Lightning rod and how does it work
What is a lightning rod and how does it work?
A lightning rod is a lightning protection system, used to protect people, buildings and installations from lightning strikes in the event of a thunderstorm.
Lightning arresters work by capturing lightning to prevent it from striking any object within the protection area. These elements of the external lightning protection system consist of a metal object, usually of a pointed shape, connected to a system of down conductors and grounding, which safely conduct the current and dissipate it.
Lightning arrester with Early Streamer Emission device (ESE): DAT CONTROLER®
The ESE lightning rod was a major technological innovation in lightning protection. Its operation is based on the electrical characteristics of lightning formation, taking advantage of existing knowledge of the physics of lightning to achieve a larger area of coverage.
DAT CONTROLER® PLUS
DAT CONTROLER® PLUS from Aplicaciones Tecnológicas is a lightning arrester with an ESE device, that is, it uses the atmospheric electric field as a power source and emits high voltage pulses to form the ascendant path at the right moment.
It has been tested to the highest quality standards, complying with all regulatory requirements, going even further with tests such as insulation under heavy weather conditions, rain, salt mist etc and exceeding by far the standard withstand test for current impulses to guarantee its operation under the most adverse conditions.
Why installing a lightning arrester is important?
The purpose of the lightning protection system is:
1) To capture the lightning strike
2) To conduct the lightning current safely to ground
3) Dissipate the lightning current within the ground
4) Protect against the secondary effects of lightning.
In a world of increasingly complex buildings and devices, lightning is a risk. A lightning discharge can damage buildings and cause electronic equipment to fail. It can also cause fire and very serious economic losses.
What are the effects of lightning strikes?
- Electrical effects: destruction of equipment. Raising of ground potential and generation of surges that can lead to damage of equipment connected to the electrical network.
- Electrodynamic effects: damage to buildings. Deformations and breaks in the structure due to the forces generated by the high magnetic field produced.
- Thermal effects: fires. The formation of sparks and the dissipation of heat due to the Joule effect can cause fires.
- Effects on humans and animals: electrocutions and burns. The passing of a current of a certain intensity for a short period of time is sufficient enough to cause a risk of electrocution due to cardiac or respiratory shock. In addition, there is the danger of burns.
- Induction effects: Within a varying electromagnetic field, every conductor is subject to induced currents. If these conductors reach electronic or computer equipment, they can cause irreversible damage.
How to know if I should install a lightning rod
If you have any doubts about whether or not to install a lightning rod system, Micro Bytech International will carry out a study based on the regulations and your specific needs to assess if your building requires lightning protection.
