Lightning Protection & Grounding Inspections

Verifying the Integrity of Your Lightning Protection System

An effective lightning protection system typically consists of three fundamental elements.

1. Above ground strike objects (air terminals, catenary wires, structural metal), bonding connectors, and down conductors. Above ground lightning protection systems may be implemented as one or a combination of the following topologies: 
   • Bonded systems, where equipotential bonding connectors are established between the lightning protection system and all utilities, facility structural metal, etc. 
   • Isolated systems, where overhead catenary wires completely shield the assets below from direct lightning attachment.
2. Below ground earthing conductors, counterpoise, and grounding grids
3. Surge protective devices for electrical panels and electronics

In order for a lightning protection system to safely and quickly dissipate direct and indirect lightning currents and voltages, the integrity of all elements of the lightning protection system must be verified.

In addition to the three fundamental lightning protection system elements, there are other critical lightning protection elements that are often overlooked and cause significant problems for industries that utilize monitoring and control systems (Power Plants, Chemical Plants, etc). These elements are transient protection, shielding, and bonding. Transient protection is provided by a combination of filtering and surge suppression devices.  The design and implantation of proper transient protection depend on factors including circuit topologies, operating voltages, current handling, physical location of the circuit, interfaces, and exposure. Inadequate shielding and bonding can cause excessive and damaging induced voltages across interfaces or equipment due to nearby lightning strikes.  As a result, facilities often experience burned fuses, damaged data acquisition or control cards, damaged sensors or transmitters, etc.  It is important to note that these types of damage can occur even if the three fundamental lightning protection elements have been properly installed and are working properly.  SLS is an industry leader in the design of site-specific transient protection, shielding, and bonding topologies to provide optimum protection and minimize lightning-related downtime. 

SLS designs highly-complex lightning protection systems for critical assets. Our team of experts know how lightning protection systems should be designed. We put this knowledge to work to ensure that your assets are sufficiently lightning-protected.