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The Difference Between Lightning Protection and Surge Protection

The Difference Between Lightning Protection and Surge Protection

Created by: Glen Zhu | Updated Date: July 30th, 2024

Before learn the Lightning Protection and Surge Protection, we know to know what is Lightning Protection System (LPS).

Figure 1 - A comprehensive lightning protection system

A Lightning Protection System (LPS) is designed to safeguard structures, equipment, and people from the destructive effects of lightning strikes. An effective LPS provides a path for the lightning current to travel safely to the ground, thereby minimizing the risk of damage or injury. Here are the main components and concepts of a typical Lightning Protection System:

Main Components of an LPS

1) Air Terminals (Lightning Rods):

  • Function: Air terminals are pointed rods installed at the highest points of a structure. Their purpose is to intercept a lightning strike and provide a direct path for the lightning current.
  • Placement: They are placed at regular intervals on the roof of a building, on chimneys, towers, and other high points.

2) Down Conductors:

  • Function: Down conductors are cables that connect the air terminals to the grounding system. They safely conduct the lightning current from the point of interception to the ground.
  • Placement: These conductors are routed along the exterior walls of the structure, ensuring minimal resistance and preventing side flashing (arc jumping to other conductive paths).

3) Grounding System (Earth Termination):

  • Function: The grounding system dissipates the lightning current safely into the earth. It ensures that the current is spread out over a large area, reducing the risk of high voltage gradients that could cause electrical hazards.
  • Types: Grounding systems can include ground rods, ground plates, or a network of ground cables buried in the soil.

4) Bonding and Interconnecting:

  • Function: Bonding connects all metallic parts and systems within the building to the LPS, ensuring there are no potential differences that could cause dangerous sparks or arcing.
  • Components: This includes connecting metal pipes, structural steel, electrical wiring, and other conductive materials to the grounding system.

5) Surge Protection Devices (SPDs):

  • Function: SPDs are installed to protect electrical and electronic systems from voltage spikes caused by lightning. They limit transient overvoltages and divert surge currents to the ground.
  • Types: SPDs are used for power supply lines, data and communication lines, and other sensitive electronic equipment.

About Lightning Protection and Surge Protection

In brief, Lightning Protection and Surge Protection is a part of lightning surge protection (LPS). lightning protection include ‘external lightning protection’ and ‘internal lightning protection’, and surge protection is a part of internal lightning protection.

About Lightning Protection

1) External lightning protection

External lightning protection primarily refers to the protection against direct lightning strikes, including devices such as lightning rods, lightning nets or lightning belts located at the top of buildings. Their function is to attract or intercept lightning, that is, to guide the current from a thunderbolt down through a down conductor and grounding system safely into the ground in order to protect buildings from damage caused by direct lighting strikes.

DUVAL MESSIEN ESE Lightning Rod
Lightning Conductor on the roof

The purpose of external lighting protection is to ensure personal safety and prevent direct hits on buildings or people and animals nearby by thunderbolts.

2) Internal lightning protection

Internal lightning protection refers to the prevention of damage to internal equipment in buildings caused by electromagnetic pulses (LEMP) generated by lightning strikes.

Internal lightning protection reduces the effects of lightning currents and their electromagnetic effects within a building through measures such as electromagnetic shielding, equipotential bonding, and installation of surge protective device (SPD), preventing potential harm from lightning-induced electromagnetic pulses.

The purpose of internal lightning protection is to protect equipment from being struck by lightning, ensuring the normal operation of electronic information systems and important equipment.

Therefore, external lightning protection and internal lightning protection together form a complete lightning protection system. The former mainly focuses on the protection against direct lightning strikes, while the latter emphasizes preventing the impact of lightning induction and wave intrusion on indoor equipment.

About Surge Protection

Need to know surge protection is a part of Internal lightning protection.

Surge protection include power supply surge protection, signal data line surge protection.

Surge Protective Device SPD Type 2 SLP40-275 3+1

Type 2 Surge Protection Device SLP40-275/3S+1

Surge Protective Device SPD Type 1 Type 2 FLP12,5-275 3+1

Type 1+2 Surge Protection Device FLP12,5-275/3S+1

Telecom and Data networks, radiocommunications equipment etc. We list more for reference.

Power Supply Surge Protection:

  • Surge Protection Devices (SPDs): Installed at the main power supply entry points to protect electrical systems from surges.
  • Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): Provide backup power and surge protection for critical systems.
  • Wind Turbine SPDs: Protect wind energy systems.

Signal Data Line Surge Protection:

  • Data Line SPDs: Protect data communication lines, such as Ethernet cables, from surges.
  • Optical Fiber SPDs: Protect optical fiber communication systems from lightning-induced surges.
  • Coaxial Cable SPDs: Protect cable TV and satellite communication systems.

Telecom and Data Networks:

  • Telephone Line SPDs: Protect telephone lines and equipment from surges.
  • Network SPDs: Protect network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and servers.

Radiocommunications Equipment:

  • Antenna Surge Protectors: Protect radio antennas and associated equipment from surges.
  • Two-Way Radio SPDs: Protect two-way radio communication systems.

Control and Automation Systems:

  • Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) SPDs: Protect industrial control systems from surges.
  • Building Management System (BMS) SPDs: Protect systems that control and monitor building functions.

HVAC Systems:

HVAC SPDs: Protect heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems from surges.

Security and Surveillance Systems:

  • CCTV SPDs: Protect surveillance cameras and recording equipment.
  • Access Control System SPDs: Protect electronic access control systems.

Medical Equipment:

  • Medical Device SPDs: Protect sensitive medical devices and systems in healthcare facilities.

Consumer Electronics:

  • Home Electronics SPDs: Protect household electronic devices, such as televisions, computers, and home theater systems.

Difference Between Lightning Protection and Surge Protection

External lightning protection and internal lightning protection are two critical components of a lightning protection system, each serving different functions and applications. Here are the main differences between them:

External Lightning Protection

Definition: External lightning protection systems are primarily designed to prevent lightning from directly striking buildings or structures.

Main Components:

1) Lightning Rod: Installed at the top of the building to attract lightning.

2) Down Conductors: Conduct lightning current from the lightning rod to the ground.

3) Grounding System: Safely discharges the lightning current into the earth.

Function:

  • Prevents direct lightning strikes on buildings, avoiding fires, explosions, and other hazards caused by lightning.
  • Protects the structure of the building and ensures the safety of its occupants.

Application:

  • High-rise buildings, industrial facilities, communication towers, power facilities, etc.

Internal Lightning Protection

Definition: Internal lightning protection systems are designed to prevent lightning currents from entering buildings through power or communication lines, protecting internal equipment and personnel.

Main Components:

  • Surge Protection Devices (SPDs): Installed at the entry points of power and communication systems to limit lightning currents and voltages, protecting internal equipment.
  • Equipotential Bonding: Connecting all metallic parts within the building (such as pipes, metal frames, etc.) to eliminate potential differences and prevent electric shocks.

Function:

  • Prevents lightning from entering the building through power or communication lines, protecting electronic devices, electrical equipment, and communication systems.
  • Reduces electromagnetic interference caused by induced lightning currents, ensuring data and communication integrity.

Application:

  • Offices, data centers, residential buildings, hospitals, and other places where electronic devices and electrical equipment need protection.

Summary

  • External Lightning Protection: Focuses on preventing direct lightning strikes on buildings. It uses lightning rods, down conductors, and grounding systems to safely channel lightning currents into the ground.
  • Internal Lightning Protection: Focuses on protecting the internal electrical and electronic equipment of buildings. It uses surge protection devices and equipotential bonding systems to prevent lightning from entering through power or communication lines.

The Difference Between Lightning Protection and Surge Protection

Or called: difference between lightning arrester and surge arrester

Both systems work together to form a comprehensive lightning protection system, ensuring the safety of buildings and their occupants.

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