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Is 2309 1989 PDF
Is 2309 1989 PDF
Indian Standard
PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS AND ALLIED
STRUCTURES AGAINST LIGHTNING-
CODE OF PRACTICE
( Second Revision)
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@ BIS 1991
CONTENTS
PAGS
I SCOPE 1
2 REPBRBNCBS 1
Section 1 General aad Basic Considerations
3 DEFINITIONS 1
4 TBCHNICAL AsPEOTS OP LIGHTNING 2
5 E'FECTS 0 F LIGHTNING STROKE 3
6 FUNCTION 0' A LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR 3
7 OTHBR METHODS 0' LIGHTNING PROTECTION 3
8 BAIIC CONSIDBRATIONS FOR PaOTEOTION 3
Section 2 System Desiga
FOREWORD
This Indian Standard (Second Revision) was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards on
29 May 1989, after the draft finalized by the Electrical Installations Sectional Committee had
been approved by the Electrotechnical Division Council.
( Page 47, Fig. 31, Note 2, second line) - Substitute' lZ.!.2' for' 15.5.2'.
(ET 20)
1
IS 1 2309 , 1989
3.11 RiDI CODdllcto~ This is -that part of the fla"h in which a charged
cell in a thunder cloud is discharged to earth. The
Earth termination or electrode fixed to a struc- current -in this return stroke ranges from about
ture above or below the earth or within or under 2 000 A to about 200 000 A and its distribution of
foundations. A ring conductor may be used alone values is of the form which occurs frequently in
as an earth termination network or in conjunc- nature, the 10 called 'log/normal' distrlbution.
tion with metal rods as an interconnection Hence:
conductor.
1 percent 'of strokes exceed 200 000 A
3.12 IudicatiDg Plate
10 percent " " " 80 000 A
A plate detailing the number and position of 50 percent " " " 28 000 A
earth electrodes.
90 percent u " ,. 8 000 A
3.13 Refereace Earth Electrode 99 percent" u " 3 000 A
An earth electrode capable of being completely The current in most ground flashes is from the
isolated from an earth termination network for negatively charged cells in the thunder cloud, and
use in periodic testing. the flash current is, therefore, a negative Row from
cloud to ground; less frequently, strokes from a
3.14 Log Book positive part of the cloud also occur. For either
A record of tests and inspections of a lightning polarity, however, the current flow is unidirec-
conductor installation. tional with a rise time of less than 10 p8 for the
negative flash (but considerably longer for the
NOTES positive flash) and then decays to a low value,
1 The following abbreviations and symbol. are used for a simple single stroke, in 100 ,.". or leis.
in the ill ustrations appearing in tbis standard: Some flashes comprise two or more strokes which
DC - Down conductor individually conform to the description for a
He - Horizontal conductor single stroke but which may be spaced in time
VC - Vertical conductor
50 rna to 100 ms apart. The rare multi-stroke
flash having more than 10 strokes may, therefore,
ZP - Zone of protection and protective angles
last for up to 1 second.
2 The boundary of ZP is indicated by dashed linel.
4.2.2 Voltag,
4 TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF LIGHTNING Before the flash takes place, the potential of the
4.1 GeDeral charge cell may be estimated very roughly assum-
ing the charge in the cell to be 100°0 and the
Lightning is a natural hazard, being the discharge radius of an equivalent spherical cell to be 1 km,
of static electricity generated in parts, called The capacitance of the cell is, therefore, about
'cells', of storm clouds, Some of them damage 10-7 F and from Q == CV the potential is estimat-
buildings ant! a few kill or injure people ai.d ed to be 109 V. It is reasonable, therefore, to
animals, either directly or indirectly by causing assume that the cloud potential is more than 100
fire and explosions. Statistics for deaths by lightn- MV. This potential is high enough to ensure that
ing show the risk to be very low. the potentials sustained by whatever is struck will
A map showing average number of thunderstorm be controlled by the product of current and im-
days in a year in India is given in Fig. 1.
pedance, because this product will never be high
enough in comparison with the cloud potential to
NOTE - The estimation of exposure risk it how- modify the current magnitude.
ever worked out in relation to expected Dumber of
lightning flashes per square kilometre per year ( s,' Although the return stroke is the most important
8.1.2 ). parameter of a lightning stroke it is necessary to
know something of the process which precedes it
The first step in minimizing the danger from in order to understand why high structures are
lightning must be to learn as much as possible more vulnerable than low ones. The lightning
about its nature. The main characteristics are stroke starts by the step by step descent from the
therefore briefly summarized in 4.2. cloud of a leader stroke stepping some tens of
4.2 Characteristic. of Lightaiag metres at a time. W~en the last step brings the
tip of the leader sufficiently close to earth, an up-
4.2.1 Cu",nl in a Lightning Strok, ward streamer leaves the earth to join the tip of
downward leader.
Rather than describe an 'average' lightning flash,
it is easier to give ranges for the various para- The initiation of this upward streamer depends
meters. The important part of a lightning flash on a critical field being ~xceed~ at the earth
from the resulting damage point of view is the emission point and so is a fur ction of the charge
'return stroke'. deposited by the down-coming leader and any
2
IS 2309 I 198t
enhancement of the field caused by the geometry A different mechanical effect exerted by a lightn-
of the earth. The length of the upward streamer ing Bash is due to the sudden rise in air tem-
will be greater for greater charges and hence high perature to 30 000 K and the resulting explosive
current flashes will start preferentially from high expansion of the adjacent air in the channel
structures for which the field enhancement is along which the charge is propagated. This is
high. because, when the conductivity of the metal is
replaced by that of an arc path, the energy in-
.
S EF,FECTS OF LIGHTNING STRO KE creases about one hundredfold. A peak power of
about 100 MW1m can be attained in the return
5.1 Electrical Effects
. stroke and the shock wave close to this stroke
As the current is discharged through the resis- readily dislodges tiles from a roof.
• tance of the earth electrode of the lightning pro-
tective system, it produces a resistive voltage Similarly, with a secondary flash inside the build-
drop which may momentarily raise the potential ing, the shock wave can result in damage to the
of the protective system to a high value relative building fabric.
to true earth. It may also produce around the 6 FUNCTION OF A LIGHTNING
earth electrodes a high potent ial gradient dan- CONDUCTOR
gerous to persons and animals. In the same 6.1 A lightning conductor is incapable of dis-
general manner. the inductance of the protective charging a thunder cloud without a lightning
system must also be considered because of the stroke. Its (unction is to divert to itself a lightn-
steep leading edge of the lightning pulse. ing discharge which might otherwise strike a
The resulting voltage drop in the protective sys- vulnerable part of the structure to be protected.
tem is. therefore, the combination of the resistive The range over which a lightning conductor carl
and inductive voltage components. attract a lightning stroke is not constant, but it is
now believed to be a function of the severity of
5.2 Side FI ••hID. the discharge. The range of attraction is, there-
The point of strike on the protective system may fore, a statistical quantity.
be raised to a high potential with respect' to On the other hand, the range of attraction is.
adjacent metal. There is. therefore, a risk of flash- little affected by the configuration of the con--
over from the protective system to, any other ductor, 80 that vertical and horizontal arrange-
metal on or in the structure. If such flashover ments are equivalent. The use of pointed air
occurs, part of the lightning current is discharged terminations or vertical finials is, therefore, not
through internal installations, such as pipes and regarded as essential except where dictated by
wiring, and so this flashover constitutes a risk to practical considerations.
the occupants and fabric of the structure.
7 OTHER METHODS OF LIGHTNING
5.3 Thermal PROTECTION
As far as it affects lightning protection, the effects 1.1 This code considers 'conventional' lightning
of a lightning discharge is confined to the tem- protective systems. Attention has been given to
perature rise of the conductor through which the methods intended to increase artificiaUy the range
current passes. Although the current is high, its of attraction afforded by an air termination, as
duration is short, and the thermal effect on the well as a system aimed at reducing the likelihood
protective system is usually negligible. (This of an actual discharge.
ignores the fusing or welding effects on damaged NOTE - Additional guidelb;les covering. these are-
conductors or tlibse which were not adequate in UDder consideration. "
the initial installation.") In general, the cross-
sectional area ~f:· a lightning conductor is chosen 8 BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
primarily to sattafy the requirements of mechani- PROTECTION .
cal strength, which means that it is large enough 8.G Introduction
to keep the rise in temperature to 1°C. For
example, with a copper conductor of 50 mml Before proceeding with the detailed design of a
cross section, asevere stroke of 100 kA with a lightning protective system, the following essential
duration of lOOp.s dissipates less than 400 j. per steps should be taken:
metre of conductor resulting in a temperature rise a) Decide whether or 'not the structure needs
of about 1°a. The substitution of steel for copper protection and, if so, what are the special
results in a rise of less than 1O~C. requirements ( see 8.1 and ~.2 ).
5.4 Mechanical Effects b) Ensure a close liaison': between the archi-
Where a high current is discharged along parallel tect, the builder, the lightning protective
conductors at close proximity, or along a single system engineer, and the appropriate
conductor with sharp bends, considerable authorities throughout the design stages.
mechanical forces are produced. Secure mechani- c) Agree the procedures for testing, commis-
cal fittings arc, therefore, essential. sioning and future maintenance.
3
J8 2309 I 1989
8 AY
OF
BENGAL
ARABIAN
SEA
e••4
til
INDIAN OCEAN
FIG. 1
18 23OI1~·1•
P = Ao X N1 X 10-8 2) ••• (
safe, may decide the question in favour of protec-
tion, even though it would normally be accepted It must first be decided whether this risk P is
that there was no need. No guidance can be acceptable or whether some measure of protection
given in such matters, but an assessment can be is thought necessary.
made taking account of the exposure risk ( that is
the risk of the structure being struck) and the
8.1.3 Suggested Acceptable Risk
following factors: For the purposes of this Cod e, the acceptable risk
figure has been taken as 10- 5, that is, 1 in 100 000
a) Use to which the structure is put,
per year.
b) Nature of its construction,
c) Value of its contents or consequential
8.1.ti Ovtrtzll Assessment of Risk
effects, L '
HaVIng established the value of P, the probable
d) The location of the structure, and number of strikes to the structure per year [ see
e) The height of th e structure ( in the case of equation (2) in 8.1.2 ] the next step is to apply
composite structures the overall height). the 'weighting, factors' in Tables 1 and 2.
6
18'2309 i 1._
relative degree of importance or risk in each case. Table Ie ,W.llhtIDI Factor '0' (CoDteat.
The tables are mostly self-explanatory but it may or Co.....ue.tial Etrect. )
be helpful to say something about the intention
of Table 1C, Coateatll or Co••eqaendal Value of 'e'
Etrecte
The effect of the value of the contents of a struc- Ordinary domestic or office buildiDII, 0·3
ture is clear: the term 'consequential effect' is factories and workshops not contain-
intended to cover not only material risks to goods ing valuable or ipecially susceptible
coctents
and property but also such aspects as the disrup-
tioll of essential services of all kinds, particularly Industrial and agricultural buildings 0'8
in hospitals, with specially susceptible- contents
Power stations. gu works, telephone 1'0
The risk to life is generahy very small, but if a exchanges, radio statioDs
building is struck, fire or panic can naturally Industrial key plantl, ancient monu- 1'3
result. All possible steps should, therefore, be ments and historic buildings. muse-
taken to reduce these effects, especially among urns, art gallerif'J or other buildings
childern, the old, and the sick, with specially valuable contents
Schools, hospitals, children's and other 1'7
Table 1 Overall A••e••meat of Risk homes, places of assembly
( Clauses 8.1.4 and 8,1.5 ) ·This means specially valuable plant or materials
vulnerable to fire or the results of fire.
1
IS 2309. 19.
81 Desedpdoa of
I ~kofB~Csuuck(P) We. . . . . . . .ctors Overall Ow. . .) aece__ea-
No_ Straetllre Maldply- .... _do.
Cs-_ .•. 2) Collection Flash P 'A' '8' 'c' 'D' 'E' llaal'.etor P.ctos-
Area Density AcxNgx 10-8 Use of I Type of Coatenu or Degree of Type of (Prodaet ( Prodact
Ac Hg Structure Construction CoDsf'que-n- Isolation (;oUDlty of co" ofcolS
tial Effects 5-9) 4 . .dI0)
( Table lA ) ( Table IB) ( Table 10 ) (Table ID) ( Table IE)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (II) (12)
-
I) Malsonette, reinforced 3327 0·6 2 X 10-- 1-2 0-4 0-3 0-. 0:3 0-02 ... X 10-& Protection
con-crete and brick built, required
nonmetallic roof
2) Office building, reinforced 4- 296 0·6 2·6 X 10-· 1-2 0-. 0·3 0-4- 0·3 0-02 5-2 X 10-5 Protection
concrete constructjon, required
DOD-metallic roof
3) School, brick built 1 456 0-7 1 X 10-· 1-7 1-0 1-7 0-4 0-3 0-3 3 X 10-. Protection
required
f) 3 bedroom detached dwel- 405 0·4- 1-6 X 10- 4 0-3 1-0 0-3 0-4 0-3 0-01 1-6 X 10-. No protection
ling house. brick built requil'fld
5) Village church 5027 0-6 3x 10-1 1-3 1-0 1-7 2-0 0·3 1-3 3-9 X 10--- Protection
required-
I
NOTE - The risk of being struck. 'P' ( col 4 ), is multiplied by the Pi oduct of the weighting (acton ( col 5 to 9 ) to yield an overall risk factor ( col II )_ This should be compared
with the acceptable ri.k (I X 10-5 ) for guidance on whether or not to protect,
...
aD
N
I
....
I
IS 2309 I 1989
(~
~
L.-+- , 14 A c • 1458m3
14
f1;30:f
8 .
14
R~
(e) A c• ,,402
A c -'5027 m 2
~
(~J40
R18
(g) A c .. 25 x 60 + 25 X 30 + 6 x 60 +
+6X50+6X25+6X25+
+ 6 x 30 + 6 X 24 + 5/. lI'62
A c • 3675 m2
!/ \ / \
HC
( vco \ I D I
\ J I I
\ Zp / \ Zp /
" / -, /
---"
/
- ~--....",
I ZP Zp \
( vco VC
o
\
Plan view \ I
cf zone of
protection
>
.i ground
level
(
<
o
VC
o
VC
\
\ / Ic) Four verticalconductors showingprotective InglIS
Ind associated zones of protection
\ ZP Zp /
-, /
_/'-..-
Flo. 3 PROTBOTIVB ANOLU AND ZONBS OF PaOTEOTION FOR VARIOUS FORMS OF AUt TERMINATION
IS 2309 I 1989
8.2.2 Structures of Exc,ptional Vulnerobility ed, even against the rare occurrence of a lightning
discharge stnking within the protected zone
For structures of exceptional vulnerability, by defined above. For this reason, a reduced zone of
reason of explosive or highly flammable contents, protection, and various other special measures
every possible protection may need to be provid- should be taken as recommended in 16.
12
3) the positions of conductor. to be placed positions of all conductors and of the main
beneath the \structure; components.
4) whether any components of the lightning
protective system are to be used during 10 MATERIALS
the construction phase, for example, the
permanent earth termination network 10.1 Table 3 gives a check list for materials to be
( ETN ) could be used for earthing cranes, used in the component parts of lightning protec-
railway lines, scaffolding, hoists and the tive systems.
like during construction;
~ 5) for steel-framed structures, the numbers Copper and aluminium are recommended for
and positions of stanchions and the form installations required to have a long life. If there
of fixing to be made for the connection is any difficulty in the use of copper or aluminium,
of earth terminations; galvanized steel of the same cross section as
recommended for copper may be used.
6) whether metallic roof coverings, where Galvanized steel may be preferred for some short
used, are suitable as part of the lig htn ing life Jnstellations, such as exhibitions.
protective system and then to agree the
method of attachment of conductors to In making a choice, consideration should always
earth; be given to the risk of corrosion, including
7) the nature and location of services entering galvanic corrosion.
the structure above and below grou nd
including railway lines, crane rails, wire 10.2 When non-matallic materials are used, their
ropeways, conveyor systems, television and possible degradation due to ultra-violet light,
radio aerials and their metal suppor ts, frost, etc. must be borne in mind and the advan-
metal flues, flue-liners and dry risers; tages of easy installation and no eleetrogalvanic
8) the position and number of flagmasts, roof corrosion should be considered along with need to
level plant rooms (for example lift motor replace them more frequently.
rooms, ventilating, heating and air-condi-
tioning plant rooms), water tanks, and For the protection of conductors due considera-
other salient reatures; tion must be given to protective coatings to pre-
9) the construction to be employed for roofs clude corrosion in less-favourable environments.
and walls in order to determine appropriate
methods of fixing conductors, specifically For example:
with a view to maintaining the weather- a) Lead covered ( 2 mm minimum thickness
tightness of the structure; of coating) strip is most suitable for pro-
10) possible penetration of a waterproofing tection at the top of chimneys. Lead
membrane where earth terminations have sheathing should" be sealed at both ends
to be sited beneath the structure, especially and the sheathing should not be removed
in 'urban' situations and in confined spaces when making joints;
on industrial sites. The same general con-
sideration applies to the 'reference earth b) PVC covering ( 1 rom thickness of coat-
electrode' for use in initial and .periodic ing ) will protect copper, steel and alumini-
testing; um in many environments. Where insulat-
ing coatings or coverings are used, due
11) the provision of holes through the structure, regard should be given to their durability
parapets, cornices, etc, to allow for the and flammability.
free passage of the lightning or down
conductor; 10.S Although in the past it has been common
12) the provision of bonding connections to a practice to use material in the form of strip for
steel frame, reinforcement bars, and other horizontal air terminations, down conductors and
metal; bonds, it may sometimes be more convenient to
13) the most suitable choice of metal for the use rod material, particularly as it facilitates the
conductors taking account of corrosion, making of bends in any plane.
especially at bimetallic contacts;
Internal bonds are permitted to have approxi-
14) the accessibility of testing joints, protection mately half the cross-sectional area of external
by non-metallic casings from mechanical bonds. Flexible bonds may be used.
damage or pilferage, lowering of flagmasts
or other removable objects, facllities "for Stainless steel in contact -with aluminium or
periodic inspection, especially on chimnt}'s; aluminium alloys is 'likely to cause additional
and ;.. ' corrosion to .the.Iaxter materials, _ In these cases it
15) the preparation of a drawing· incorpora- " is importanlto~ take protective measures such as
ting the above details and showing the using inhibitors.
13.
15230•• 1_
Reinforced
concrete structure,
PVC coping with
Bond to metal conducting roof
suspended ceiling
4
One reinforcing ber shown for claritv
Handrails and
ftinforcing bers
'"I
"
"
Detlll
4 JIIj-"~ showing
" 2 Item4
14
.12_.1989
Material Material
Ctutings Aluminium
Aluminium alloy
Leaded lunmetal
Aluminium steel-reinforced
A!Uminium alloy
Galvanized steel
B"rs lind Rods
Fi%ing Bolls. a~d Screws for Copper
Copper, hard drawn or annealed
Phosphor bronze
Copper-cadmiu m
Naval brass
Phosphor bronze
Copper silicon
Naval brass
Copper silicon Fi~ingBolts and Screws for Aluminium and
Aluminium Aluminium AllDJs
Galvanized steel Aluminium alloy
Stainless steel
ShIll
Galvanized steel
Copper
Rivets for aluminium and aluminium alloy
Aluminium and aluminium alloys
Rivets for copper
Strip
Stranded or Solid Conductors lnsulatld
Copper, annealed
Aluminium Copper
Galvanized Iteel Aluminium
15
18 2309 I 1189
External
Strip 20 X 3 60'00
Rods 10'0 dia 78'54
Internal
Strip 20 xI'S 30'00
Rods 6'5 dia 33'00
Strand,d flexibl, conn,ction (bonds)
External, aluminium 560/0'5 70'00
External, annealed copper 990/0'3 70'00
Internal, aluminium 276/0'4 35'00
Internal, annealed copper 1 101/0'2 35'00
NOTES
1 For copper clad steel rods the core should be of low carbon steel with a tensile streDsth
of approximately 700 N/mm The cladding should be of 99'9 percent electrolytic copper
', core. The radial width of the copper should Dot be lei' than
molecularly bonded to the steel
0'25 mm,
2 Stranded conductors are not normally used Cor dOWD eceduetore or eartha.
16
.2309:a1989
Table 5 Mhllm1llll TIaieIua..... 01 Sheet spacing of 18 m is shown, this applies to structures
Metal Vied lor RooSa, without special inherent risk.
( Claus, 11.1 ) 12.1.2.3 Structures with complex geometry
17
IS 2309,1919
/'
-------- <,
/ -,
I HC \
I \ \
I I
I He I
I I 10m( mad
I HC I
I I
I I
I
I
\ HC
r I
\ I
<,
-- _ _ZP_
».
View from B
Section A·A
DC
~DC
r
~
DC'
-
HC
[J HC
_.
--r
A
12m
Perimeter - 24 + 24 + 12 + 12 - 72 m
NOTES
1 An air termination along the outer perimeter of the roof is required and no part should be more than 5 m from
the nearest horizontal conductor, ncept that an additional I m may be allowed fer tach metre by which the part
to be protected i. below the neare.t conductor.
2 Horhontal conductors are not necessary on tbe parapell of the light well; a zone of protection of 60° is provid-
ed by the two adjacent horizontal conductors for .tructures I/'II than 20 m high. This principle dol'S not apply to
.taUer structures.
19
1823091,1-
See 12.1.1
NOTES
1 If S > 10 + 2 H, additional longitudinal conductors are required 10 that the distance between conductors does not
exceed 10 m,
2 If the length of the roof exceeds 20 m, additional tran8verse' conducfon are required.
3 Down conductors are omitted (or clarity.
FlO. 7 AIR TBRMINATIONS POR LAROB ARBAS 0' Roo, or VARIOUS PRO'IUS
20
. . . .·;1. .
Test
Test joint
joint
DC DC
I 1 rr
I' I I
I I 10 m I I
IApprox, roof
mesh
I I I 16m
19m.20m I 20m
Approx. roof
oC I I
I I mesh 6m. 10m
A
I
u
I
I
DC
It-
DC
;----- Metallic guttering DC
Approx. roof
mesh 9 m. 20m
OC
NOTE. The protective angl. provlcllcl bv the riclge conductor in .ech c." Is IS follow.:
figlll'e (1) protective .ngle up to 46 0 : ridge conductor is .ufficient with connection to met.lIic gutt.rs; number of
down cond.uctors • 72/20 • 3.6 IAv 4);
figure (2) protactive'lngle over.46 0; eir te~min.tion mesh (maximum 10 m x 20 ml; ridge end eeves cOncluciors
provide approximate roof mesh 6 m X 10 m; number of down conductors· 40/20·2;
figure (3) .ituation IS for figure (21 but metallic gutters used in li'll of elYe. conductor; numb.r of down concluetors
·64/20· 3.2 (sIV 4).
Conductor, strip,rod
or metallic gutter
Ridge conductor,
11-_--.+--- fixed below tile level
Isee detail)
Detail
2-1
0" [ ,,. [ ,,. [
!10m
DC 'Om DC 30m
1-
DC DC
60rn
NOTE - Where PVC cOYered horizontal air termination conducton are used, bare vertical rods O'S m bilh abould
be fixed at each intersection and at intermediate positions alonl the horizontal conductors spaced no more than
10 m apart [ $11 IO,2(b) ),
FlO, 9A AIR TERMINATIONS AND DOWN CONDUOTORS FOil FLAT ROOF BUILDINGS
WHERE THE AIR TBRMINATION CONDUCTORS HAVE A OVEllSHEATH pva
NOTE - The air termination network for a tall reinforced concrete or steel framed structure thould be as follow.:
a) Horizontal conductors on roof. form a 10 m x 20 m network;
b) There are bonds to steelwork at comers, 20 m intervals around perlphery.and at.the base oCthe tower, O'S m
above roof level,
FIO.9B Am TBRMINATtONS 'OR TALL CONDUCTING STRUCTURBS "
22
____ Bolted joint
"
connection Z.M8
"
., .
11,.
_-
J
_....
'
_~
....
.......... .,.....
NOTE - MiDimumdimeDsioDl wheD a metallic roof coveriDg is used as part • the air termiaadoD Detwork are as
......
follows: '
GalftUited ateel' O'S mm
Copper O'Smm e .
AlumlDium O'7mm
ZiDc O'7uun
Lead 2'0 aim
FlO, 10 AIR TBRMINATION FOR A FLAT Roor SHOWINO CONNEOTION TO STANDINO SEAM JOINT
WHEN A MaTALUO ROOF IS USED AS PART OP THE AIR TERMINATION NBTWORK
In practice, depending upon the form of the In brief, the down conductor system must, where
building, it is often necessary to have many down 'practicable, be directly routed from the air termi-
conductors in parallel, some or all of which may nation to the earth termination network, and be
be part of the building structure itself, For symmetrically placed around the outside wallsof
example, a steel framed building might need no the structure starting from the corners, In all
added down conductors, the framework itsctlf cases consideration to side flashing must always
providing an efficient natural network of many be given ( SII 12.2.5 ).
paths to earth; conversely a structure made enti- NOTE - It Ihould be Doted that a Iteel framed struc-
rely from non-condueting materials would need ture built OD a reinforced concrete raft approaches
down conductors· deployed according. to its size the case of a Faraday case. A reinforced concrete
.tructure ilsimilar t6 ••teel framed strocture in that
and form, tbey both provide a multiple 'yltem of down conductor.
II......,U.
.I~I 8 •
,
11
d 11 '0 7
9 i 10 l'
f1 n '0'
9 i 10 11
d n v 1
• ... 10
....... -
..r#
,
I
...
'
,
''''0'
I
· ,,~.,
\
t'I. --r
\, '"
18
-
... .... ........
I
....
f - ~
. "
....
1S
-I Air terminal I I Bond to lift shaft
-2 Air terminal base 12 Down conductor
-3 Pot metal filtiog 13 Down conductor fixings
4 Lead covered tape 14 Test clamp
5 Coronal 15 Earth rod
6 Coronal firings 16 Earth rod clamp
7 Haod rail bond 17 Aircraft warnlnglights
8 Bond to R.. I. 18 Connection to common earth
9 Bond to platform 19 Earth strip
10 Bond to ladder
-Alternative bond to a cut iron cap. .' III
FlO. 11 LIOHTNINO PROTEOTION SYITIM - TALL CHIMNEY WITH CONQRBTB WINDSHIBLD
AND BRIOK FLtlBS
24
182309 • 1989
"
Earth
4"""'-'
5
10.............
Key
1 Air tlrmlMI
5
€====»
@===J
3 Rod coupling
, W
2
3
4 Down conductor
5 Horizontal conductor I
6 TlStjoint -$-- I
~
7 Earth termination
5
6;; 6 8 Earth rod •A' clamp @Is
""y, ~I
9 I
I
l~e
: 9
'/
I \
9 Rod housing
1 I \ 1
I \
25 .
Air termination bonded A.r termination on roof
to steel reinforcing or
steel frame of building
steel reinforcing -
or steel frame
of building)
NOTE - Air termination mesh should be not greater than 10 m X 20 m, Down conductors should be Dot more than 10 m apart.
Flo. 13 LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR TALL BUILDINGS ( OVER 20 m HIGH) SHOWING AIR TERMINATIONS, DOWN CoNDUCTORS.
BONDS TO PaOJECTIONS ABOVE Roor ( INCLUDING BONDS TO LIFT MOTOR ROOM AND LIFT SHAFT )
1823091,1989
Design requirements are given below. ' .., . , " Q) For a'structtite having a base area exceed.
12.2.2 Pattern ofDoum Conductors ing 100 m~, the number of down conduc-
. tors should be at' least the smaller of the
Various types of structures, with and without steel. ' following:
frames are illustrated in Fig. 16. Explanatory notes . . '
are given below: 1) one plus an additional one for each
300 m l , or a part thereof, in excess of
Figure 16(a) represents a steel framed building. the first 100 m l ; and
No added down conductors are, therefore,
required but earthing is essential in accord- 2) one for each 30 m of perimeter of the
ance with this code. structure protected.
Figure 16(b) shows a down conductor pattern 12.2.4 Tall Structures Presenting Inspection Difficulties
where on' the 'North,' East and South sides, For tall structures, where testing and inspection
the upper floors are cantilevered. could be difficult, consideration should be given
Figure 16(c) illustrates a pattern where a ball- to providing a means for the testing of continuity
room and/or swimming pool and terrace might in the system. At least two down conductors win
be situated on the South and West sides. be "required for such tests ( see Fig. 12 ).
Figures 16(d), 16(e), 16(£) and 16(g) are of
such shape as to permit all down conductors to 12.'2.5 Routing
be on the outside walls; care should be taken A down conductor should follow the most
to avoid entrance and exit areas by a ppropriate direct path possible between the air terminal
choice of down conductor spacing taking network and • the earth termination network.
account of the need to avoid dangerous voltage Where more than one down conductor is used,
gradients along the ground surface (see als» the conductors should be arranged as evenly as
21.5 and Fig. 17 ). practicable around the outside walls of the struc-
12.2.3 Recommlnd,d Number ture ( see Fig. 16 ).
The position and spacing of down conductors on In deciding the route, taking account of the above,
large structures is often governed by architectural the possibility should be considered of incorporat-
convenience, however, recommendations for their ing structural steelwork. such as, stanchions,
number are given below: reinforcement, and any continuous and perrnan-
a) A structure having a base area not exceed- ent metal parts of the structure suitably disposed
Ing 100 m B need have only one down for purposes of acting as a down conductor.
conductor, except when built on bare rock The walls of light wells may be used for fixing
where specialist advice should 'be sought, or down conductors but it is strongly advised that
where access for testing is difficult. ' lift shafts should not be used for this purpose.
27
IS 2309,1.
Protected bUilding
2m(min.) 2m(mln.)
Sle note 1 ,"note1
~
r:
I
'" I
~EQrth IllCtrodo~
(II EllVltion
<,
'\
\
o I
SUSptndtd/ Protected build ing
air conductor I
. .' 'I... -;L .L-.I'IC.<~ '>(' }t"
/
""...L' - ~ -- -~--><
"'. ./
(bl PlI"
- -'" '- - ./'
GL,----"'"''----.....L---'--.L----.----.,.)..----
(c) Zone of protection
NOTES
1 To prevent ftuhover between maat/conductor and protected building, the minimum clearance dialance haa to
be 2 m or al,overned by 12.5.2, whichever il the ,reater.
2 This clearance haa to be aa above UDder maximum lag conditioDl, i.e. snow and ice on the aerial conductor.
11
FIG. 15 Ant TERMINATION AND ZONB 01' PaOTBOTlON ,oa SIMPLE STaUCTUJ..£ WITH
EXPLOSIVE OR HIGHLY FLAMMABLE CoNUNTI '
28
18 2309 • 1989
• • • •
• • • • • • •
• • • • •
lal
(dl
• •
• •
• • •
• • • • •
~
• • •
Ib)
• • •
leI
• • •
Ic)
• •
IfI
r=s. :cv 191. •
NOTES
1 The down conductors may be natural (parts or the building framework) or added strip or rod on exterear
faces (SII 11.2.2).
2 On structures exceeding 20 m in height, down conductors should be spaced at not more than 10m apart
(,,,13).
FlO. 16 PATTERNS 0' DOWN CONDUCTORS (NATURAL OR NOT) 'OR VARIOUS FORMS
0' TALL BUILDINO
29
18 2309 • 1989
DC
I Key
V. Potentl.1 of .ltth'. IUrfect with
I
v.~ respect to remo~ tlrth
V. Sttp volt.
E EII'th ttrmln.t1on tlletrodt
I
I
/
v.
Without grading] J IS Nott Iqwtr V.
of potential ----. Vs I 1.--- with grlding
----I
III
======f
-,
control rings
......
/ ... ~V•
-- -- -
/
./
3m
~.
Insulated sheath to prevent
humon contact w',th structure
!
Five mesh rings bonded
to earth electrode
<,
<,
Ring electrodes of different
diameter and depth buried -,
In ground for contro!ling
ground voltage gradient -, \
"\ \
\
\
\ , I
\
I J
/ / I
,// / /
/ /
-- /"
/'
,/
41l1.5m to 4.511I
/
depending on location
1m
FIG. 17 VOLTAGE GRADIENTS ALONG GROUND SURPACB Nua TO MASTS, TOWBRS, OOLUMNS
AND SINGLE DOWN CONDUCToa. OM BUILDINGS
18 2309 J 1989
12.2,6 Us, tJjR,iriforelm,nt i" Coner,', Struetur" conductors to prestressed concrete columns, beam.
or braces.
Details should be decided at the design stage,
before building construction begins [ ", 9.0.2 (e) 12.2.6.4 Precast concrete memhers
( 12 ) j,
In the case of precast reinforced concrete columns,
12.2.6.1 El,etrical continuity beams or braces, the reinforcement may be used
as a conductor if the individual elements of rein-
The mptal bars of a reinforced concrete structure forcement are bonded together and electrical
cast in-situ are occasionally welded, thus provid- continuity is ensured.
ing definite electrical continuity. More frequently,
however, they are tied together by metal binding
wire at crossing points but, despite the fortuitous
12.2.7 Ext,rnal Rouus not Available
nature of the metallic connection, the very large Where the provision of suitable external routes
number of bars and crossing points of such a for down conductors is impracticable or inadvi-
construction assures a substantial sub-division of sable, for example in buildings of cantilever cons-
the total lightning current into a multiplicity of truction from the first floor upwards, down
parallel discharge paths. Experience shows that conductors should not follow the outside contours
such a construction can be readily utilised as part of the building. To do so would create a hazard
of the lightning protective system. to persons standing under the overhang. In such
cases down conductors may be housed in an air
The following precautions are, however, recom- 8pac~ provided by a non-metallic non-combustible
mended: internal duct and taken straight down to
a) Good contact between reinforcing bars to ground ( see Fig. 18 ).
be ensured by fixing the bars with tying
wire, and Any suitable covered recess not smaller than 76
mm X 13 mm or any suitable vertical service
b) Ties should be provided for both vertical duct running the full height of the building may
to vertical bars and horizontal to vertical be used for this purpose provided it does not
bars. contain an unarmoured or non-metal-sheathed
service cable.
12.2.6.2 El,ctrolytic corrosion - Under considera-
tion.
In cases where an unrestricted duct is used, seals
12.2.6.3 Prestressed concrete member» at each floor level may be required for fire pro-
tection. As far as possible, access to the interior
I t is not permitted to connect lightning protection of the duct should be available.
31
18 2309 I 1989
12.2.8 Sharp BInds and R,-",eranl Loops should have a erosi sectional area not leIS than
that employed for the main conductors. On the
Practical reasons do not always allow the most other hand. internal metal is not nearly so
direct route to be followed. Whilst sharp bends, vulnerable and itl associated bonds are, at most,
such as arise at the edge of a roof are permissible, only likely to carry a proportion of the total
re-entrant loops in a conductor can produce high lightning current, apart from their function of
inductive voltage drops so that the lightning equalizing potentials. These latter bonds may,
discharge may jump across the open side of the therefore, be smaller in cross-sectional area than
Ioop. As a rough guide, this risk may arise when those used for main conductors.
the length of the conductor forming the loop
exceeds 8 times the width of the open side of the 12.2.10.9 Provision for bonding ojfutu" ,quipm,nt
loop ( see Fig. 19 ).
In all buildings, at each floor level, provision
When large re-entrant loops as defined cannot be should be made for bonding future machinery or
avoided, such as in the case of some cornices or equipment to the lightning protective system,
parapets, the conductor should be arranged in such as by connection to metallic gas, water,
such a way that the distance across the open side drainage or similar services. Structures supporting
of a loop complies with the rule quoted. Alternati- overhead electric supply, telephone and other
vely, such cornices or parapets should be provided lines must not be bonded to a lightning protec-
with holes through which the conductor can pass tive system without the permission of the appro-
freely. priate authority.
32
IS 2309 •1989
8d IIlQximum Exceeding 8d
Not
permissible
leI Permissible method of taking conductor Idl Routes for down condectorsin a building
1hrough a parapet well with cantilevered upper floors
'33
IS 2309 I 1989
[~~~~~-~~~--~-;-~:I1
The resistance to earth after the completion of
bonding should be noted and used in all subse-
quent testing ( see 12.3.4 and 24 ).
If the value obtained for the whole of the lightn-
ing protective systems exceeds 10 0, a reduction DRILLING PATTERN
can be achieved by extending or adding to the
electrodes or by interconnecting the individual
earth terminations of the down conductors by a
conductor installed below ground, sometimes
referred to as a ring conductor ( see Fig. 13).
Buried ring conductors laid in the manner descri-
bed above are considered to be an integral part
of the earth termination network and should be
taken into account when assessing the overall
value of resistance to earth 'of the installation.
Pr'Cldu"
12',3.2 Importance oj Reducing Resistance to Earth a) The aluminiun and copper tape' should be drilled
A reduction of the resistance to earth to a value aashown in sketch above.
below 100 has the advantage of further reducing b) The mating surface of the aluminium tape should
the potential gradient around the earth electrodes be pretinned for a length of 200 mm,
when discharging lightning current. It also further NOTE - A luitable method haa been found to use
reduces the risk of side-flashing to metal in or on FrY'1 Alea 'Z' solder and Kynal Flux or Grey and
a structure ( see 12.2.9 ). Martin'l Amalgam A.L4 Solder and Kynal Flux,
all lurplus flux mUlt be removed with warm water.
12.3.3 Common Networkjor All Services
c) The mating surface of the copper tape should be·
A common earth termination network is recom- pretinned with a lead/tin lolder and all lurface flux
mended for the lightning protective system and removed.
all other services. It should be in accordance with d) The tapea shculd be joined uling 5 off riveu, and
the recommendations of this code and should also the joint reheated and solder fed from the top until
comply with any regulations applicable to the any spacel are filled; and normallead/dn sclder il"
auitable (or filling.
services concerned. The resistance to earth
should, in this case, be the lowest value required e) The joint Ihould be wrapped for a length of 250 mm.
with 25 mm wide SPR t a p e . ' "
for any of the individual services (see IS 3043 :
1987 ). Flo.22 JOINT PROTEOTION - MaTHOD B
34
18 2309 t 1989
.12.3.4 Isolation ofEarth Electrodes for r,sting 12.4.2.1' Earth electrode seal for use within a tank
structure
.Earth electrodes should be capable of being isola-
ted and a reference earth point should be provi- When earth terminations in built-up areas pass
-ded for testing purposes. through a tank structure, a seal similar to that
shown in Fig. 23 should be used.
12.3.5 Structures on Rock
12.4.3 Earth Rods
-A str'l.cture standing on rock should be provided
with a ring conductor following the contour of 12.4.3.1 Location
the ground. If there is eartb cover, it should be
-used, The ring should be installed under the When earth rods are used, they should be driven
foundation of a new structure. If there are objec- into the ground beneath. or as close as practicable
tions to these recommendations, then at least two to, the structure and down conductor. The prac-
-strip electrodes should be used or an earth termi- tice of siting terminations 2·5 m to 3 m away from
nation can usually be obtained by rock drilling the building is unnecessary and uneconomical
.and backfilling the hole with a conducting ( see Fig. 24). Where ground conditions are
.material before driving the rods. The diameter favourable for the use of rods in parallel, the
-of the hole should be not less than 7., mm. Coke reduction in earth resistance is small when the
breeze or fly ash should not be used as backfilling separation between the rods becomes less than
material because of their corrosive nature. The their driven length.
-value of 10 a for the resistance to earth is not 12.4.3.2 Electrical measurements during installation
applicable in this case.
During the driving of the rods it is advisable to
12.3.6 Railway Tracks take measurements of the resistance to earth. By
so doing, an indication will be given of conditions
The earthing of rails should be carried out at: under which it is highly unlikely that any further
reduction in resistance will be obtained even if a
a) the point of entry to, or from the structure;
greater length of rod is driven into the ground.
b) 75 m beyond the point of entry or exit in
either direction, that is internally if it is 12.4.3.3 Connections and indicating plotes
an underground structure or externally if
above ground; The connection between the down conductor and
the rod should be accessible above ground or, if
c) 150 m beyond the point of entry to, or below ground, within an inspection box.
exit from, the structure in the case of
above ground lines; and Plates indicating the position and number of elec-
d) every 75 m in underground installations. trodes should be fitted above each test point.
'The same criteria would apply to surface lines on 12.4.4 Strips
'which a travelling crane or hoist was being used.
12.4.4.1 Position andform
12.3.7 Further explanatory notes are given in 27.
When strips are used, they may be buried be-
12.4 Earth Electrode. neath structure or laid in trenches at depths
unlikely to be affected by seasonal drying out or
'12.4.1 General agricultural operations ( see Fig. 24 ).
Before proceeding with a design, a decision on Strips should be disposed radially from the point
"the form of earth electrode most suited to the of connection with a down conductor, the num-
'Physical nature of the soil as revealed by trial bers and lengths of strip required being as found
bore holes is necessary. necessary to give the desired resistance to earth.
.Earth electrodes should consist of metal rods, If space restrictions demand the use of a parallel
tubes or strips, or a combination of these. or grid formation of strips, the layout should be
as in Fig. 24 where the distance between parallel
J2.4.2 Ground Conditions strips should not be less than 3 m.
Where earth rods are used, they should, except in 12.4.4.2 Corrosion
.rock ( s" 12.5.5 ), be driven into virgin ground,
not made-up or backfilled or where the ground is Because of the harmful corrosion which is likely
.likely to dry out, seasonally, or due to heat from to result. coke breeze should not be allowed to
boilers or plant. Coke breeze or fly ash should not come in contact with copper electrodes and salt-
be used as backfilling material because of their ing of the ground in the vicinity of any earth
-corrosive nature. electrode should not be practised.
35,
IS 2509 t 1989
. I)'
, D .','.
to ." ..
, ,0 o <1.
~ " .
"
. .' ' '
Concrete---
.--. ()
'~'o '
"
. 0',,6
, ,
..
,.
I'
. , ,I
/l. .D·
,
II • D ',0
., ..o, , 0"
, ......,: o
I I • 0
, ,~
,~
.0 , ,
, , '. 0 . :
. () "
• " • I ~~
• , (J , • I " ~. •• ;
.0 0.
A,phalt / -'-"I, ...._.LL.;.--'-! ~$phQlt
Concrete
o ~. fJ
. O' (> .0
FlO, 23 EXAMPL1: OP AN EARTH ELEOTRODE SltAL POR USB WITHIN A TANKED STRUCTURE:;.
36
182909 .1989
,
Strip (
~I
II
Test joint in External down II
.; down- conductor conductor ----~~I.I
I,
II
Test Joint -----o(Jl
Building line II
I
Extend QS necessQry
I
I
I Parallel electrode---..
..J. - - - I
l
I
I
'3m min :-.3m min. <';ingle electrode _ ....IE41....--0own conductor
-+ - - -t----HF- I
I I
I I
_ L __ Parallel electrode___
I
I
,
--t---
I
NOTES
I When it is necessary for part of an earth termination network to pass near or under a road or pathway, it should
be buried not leu thin 0'6 m below ground level.
2 The electrical potential at ground level can be reduced by burying the rod or strip deeper.
~, '.,
with respect to earth, which in turn .=:: 1'2 x 3 300 X 10~8/year .... (3)
depends upon the strength of the current
in the lightning flash, .The procedure is -=3'96 x 10- 8 (say 4 X 10- 8
given in (b), (c) and (d) below. . ' or once in 250 years) ••.(4)
b) Determinationofcurrent - To determine the Acceptable risk, Po - .This has been given as.
current in the lightning flash, the following 1 X 10-5 •
steps should be taken:
Which current to use ( see Fig. 25 ).
1) Estimate P - The risk of the structure
being struck ( see 8.1.2 ). P/Po=(4x liO-S)/l X 10- 6=4 X lOI=400A ... (5)-
2) Divide the estimated risk, P, by the
Because P is greater than 100 Po ,- assume that the
acceptable risk, Po ( see 8.1.3 ).
maximum lightning current ot 200 kA will be
3) Decide from Fig. 25 the maximum achieved. (For small values of POI the current
current likely to occur. will be 100 IOglO PIPo as shown plotted in
Fig. 25. )
c) Voltage sustained by lightning protective sys-
tem - This has two components: the pro- Voltage between lightning protective system and earthed
duct of the current and the resistance to down-pipe at IJ height of 12 m
earth and the product of the rate of change
of current and the inductance of the down •..(6).
conductor. In the worst case, the simple
addition of these two products gives the where
voltage which should then be used in cal-
culations. Vne is the voltage drop due to the resistance··
to earth, and 'If,
d) Flashover distance/voltage - Refer to Fig. 26
and read off the flashover voltage against VL is the voltage drop due to the inductance-
the spacing. of the down conductor.
:18 2309 I It89
There are four down conductors and, assuming c) A reinforced concrete structure or a rein-
that the current is divided equally among them, forced concrete framed structure may have
ehen the effective current is 200/4 == 50 kA in sufficiently low inherent resistance to earth
-each conductor. to provide protection against lightning and,
if connections are brought out from the
VBe = 50 x 10 == 500 kV .•,(7) reinforcement at their highest points during
construction a test may be made to verify
VL == rate of change of current (kAI p.s ) this on completion of the structure i see
( see Note 1 ) X height ( m ) of down.. Fig. 4 ).
pipe X inductance of down conductor
in p,H/m ( see Note 2 ). If the resistance to earth of the steel frame
of the structure of the reinforcement of a
reinforced concrete structure is found to be
NOTES satisfactory, a horizontal air termination
should be installed at the top and bonded
1 For a typical wavefront, the maximum rate of
change of strike current is roughly 0'6 X Ipeak, so that to the steel frame or to the reinforcement
for a current of 50 kA the rate of change of current ( in the particular case of water cooling
== 30 kAlil'S == 3 X 1010 A/s, towers, it is not normal to fit an air
termination. Where regular inspection is
2 The inductance of a typical down conductor is taken not possible, it is recommended that a
as t·5I1oH/m.
corrosion resistant materia I be used for
bonding to the steel or to the reinforcement
VL ::II ( rate of change of current) X (length
and that this be brought out for connection
of conductor) X (p,H/m) kV to the air termination. Down conductors
- 30 X 12 X 1'5 and earth terminations should, of course,
be provided if the .inherent resistance of
- 540 kV ,.. (8) the structure is found to be unsatisfactory
when tested ( see 12.3.1 ).
Therefore VB e + VL == 500 + 540 = 1 040 kV d) Where metal exists in a structure and it
••.(9) cannot be bonded into a continuous con-
ducting network, and which is not or
FI ashooe« distance - Look up the flashover dis- .cannot be equipped with external earthing
tance for the above voltage in Fig, 26. This dis- connections, its presence should be disre-
tance is found; to be 2'2 m and, therefore, because garded. The danger inseparable from the
the physical clearance is only 2 m, bonding should presence of such metal can be minimized
be employed. I by keeping it entirely isolated from the
lightning protective system; due considera-
12.5.3 Conditions Where Bonding is Needed tion must be given to the recommendations
of 12.5.
In bonding adjacent metalwork to the \lightning e) Whrre the roof structure is wholly or partly
protective system, careful consideration should covered by metal, care should be taken
always be given to the possible effects such bond- that such metal is provided with a conti-
ing might have upon metalwork which has been nuous conducting path to earth.
cathodically protected. The following points
should be taken into account: f) In any structure, metal which is attached
to the outer surface or .projects through a
a) Where a structure contains electrically wall or roof and has insufficient clearance
continuous metal (for example a roof, wall, from the lightning protective system, and
floor, metal cladding or curtain walling), is unsuitable for use as part of it, should
this metal may be used as a component of preferably be bonded as directly as possible
the lightning protective system provided to the lightning protective system. If the
that the amount and arrangement of the metal runs close to an air termination
metal render it suitable for use as recom- network, for example water mains to
mended in 12.1 to 12.4. ' storage tanks on roofs, cables, pipes,
gutters, rainwater pipes, stairways, and
b) Where a structure is simply a continuous runs approximately parallel to a down
metal frame, it requires no air termination conductor or bond, it should be bonded at
or down conductor. It is sufficient to each end, but not below the test point. If
ensure that the conducting path is electri- the metal is in discontinuous lengths, each
cally and mechanically continuous and portion should be bonded to the lightning
that the requirements of the code in respect protective system; alternatively, where the
of the connection to the general mass of clearances permit, the presence of the
the earth are met. metal may be disregarded.
39
...
I
200
~~
180 ~
v
:/
160 V
/'
V
140
c(
- V
en
~ /
120
+- ....-=c
c: J:;
"-
...• .2'
:J 100 /
u V~
0
.. ~ ~
V
80
c:
+- V
~
,9' /
-J 60
V
40 /
V
/
20
1 10 100 1000
rfq· ~5 ~UR~E fOR D~T~RMJN~NO rH a rR0!lAB~ MA~!UUM CuJlJlBNT ~N TBB L'OHTNING FLA,U FRO., THE RATIO P/Pq
11.2381 ,1'1t .
10000 r,'
-+--t'~-i-
" '
~~
~~
'lilt., v~
v
V
1000 ~
/
/
/
./
>
.¥ V
E ~~
41 /V
..g
(; V
>
'-
Q,f
/
~
. .1:.
Vt /
.9
...... 100 ,/
/
/
/
L,;'il""
7
:/~
~17
/-
/
/~
10
0.01 0.1 1.0 10
Spacing (in m)
Static protection
External down
conductor --- -aJ~....-i
Test joint
Earth termination
network
/ ' I -;- (r/...r
...- ---. -+ ..,.. ...... .".
-rJ\,,\""""y
: l- - "":::" . /
Electricity cable ") '-.' -'; 1"-./ ./".1
...- ~/(l .... "'il/"
-".-/(
/ .... ./
Gas
42
~.) Ib)
Strip
(.)
(ell
(0)
'NOTES
1 Lightning conductor fixings should be purpose-made for each size ofstrip; dimension II in figure (e) should be
equal to the thickneu of the strip and b should be equal to the width plu. 1'3 mm (for expanaion). Conductors of
circular .ection .hould besimilarly treated.
:2 All fixings .hould be .ecurely attached to the structure; mortar joint. should not be used.
13.3 Chemlcal' eo....o.loD of Alam.bdam off lurfaces, being abl~. to reach the con-
Near Portlaad OemeDt, Mortar Mise., etc ductor and run down ".. It.
For a variety of reasons, aluminium is prone to d) Where the above requirements, cannot be .
corrosion when in contact with Portland cement satisfied, the conductor should be protec- .
and mortar mixes. For guidance on how to avoid ted as recommended in 10 and considera-
this problem, the following recommendations on tion given to increasing its section.
installation techniques are made:
a) Aluminium conductors should always 13.4 Chemical CorrolioD of ~pper
stand off from any surface, particularly
horizontal ones. This should avoid the Although copper is highly resistant to many types-
conductors lying in water or being held in of chemical attack, lead coating is recommended
contact with corrosive materials, such as where it is subject to severe corrosion from
old mortar, etc. Suitable fixings are shown sulphur compounds. This is particularly the case
in Fig. 29. where the location is inaccessible, for example
b) Conductors should not be positioned where at the tops of chimneys. The coating should be
they could become covered with debris, applied over the whole area likely to be under
such as leaves, etc, or buried by soil. This corrosive attack and should not be removed at
should avoid the 'poultice problem' where joints. Insulating coatings which are not perma-
any electrolyte tends to be held in conti- nent or which are flammable are inadvisable.
nuous contact with the conductor. Fittings should be resistant to the corrosive-
agencies or be otherwise suitably protected.
c) The design of the clearing system should Joints and bonds may be protected with bitumen
incorporate some form of drip-ring. This or embedded in plastic compound according to-
should help to prevent electrolyte, running the local conditions ( SI' also 10 and 12.2.4 ).
44
'._-
46:
I' 230' .19.
Suspended air termination
See note 2
~ Earth electrode--------------:
III Elevltion
Protected building
Protected
building
NOTES
1 The horizontal conductor mesh size shou'ld be 5 m X 10 m or smaller, according to the risk.
2 For clarity down conductors are omitted.
• Represents a bond to roof steelwork.
FIG. 32 AIR TERMINATION NETWORK WITH HORIZONTAL CONDUCTORS FOR STRUCTURE WITH
EXPLOSIVE OR HIOHLY FLAMMABLE CONTENTS
48
.s 2309 • 19&t
16.2.5.1 All major metal forming part of the service and bonded directly to the lightning
'Structure. including continuous metal reinforce- protective system (Sll Fig. 27 ). The agreement
ment and services, should be bonded together and of the operating authority or owner of the cables
connected to the lightning protective system. to the proposed bonding arrangements should be
Such connections should be made in at least two obtained.
places ( St6 Fig. 9 ) and should, wherever possible,
be equally spaced around the perimeter of the 16.2.6.2 Where the electrical conductors are
structu~e at intervals not exceeding 15 m.
connected to an overhead electricity supply line,
a 15 m length of buried armoured cable should
16.2.5.2 Metalwork inside the structure should be be inserted between the overhead line and the
point of entry to the structure (m Fig. 34).
bonded to the lightning protective system. Attention should be given to any Statutory
16.2.6 El6ctrical Conductors Entering a Structur6
Regulations and Codes of Practice which are
applicable ( see also 19 ).
16.2.6.1 Electrical conductors entering a structure NOTE - Overhead supply linel an liable to have
-ofthis category should be metal-cased. This metal large surges induced in them from llahtning dischargel.
casing should be electrically continuous within Some form of lurge luppreuion II, therefore, Deeded
where they join the buried cable. Thil will allow a
the structure; it should be earthed at the point of large part of the lightning curreDt to be dilcharged to
entry inside the structure on the user's side of the earth at a lafe distance from the Itructure.
Pol.
/
/
/
/ 2 mmin
~ _ _ _ ~f
.JI
1'- -
I I Earth electrode
I
I
/
....--
- -,
Pole
Prot.cted building Y.Test joint
~Earth electrode
9
I
\ J
7- ---
-, /
Buried conductor
(b) Plan
FIO,33 VBRTlOAL AIR TERMINATION '<»R PROTBOTION O. EXPLOSIVES STORSS
49
IS 2309 • 1989
Surge arrestors
Power Input
Joint to ring
Earthing _ _.......
conductor
conductor
~ ....... ....... l /'
<,
/'
/'
~
I/'/'
/'< /' ........
<, ,
16.2.7 Pipes, Rails, eto, Enlering a Structure The metal uprights, components and wires of all
fences, and of retaining walls within 2 m of the
With the exception of CNE cables, metallic pipes, structure, should be connected in such a way as
electrical conductor sheaths, steel ropes, rails, to provide continuous metallic connection between
railway tracks, or guides not in continuous electri- them and the lightning protective system.
cal contact with the earth. which enter a structure
of this kind should be bonded to the lightning
protective system. They should be earthed at the 16.2.10 Vents
point of entry outside the structure and at two The vents of any tanks containing flammable gas
further points, one about 75 m away and one a or liquid and exhaust stacks from process plants
further 75 m away. emitting flammable vapours or dusts should either
16.2.8 Aditor Shoft Entrance toSiructures be of non-conducting material or be fitted with
flametraps.
For a buried structure or underground excavation
to which access is obtained by an adit or shaft, the 16.2.11 Danger from Tall Components on or Near
recommendations in 16.2.7 as regards extra ear- High Risk Structures
thing should be followed for the adit or shaft at
intervals not exceeding 75 m within as well as Structures of this category should nQt be equipped
outside the structure. .. with tall components such as sp:'·es. and flagmasts
or radio aerials on the structure or within 50 m
16.2.9 Fence», Retaining Walls, etc ( SII also 17 ) of the structure. The clearance applies also to the
"
1I"':"J989
-,
Flue-liner to be
earthed at ground
(a) Non-conducting construction with TV aerial level
In roof space and services (internal)
bonded to down conductors
/',
'Buried earth <, General a"lngement
ring termination <,
EE
(b) Non-conducting construction built on -
rocky ground showing earth ring termination
TV mast earthed EE
.and guttering ---..LJ'II""
bonded to down
conductor
EE EE EE EE
Plln showing typical protection system
Key
EE Earth ellll:trodes
NOTE. See elso the following:
bond to water supply 18.3.9;
bond to electricity supply 18.3.9;
bond to weather vane clause 19;
down conductors and eltths clauses 15 and 16;
air terminations clause 14.
(e) Stone construction with TV mast (extern,1)
earthed Ind guttering bonded to down conductor (d) Large isol.ted and expostd.property
.
'I
IS 2309 • 1988
planting of new trees, but structures near existing 17.2.3 Insrdat'd Gaps
trees should be treated in accordance with the
recommendations of 18. l
The continuity of the metal fence should be
broken at intervals not exceeding 300 m by
16.2.12 Safe Testing wooden gates or by gaps not less than 600 mm
wide closed by sections of non-conducting
Testing should be carried out in accordance with material.
the recommendations of 23 and the test equip- NOTE - The use of plaltic covered chain link fencing
ment should be of a type which is intrinsically is not recommended for luch cloling sections.
safe for the particular hazard.
The earth termination of the fence at such a gap
17 FENCES should be at least 8 m away from either side of
the gap.
17.1 Natare of Danger
17.3 FeDces Sarrouadia. Stractures Con..
If an extended metal fence is struck, the length taining Flammable Liquid. or G••e.
between the point of strike and the nearest earth
termination is raised momentarily to a high 17.3.1 Earthing oj. All M,'ol Fences
potential relative to that of the earth. Person or
livestock in close proximity to, or in contact with Where fences which surround hazardous locations.
such fencing at the time of a lightning discharge are of the all-metal type, no particular problems.
to the fencing may, therefore, be exposed to arise, and they can be earthed as described
danger. It is desirable, therefore, to earth the fence in 17.2.2, but at intervals not exceeding 75 m.
via earth electrodes at intervals in order to dis-
charge the lightning as effectively as possible. 17.3.2 Earthing ofPlastic-Coated Fences
Ideally, the continuity of the fence should be Much of the fencing in current use is of the
broken by gaps along its length filled with insulat- plastic-coated close-mesh steel wire type.
ing sections. This would help to restrict the effect
of the lightning strike to the particular section The plastic coating provides weather protection.
struck. However, where fences are primarily used and breaking through it in order to earth the
for security reasons, the inclusion of insulating metal would increase the risk of corrosion and is
sections raises other problems. not, therefore, recommended.
This type of fencing, however, normally carries a.
Recommendations are made below.
run of barbed wire at high level. It is recom-
17.2 Protection of Liveltock In Field. mended that this wire should be earthed at inter-
vals not exceeding 75 m in order to act as an air'
termination for the protection of the fence.
17.2.1 General
17.3.3 Insulated Gaps
The loss of livestock by lightning during thun-
derstorms is due mainly to herds congregating Because these fences are primarily for security
under trees in open fields or drifting against purposes, insulated gaps may breach security
unearthed wire fences and receiving a discharge requirements and are, therefore, Dot recommended.
sufficient to kill them. Whereas the nature of the Where the security fence separates grazing land
. exposure of livestock in fields is such that it is not from a hazardous or high security area, a balance
possible to eliminate the hazard entirely, the must be struck between the attendant risks in
taking of the following precautions will reduce the each case.
hazard to some extent.
18 TREES AND STRUCTURES NEAR TREES
17.2.2 Earthing
18.1 The protection of trees against the effects
Where fences are constructed of metal uprights of lightning need be considered only where the
and continuous electrically conducting wires, for preservation of the tree is especially desirable
example, barbed wire, strained wires, chain link, because of its historical, botanical, environmental
each continuous wire should be bonded to the or other similar value. For such cases the follow-
metal uprights at intervals. In cases where wooden ing recommendations are made:
or concrete posts are used, bonding should be to
earth electrodes, for example, driven rods. a) A main down conductor should be rUB
from the topmost part of the main stem to
The intervals between bonding should not exceed the earth termination should be protected
150 m where the soil is permanently wet and against mechanical damage at ground
should be reduced to 15 m in dry soil. level.
182309 1.1989
ib) Large upper branches should be provided NOTE - When a tree is haft unprotected, a lightning
with branch conductors bonded to the c~rrent discharged into it can be conducted over
main conductor. distances of manv tens of metres, along or just under
the surface of the ground in order to find a good con-
ductor, for example, a water or gas pipe, electricity
,c) Conductors so used should be stranded and cable, or the lightning protective earth of building.
if copper, should be insulated so as not t~
poison the tree. The total cross-sectional 18.3 Further guidance can be had from 27.3.
:,area should not be less than 70 mm' for
copper and aluminium. No precise sizes 19 STRUCTURES SUPPORTING
are given because this causes problems of OVERHEAD ELECTRICITY SUPPLY,
availability. The important point is that TELEPHONE AND OTHER LINE2i
the conductors should be flexible.
19.1 If any overhead electricity supply lines,
-d) In the fixing of the conductors, allowance telegraph or telephone wires or radio and televi-
should be made for swaying in the wind sion relay service on metal supports fixed to
and the natural growth of the tree. structures, the supports should where practicable
~e earthed and also bonded to a lightning protec-
-e) The recommendations of 12.2.7 need not nve system.
be taken into account.
19.2 On structures at which service supply lines
f) The earth termination should consist of terminate, a surge protective device should be
two rods driven into the ground on opposite connected between the electricity conductor or
sides of, and close to, the trunk of conductors and an earthed point.
the tree. A strip conductor should be Permission for these measures should be sought
buried encircling the roots of the tree at a from the owners of the lines.
minimum distance of 8 m radius from the
centre of the tree or at a distance of not
less than 600 mm beyond the spread of 20 STRUCTURES WITH RADIO AND
the foliage, whichever is the greater. This TELEVISION AERIALS
conductor should also be bonded to the
rods by two radial conductors. The earth 20.1 IDdoor Aerials in Protected Structures
termination and resistance should satisfy
the recommendations of 12.3. Structures protected against lightning in accord-
ance with the recommendations of this Code may
g) Where two or more trees are so close toge- be equipped with indoor radio and television
ther that their encircling earth conductors receiver aerials without further precautions, provi-
would intercept, one conductor adequately ded the clearance between the aerial system,
connected to the earth rods should be including the down leads or feeders, and the
buried so as to surround the roots of all the external lightning protective system accords with
trees. the values given in 12.5.
2) For structures for explosive or highly Where the conditions in the preceding paragraph
flammable contents, the height of the cannot be fulfilled, precautions should be taken to
structure. ' ensure that the lightning current can be discharged
to earth without damage to the structure and its
,18.2 If these clearances cannot be ensured, the occupants as given below:
.extent of the risks involved should be considered.
To reduce the risks to the minimum, when the a) With an aerial system fitted directly on to
'tree is to remain, the structure would have to be a protected structure this can be accompli-
protected in accordance with the recommend- shed by connecting the aerial bracketry to
.ations of this Code and the air termination or the lightuing protective system at the
-down conductor should be arranged so as to pass nearest point accessible below the aerial
.as close as possible to the nearest part of the tree. installation.
S3
IS 2309 I 1989
b) With an aerial system fitted on a metallic or as may be used in the construction of public:
support structure which projects above the seating accommodation, they should be efficiently
lightning protective system this can be bonded to earth. A simple method of bonding such.
accomplished by connecting the aerial structures consists of running a strip of metal,
support structure to the lightning protective other than aluminium, 20 X 3 mm in size,
system at the nearest point accessible be low underneath and in contact with the base plates.
the aerial installation. carrying the vertical numbers of the scaffolding
and earthing it at intervals not exceeding 30 m.
20.3 Aerials on Unprotected Structures With public seating accommodation, only the
Before installing an aerial on an unprotected peripheral members of the structure need bonding·
structure, the need to provide a protective system to earth. Other steel structures, such as those used
should be assessed in accord ance with the detail for pedestrian bridges over main trunk roads, are·
in 8.1. frequently sited in isolated situations where they
may be prone to lightning strokes and should,
20.4 Use of Earth Electrodes of Lightning therefore, be bonded to earth, particularly at the-
Protective System approach points.
I t is permissible to use the earth electrode of the 21.3 Tall Metal Mastl, Tower Cranes, aDd.
lightning protective system for the purposes of Revolving and Travelling Structures
earthing the aerial system, provided this does not
conflict with the regulations for the reception of Masts and their guy wires, floodlighting towers,
sound and television broadcasting. and other similar structures of metallic construe-
tion should be earthed in accordance with the-
21 MISCELLANEOUS STRUCTURES recommendations of this Code.
21.1 Tents Cranes and other tall lifting appliances used in.
21.1.1 Large Tents building construction, in shipyards, and in port
installations also require bonding to earth. For"'
Where large temporary structures of this type are cranes or revolving structures mounted on rails,
used for such purposes as exhibitions and enter- efficient earthing of the rails, preferably at more
tainments involving large numbers of people, than one point will usually provide adequate-
consideration should be given to their protection Jightning protection. In special cases, where con··
against lightning. I n general, such structures are cern is felt regarding possible damage to bearings.
manufactured from non-metallic materials and the by lightning, additional measures may be justified
simplest form of protection will usually consist of and expert advice should be sought.
one or more horizontal air terminations suspended
above them and connected solidly to earth. A non- 21.4 Farm BuildiDgs in Areas of High
metallic extension of the vertical supports provided Lightniog incidence
for such structures may, if convenient and practi- In some areas, where lightning incidence is high.
cable, be used for supporting a system of horizon- but where the use of copper or aluminium would-
tal air terminations but a clearance of not less be economically unjustifiable or be otherwise
than 1-5 m should. be maintained between the inadvisable, galvanized mild steel wire may be
conductor and the fabric of the enclosure. Down used for the protection of small farmsteads or
conductors should be arranged outside the struc- similar structures. It should consist of a single
ture and be connected to' earthing rods which in strand, not less than 6 mm in diameter erected to
turn should be connected to a ring conductor in span the roof and ends of the structure and tO A
such a manner as to be inaccessible to the general continue into the ground at a depth of O· 5 m for
public. Those types of structure which have metal a distance of 3 m ( Fig. 36 ). Supports may be
frameworks should have these efficiently bonded timber, arranged to provide a clearance of not less-
to earth at intervals of not more than 30 m of than 0·9 m from the roof. Test joints are not
the perimeter. required as tests after installation, and subsequen-
21.1.2 Small Tents tly, are improbable.. However, as deterioration i~·
likely to occur first in the buried portions, a short
For small tents no specific recommendations can separate length of similar material to the lightning
be rgiven but some of the problems involved are conductor, suitably pointed and galvanized over-
considered in 27.4. all, should be inserted in the ground beside each--
earth termination to permit periodic withdrawal,
21.2 Metal Scaft'oldiDg and Similar visual examination and reinsertion to serve as an,
Structures indication of the condition of the underground
Where such structures are of sufficient size to conductor material. Means should be provided to
warrant protection and are readily accessible to prevent access to the exposedcondgctor and the--
the general public, particularly where they are ground in the immediate viclnir;: of the buried.
erected over and on part of the common highway, metal.
54
182• • 1989-
--
=~~-...L-.._------_...L.._~--Gl
--
Corrosion control
In!ope ction pin'
55
18 2309 • 1989
Key
IMetal roof, providing a natural air termination.
2 Bond to steel roof and reinforcing bar of each concrete column.
3 Reinforcing bars in column, providing natural down conductor.
..Bond to reinforcing bar for earthing.
5 Earth electrode in concrete housina.
6 Earth ring interconnecting each earth electrode.
NOTE - All continuous or earthed metal should be connected to the earth ri~g.
7 Light ring column ( stI Fig. 17 ).
FrG. 37 LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM 'OR SPORTS STADrUM ( FOOTBALL GROUND )0
56
Steel column
..
c. '(?
". .. .
0,", .' 0· .. ·
, ,
Corrosion protec ncn
Inspection pit
(b) Bond and 81rth to a column of a re,nforced concrete bndg..
., ,,- I • I ~ • • ~:
., 17. ; ;D ' ' "
\I
(d) Detail of A. showint
....ndr.1I bond (tl Dtt.il of B show,ng flexible ~d
ovtr roller be.rings
Flo. 38 BR.IDGES
S7
conductors other than earth wires are run out. ted to earth in the same manner as when mainte..·
Once the conductors are run out and insulatlon nance is being carried out after the line is-
installed, they should not be left 'floating' whilst . commissioned.
men are working on them. but should be connec-
23 INSPECTION 25 RECORDS
23.1 All lightning protective systems should be 25.1 The following records should be kept on site
visually inspected by a competent person during or by the person responsible for the upkeep of the
installation, after completion and after alteration installation:
or extension, in order to verify that they are in
accordance with the recommendations in this a) Scale drawings showing the nature, dimen-·
code. Visual inspections should be repeated at sions, materials, and position of all com-
fixed intervals, preferably not exceeding 12 ponent parts of the lightning protective
months. system.
23.2 In addition, the mechanical condition of all b) The nature of the soil and any special
conductors, bonds, joints, and earth electrodes earthing arrangements.
(including reference electrodes) should be checked c) The type and position of the earth electro-··
and the observations noted. If, for any reason, des, including 'reference electrodes'.
such as other site works, it is temporarily not
possible to inspect certain parts of the installation, d) The test conditions and results obtained
this also should be noted. ( see 24 ).
reduced except for structures on rock as described which may affect the lightning protective
in 18.5. If the resistance is less than 10 0, but system ( for example, changes in the use of .
significantly higher than the previous reading, a building, the installation of crane tracks,
the cause should be investigated and any necessary erection of radio and television aerials ).
remedial action taken.
27 EXPLANATORY NOTES ON SOME OF
Tests should be repeated at fixed intervals, pre- THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THIS
ferably not exceeding 12 months. CODE
NOTES
27.1 Clauses 12.3 'Earth TerminatioDs'
1 It may be advantageous to choose a period slightly .Dd 12.4 'Earth Electrode.'
shorter than 12 months in order to vary the season in
which tests are made.
27.1.1 General
2 It is emphasized that before isolating a lightning
protection earth, it shou ld be tested to ensure that it is Comprehensive information on ""the subject of
not 'live', using a sensitive voltage testing device. earthing is to be found in IS 3C13 : 1987.
-27.1.2 Efflct on Sid, Fluhi", end P9tential Difference No appreciable advantage in resistance reduction
Ciosl to the Earth Electro«, . is gained by increasing the diameter or surface
area of the driven electrode. Larger sizes become
As outlined in 5.1, the resistance of the earth more difficult to drive and are more expensive in
termination affects the risk of side flashing within materials. For example, for electrodes of 1'2 m
the structure to be protected and the nsk of a in length, the relation between diameter and mass
.-da~gerous potential gradient in the ground i& shown below:
adjacent to the earth termination. The risk of
side Dashing in some types of structure depends Electrode Diameter Appro~imate Mass
on other factors in addition to the resistance of
the earth termination and this aspect is discussed mm
in 5.2. The potential gradient around the earth 13
termination is exclusively a function of the soil 16
resistivity. In Fig. 17 a lightning stroke is
19
assumed. to occur to the lightning protective
.system 01 a structure. As the lightning current is 25
discharged tbrough the earth electrode, the
surrounding soil is raised for the duration of the Thus, the mass of a 1'2 m X 25 mm rod is four
discharge to a potential with respect to the body times that of a 1'2 m X 13 mm rod.
"of the earth. The resulting potential gradient is
illustrated and it is shown how its voltage gradi- For the same mass of material, one 4·8 m X 13 mm
ent can be reduced by adding ring earth electra. electrode rod or four 1'2 m X 13 mm electrodes
-des to lower the effective earth resistance. spaced 1'2 m apart will provide a resistance value
of about one-third of that of one 1-2 m X 25 mm
electrode rod in the same kind of soil.
.Such a potential difference may be lethal to a
pel son if it exceeds a few thousand volts and to 27.1.5 Special Cases
an animal if it exceeds a few hundred volts. As
this potential difference is a function of the Special considerations apply at earth terminations
product of the lightning current and the resistance for:
of the earth electrode. the importance of keeping
-the latter as low as possible is evident. For practi- a) fences containing metal ( 16.3.1 ),
cal purposes. a maximum value at' 10 a is recom- b) trees ( 17 ),
mended. The danger to persons within a c) farm buildings ( 20.4 ), and
.structure is effectively reduced by the presence of
any floor other than one of earth or rock. . d) structures on bare rock.
for example, water pipes, gas pipes, metal- either case, an arc: will be formed and this are:
sheaths, electrical installations, etc, which is in entails some risk of fire if easily ignita ble
conducting connection with earth remains essenti- materials are present. The recommended clear-
ally at earth potential during a lightning ances to avoid the ris~ of side flashing are given
discharge. Even if an extended vertical metal in 12.5.
part is not in contact with earth, a potential
difference between it and the lightning protective 27.2.5 Inductance of Down Conductors Relative If}'
system is liable to arise although the magnitude Blight ofStructure
of this potential difference will be smaller than if
As the height of a structure increases, the resis-
the metal were earthed. If the resul ting short- tive voltage drop in the earth termination network,
time potential difference between any part of the assumes progressively less importance as compar-
lightning protective system and any adjacent ed with the inductive voltage drop which occurs
metal exceeds the electric breakdown strength of only along the down conductors.
the intervening space, be this air, a wall, or any
other structural material, a side flash can occur 27.3 Claase 18 'Tree. aDd Structure. Near~
and this can cause physical damage, ignite flam- Tree.'
mable material, or cause electric shocks to per-
sons or animals. This clause gives the circumstances in which it
may be advisable to provide protection for trees.
27.2.2 Bonding External Venical Runs of Metal at
Each End The recommended earth termination network is.
designed to protect the roots of the tree and to,
Such bonding has to be effected at both extremi- reduce the potentia) gradient in the event of a
ties of any extended vertical metal. The metal lightning discharge to the tree to a safe value
may then form part of the discharge path but within the area bounded by the outer buried strip
any risk of physical damage or injury is avoided. conductors.
27.2.3 Which Metal Needs Bonding The practice of, sheltering under trees during a
thunderstorm is dangerous and should be dis-
Difficulties are liable to arise in deciding which couraged wherever possible.
metal parts require bonding and which can be
disregarded in this context. No such difficulties When a tree is struck by lightning, a potential'
should arise with long continuous installations gradient develops along its branches, trunk and
such as metallic service pipes, ducts, lifts, stair- roots and this may cause a side flash to an adja-
cases, or long ladders. These can usually be cent structure as mentioned in 27.
bonded to the lightning protective system without The flashover strength of a tree can be taken as ~
excessive inconvenience or cost. On the other 250 kV/m as compared with the breakdown
hand, the presence of short isolated pieces of strength of air of 500 kV/m. These figures form
metal such as window frames, which are merely the basis of the recommendation in 17.1(h) as to·
in fortuitous connection with the ground through the minimum safe clearance between a tree and
the raincovered surface of the structure, can be a structure.
disregarded.
If the actual clearance is found to be too small to '
A structure having reinforcement, steelwork, or prevent the occurrence of a side flash to the
cladding forming a continuous close metal mesh structure, the latter should be fitted with lightn-
in the form of internal reinforcement or screen ing protection in such a manner that the energy
, approaches the condition of a Faraday Cage in in the side flash is discharged through the pro-
which any internal metal assumes the same tective system without damage to the structure.
potential as the cage itself. On such a structure,
the risk of side flashing is greatly reduced and the If a tree near a structure is itself fitted with a ~
rules for bonding can be substantially relaxed. lightning protective system, the structure may
In cases of doubt specialist advice should be thus be adequately protected. No further lightn-
sought. ing protection for the structure will then be requi-
red, provided the conditions recommended in this.
27.2.4 Dangers of Thin Metal Covlrings Code with respect to the cone of protection and-
separation are followed.
If any part of the outer surface of the structure
is covered with a thin metal skin, this metal may, 27.4 Claa8. 2 'Ml.cel1aDeoas Structures'
by accident or design, form part of the path of 27.4.1 Small Tents
the lightning current as it goes to earth. The
current may be caused to leave the metal, either For small tents the foregoing recommendations.
through the metallic path not being continuous would be expensive. However, in~areas, of severe'
or through i;ts cross-sectional area being inade- thunderstorm activity, and in. mountainous
quate to carry the current without .melting. In:" regions, 'campers usmg small tents are strongly-
f8 2309: J989
.:advised to adopt certain precautions. These are the ground stress can be obtained from an
.alisted below ( s" Fig. 39 ): assumption that the equipotemials in the ground
a) Protection for small tents can be achieved are hemispherical shells. Hence with a median
current of 30 kA and an average soil resistivity
by the use of one or two telescopic metal
poles outside the tent which should be so
of 103 0 m the ground stress will be about 50
arranged that the tent lies within the
kV1m at a distance of 10 m from the column and
will fall off as the square of the distance ( Sit
protective angle recommended in 12.2.
Fig. 17 and 37).
"The foot of each of these metal poles
"should be connected to an earth spike On the assumption that for human beings the
placed in a direction away from the tent voltage gradient should not exceed 10 kV/m, a
and, wherever possible, driven into a moist distance of 22 m from the column base would be
piece of ground. In addition, a bare metal needed in order to reach this level.
wire should be laid on the ground around
the tent and connected to the foot of each Use of a suitable earth electrode in the form of a
metal pole. circular mesh 10 m in diameter could significantly
reduce the ground voltage stress in the vicinity of
'b) In the case of a metal-frammed tent, the the tower. Additional protection against ground
metal, if continuous, will act as the lightn- voltage stress could also be obtained by providing
ing conductor. The frame should be con- an insulated mat of 4-pJy 1 000 gauge PVC sheet
nected to two earthing spikes driven as just below the final asphalt layer.
described above in opposite directions away
from the tent. For protection against direct contact with the
tower itself, a 4 mm coating of epoxy resin spray-
c) In a thunderstorm it is essential, parti- ed on to the structure from ground level to at
cularly in unprotected tents, to avoid the least 3 m high is recommended.
r isk of potential difference across the body,
This may be accomplished by lying on a Care must be taken in the choice of material used
metal-frammed cot. If this is not possible, in order to keep its degradation by sunlight to a
the risk can be reduced by sitting on the minimum.
ground with the knees down up to the 27.5 Magnetic WiplDl of Data ia Computer
chest and by avoiding physical contact with Memories
the tent and with other occupants.
This question is sometimes asked and although it
'27.4.2 Sports Stadiums is possible for data to be wiped from certain types
of memories, the current would have to pass so
When a tall lighting column is struck by lightn- close to the memory store that the chance of it
.ing, the current flows into the ground from the happening can be ignored. No reference to this
~ase of the column and a good approximation to problem is, therefore, made in this Code.
IS 2309 , 1989
vc
Bare metal wire on
gr~und connected
to bases of v.rtical
conductors
Gtner.' arrangement
Gener.1 arrlngement
/
."t" .-- -- if.- -
/zp - --
,
Bond to rang
I
zP--1.. . . . . . _~p
on ground
( He
\
~ ~
\ / '---. --- ~ -- - -If.,.
, ~-----¥"
/
<, :/ l
--..... --- ~ It-- - ' " Zon•• of protection It ground livel'
62
IS 2301 , 1989'
ANNEX A
( Foreword)
-COMPOSITION OF ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS SECTIONAL COMMITTEE, ETDC 20
CluzirtlUln
SUBJ M. L. DOKGBB
M·3 Satyam. 88 Sion Circle, Bombay 400022
M'mb,rs R,pr,s,n'ing
:SBBIP.ANANTBABAKAN Engineer-in-Chief'. Branch, Army Headquarten (Ministry of
Defence ), New Delhi
SaRI S. K. SHANG ABI ( Al',rntd' )
=SBRI P. D. BAGADJD Tata Consulting Engineers, Bombay
SBRI R. K. KAUL ( Alt,rn.',)
SHBI V. S. BBA!rIA Siemens India Ltd, Bombay
SaBI M. M. SHBTHI' A ( AII,nud' )
~SBIU K. V. CUA.UBAL Federation of Electricity Undertaking of India, Bombay
SaBI K. S. JOSBI ( All,rnal' )
SHBI R. R. CBOUDHUBI Larsen & Toubro ( Construction Group ), Madras
SBRI N. BALASUBBAUANIAN ( Alt,rnat, )
-CHIEI' ELECTRIOAL ENGINEER Railway Board ( Ministry of Railways ), New Delhi
DEPUTY DIBBOTOR STAl'DABDS ( ELIIO )-DI,
ROSO ( Altlrna', )
-cllJBJr ELECTRIOAL INSPECTOB TO GOVBB51lDT Chief Electrical Inspector to Government of Tamil Nadu, Madras
OJ' T AXJL N ADU
ELBC'l'RIOAL INSPBO'l'OB (TBOBBIOAL) TO
.Al,,,,,.,,)
GOVEBNMENT OJ! T AXIL N ADt1 (
.cHIEI' ENGI~BBt\ (ELBO )-1 Central Public Works Department, New Delhi
SUPBBI~TBNDBNT SUBVBYOB O. ~OBK.
( ELBO ) - I ( Alt'null' )
:SBBX D:SVBNDBB NATB Larsen 8t Toubro Ltd, Bombay
SlIB IT. P. R. SARIIA. ( .4lt"natl )
:SBRI K. W. DSABKADBIKABI Jyoti Ltd, Vadodara
DB V. N. MALLBR ( AltmuJl, )
:SBBI G. L. DUA Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd, New Delhi
SSBI S. K. SBTHI ( AlII,,,,,,,)
:SHBI R. C. KHANNA Delhi Electric Supply Undertaking, New Delhi
SBBI P. S. SAWBny (Alt,rnat')
MBMBBR ( HYDBO-!LBlOTBJO) Central Electricity Authority, New Delhi
DIRECTOR ( HED )·1 ( Alt,rnat,)
"£R S. PANEERSBLVAJI Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Madras
SBBI V.JANABDBANAN (Alt,rnat, )
'SHlll K. P. R. PILLAI Fact Engineering and Design Organization, Udyogamandal
SBBI C. R. R. MJlNON (Altunat,)
·SBRI V. RADBA KBISHNA. Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, Hyderabad
;Smu H. S. RAO Crompton Greaves Ltd, Bombay
-PROI' G. RAVBBNDB.u NAIR C bief Electrical Inspector to the Government of Kerala, Trivandrum
:SSKI S. R. SARDA Maharashtra State Electricity Board, Bombay
SSRI R. SATHIYABAL Tariff Advisory Committee ( General Insurance), Bombay
SHKt K. K. MONDAL ( Alt"ntlt,)
wSHRI H. K. SITAR4J1 Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation Ltd, Calcutta
SHIll S. K. P ALIT ( AI'"nat, )
SBRI P. SRINIVA,SA POTI Karnataka Electricity Board, Bangalore
J
SBRI 08EP B PSILOJIBNY ( All""at, )
·SBRI D. S. TAWAR. Electrical Engineer to Government of Maharashtra, Bombay
J.
Smu S. HARIDAS ( .Alt"nal, )
;SSRI G. N. THADA.I Engineers India Ltd, New Delhi
SURI S. K. GBOSH (Alt"nat, )
SURI G. S. TBAJ[UB Chief Electrical Inspector, Government of Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal
'SHRI V. T. W ARANG Bombay Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking, Bombay
5:aRI R. P. PATEL ( Alt"na',)
:SOl S. P. SAOBDBV, Director General, BIS ( Ex-offiejo MImHr )
Director ( EJec tech)
S,cr,'arJ
K. GANESB
SBRI
Deputy Director ( Elec tech )t BIS
63
Panel for Code of Practice for Protection of Buildings and Allied Structures Against Lightning.
ETDC 20: P9
COnD',." llIpr,smling
SaRI G. N. THADANI Engineers IDdia Ltd, New Delhi
Memb"s
SURI Y. K. JAIN ( Alt,rnate to
Shri G. N. Thadani )
SHRI N. BALASUBBAKANIAN LaraeD & Toubro ( Construction Group) J Madras
SHRt V. V. PABANJAPB Tata Con.uhio! EngiDeerl, Bombay
SURI R. K. K AUL (All,rnat, )
SHBI K. P. R. PILLAI Fact Engineeriog DesigD Organization, Udyogamandal
SHIU A. O. OOKMSN ( Alt"ntd' )
SHRI RAJ& RAO Dharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, New Delhi
SaRI N. H AQ (Alt,rnat, )
SUBVBYOB OJ' WORKS ( ELBOTBICALS ) Central Public Works Department, New Delhi
64
( CtmlilUUdfrom '"ond cov" )
This Code was. first issued in 1963 and revised subsequently in 1969. The 1969 version was an
~tt..mpt to take mto account the then advanc~ in th~ protectio~ of buildings and structures against
Jlghtnl~g aDd ~rou~ht uJ:» to date the first version by Incorporating the current practice in providing
protection against lightning.
Based on data available, the 1969 version introduced a digital system of assessing the risk of
damage to buildings due to lightning. In this system, index figures are allotted to the various
racton influencing the risk of damage due to lightning to buildings and structures. The degree
of necessity or otherwise of lightning protection can be judged from the sum of the index figures
- lb." higher, the total figure, the greater the need for lightning protection. It was, however.
emphasized that this system should be regarded as an aid to judgement and not as a sole
criterion.
The present revision updates the contents of the Code and also reorganizes the presentation in
such a manner as to enhance its use. While retaining most of the topics, it includes additionl
factors and chauges, pai'ticularly the current waveform which affects the clearance for prevent-
iog side ftashing.
This Code is intended to give guidance on the principles and practice which experience has
shown to be important in protecting structures against damage from lightning. This Code is not
a specification, but gives recommendations and guidance. This limitation is due to the inconsis-
tent nature or the lightning phenomenon which means that the degree of protection has to be
based on statistics and cannot be stated in exact terms. Moreover, the Code recognizes the
fact that wide variations in the architecture of the buildings and in the topography and atmospheric
conditions in different parts of the country require that considerable freedom in the design of the
protective system should be given.
In the preparation of this Code, assistance has been derived from BS 6651 : 1985 'Code of Prac-
tice for Protection of Structures Against Lightning', issued by the British Standards Institution.
Composition of Electrical Installations Sectional Committee, ETDC 20, which was responsible for the
preparation ofthis standard i. given in Annex A.
For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with. the
final value, observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test, shall be rounded off in accordance
with IS 2 : 1960 'Rules for rounding off numerical values (revised)'. The number of significant
places retained in the rounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this
standard.
ltaaclanl Mark
The UIe of the Standard Mark is governed by the provisioDi of the Bur,. of INJi." SItmtltIrtls
AeI, 1986 and the RuJeI aDd Regulationl made thereunder. The Standard Mark OD products
covered by an Indian Standard conveys the assurance that they have been produced to comply
with the requirements of that standard under a well defined system of inspection, testing and
quality control which il devised and supervised by BIS and operated by the producer. Standard
marked products are atso continuously checked by BIS for cO'1formity to that standard as a
further sareguard. Details of conditions under which a licence for the use of the Standard Mark
may be granted to manufacturers or producet8 may be obtained from the Bureau of
Indian Stalldarda.
Ihare... of I'MI.............
BIS is a statutory iDltkutiOD -"hecl under the . , , . of,Itulia SltmdiwdJ .4eI, 1986 to prOmote
harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking aDd quality certification of goodt
and attending to connected .nen
... in' the country.
BIS -has the copyright of all its publicatioDl. No part of these publications may be reproduced in any Corm
without the prior permission in writing of BIS. This does not preclude the free use, in the coune of
implementing the standard, of necessary details, such as symbols and sizes, type or grade designations.
Enquiries relating to copyright be addreued to the Director ( Publications ). DIS.
IWrialoa 0'.................
Indian Standards are reviewed periodically and revised, when nece8I'Y and amendments, if any. are
iuucd from time to time. Users of Indian Studards should ascertain that they are in possession of the
latest amendments or edition. Commenq on thiI Indian Standard may be ICDt to BIS living the
following reference: "
Headquanen :
Manak Bhavan. 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Mara, New Delhi 110002 Telegrams: ManabaDatha
Telephones: 8S1 01 SI. SSI 13 75 (Common to aU 0Ilces)
1leIiooal
,
0fBces : Telephono
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NEW DBUlI 110002 { SSIIS 75