection.
Engineering Design of Protection
Systems
• The Rolling Sphere Method is used to
determine the effective protection radius of
the Franklin system. Based on the height of
the air terminal, a virtual sphere is rolled
around the structure, and areas that touch the
sphere are considered protected.
International standards guide the height and
placement of air terminals to ensure
comprehensive protection.
International Standards (IEC 62305,
NFPA 780)
• IEC 62305 and NFPA 780 are the primary
standards governing the design and
installation of lightning protection systems.
These standards define lightning protection
levels (LPL), protection zone calculations, and
grounding requirements to ensure the safety
of structures and equipment.
Application in Telecommunication
Towers
• Telecommunication towers are highly
vulnerable to lightning strikes due to their
height. The Franklin method is commonly
applied to protect these towers by installing
air terminals at strategic points and ensuring
an efficient grounding system to prevent
damage to communication equipment.
Maintenance of the Protection
System
• Regular inspection and maintenance of the
lightning protection system are essential. This
includes checking the integrity of the air
terminals, down conductors, and grounding
system to ensure they are free from corrosion
and remain effective.
References
• 1. IEC 62305 - Protection against lightning
• 2. NFPA 780 - Standard for the Installation of
Lightning Protection Systems
• 3. Dehn Lightning Protection Guide
• 4. Telecommunications Site Protection
Guidelines
Lightning Area Risk Classification
Region Lightning Strikes per Risk Level
Year
High-Risk Area > 20 per square Very High
(Tropical or kilometer
Subtropical Regions)
Medium-Risk Area 10-20 per square Medium
(Temperate Regions) kilometer
Low-Risk Area (Dry or < 10 per square Low
Cold Regions) kilometer
Franklin Rod Height vs. Horizontal
Protection
Franklin Rod Height
Radius
Protection Radius (meters)
(meters)
5 meters 10 meters

10 meters 20 meters

20 meters 40 meters

50 meters 100 meters


PDS Classification and Use Cases
PDS Type Classification Typical Applications

Type 1 Primary Surge Main switchboards,


Protection industrial control
panels
Type 2 Secondary Surge Sub-distribution
Protection boards, residential
systems
Type 3 Point of Use Sensitive electronic
Protection devices, workstations

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