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BBP E Chapter 05
BBP E Chapter 05
mesh size M
air-termination rod
down conductor
protective angle
α
h2
rolling sphere
r
h1
earth-termination system
Fig. 5.1.1 Method for designing of air-termination systems for high buildings
iki
ta
nc
ng
eh
B
Fig. 5.1.1.1 Starting upward leader defining the point of strike Fig. 5.1.1.2 Model of a rolling sphere
Ref: Prof. Dr. A. Kern, Aachen
point of strike of the lightning strike (Figure Classification of the lightning protection system
5.1.1.1). and radius of the rolling sphere
The starting point of the upward leader and hence As a first approximation, a proportionality exists
the subsequent point of strike is determined main- between the peak value of the lightning current
ly by the head of the downward leader. The head and the electrical charge stored in the downward
of the downward leader can only approach the leader. Furthermore, the electrical field strength of
earth within a certain distance. This distance is the ground as the downward leader approaches is
defined by the continuously increasing electrical also linearly dependent on the charge stored in
field strength of the ground as the head of the the downward leader, to a first approximation.
downward leader approaches. The smallest dis- Thus there is a proportionality between the peak
tance between the head of the downward leader value I of the lightning current and the final strik-
and the starting point of the upward leader is ing distance hB (= radius of the rolling sphere):
called the final striking distance hB (corresponds to
the radius of the rolling sphere). r = 10 ⋅ I 0.65
Immediately after the electrical insulating strength
is exceeded at one point, the upward leader which
r in m
leads to the final strike and manages to cross the
final striking distance, is formed. Observations of I in kA
the protective effect of guard wires and pylons
were used as the basis for the so-called The protection of structures against lightning is
“geometric-electrical model”. described in IEC 62305-1 (EN 62305-1). Among
other things, this standard defines the classifica-
This is based on the hypothesis that the head of tion of the individual lightning protection system
the downward leader approaches the objects on and stipulates the resulting lightning protection
the ground, unaffected by anything, until it reach- measures.
es the final striking distance.
The point of strike is then determined by the It differentiates between four classes of lightning
object closest to the head of the downward leader. protection system. A Class I lightning protection
The upward leader starting from this point “forces system provides the most protection and a Class IV,
its way through” (Figure 5.1.1.2). by comparison, the least. The interception effec-
IV 0.84 0.97 60 16
III 0.91 0.97 45 10
II 0.97 0.98 30 5
I 0.99 0.99 20 3
Table 5.1.1.1 Relations between lightning protection level, interception criterion Ei , final striking distance hB and min. peak value of current I
Ref.: Table 5, 6 and 7 of IEC 62305-1 (EN 62305-1)
tiveness Ei of the air-termination systems is con- The “rolling sphere” is now rolled around the
comitant with the class of lightning protection sys- object under examination and the contact points
tem, i.e. which percentage of the prospective representing potential points of strike are marked
lightning strikes is safely controlled by the air-ter- in each case. The “rolling sphere” is then rolled
mination systems. From this results the final strik- over the object in all directions. All contact points
ing distance and hence the radius of the “rolling are marked again. All potential points of strike are
sphere”. The correlations between class of light- thus shown on the model; it is also possible to
ning protection system, interception effectiveness determine the areas which can be hit by lateral
Ei of the air-termination systems, final striking dis- strikes. The naturally protected zones resulting
tance / radius of the “rolling sphere” and current from the geometry of the object to be protected
peak value are shown in Table 5.1.1.1. and its surroundings can also be clearly seen. Air-
termination conductors are not required at these
Taking as a basis the hypothesis of the “geometric- points (Figure 5.1.1.3).
electrical model” that the head of the downward
leader approaches the objects on the earth in an It must be borne in mind, however, that lightning
arbitrary way, unaffected by anything, until it footprints have also been found on steeples in
reaches the final striking distance, a general places not directly touched as the “rolling sphere”
method can be derived which allows the volume to rolled over. This is traced to the fact that, among
be protected of any arrangement to be inspected. other things, in the event of multiple lightning
Carrying out the rolling sphere method requires a flashes, the base of the lightning flash moves
scale model (e.g. on a scale of 1:100) of the build- because of the wind conditions. Consequently, an
ing / structure to be protected, which includes the area of approx. one metre can come up around the
external contours and, where applicable, the air-
termination systems. Depending on the location of
rolling sphere
the object under investigation, it is also necessary
to include the surrounding structures and objects, r
since these could act as “natural protective mea-
sures” for the object under examination.
r r
Furthermore, a true-to-scale sphere is required
according to the class of lightning protection sys- r
tem with a radius corresponding to the final strik- r
ing distance (depending on the class of lightning
r
protection system, the radius r of the “rolling
sphere” must correspond true-to-scale to the radii
20, 30, 45 or 60 m). The centre of the “rolling building
sphere” used corresponds to the head of the
downward leader towards which the respective Fig. 5.1.1.3 Schematic application of the “rolling sphere” method at
upward leaders will approach. a building with considerably structured surface
Figure 5.1.1.6 also shows “rolling spheres” for Fig. 5.1.1.6 Aachen Cathedral: Model with environment and “rolling
lightning protection systems Class II and III (i.e. spheres” for lightning protection systems Class II and III
with radii of 30 cm and 45 cm) on the model. Ref.: Prof. Dr. A. Kern, Aachen
r
radius of the rolling sphere decreases, i.e. which
areas of Aachen Cathedral had additionally to be
considered at risk of being hit by lightning strikes,
if a lightning protection system Class II with a high-
penetration
depth p
1
d
p = r − ⎡⎣ r 2 − ( d / 2 ) ⎤⎦ 2
p
2
Δh
Fig. 5.1.1.8 Air-termination system for installations mounted on the r Radius of the rolling sphere
roof with their protective area
d Distance between two air-termination rods or
two parallel air-termination conductors
domelight
installed on the roof always be greater than the value of the penetra-
tion depth p determined, and hence greater than
the sag of the rolling sphere. This additional
height of the air-termination rod ensures that the
Fig. 5.1.1.9 Calculation Δh for several air-termination rods accord- rolling sphere does not touch the structure to be
ing to rolling sphere method protected.
r 60
50
protective 40
angle 30
I II III IV
air-termi- equal surface areas 20
nation rod 10
α° base
0
02 10 20 30 40 50 60
h[m]
Fig. 5.1.1.11 Protective angle and comparable radius of the rolling Fig. 5.1.1.12 Protective angle α as a function of height h depending
sphere on the class of lightning protection system
angle α
α° α°
h1
angle α
Fig. 5.1.1.13 Cone-shaped protection zone Fig. 5.1.1.14 Example of air-termination systems with protective
angle α
air-termination
conductor α1 α2
h1
h1
h2
H
α° h1
h1: Physical height of the air-termination rod
Note:
Protective angle α1 refers to the height of the air-termination system
h1 above the roof surface to be protected (reference plane);
Angle α depends on the class of lightning protection system Protective α2 refers to the height h2 = h1 + H, while the earth
and the height of the air-termination conductor above ground surface is the reference plane.
Fig. 5.1.1.15 Area protected by an air-termination conductor Fig. 5.1.1.16 External lightning protection system, volume protected
by a vertical air-termination rod
Table 5.1.1.4 Protective angle α depending on the class of lighting protection system
The separation distance s between the air-termina- A further method of designing isolated air-termi-
tion system and the structure must be kept. nation systems consists in securing the air-termina-
tion systems (air-termination rods, conductors or
cables) with electrically insulating materials such as
Air-termination systems isolated from the struc- GRP (glass fibre-reinforced plastic).
ture are frequently used, when the roof is covered This form of isolation can be limited to local use or
with inflammable material, e.g. thatch or also for applied to whole parts of the installation. It is
ex-installations, e.g. tank installations. often used for roof-mounted structures such as fan
systems or heat exchangers with an electrically
See also Chapter 5.1.5 “Air-termination system for conductive connection into the structure (see also
structures with thatched roofs”. Chapter 5.1.8).
Sheet metal cladding on the walls or roof of the If conductive parts are located on the surface of
structure to be protected can be used if the electri- the roof, they can be used as a natural air-termina-
cal connection between the different parts is per- tion system if there is no conductive connection
manent. These permanent electrical connections into the structure.
can be made by e.g. brazing, welding, pressing, By connecting, e.g. pipes or electrical conductors
screwing or riveting, for example. into the structure, partial lightning currents can
enter the structure and affect or even destroy sen-
If there is no electrical connection, a supplemen-
sitive electrical / electronic equipment.
tary connection must be made for these elements
e.g. with bridging braids or bridging cables. In order to prevent these partial lightning currents
from penetrating, isolated air-termination systems
shall be installed for the aforementioned roof-
If the thickness of the sheet metal is not less than mounted structures.
the value t' in Table 5.1.1.5, and if there is no The isolated air-termination system can be
requirement to take account of a through-melting designed using the rolling sphere or protective
of the sheets at the point of strike or the ignition of angle method. An air-termination system with a
flammable material under the cladding, then such mesh size according to the class of lightning pro-
sheets can be used as an air-termination system. tection system used can be installed if the whole
arrangement is isolated (elevated) from the struc-
The material thicknesses are not distinguished ac- ture to be protected by at least the required sepa-
cording to the class of lightning protection system. ration distance s.
Fig. 5.1.2.1 Air-termination system on a Fig. 5.1.2.2 Height of a roof superstructure Fig. 5.1.2.3 Additional air-termination system
gable roof made of electrically non-conduc- for ventilation pipes
tive material (e.g. PVC), h ≤ 0.5 m
A universal system of components for the installa- at the crossover of the air-termination system and
tion of isolated air-termination systems is descri- the gutter.
bed in Chapter 5.1.8.
Roof-mounted structures made of electrically non-
5.1.2 Air-termination systems for buildings conductive material (e.g. PVC vent pipes) are con-
with gable roofs sidered to be sufficiently protected if they do not
Air-termination systems on roofs are the metal protrude more than h = 0.5 m from the plane of
components in their entirety, e.g. air-termination the mesh (Figure 5.1.2.2).
conductors, air-termination rods, air-termination
tips. If the protrusion is h > 0.5 m, the structure must be
The parts of the structure usually hit by lightning equipped with an air-termination system (e.g.
strikes, such as the top of the gable, chimneys, interception tip) and connected to the nearest air-
ridges and arrises, the edges of gables and eaves, termination conductor. One way of doing this
parapets and antennas and other protruding struc- would be to use a wire with a diameter of 8 mm up
tures mounted on the roof, must be equipped with to a maximum free length of 0.5 m, as shown in
air-termination systems. Figure 5.1.2.3.
Normally, a reticulated air-termination network
is installed on the surface of gabled roofs, said Metal structures mounted on the roof without
network corresponding to the mesh size of the conductive connection into the structure do not
appropriate class of lightning protection system need to be connected to the air-termination sys-
(e.g. 15 m x 15 m for a lightning protection system tem if all the following conditions are met:
Class III) (Figure 5.1.2.1). ⇒ Structures mounted on the roof may protrude
By using the ridge and the outer edges of the a maximum distance of 0.3 m from the plane
structure, as well as the metal parts of the struc- of the mesh
ture serving as an air-termination system, the indi-
⇒ Structures mounted on the roof may have a
vidual meshes can be sited as preferred. The air-
maximum enclosed area of 1 m2 (e.g. dormer
termination conductors on the outer edges of the
windows)
structure must be installed as close to the edges as
possible. ⇒ Structures mounted on the roof may have a
maximum length of 2 m (e.g. sheet metal roof-
Generally, the metal gutter is used for closing the ing parts)
“mesh” of the air-termination system on the roof
surface. If the gutter itself is connected so as to be Only if all three conditions are met, no terminal is
electrically conductive, a gutter clamp is mounted required.
Furthermore, with the conditions stated above, the earth) and the class of lightning protection sys-
the separation distance to the air-termination con- tem chosen.
ductors and down-conductor systems must be
maintained (Figure 5.1.2.4).
Air-termination rods for chimneys must be erected
5.1.3 Air-termination systems for flat-roofed
to ensure that the whole chimney is in the zone of
structures
protection. The protective angle method is applied
when dimensioning the air-termination rods. An air-termination system for structures with flat
If the stack is brick-built or constructed with pre- roofs (Figures 5.1.3.1 and 5.1.3.2) is designed using
formed sections, the air-termination rod can be the mesh method. A mesh-type air-termination
mounted directly on the stack. system with a mesh size corresponding to the class
of lightning protection system is installed on the
If there is a metal insert pipe in the interior of the
roof (Table 5.1.1.3).
stack, e.g. as found when redeveloping old build-
ings, the separation distance to this conductive
component must be kept. This is an example Figure 5.1.3.3 illustrates the practical application
where isolated air-termination systems are used of the meshed air-termination system in combina-
and the air-termination rods are erected with dis- tion with air-termination rods to protect the struc-
tance holders. The inserted metal pipe must be tures mounted on the roof, e.g. domelights, pho-
connected to the equipotential bonding.The tovoltaic cells or fans. Chapter 5.1.8 shows how to
assembly to protect parabolic antennas in particu- deal with these roof-mounted structures.
lar is similar to that to protect stacks with an inter-
nal stainless steel pipe. Roof conductor holders on flat roofs are laid at
In the event of a direct lightning strike to intervals of approx. 1 m. The air-termination con-
antennas, partial lightning currents can enter the ductors are connected with the attic, this being a
structure to be protected via the shields of the natural component of the air-termination system.
coaxial cables and cause the effects and destruc- As the temperature changes, so does the length of
tion previously described. To prevent this, anten- the materials used for the attic, and hence the
nas are equipped with isolated air-termination sys- individual segments must be equipped with “slide
tems (e.g. air-termination rods) (Figure 5.1.2.5). plates”.
Air-termination systems on the ridge have a tent- If the attic is used as an air-termination system,
shaped zone of protection (according to the pro- these individual segments must be permanently
tective angle method). The angle depends on the interconnected so as to be electrically conductive
height above the reference plane (e.g. surface of without restricting their ability to expand. This can
flexible connection
bridging braid
rolling sphere
Fig. 5.1.3.2 Air-termination system on a flat roof
air-termination tip
metal attic
parapet
~3
00
~9
0
Fig. 5.1.3.6 Synthetic flat roof sheetings – Roof conductor holder Type KF / KF2
supplementary air-termination system, e.g. with If the slope of the roof is greater than 5 °, each
air-termination tips, must be installed, its location roof conductor holder must be equipped with a
being determined by using the rolling sphere position fixing element. If the synthetic roof sheet-
method (Figure 5.1.3.5). ings are secured by mechanical means, the roof
conductor holders must be arranged in the imme-
diate vicinity of the mechanical fixing elements.
Conductor holders for flat roofs, homogeneously
welded When carrying out this work, it must be considered
In the wind, roof sheetings can move across the that welding and bonding work on the seal affect
roof surface horizontally, if they are only fixed the guarantee provided by the roofer.
mechanically / laid on the surface. A special posi- The work to be carried out must therefore only be
tion fixing is required for the air-termination con- done with the agreement of the roofer responsi-
ductor for preventing the conductor holders for ble for the particular roof, or be carried out by him
air-termination systems from being displaced on himself (Figure 5.1.3.6).
the smooth surface. Conventional roof conductor
holders cannot be permanently bonded to roof
sheetings since the latter do not usually permit the 5.1.4 Air-termination systems on metal
application of adhesives. roofs
A simple and safe way of fixing the position is to Modern industrial and commercial purpose-built
use roof conductor holders Type KF in combination structures often have metal roofs and facades. The
with straps (cut the strips to fit) made of the roof metal sheets and plates on the roofs are usually
sheeting material. The strap is clamped into the 0.7 – 1.2 mm thick.
plastic holder and both sides are welded onto the
seal. Holder and strap should be positioned imme- Figure 5.1.4.1 shows an example of the construc-
diately next to a roof sheeting joint at a distance tion of a metal roof.
of approx. 1 m. The strip of foil is welded to the When the roof is hit by a direct lightning strike,
roof sheeting according to the manufacturer of melting through or vaporisation can cause a hole
the roof sheeting. This prevents air-termination formed at the point of strike. The size of the hole
conductors on flat roofs from being displaced. depends on the energy of the lightning strike and
Detail A
Fig. 5.1.4.1 Types of metal roofs, e.g. roofs with Fig. 5.1.4.2 Example of damage: Metal plate cover
round standing seam
the characteristics of the material, (e.g. thickness). roof insulation becomes damp and / or the ceiling
The biggest problem here is the subsequent dam- becomes wet and is no longer rainproof.
age, e.g. water entering at this point. Days or One example of damage, assessed using BLIDS
weeks can pass before this damage is noticed. The (Blitz-Informations Dienst von Siemens – Siemens
Lightning Information Service) illustrates this
problem (Figure 5.1.4.2). A current of approx.
Suitable for all classes of lightning protection system
20,000 A struck the sheet metal and made a hole
Distance of the Height of the (Figure 5.1.4.2: Detail A). Since the sheet metal was
horizontal conductors air-termination tip*) not earthed by a down-conductor system, flash-
3m 0.15 m overs to natural metal components in the wall
occurred in the area around the fascia (Figure
4m 0.25 m 5.1.4.2: Detail B), which also caused a hole.
To prevent such kind of damage, a suitable exter-
5m 0.35 m
nal lightning protection system with wires and
6m 0.45 m clamps capable of carrying lightning currents must
be installed even on a “thin” metal roof. The IEC
*) recommended values
62305-3 (EN 62305-3) lightning protection stan-
Table 5.1.4.1 Lightning protection for metal roofs – Height of the dard clearly illustrates the risk of damage to metal
air-termination tips roofs. Where an external lightning protection sys-
tem is required, the metal sheets must have the
minimum values stated in Table 5.1.1.5.
rolling sphere with a radius
acc. to class of LPS The thicknesses t are not relevant for roofing
air-termination tip materials. Metal sheets with a thickness t’ may only
be used as a natural air-termination system if
puncturing, overheating and melting is tolerated.
The owner of the structure must agree to tolerate
this type of roof damage, since there is no longer
any guarantee that the roof will offer protection
from the rain. Also the Rules of the German Roof-
ing Trade concerning lightning protection on and
attached to roofs require the agreement of the
owner.
roof connection
bridging cable
Fig. 5.1.4.4a Conductor holders for metal roofs – Round standing seam Fig. 5.1.4.4b Conductor holder for metal roofs –
Round standing seam
on a metal roof. The air-termination system must Holes must not be drilled into the metal roof when
be installed to ensure that the rolling sphere fixing the conductors and air-termination tips. Var-
(radius r which corresponds to the class of light- ious conductor holders are available for the differ-
ning protection system chosen) does not touch the ent types of metal roofs (round standing seam,
metal roof (Figure 5.1.4.3). standing seam, trapezoidal). Figure 5.1.4.4a shows
one possible design for a metal roof with round
When mounting the air-termination system it is standing seam.
recommended to install a so-called “hedgehog
roof” with longitudinal conductors and air-termi-
nation tips. When installing the conductors, care must be tak-
en that the conductor holder located at the high-
In practice, the heights of air-termination tips est point of the roof must be designed with a fixed
according to Table 5.1.4.1 are tried and tested, conductor leading, whereas all other conductor
regardless of the class of lightning protection sys- holders must be designed with a loose conductor
tem involved. leading because of the linear compensation
Fig. 5.1.4.5 Model construction of a trape- Fig. 5.1.4.6 Model construction of a roof Fig. 5.1.4.7 Air-termination rod for a dome-
zoidal sheet roof, conductor with standing seam light on a roof with round stand-
holder with clamping frame ing seam
air-termination rods near the structure, or air-ter- This method can be found in Chapter 5.1.8 isolated
mination conductors or interconnected air-termi- air-termination system (steel telescopic lightning
nation masts adjacent to the structure. protection masts).
A new and architecturally very attractive possibili-
If a thatched roof borders onto metal roofing ty of isolated lightning protection is the use of iso-
material, and if the structure has to be equipped lated down conductor systems.
with an external lightning protection system, then Example for the installation of isolated down con-
an electrically non-conductive roofing material at ductor systems: Redevelopment of the roof of a
least 1 m wide, e.g. in plastic, must be inserted historical farmhouse in Lower Saxony (Figure
between the thatched roof and the other roof. 5.1.5.4).
Tree branches must be kept at least 2 m away from Referring to the building regulations (LBO) of the
a thatched roof. If trees are very close to, and high- respective federal state as well as to the model
er than, a structure, then an air-termination con- building regulations (MBO), the competent build-
ductor must be mounted on the edge of the roof ing authority decides about the necessity of a
facing the trees (edge of the eaves, gable) and lightning protection system.
connected to the
lightning protection
system. The necessary
distances must be
maintained.
Earth conductor
contracts. Basis for the risk assess-
Isolating point
ment is a risk analysis according to
Thatched roof
IEC 62305-2 (EN 62305-2).
At the historical farmhouse a light-
13 m ning protection system Class III has
been installed, which meets the
Fig. 5.1.5.5 Sectioning at the central building standard requirements for buildings
with thatched roofs IEC 62305-3 (EN
62305-3).
EBB
cornice plank
Legend:
HVI® conductor
Down conductor inside
HVI® conductor
(under roof)
Earth conductor
MEBB
Isolating point
Thatched roof
Fig. 5.1.5.6 Schematic diagram and diagram of the down conductor installation at the rafter
h
Conductors installed within
concrete or in the joints of
the roadway (plates)
Fig. 5.1.6.1 Lightning protection for car park roofs – Building protec- Fig. 5.1.6.2 Lightning protection for car park roofs – Building and
tion life protection IEC 62305-3 (EN 62305-3); Annex E
If it is also possible that persons are on the roof protects the roof skin, suppresses dust from the
during a thunderstorm, then the air-termination ambient air, provides additional heat insulation,
system must be designed to protect these persons, filters and retains rainwater and is a natural way of
assuming they have a height of 2.5 m (with out- improving the living and working conditions.
stretched arm) from direct lightning strikes. Moreover, in many regions it is possible to obtain
grants from public funds for cultivating plants on
The air-termination system can be dimensioned the roof. A distinction is made between so-called
using the rolling sphere or the protective angle extensive and intensive cultivation. An extensive
method according to the class of lightning protec- planted area requires little care, in contrast to an
tion system (Figure 5.1.6.2). intensive planted area which requires fertiliser,
irrigation and cutting. For both types of planted
These air-termination systems can also be con- area, either earth substrate or granulate must be
structed from spanned cables or air-termination laid on the roof.
rods. These air-termination rods are secured to It is even more expensive if the granulate or sub-
structural elements such as parapets or the like, for strate has to be removed because of a direct light-
example. ning strike.
Furthermore, lightning masts, for example, can
also act as air-termination rods to prevent life haz- If there is no external lightning protection system,
ard. With this version, however, attention must be the roof seal can be damaged at the point of
paid to the partial lightning currents which can be strike.
conducted into the structure via the power lines. It
is imperative to have lightning equipotential Experience has shown that, regardless of the type
bonding measures for these lines. of care required, the air-termination system of an
external lightning protection system can, and
should, also be installed on the surface of a green
5.1.7 Air-termination system for green and roof.
flat roofs
A planted roof can make economic and ecological For a meshed air-termination system, the IEC
sense. This is because it provides noise insulation, 62305-3 (EN 62305-3) lightning protection stan-
dard prescribes a mesh size which depends on the the height of the structure. It is preferable to
class of lightning protection system chosen (see determine the installation site of the mesh consid-
Chapter 5.1.1, Table 5.1.1.3). An air-termination ering the external edges of the roof and any met-
conductor installed inside the covering layer is dif- al structures acting as an air-termination system.
ficult to inspect after a number of years because
the air-termination tips or mushroom head collec- Stainless steel (Material No. 1.4571) has proven to
tors are overgrown and no longer recognisable, be a good material for the conductors of air-termi-
and frequently damaged by maintenance work. nation systems on planted roofs.
Moreover, air-termination conductors installed Aluminium wire must not be used for installing
inside the covering layer are more susceptible to conductors in the covering layer (in the earth sub-
corrosion. Conductors of air-termination meshes strate or granulate), (Figures 5.1.7.1 to 5.1.7.3).
installed uniformly
on top of the cover-
ing layer are easier to
inspect even if they
become overgrown,
and the height of the connection via
interception system direct connection isolating spark gap
roof
can be lifted up by
means of air-termi-
nation tips and rods
and “grown” with
1st floor
the plants on the
roof. Air-termination
systems can be de-
signed in different ground floor
ways. The usual way data lines
is to install a meshed
air-termination net
with a mesh size of
5 m x 5 m (lightning
protection system basement
Class I) up to a max. EBB
mesh size of 15 m x
15 m (lightning pro-
tection system Class
III) on the roof sur-
face, regardless of Fig. 5.1.8.1 Connection of roof-mounted structures
5.1.8 Isolated air-termination systems lightning current was also carried into the struc-
ture via the electrical cable, for example. This can
Roof-mounted structures such as air conditioning
affect or even destroy electrical or electronic
and cooling systems, e.g. for mainframes, are
installations inside the structure.
nowadays used on the roofs of larger office blocks
and industrial structures. Antennas, electrically The only way of preventing these currents to be
controlled domelights, advertising signs with inte- carried in is to use isolated air-termination systems
grated lightning and all other protruding roof- which maintain the separation distances.
mounted structures having a conductive connec- Figure 5.1.8.1 shows a partial lightning current
tion, e.g. via electrical cables or ducts, into the penetrating the inside of the structure.
structure, must be treated in a similar way. These widely different roof-mounted structures
According to the state of the art for lightning pro- can be protected by various designs of isolated air-
tection, such roof-mounted structures are protect- termination systems.
ed against direct lightning strikes by means of sep-
arately mounted air-termination systems. This pre-
Air-termination rods
vents partial lightning currents from entering the
structure, where they would affect or even destroy For smaller roof-mounted structures (e.g. small
the sensitive electrical /electronic installations. fans) the protection can be achieved by using indi-
In the past, these roof-mounted structures were vidual, or a combination of several, air-termina-
connected directly. tion rods. Air-termination rods up to a height of
2.0 m can be fixed with one or two concrete bases
This direct connection meant that parts of the
piled on top of each other (e.g. Part No. 102 010)
lightning current were conducted into the struc-
as self supporting installation (Figure 5.1.8.2).
ture. Later, “indirect connection” via a spark gap
was introduced. This meant that direct lightning If air-termination rods are higher than 2.5 m or
strikes to the roof-mounted structure could also 3.0 m, they must be fixed at the object to be pro-
flow away via the “internal conductors” to some tected by distance holders made of electrically
extent, and in the event of a more distant light- insulating material (e.g. DEHNiso distance holder)
ning strike to the structure, the spark gap should (Figure 5.1.8.3).
not operate. The operating voltage of approx. Angled supports are a practical solution when air-
4 kV was almost always attained and hence partial termination rods also have to be secured against
the effects of side winds (Figures 5.1.8.4 and dation. Free heights of 19 m above ground level
5.1.8.5). can be achieved, even higher, if custom-made ones
If higher air-termination rods are required, e.g. for are used. It is also possible to span a cable between
larger roof-mounted structures, which nothing can these masts if they are especially designed for this
be secured to, the air-termination rods can be purpose. The standard lengths of the steel tele-
installed by using special supports. scopic lightning protection masts are supplied in
Self-supporting air-termination rods up to a height sections, offering enormous advantages for trans-
of 8.5 m can be installed by using a tripod. These portation.
supports are fixed to the floor with standard con- Further information (e.g. installation, assembly)
crete bases (one on top of another). Additional about these steel telescopic lightning protection
guy lines are required above a free height of 6 m in masts can be found in Installation Instructions
order to withstand the stresses caused by the wind. No. 1574 (Figures 5.1.8.8 and 5.1.8.9).
Fig. 5.1.8.7 Isolated air-termination system Fig. 5.1.8.8 Additional protection in the tran- Fig. 5.1.8.9 Installation of a steel telescopic
for roof-mounted structures sition area by anticorrosive band lightning protection mast
for underground application
DEHNiso-Combi
A user-friendly way of installing conductors or
cables in accordance with the three different
design methods for air-termination systems
(rolling sphere, protective angle, mesh) is provided
by the DEHNiso-Combi programme of products.
Nave
According to the German standard DIN EN 62305-3,
Supplement 2, the nave must have its own light-
ning protection system and, if a steeple is
attached, this system must be connected by the
shortest route with a down-conductor system of
the steeple. In the transept, the air-termination
conductor along the transverse ridge must be
equipped with a down-conductor system at each
end.
Fig. 5.1.8.13 Detail picture of DEHNiso-Combi
Steeple
Steeples up to a height of 20 m must be equipped
with a down-conductor system. If steeple and nave
are joined, then this down-conductor system must
be connected to the external lightning protection
system of the nave by the shortest route (Figure
5.1.9.1). If the down-conductor system of the
steeple coincides with a down-conductor system of
the nave, then a common down-conductor system
can be used at this location. According to the Ger-
man standard DIN EN 62305-3, Supplement 2,
steeples above 20 m in height must be provided
α sphere
r
bracing
h1
Fig. 5.1.11.2 Procedure for installation of air-termination systems according to IEC 62305-3 Fig. 5.1.11.3 Self-supporting air-termina-
(EN 62305-3) tion rod with variable tripod
protection system chosen is rolled in all possible users demand a lightweight system of “self-sup-
directions on and over the structure to be protect- porting air-termination rods”, which are easier to
ed. During this procedure, the rolling sphere must transport and install. To ensure that it is safe to use
touch the ground (reference plane) and / or the air- air-termination rods on roofs, their mechanical sta-
termination system only. bility must be proven.
This method produces a protection volume where
direct lightning strikes are not possible. Stress caused by wind loads
To achieve the largest possible volume of protec- Since self-supporting air-termination rods are
tion, and also to be able to protect larger roof- installed at exposed sites (e.g. on roofs), mechani-
mounted structures against direct lightning cal stresses arise which, owing to the comparable
strikes, the individual air-termination rods should location and the upcoming wind speeds, corre-
ideally be erected with a corresponding height. spond to the stresses suffered by antenna frames.
To prevent self-supporting air-termination rods Self-supporting air-termination rods must there-
from tilting and breaking a suitably designed base fore basically meet the same requirements con-
and supplementary braces are required (Figure cerning their mechanical stability as set out in the
5.1.11.3). German standard DIN 4131 for antenna frames.
The requirement for the self-supporting air-termi- DIN 4131 divides Germany up into 4 wind zones
nation rods to be built as high as possible must be with zone-dependent wind speeds (Figure
balanced against the higher stress exerted by the 5.1.11.4).
active wind loads. A 40 % increase in wind speed, When calculating the prospective actual wind load
for example, doubles the active tilting moment. At stresses, apart from the zone-dependent wind
the same time, from the application point of view, load, the height of the structure and the local con-
The fracture resistance is determined by compar- exceeded and the air-termination rod is not
ing the permissible bending stress (material destroyed.
parameter) and the max. bending stress which can
occur (calculated from the bending moment and Implementation
the effective cross section at the point of maxi- Braces create an additional “bearing point” which
mum stress). significantly reduces the bending stresses occur-
ring in the air-termination rod. Without supple-
Fracture resistance is achieved if the ratio of per-
mentary bracing, the air-termination rods would
missible to actual bending stress is >1. Basically, the
not cope with the stresses of Wind Zone II. There-
same principle also applies here: the greater the
fore, air-termination rods higher than 6 m are
ratio of permissible to actual bending stress, the
equipped with braces.
greater the fracture resistance.
Using the FEM calculation model, the actual bend- In addition to the bending moments, the FEM cal-
ing moments for two air-termination rods (length culation also provides the tensile forces occurring
= 8.5 m) were calculated as a function of their in the bracing, whose strength must also be
height with and without braces (Figure 5.1.11.5). proven.
This clearly illustrates the effect of a possible brace
on the course of the moments. Whereas the max. Determination of the wind-load-dependent de-
bending moment of the air-termination rod with- flection of the air-termination rod
out a brace in the fixed-end point is around A further important value calculated with the FEM
1270 Nm, the brace reduces the bending moment model is the deflection of the tip of the air-termi-
to around 460 Nm. This brace makes it possible to nation rod. Wind loads cause the air-termination
reduce the stresses in the air-termination rod to rods to bend. The bending of the rod results in a
such an extent that, for the max. expected wind change to the volume to be protected. Objects to
loads, the strength of the materials used is not be protected are no longer situated in the zone of
protection and / or proximities can no longer be Higher air-termination rods require a supplemen-
maintained. tary bracing to prevent such intolerable deflec-
The application of the calculation model on a self- tions of the tips of the air-termination rods.
supporting air-termination rod without and with The measures described ensure that self-support-
braces produces the following results (Figures ing air-termination rods can cope with Zone II
5.1.11.6 and 5.1.11.7). wind speeds according to DIN 4131 (German stan-
For the example chosen, the calculation gives a dis- dard).
placement of the tip of the air-termination rod
with bracing of around 1150 mm. Without bracing
there would be a deflection of around 3740 mm, a
theoretical value which exceeds the breaking
5.2 Down-conductor system
point of the air-termination rod under considera- The down-conductor system is the electrically con-
tion. ductive connection between the air-termination
system and the earth-termination system. The
Implementation function of down-conductor systems is to conduct
Above a certain rod height, supplementary braces the intercepted lightning current to the earth-ter-
reduce this defection significantly. Furthermore, mination system without intolerable temperature
this also reduces the bending load on the rod. rises, for example, to damage the structure.
To avoid damage caused during the lightning cur-
Conclusion rent discharge to the earth-termination system,
Tilting resistance, fracture resistance and deflec- the down-conductor systems must be mounted to
tion are the decisive factors when designing air- ensure that from the point of strike to the earth,
termination rods. Base and air-termination rod ⇒ several parallel current paths exist,
must be coordinated to ensure that the loads
occurring as a result of the wind speeds of Zone II ⇒ the length of the current paths is kept as short
do not cause a tilting of the rod, nor damage it. as possible (straight, vertical, no loops),
It must still be borne in mind that large deflections ⇒ the connections to conductive components of
of the air-termination rod reduce the separation the structure are made wherever required (dis-
distance and thus intolerable proximities can arise. tance < s; s = separation distance).
l2
Wood with a bulk density greater than 400 kg/m2
and a thickness greater than 2 mm is considered to
have a normal level of flammability. Hence the l3
down-conductor system can be mounted on wood-
en poles, for example.
If the wall is made of highly flammable material, Fig. 5.2.2.1.1 Loop in the down conductor
the down conductors can be installed directly on
the surface of the wall, provided that the temper-
ature rise when lightning currents flow is not haz- so as to represent the shortest possible direct con-
ardous. nection to the earth.
The maximum temperature rise ΔT in K of the var- Loops, e.g. projecting eaves or structures, must be
ious conductors for each class of lightning protec- avoided. If this is not possible, the distance meas-
tion system are stated in Table 5.2.2.1. These values ured where two points of a down-conductor sys-
mean that, generally, it is even permissible to tem are closest, and the length I of the down-con-
install down conductors underneath heat insula- ductor system between these points, must fulfill
tion because these temperature rises present no the requirements on the separation distance s (Fig-
fire risk to the insulation materials. ure 5.2.2.1.1).
This ensures that the fire retardation measure is The separation distance s is calculated using the
also provided. total length l = l1 + l2 + l3.
When installing the down-conductor system in or
underneath heat insulation, the temperature rise Down-conductor systems must not be installed in
(on the surface) is reduced if an additional PVC gutters and downpipes, even if they are sheathed
sheath is used. Aluminium wire sheathed in PVC in an insulating material. The damp in the gutters
can also be used. would badly corrode the down-conductor systems.
If the wall is made of highly flammable material,
and the temperature rise of the down-conductor If aluminium is used as a down conductor, it must
systems presents a hazard, then the down conduc- not be installed directly (with no distance) on, in or
tors must be mounted to ensure that the distance under plaster, mortar, concrete, neither should it
between the down-conductor systems and the be installed in the ground. If it is equipped with a
wall is greater than 0.1 m. The mounting elements PVC sheath, then aluminium can be installed in
may touch the wall. The erector of the structure mortar, plaster or concrete, if it is possible to
must state whether the wall, where a down-con- ensure that the sheath will not be mechanically
ductor system is to be installed, is made of flamma- damaged nor will the insulation fracture at low
ble material. temperatures.
It is recommended to mount down conductors to
In Germany the precise definition of the terms maintain the required separation distance s to all
flame-resistant, normal level of flammability and doors and windows (Figure 5.2.2.1.2).
highly flammable can be taken from Supplement 1
of DIN EN 62305-3 (VDE 0185-305-3). Metal gutters must be connected with the down
conductors at the points where they intersect (Fig-
ure 5.2.2.1.3).
The base of metal downpipes must be connected
5.2.2.1 Installation of down-conductor sys- to the equipotential bonding or the earth-termi-
tems nation system, even if the pipe is not used as a
The down conductors must be arranged to be the down conductor. Since it is connected to the eaves
direct continuation of the air-termination conduc- gutter, through which the lightning current flows,
tors. They must be installed straight and vertically the downpipe also takes a part of the lightning
current which must be conducted into the earth- are not otherwise connected so as to be elec-
termination system. Figure 5.2.2.1.4 illustrates one trically conductive.
possible design. ⇒ The metal skeleton of the structure
If the metal frame of structures with a steel
skeleton or the interconnected reinforced
5.2.2.2 Natural components of a down-con-
steel of the structure is used as a down-con-
ductor system ductor system, then ring conductors are not
When using natural components of the structure required since additional ring conductors
as a down-conductor system, the number of down would not improve the splitting of the current.
conductors to be installed separately can be ⇒ Safe interconnected reinforcement of the
reduced or, in some cases, they can be dispensed structure
with altogether.
The reinforcement of existing structures can-
The following parts of a structure can be used as not be used as a natural component of the
“natural components” of the down-conductor sys- down-conductor system unless it can be
tem: ensured that the reinforcement is safely inter-
connected. Separate external down conduc-
⇒ Metal installations, provided that the safe con-
tors must be installed.
nection between the various parts is perma-
nent and their dimensions conform to the ⇒ Precast parts
minimum requirements for down conductors. Precast parts must be designed to provide ter-
These metal installations may also be sheathed minal connections for the reinforcement. Pre-
in insulating material. The use of conduits con- cast parts must have an electrically conductive
taining flammable or explosive materials as connection between all terminal connections.
down conductors is not permitted if the seals The individual components must be intercon-
in the flanges /couplings are non-metallic or nected on site during installation (Figure
the flanges /couplings of the connected pipes 5.2.2.2.1).
wall fixing
expansion joint
horizontal support
expansion joint
Fig. 5.2.2.2.1 Use of natural components – new buildings made of Fig. 5.2.2.2.2 Metal subconstruction, conductively bridged
ready-mix concrete
roof bushing
> 30 m
conductor
30 m
metal construction
If the separation distance is too short, the conductive parts of the building Courtyards with circumference of more
construction have to be connected to the air-termination system. The effects than 30 m. Typical distances according
from the currents have to be taken into account. to class of LPS
Fig. 5.2.2.4.1 Air-termination system installed on large roofs – Internal down-conduc- Fig. 5.2.2.5.1 Down-conductor systems for court-
tor system yards
s
down
conductor
Fig. 5.2.3.1 Air-termination masts isolated Fig. 5.2.3.2 Air-termination masts spanned Fig. 5.2.3.3 Air-termination masts spanned
from the building with cables with cables with cross connection
(meshing)
Air-termination systems as shown in Figure 5.2.4.1 The use of unshielded, isolated down-conductor
are not applicable for locations where the anten- systems is a fundamental solution to be independ-
nas have to be pleasing to look at. ent with regard to positioning and laying. A con-
ductor, however, which has only a sheathing of
The isolated HVI conductor is an innovative solu- insulating material does not solve the problem.
tion which provides the installer of lightning pro- Already relatively low induced impulse voltages
tection systems with novel possibilities for design will release creeping discharges in the range of the
and for easy maintaining of the separation dis- proximities (e.g. between metal, earthed conduc-
tance (Figure 5.2.4.2). tor holders and the feeding point), which can
result in a total flashover at the surface of long
conductor sections. Ranges of insulating material,
metal (at high voltage potential or earthed) get-
5.2.4.1 Installation and performance of the ting in contact with the air are critical with regard
isolated down-conductor system HVI to creeping discharges. This range is subject to a
Basic conception of the isolated down-conductor high voltage stressing because of the potential
system is to cover the lightning current carrying arising of creeping discharges, resulting in a con-
conductor with an insulating material, allowing siderably reduced voltage resistance. Creeping dis-
the necessary separation distance s to other con- charges have to be taken into account, whenever
ductive parts of the structure, to electrical conduc- usual (vertical to the surface of the insulating
tors and conduits to be kept. Incorrect proximities material) components of electrical field strength E,
must be avoided. Basically the following require- lead to the tripping voltage of the creeping dis-
ments to the isolated down-conductor system have charge being exceeded and, field components tan-
to be met, if insulating materials are used to avoid gentially enforce the increase of creeping dis-
inadmissible proximities: charges (Figure 5.2.4.1.1).
⇒ Possibility of a lightning current proof connec-
tion of the down-conductor system with the The creeping discharge release-voltage determines
air-termination system (air-termination rod, the resistance of the whole insulation, being in the
air-termination conductor, air-termination tip, magnitude of 250 – 300 kV lightning impulse volt-
etc.) by terminals. age.
km ⋅ s
Lmax =
ki ⋅ kc
Fig. 5.2.4.2.1 Integration of a new 2G/3G antenna into the existing lightning protection system by using the HVI conductor
to the structure. For protection against lightning, Structures with several antenna systems must be
this particularly means that no partial lightning equipped with multiple “isolated air-termination
currents must enter the structure if there is a light- systems”.
ning strike to the frame structure. A partial light- Figures 5.2.4.2.2a and b illustrate the installation
ning current within the structure would especially on an antenna post.
put the electrical and electronic
apparatus at risk.
HVI® conductor
Figure 5.2.4.2.1 shows one possi- air-termination tip
ble solution for the “isolated
air-termination system” on the
frame structure of an antenna. insulating pipe
The air-termination tip must be feeding point insulating
fixed to the frame structure of pipe earthing
earth connection
the antenna by means of an clamp
feeding point
®
HVI conductor
insulating pipe in non conduc-
tive material so that it is isolated. earth
connection
The height of the air-termina-
tion tip is governed by the
requirement that the structure
of the frame and any electrical
devices which are part of the cell
site installation (BTS – Base
Transceiver Station) must be Fig. 5.2.4.2.2a Insulating pipe within the Fig. 5.2.4.2.2b Connection to the antenna
arranged in the zone of protec- antenna area frame structure for directing
tion of the air-termination tip. potential
HVI® conductor I
HVI® conductor
reinforcement
cable duct
Fig. 5.2.4.2.4 Keeping the required separation distance with volt- Fig. 5.2.4.2.5 Air termination system with spanned cable and
age-controlled isolated down conductor (HVI) isolated down-conductor system
protection system.
EB conductor
5th floor
The equipotential bonding required and the
4th floor earthing of the antenna components on the roof
surface (including the cable ducts, metal fa-
ring conductor 3rd floor cades and the attics on both roof levels) was
done using two supplementary earthing cables
conductor
2nd floor
NYY 1 x 25 mm2 connected to the equipotential
down
1st floor
The erection of this isolated air-termination system
ground floor on the surface of the roof and on the antenna sys-
tems, as well as the isolated down conductors
around metal parts of the structure, prevent par-
Fig. 5.2.4.4.1Calculation of the required separation distance tial lightning currents from entering the structure.
0.15 m
distance
0.3 m
1.0 m α appropriate
0.3 m e
1.5 m
0.05 m
1.0 m
1.0 m
0.5 m
as close
as possible
to the edge
Fig. 5.4.1 Detail examples of an external lightning protection system at a building with a sloped Fig. 5.4.2 Air-termination rod for chim-
tiled roof neys
5.3 Materials and minimum dimen- Tests with a PVC-insulated copper conductor and
an impulse current of 100 kA (10/350 μs) deter-
sions for air-termination conduc- mined a temperature rise of around 56 K. Thus, a
tors and down conductors cable NYY 1 x 16 mm2 Cu can be used as a down
Table 5.3.1 gives the minimum cross sections, form conductor or as a surface and underground inter-
and material of air-termination systems. connecting cable, for example.
≥ 0.5 m
corrosion 0.3 m
of > 0.5 m and a distance of
0.3 m
approx. 1 m from the structure
(Figure 5.4.4).
≈ 1m
For the earth entries or terminals
on the foundation earth elec- Fig. 5.4.4 Dimensions for ring earth elec- Fig. 5.4.5 Points threatened by corrosion
trode (ring earth electrodes), cor- trodes
rosion protection must be consid-
ered. Measures such as anticorrosive bands or 5.4.1 Change in length of metal wires
wires with PVC sheath at a min. of 0.3 m above and
In practice, the temperature-dependent changes
below the turf (earth entry) must be employed
in length of air-termination and down conductors
(Figure 5.4.5) for protection.
are often underestimated.
An optically acceptable and noncorrosive connec- The older regulations and stipulations recom-
tion possibility is provided by a stainless steel fixed mended an expansion piece about every 20 m as a
earthing terminal set to be laid in concrete. general rule in many cases. This stipulation was
Moreover, there must also be corrosion protection based on the use of steel wires, which used to be
for the terminal lug for equipotential bonding the usual and sole material employed. The higher
inside the building in damp and wet rooms. values for the coefficients of linear expansion of
stainless steel, copper and especially aluminium
The material combinations below (within air-ter- materials were not taken into account.
mination systems, down conductors and with parts In the course of the year, temperature changes of
of the structure) have been tried and tested, pro- 100 K must be expected on and around the roof.
vided that no particularly corrosive environmental The resulting changes in length for different metal
conditions must be taken into consideration. These wire materials are shown in Table 5.4.1.1. It is
are values obtained from experience (Table 5.4.1). noticeable that, for steel and aluminium, the tem-
Table 5.4.1.1 Calculation of the temperature-related change in length ΔL of metal wires in light- Fig. 5.4.1.1 Air-termination system –
ning protection Compensation of expansion
with bridging braid
4
11
5
13 EBB
15
12 14
2 9
10
Pos. Part description Part No. Pos. Part description Part No.
1 Round conductor 8 mm - DEHNALU, 840 008 7 MV clamp St/tZn 390 050
medium hard soft- twistable 840 018 MV clamp StSt 390 059
2 Steel strip 30 x 3.5 mm St/tZn 810 335 8 Gutter board clamp St/tZn 343 000
Round conductor 10 mm StSt V4A 860 010 9 Downpipe clamp adjustable for 60 - 150 mm 423 020
3 Roof conductor holders St/tZn 202 020 Downpipe clamp for any cross sections 423 200
for ridge and hip tiles StSt 204 109 KS connector for connecting conductors 301 000
StSt 204 249 KS connector StSt 301 009
StSt 204 269 10 MV clamp 390 051
StSt 206 109 11 Bridging bracket Aluminium 377 006
StSt 206 239 Bridging braid Aluminium 377 015
4 Roof conductor holders StSt 204 149 12 Lead-in earthing rod 16 mm 480 150
for conductors within roof surfaces StSt 204 179 complete 480 175
St/tZn 202 010
13 Rod holder with cleat and flange 275 260
St/tZn 202 050
Rod holder for heat insulation 273 730
St/tZn 202 080
StSt 206 209 14 Number plate for marking isolating points 480 006
St/tZn 206 309 480 005
5 DEHNsnap 204 006 15 Parallel connector 305 000
DEHNgrip 207 009 306 020
conductor holder with cleat and flange 275 160 Cross unit 319 201
conductor holder for heat insulation 273 740 SV clamps St/tZn 308 220
SV clamps StSt 308 229
6 Gutter clamp for beads St/tZn 339 050
16 Air-termination rod with forged tab 100 075
StSt 339 059
Air-termination rod with rounded ends 483 075
Single-screw gutter clamp St/tZn 339 100
Rod clamp 380 020
StSt 339 109
Table 5.4.2.1a Components for external lightning protection of a residential building
11
5 2
1
8
7 6
3
(roof and wall). The cap simply snaps in to fix the programme to supplement the DEHNsnap system
conductor in the holder while still being loosely of synthetic holders.
guided. The special snap-in technique exerts no This system of holders without screws can also be
mechanical load on the fastening. used as both a roof and a wall conductor holder
for Ø 8 mm conductors.
DEHNgrip (Figure 5.4.2.2) is a stainless steel system Simply press in the conductors and the conductor is
of holders without screws which was put into the fixed in DEHNgrip (Figure 5.4.2.2).
cap
basic component
Conductor holder
DEHNgrip
5.4.3 Application tips for mounting roof (Conductor holder can be loosened by either turn-
conductors holders ing the holder or opening the fixing screw.)
Ridge and hip tiles:
Adjust roof conductor holders with adjusting ⇒ SPANNsnap roof conductor holder with DEHN-
screw to suit the dimension of the ridge tile (Figure snap synthetic conductor holder or DEHNgrip
5.4.3.1). stainless steel conductor holder (Figure
The conductor leading can, in addition, be gradu- 5.4.3.2).
ally adjusted by means of conductor holders from Permanent tension due to stainless steel ten-
the top centre to the bottom side. sion spring. Universal tension range from
Fig. 5.4.3.1 Conductor holder with Fig. 5.4.3.2 SPANNsnap with plastic Fig. 5.4.3.3 FIRSTsnap for mounting on
DEHNsnap for ridge tiles DEHNsnap conductor holder existing ridge clamp
angled by hand
Fig. 5.4.3.4 UNIsnap roof conductor holder Fig. 5.4.3.5 UNIsnap roof conductor holder Fig. 5.4.3.6 UNIsnap roof conductor holder
with preformed strut – Used on with preformed strut – Used on with preformed strut – Used on
grooved pantiles smooth tiles, e.g. plain tiles slate roofs
press tile
on it
press tile
on it
Fig. 5.4.3.7 Conductor holder for direct fitting on the seams Fig. 5.4.3.8 Roof conductor holder for hanging into the bottom
seam of pantile roofs
1
1 3
2
2
1
1 DEHNsnap
ap
Nsn
DEH
Fig. 5.4.3.9 ZIEGELsnap, for fixing between flat tiles or plates Fig. 5.4.3.10 PLATTENsnap roof conductor holder for overlapped
construction
UE Earth potential
UB Touch voltage
UB1 Touch voltage without potential control (at the
foundation earth electrode)
UB2 Touch voltage with potential control (foundation
and control earth electrode)
US Step voltage
ϕ Earth surface potential
FE Foundation earth electrode
CE Control earth electrode (ring earth electrode)
CE
FE
1m
ϕ
UB2
ϕFE + SE
UB1
ϕFE
UE
US
reference earth
Fig. 5.5.1 Earth surface potential and voltages at a foundation earth electrode FE and control earth electrode CE flown through by currents
l
R = ρE ⋅ 140 approx. 90%
q 120
100
where ρE is the specific earth resistance of the 80
ground, assuming it is homogeneous, 60
l the thickness of an imaginary layer of the 40
sphere
20
and
q the medial surface of this layer of the sphere. 1 2 3 4 5
Distance x (m)
To illustrate this, we assume a metal sphere 20 cm Fig. 5.5.3 Earth electrode resistance RA of a spherical earth elec-
in diameter buried at a depth of 3 m at a specific trode with Ø 20 cm, 3 m deep, at ρE = 200 Ωm as a func-
earth resistance of 200 Ωm. tion of the distance x from the centre of the sphere
e e e
+ ρE in %
burial depth < 1.5 m
30 burial depth > 1.5 m
20
10 June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov.
a M a’
0
10 Jan. Feb. March April May Dec.
20
30
measuring
− ρE in % device
Fig. 5.5.5 Specific earth resistance ρE as a function of the seasons Fig. 5.5.6 Determination of the specific earth resistance ρE with a
without influencing of rainfall (burial depth of the earth four-terminal measuring bridge acc. to the WENNER
electrode < 1.5 m) method
LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION
Straight surface earth electrode
UE
Surface earth electrodes are generally embedded
horizontally in the ground at a depth of 0.5 ... 1 m.
Earth potential UE (%)
40
50 cm face of the ground:
20 t = 0 cm
a ρE l
Distance a (m) from earth electrode RA = ⋅ ln
π ⋅ l r
TRANSVERSE DIRECTION
UE
Earth potential UE (%)
ρE 80
RA =
l ρE = 500 Ωm
60
Figure 5.5.10 shows the earth electrode resistance
RA as a function of the rod length I and the specif-
40
ic earth resistance ρE. ρE = 200 Ωm
tI
re f
su n o
en
ea io
m
0.5 1 1.5
m rect
di
l Burial depth (m)
45°
direction of
l = side length measurement II side length 25 m
Fig. 5.5.11 Earth electrode resistance RA of crossed surface earth Fig. 5.5.12 Earth potential UE between the supply conductor of the
electrode (90 °) as a function of the burial depth earth electrode and earth surface of crossed surface
earth electrode (90 °) as a function of the distance from
the cross centre point (burial depth 0.5 m)
The earth electrode resistance RA of a cruciform Figure 5.5.12 shows the curve of the earthing volt-
surface earth electrode whose sides are at 90 ° to age.
each other is calculated using:
For star-type earth electrodes, the angle between
ρE l the individual arms should be greater than 60 °.
RA = ⋅ ln + 1.75
4π ⋅ l r According to Figure 5.5.12 the earth electrode
resistance of a meshed earth electrode is given by
the formula:
RA Earth electrode resistance of the cruciform sur-
face earth electrode in Ω ρE
RA =
ρE Specific earth resistance in Ωm 2 ⋅ d
l Side length in m
d Half a bandwidth in m or diameter of the Where d is the diameter of the analogous circle
round wire in m having the same area as the meshed earth elec-
trode, which is determined as follows:
As a rough approximation, for longer lengths of For rectangular or polygonal dimensions of the
the star arrangement (l > 10 m), the earth elec- meshed earth electrode:
trode resistance RA can be determined using the
total length of the star obtained from the equa-
tions in Table 5.5.1. 4⋅A
d=
π
Figure 5.5.11 shows the curve of the earth elec-
trode resistance RA of cruciform surface earth elec-
trodes as a function of the burial depth; A Area of the meshed earth electrode
160 n = 1 ... 4
n = 20
n·l = 300 m
140 10
120
l
10
100 5
n=1 5
80
2 3
3
60
3 2
40 RA = 10 Ω 2
20 4 1
0 a
0.5 1 2 5 10
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Time μs l
Fig. 5.5.13 Impulse earth resistance Rst of single or multiple star- Fig. 5.5.14 Reduction factor p for calculating the total earth elec-
type earth electrodes with equal length trode resistance RA of earth rods connected in parallel
For square dimensions (edge length b): Where d is the diameter of the analogous hemi-
sphere having the same volume as the foundation:
d = 1.1 ⋅ b d = 1.57 ⋅ 3
V
Figure 5.5.13 illustrates the curve of the impulse V Volume of the foundation
earth electrode resistance of surface earth elec-
trodes with single and multiple star for square- When calculating the earth electrode resistance,
wave voltages. one must be aware that the foundation earth elec-
As can be seen from this diagram, for a given trode can only be effective if the concrete body
length, it is more expedient to install a radial earth has a large contact area with the surrounding
electrode than one single arm. ground. Water repellent, isolating shielding signif-
icantly increases the earth electrode resistance, or
isolate the foundation earth electrode (see 5.5.2).
Foundation earth electrode
The earth electrode resistance of a metal conduc- Earth rods connected in parallel
tor in a concrete foundation can be calculated as To keep the interactions within acceptable limits,
an approximation using the formula for hemi- the distances between the individual earth elec-
spherical earth electrodes: trodes and earth rods connected in parallel should
not be less than the pile depth, if possible.
If the individual earth electrodes are arranged
ρE roughly in a circle and if they all have about the
RA = same length, then the earth electrode resistance
π ⋅ d can be calculated as follows:
Ring earth electrode The potential of the earth´s surface decreases with
For circular ring earth electrodes with large diame- increasing distance from the earth electrode (Fig-
ters (d > 30 m), the earth electrode resistance is cal- ure 5.5.1).
culated as an approximation using the formula for The inductive voltage drop across the earth elec-
the flat strip earth electrode (where the circumfer- trode during the lightning current rise must only
ence π ⋅ d is used for the length of the earth elec- be taken into account for extended earth-termina-
trode): tion systems (e.g. as required for long surface
earth electrodes in poorly conducting soils with
ρE π ⋅ d bedrock). In general, the earth electrode resistance
RA = ⋅ ln
π ⋅ d
2
r is determined only by the ohmic part.
area A1 to be area A1 5m
considered to be considered
r
r
12 m
5m
circular area A2, circular area A2
mean radius r 7m mean radius r
Fig. 5.5.1.2 Earth electrode Type B – Determination of the mean Fig. 5.5.1.3 Earth electrode Type B – Determination of the mean
radius – example calculation radius
In frosty conditions, it is recommended to consider The minimum lengths of the earth electrodes cor-
the first 100 cm of a vertical earth electrode as responding to the Type B arrangement are a func-
ineffective. tion of the class of lightning protection system. For
lightning protection systems Class I and II, the min-
Earth electrodes Type A do not fulfill the equipo- imum length for earth electrodes is also deter-
tential bonding requirements between the down mined as a function of the specific ground resist-
conductors and the potential control. ance (see also Figure 5.5.4).
Earth electrodes Type A must be interconnected to For earth electrodes Type B, the average radius r of
split the current equally. This is important for cal- the area enclosed by the earth electrode must be
culating the separation distance s. Earth electrodes not less than the given minimum length l1.
Type A can be interconnected underground or on To determine the average radius r, the area under
surface. When upgrading existing installations the consideration is transferred into an equivalent cir-
interconnection of the individual earth electrodes cular area and the radius is determined as shown
can also be realised by laying a conductor in the in Figures 5.5.1.2 and 5.5.1.3.
building or structure.
20 m
terminal lug
Foundation earth electrode Recommendation:
− steel strip 30 mm x 3.5 mm Several terminal lugs e.g.
− round steel bar 10 mm in every technical centre
Fig. 5.5.2.1 Foundation earth electrode with terminal lug Fig. 5.5.2.2 Mesh of a foundation earth electrode
earth electrode is enclosed on all sides as the con- high-alloy stainless steel, Material No. 1.4571, or
crete is being poured in. fixed earthing terminals.
If professionally installed, the earth electrode is
Installation in non-reinforced concrete enclosed on all sides by concrete and hence corro-
Non-reinforced foundations, e.g. strip foundations sion-resistant.
of residential structures (Figure 5.5.2.3), require When designing the foundation earth electrode,
the use of spacers. meshes no bigger than 20 m x 20 m shall be
Only by using the spacers at distances of approx. realised. This mesh size bears no relation to the
2 m, is it possible to ensure that the foundation class of lightning protection system of the external
earth electrode is “lifted up” and can be enclosed lightning protection system.
on all sides by concrete. Modern building techniques employ various types
of foundations in a wide variety of designs and
Installation in reinforced concrete sealing versions.
When using steel mats, reinforcement cages or The terminal insulation regulations have also influ-
reinforcement irons in foundations, it is not only enced the design of the strip foundations and
possible to connect the foundation earth electrode foundation slabs. For foundation earth electrodes
to these natural iron components, but this should installed in new structures in accordance with DIN
be done. The function of the foundation earth 18014, the insulation affects their installation and
electrode is thus made even more favourable. arrangement.
There is no need to use spacers. The modern meth-
ods of laying concrete and then vibrating it, ensure Perimeter insulation / Base insulation
that the concrete also “flows” under the founda- “Perimeter” is the earth-touching area of the wall
tion earth electrode enclosing it on all sides. and base of a structure. The perimeter insulation is
Figure 5.5.2.4 illustrates one possible application the external heat insulation around the structure.
for the horizontal installation of a flat strip as a The perimeter insulation seated on the external
foundation earth electrode. The intersections of sealing layer encloses the structure so that there is
the foundation earth electrode must be connected no heat bridge and protects the sealing additional-
so as to be capable of carrying currents. Galvanised ly against mechanical damage.
steel is sufficient as material of the foundation
earth electrode. The magnitude of the specific resistance of the
Terminal lugs to the outside into the ground must perimeter insulating plates is a decisive factor
have supplementary corrosion protection at the when considering the effect of perimeter insu-
outlet point. Suitable materials are, for example, lation on the earth electrode resistance of foun-
plastic sheathed steel wire (owing to the risk of dation earth electrodes in conventional arrange-
fracture of the plastic sheath at low temperatures, ments in the foundation (strip foundation, foun-
special care must be taken during the installation), dation slab). Thus, for a polyurethane rigid foam
soil concrete
perimeter/
base insulation MV Terminal
Part No. 390 050
Fixed earthing terminal for EBB
Part No. 478 800
insulation
Cross unit
moisture barrier
Part No. 318 201
Distance holder basement floor
Part No. 290 001
foundation slab
+
drainage Ref.: Acc. to DIN 18014: 2007-09; VDE series 35, Schmolke, H.; Vogt, D., “Der Fundamenterder”; HEA Elektro : 2004
Fig. 5.5.2.5 Arrangement of a foundation earth electrode in a strip foundation (insulated basement wall)
soil
perimeter/
base insulation
MV Terminal
Part No. 390 050
Fixed earthing terminal for EBB
Part No. 478 800
insulation
Cross unit
moisture barrier
Part No. 318 201
insulating layer
Distance holder
basement floor
Part No. 290 001
foundation slab
Fig. 5.5.2.6 Arrangement of a foundation earth electrode in a strip foundation (insulated basement wall and foundation slab)
terminal lug
Mat. No. 1.4571
MV Terminal
perimeter/
base insulation Part No. 390 050
Fixed earthing terminal for EBB
Part No. 478 800
insulation
Cross unit moisture barrier
Part No. 318 209 foundation slab
basement floor
ring earth electrode Mat. No. 1.4571 reinforcement granular sub-grad course
Ref.: Acc. to DIN 18014: 2007-09; VDE series 35, Schmolke, H.; Vogt, D., “Der Fundamenterder”; HEA Elektro+: 2004
Fig. 5.5.2.7 Arrangement of a foundation earth electrode in case of a closed floor slab (fully insulated)
with bulk density 30 kg/m2, for example, a specific It is efficient to install fixed earthing terminals,
resistance of 5.4 ⋅ 1012 Ωm is given. In contrast, the especially for reinforced structures. In such cases,
specific resistance of concrete lies between 150 Ωm care must be taken that the installation during the
and 500 Ωm. This alone shows that, in the case of construction phase is carried out professionally
continuous perimeter insulation, a conventional (Figure 5.5.2.8).
foundation earth electrode arranged in the foun-
dations has practically no effect. The perimeter
insulation also acts as an electrical insulator.
The diagrams below illustrate the various ways of
insulating the foundations and walls for structures
with perimeter and base insulation.
Figures 5.5.2.5 to 5.5.2.7 show the arrangement of
the foundation earth electrodes at structures with
perimeter and base insulation.
The arrangement of the earth electrode in the
strip foundation with insulated sides towards the
outside and the bedplate is not regarded as critical
(Figure 5.5.2.5 and 5.5.2.6).
MV Terminal
soil Part No. 390 050 Fixed earthing terminal for EBB
Part No. 478 200
insulation
MEBB
moisture barrier
Cross unit Connecting clamp
Part No. 318 201 Part No. 308 025 foundation plate
basement floor
sealing tape
Ref.: Acc. to DIN 18014: 2007-09; VDE series 35, Schmolke, H.; Vogt, D., “Der Fundamenterder”; HEA Elektro+: 2004
Fig. 5.5.2.9 Arrangement of the foundation earth electrode in case of a closed tank “white tank”
Black tank, white tank Foundation earth electrodes for structures with
In structures erected in regions with a high white tank
groundwater level, or in locations, e.g. on hillsides, The name “white tank” is used to express the
with “pressing” water, the cellars are equipped opposite of “black tank”: a “white tank” receives
with special measures to prevent moisture pene- no additional treatment on the side facing the
trating. The outer walls surrounded by earth, and earth, hence it is “white”.
the foundation slab are sealed against the pene-
tration of water to ensure that no troublesome The “white tank” is manufactured from a special
moisture can form on the inside of the wall. type of concrete. Due to the aggregates used at
manufacturing of the concrete the concrete body
Modern building techniques apply both above is absolutely waterproof. In contrast to former
mentioned processes for sealing against penetrat- years there is no risk of humidity penetrating a few
ing water. centimeters into the tank. Therefore an earth elec-
trode is laid outside of structures with white tank.
concrete
terminal lug
e.g. StSt V4A
(Mat. No. 1.4571)
Bushing for walls and earth electrodes
Part No. 478 320
soil
MEBB
Connection clamp
Part No. 308 025
Fig. 5.5.2.10 Arrangement of the earth electrode in case of a closed tank “black tank”
EBB
Fig. 5.5.3.1 Ring earth electrode around a residential building Fig. 5.5.4.1 Couplings of DEHN earth rods
power centre
gate
production
production
production
i i
concrete
Fig. 5.5.7.2.3 Concentration cell: Iron in soil/iron in concrete Fig. 5.5.7.2.4 Concentration cell: Galvanised steel in soil/steel
(black) in concrete
the two electrodes enables the current i to flow able “polarisation” can be taken from. The polari-
and the electrode, which is electrochemically more sation behaviour of electrodes is discussed only
negative, dissolves. briefly here.
A concentration cell of this type can be formed, for Let us consider the case of a galvanised steel strip
example, by two iron electrodes, one of which is situated in the ground and connected to the
fixed in concrete while the other lies in the ground (black) steel reinforcement of a concrete founda-
(Figure 5.5.7.2.3). tion (Figure 5.5.7.2.4). According to our measure-
Connecting these electrodes, the iron in the con- ments, the following potential differences occur
crete becomes the cathode of the concentration here with respect to the copper sulphate elec-
cell and the one in the ground becomes the anode; trode:
the latter is therefore destroyed by ion loss. steel, (bare) in concrete: – 200 mV
For electrochemical corrosion it is generally the steel, galvanised, in sand: – 800 mV
case that, the larger the ions and the lower their
charge, the greater the transport of metal associ- Thus there is a potential difference of 600 mV
ated with the current flow i, (i.e. i is proportional between these two metals. If they are now con-
to the atomic mass of the metal). nected above ground, a current i flows in the out-
In practice, the calculations are carried out with er circuit from reinforced concrete to the steel in
currents flowing over a certain period of time, e.g. the sand, and in the ground from the steel in the
over one year. Table 5.5.7.2.1 gives values which sand to the steel in the reinforcement.
express the effect of the corrosion current (current The magnitude of the current i is now a function
density) in terms of the quantity of metal dis- of the voltage difference, the conductance of the
solved. Corrosion current measurements thus ground and the polarisation of the two metals.
make it possible to calculate in advance how many Generally, it is found that the current i in the
grammes of a metal will be eroded over a specific ground is generated by changes in the material.
period. But a change to the material also means that the
Of more practical interest, however, is the predic- voltage of the individual metals changes with
tion if, and over which period of time, corrosion respect to the ground. This potential drift caused
will cause holes or pitting in earth electrodes, steel by the corrosion current i is called polarisation. The
tanks, pipes etc. So it is important whether the strength of the polarisation is directly proportion-
prospective current attack will take place in a dif- al to the current density. Polarisation phenomena
fuse or punctiform way. now occur at the negative and positive electrodes.
For the corrosive attack, it is not solely the magni- However, the current densities at both electrodes
tude of the corrosion current which is decisive, but are mostly different.
also, in particular, its density, i.e. the current per
unit of area of the discharge area. For illustration, we consider the following exam-
It is often not possible to determine this current ple:
density directly. In such cases, this is managed with A well-insulated steel gas pipe in the ground is
potential measurements the extent of the avail- connected to copper earth electrodes.
Table 5.5.8.1 Material, configuration and min. dimensions of earth electrodes according to IEC 62305-3 (EN 62305-3) Table 7
kc
s = ki ⋅ l (m) s
km
down
conductor
ki is a function of the class of lightning protec- MDB
tion system chosen (induction factor),
l
s α
I
down conductor
s
Fig. 5.6.2 Potential difference with increasing height Fig. 5.6.3 Air-termination mast with kc = 1
factor can be used for calculation in the same way are making it more and more difficult to maintain
as the other material factors. the required separation distances.
Length l is the actual length along the air-termina- The potential difference between the structure’s
tion system or down-conductor system from the installations and the down conductors is equal to
point at which the separation distance to the next zero near the earth’s surface. The potential differ-
point of equipotential bonding or the next light- ence increases with increasing height. This can be
ning equipotential bonding level shall be deter- imagined as a cone standing on its tip (Figure
mined. 5.6.2).
Each structure with lightning equipotential bond- Hence, the separation distance to be maintained is
ing has an equipotential surface of the foundation greatest at the tip of the building or on the surface
earth electrode or earth electrode near the surface of the roof and becomes less towards the earth-
of the earth. This surface is the reference plane for termination system.
determining the distance l. This requires a multiple calculation of the distance
from the down conductors with a different dis-
tance l.
If a lightning equipotential bonding level is to be
created for high structures, then for a height of
20 m, for example, the lightning equipotential The calculation of the current splitting coefficient
bonding must be carried out for all electrical and kc is often difficult because of the different struc-
electronic conductors and all metal installations. tures.
The lightning equipotential bonding must be If a single air-termination rod is erected next to the
realised by using surge protective devices Type I. structure, for example, the total lightning current
Otherwise, even for high structures, the equipo- flows in this one air-termination conductor and
tential surface of the foundation earth elec- down conductor. Factor kc is therefore equal to 1.
trode / earth electrode shall be used as reference The lightning current cannot split here. Therefore
point and basis for the length l. Higher structures it is often difficult to maintain the separation dis-
h+c
kc =
2h + c
h length of the down conductor
c mutual distance of the air-termination rods or
soil air-termination masts
Fig. 5.6.4 Flat roof with air-termination rod and ventilation outlet
The following example illustrates the calculation
tance. In Figure 5.6.3, this can be achieved by of the coefficient for a gable roof with two down
erecting the mast further away from the structure. conductors (Figure 5.6.6). An earth-termination
Almost the same situation occurs for air-termina- system Type B (ring or foundation earth electrode)
tion rods e.g. for roof-mounted structures. Until it is existing.
reaches the next connection of the air-termination
rod to the air-termination or down conductor. This 9 + 12
defined path carries 100 % (kc = 1) of the lightning kc = = 0.7
current (Figure 5.6.4). 2 ⋅ 9 + 12
c
h
Fig. 5.6.5 Determination of kc with two masts with overspanned Fig. 5.6.6 Determination of kc for a gable roof with 2 down conduc-
cable and an earth electrode Type B tors
c
h plumb distance, height of the building
c mutual distance of the down conductors
n the total number of down conductors
1 c Structure data:
kc = + 0.1 + 0.2 3
2n h ⇒ Length 40 m
Width 30 m
Height 14 m
h length of the down conductor up to the eaves
⇒ Earth-termination system, foundation earth
gutter of the building as worst point for a
electrode Type B
lightning input
⇒ Number of down conductors: 12
c mutual distance of the down conductors
⇒ Distance of the down conductors:
n is the total number of down conductors min. 10 m
max. 15 m
1 12 ⇒ Height of the electrically controlled dome-
kc = + 0.1 + 0.2 3 lights: 1.5 m
2 ⋅ 4 4
The calculation of the current splitting coefficient
kc for the structure is:
Result: kc ≈ 0.51
1 15
For structures with flat roofs, the current splitting kc = + 0.1 + 0.2 3
coefficient is calculated as follows. In this case, an 2 ⋅ 12 14
earth electrode arrangement Type B is a precondi-
tion (Figure 5.6.8). Result: kc ≈ 0.35
s
h
km = 0.5
Fig. 5.6.8 Value of coefficient kc in case of a meshed network of air- Fig. 5.6.9 Material factors of an air-termination rod on a flat roof
termination conductors and an earthing Type B
It is not necessary to calculate the factor kc for the This calculated separation distance would be cor-
air-termination rod kc = 1. rect if the air-termination rod were erected on the
surface of the earth (lightning equipotential bond-
For the calculation of the current splitting the air- ing level).
termination rod is assumed to be positioned at the In order to obtain the separation distance com-
edge of the roof and not within the mesh of the pletely and correctly, the separation distance of
air-termination system. If the air-termination rod is the structure must be added.
within the mesh, the current splitting and the
Stot = sstructure + sair-termination rod
shortest length in the mesh has to be considered
additionally. = 0.39 m + 0.12 m
Stot = 0.51 m
Calculation of the separation distance for the top
edge of the roof of the structure:
This calculation states that a separation distance of
The material factor km is set as for solid building 0.51 m must be maintained at the uppermost point
material km = 0.5. of the domelight. This separation distance was
determined using the material factor 0.5 for solid
materials.
0.35
s = 0.04 14 ( m ) Erecting the air-termination rod with a concrete
0.5 base, the “full insulating characteristics” of the air
are not available at the foot of the air-termination
Result: s ≈ 0.39 m rod (Figure 5.6.9). At the foot of the concrete base
a separation distance of sstructure = 0.39 (solid mate-
Calculation of the separation distance for the air- rial) is sufficient.
termination rod:
If lightning equipotential bonding levels are creat-
The material factor is km = 0.5 because of the posi- ed for high structures at different heights by inte-
tion of the air-termination rod on the flat roof. grating all metal installations and all electrical and
electronic conductors by means of lightning cur-
1 rent arresters (SPD Type I), then the following cal-
s = 0.04 1.5( m ) culation can be carried out. This involves calculat-
0.5 ing distances to conductors installed on only one
lightning equipotential bonding level, and also to
Result: s = 0.12 m those installed over several levels.
sa sf
Ia
If
With this design of supplementary ring conductors
sg around the structure, it is still the case that no par-
h2
Ig
sd
Id
tion distance.
1m
1.5 m
1m 3m 3m 3m 2m
reference
earth
symbolic course
Fig. 5.7.2 Potential control – Illustration and symbolic course of the gradient area
ing it. In such a case, one possibility is to replace The following measures can be taken to reduce
the metal pipe with a PVC one (height: 3 m). the step voltage:
mast mast
Fig. 5.7.3 Possible potential Fig. 5.7.4 Potential control performance for a flood light or Fig. 5.7.5 Connection control at the ring/foun-
control in entrance cell site mast dation earth electrode
area of the building
If a large number of people frequently congregate the subsequent ones. The depth of the ring earth
in a hazardous area near to the structure to be electrode shall be increased (in steps of 0.5 m) the
protected, then a potential control must be pro- more it is away from the structure (see Table 5.7.1).
vided to protect them.
If a potential control is implemented for a struc-
The potential control is sufficient if the resistance ture, it must be installed as follows (Figure 5.7.2
gradient on the surface of the earth in the field to and 5.7.3):
be protected does not exceed 1 Ω/m.
The down conductors must be connected to all the
To achieve this, an existing foundation earth elec-
rings of the potential control.
trode should be supplemented by a ring earth
electrode installed at a distance of 1 m and a depth The individual rings must be connected at least
of 0.5 m. If the structure already has an earth-ter- twice, however (Figure 5.7.4).
mination system in form of a ring earth electrode,
this is already “the first ring” of the potential con- If ring earth electrodes (control earth electrodes)
trol. cannot be designed to be circular, their ends must
be connected to the other ends of the ring earth
Additional ring earth electrodes should be electrodes. There should be at least two connec-
installed at a distance of 3 m from the first one and tions within the individual rings (Figure 5.7.5).
Distance from Depth When choosing the materials for the ring earth
the building electrodes, attention must be paid to the possible
1st ring 1m 0.5 m corrosion load (Chapter 5.5.7).
2nd ring 4m 1.0 m Stainless steel V4A (Material No. 1.4571) has
proved to be a good choice for taking the forma-
3rd ring 7m 1.5 m tion of voltaic cells between foundation and ring
earth electrodes into account.
4th ring 10 m 2.0 m
Cables Ø 10 mm or flat strips 30 mm x 3.5 mm can
Table 5.7.1 Ring distances and depths of the potential control be installed as ring earth electrodes.
copper conductor
2.50 m
PE coating
PEX insulation
Fig. 5.7.1.1 Area to be protected for a person Fig. 5.7.1.2 Structure of the CUI conductor