Understand The Need For Lightning Protection Systems

By Author: Mohammed Yusri
Total Articles: 36
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Introduction

Lightning strikes can cause severe damage to life and property, hence the need for lightning protection systems. When lightning strikes, there can be fire explosions in or around a building, putting the people's lives at stake. Since lightning results from chemical reactions between the molecules in the atmosphere, it has a high voltage that can be dangerous to life. The installation of lightning protection systems requires years of expertise to fully understand its function and usage, such as using the Retractable Grounding Reel Bypass Conductor to discharge the excess lightning charge of the floating roof tanks. Lightning protection systems are therefore necessarily installed in houses, buildings, etc.

Protection from external lightning

By using the Faraday Cage principle, there can be a network of conductors and cables set in the building to control the excess lightning charge into the earth and prevent damage to life. Such systems are designed to protect the fabric of the external structure and terminate the extra charge. Tank Earthing is a method of eliminating excess charge using grounding.

Protection ...
... from internal lightning

● This is necessary since modern technology is deeply dependent on cables, wires, computers, electronic appliances, etc.
● There is a dire usage of electricity at homes, offices, industries, factories, hospitals, schools, etc. However, these places are prone to lightning hazards, and hence arises the need for lightning protection systems.
● Lightning Eliminators are devices that are specially designed for surge protection. These are fitted with electrical appliances to divert excess charge in the ground and prevent destruction.
● If, by any chance, the lightning strikes damage the property, then there would be a massive loss to the government as well as the people.
● Modern electronic systems such as computers, data communication networks, CCTV equipment, telecom, base stations, fire and burglar alarms, uninterruptible power supplies, etc. All of these systems will be compromised if lightning strikes. Storage Tank Lightning Protection

Conclusion

The Storage Tank Lightning Protection system protects the people working in and around the tank farms from lightning strikes. Lightning can be due to both external and internal factors. Whatever may be the reason for lightning, the cost of life and property is unbearable. The lightning protection systems are therefore installed to prevent damage. By understanding the need for such protection systems, we move a step ahead toward disaster mitigation strategies.