 August 10, 2022

Lightning Protection Software to Save Design Time

Table of Contents
1. What are lightning conductors & how do they work?
2. Role of Earthing & Lightning Protection in Data Centers
3. How to install lightning arrester on building?
The importance of the lightning protection system for any building cannot be
overstated. Lightning protection systems are essential to protect buildings from
lightning strikes and the damages caused to the structure, the internal system, and
the people inside. To design an effective system for complete protection we need to
first learn the possible risks, damages, and losses involved with the structure due to
lightning strikes.

Risk assessment is an initial step that helps to evaluate whether a building and its
surrounding environment are at risk of a lightning strike. Risk assessment is done
specifically for each structure. Thus, it aids in designing an exclusive lightning
protection system for the structure to prevent lightning-related risks and damages. It
also helps to identify the structures that are likely to benefit from the addition of
lightning protection systems and which are the ones that do not need any additional
protection measures. Manual risk assessment involves a lot of time and calculations
which makes it a difficult task. That is where the Axis Risk Assessment Software
becomes a boon.

About the software – ASLA

Axis Lightning Risk Assessment Software is designed based on IEC 62305-2 and
other standards for risk analysis of any structure. It helps to identify the exact level of
protection needed for your structure and implement an effective lightning protection
system based on it.
Risk analysis and management involve understanding the structure to be protected
and its characteristics, identifying all the types of losses in the structure and
corresponding risks. It also includes evaluation of the risks, understanding of the
tolerable limits and the evaluation of the need for protection.
The Axis Smart Lightning Assistant Software is a step-by-step guide which can be
easily understood and used by anyone. In this software, every project is evaluated
based on Five modules. Each module is developed to accurately analyse and
determine the Class of Protection needed for the structure. The five modules are as
follows:

1. Risk Assessment

This module is the first step to calculating the risks based on your structure. The
calculation is based on the details provided about the structure, its complexity and
other details related to the supply lines coming into the structure. The data regarding
the structure needs to be entered in the predefined fields, which are used to produce
the output required for the next step in your Lightning Protection Design process.

2. Air Termination

The second module is specific to the Air- termination system. It provides multiple
protection methods (Rolling Sphere, Protective Angle) and a 3D representation of
the structure to help you with the placement of your Lightning Arresters. Once the
design is complete, you can see the output with complete external protection.

 
 

3. Earth Termination

This module is divided into two parts: Substation earthing (based on IEEE 80) and
earthing for other structures. Based on this selection, the software will calculate the
number of Earth Electrodes required using either the Type A or Type B method of
Earthing. The Earth Electrode configuration also gives multiple options to justify
which option gives maximum earth resistance.

4. Separation Distance

Separation Distance refers to electrical insulation between the electrically conductive

materials and the internal systems that can be achieved by distancing the electrical
parts from each other. This calculation is important for avoiding sparks and damage
due to the partial effects of lightning strikes.

 
 

5. Surge Protection Devices

This is a very crucial module that helps to design the internal lightning protection
system. The surge protection devices are the critical elements that protect the
electronic and electrical devices within the structure. This module helps in identifying
the right type of SPDs for achieving maximum protection.

Why use the software?

The Axis Lightning Risk Assessment Software is free software available to all. It can
be used by contractors, consultants and anyone who wants to design a secure
lightning protection system. The software saves your time and effort spent on
calculations for designing and identifying the right products to be used for an
absolute lightning protection system. It is otherwise tedious to calculate and design
the lightning protection system for different structures. With this software, consultants
can complete it in the shortest time and with higher accuracy.

It gives a detailed study report of the lightning protection requirements of the

structure, with flexible solutions to ensure that every part of the structure is
protected. The ease of navigating through the software is another advantage. The
software is designed with simple descriptions, so anyone with a basic understanding
of lightning protection can easily navigate through the modules and complete the
design process.

The Axis Lightning Risk Assessment Software is an effective tool for designing and
implementing a complete Lightning Protection System for any kind of structure. The
analysis gives an overview based on all the relevant factors of the structure. It helps
ensure that the appropriate level of protection is provided to the structure in a cost-
effective manner. The software can be used to understand the effectiveness of the
lightning protection system that is already present in structures and also to design
the lightning protection systems for new structures.
Our software is designed based on IEC 62305-2 & IEEE 80 to determine the class of
protection for your structure. Contact us at sales@axis-india.com for a free demo
today!