Can a lightning rod protect electrical and electronic devices?
No.
Lightning rods do not provide any protection against surges in voltage caused by lightning. Because the electrical installations are connected to the same ground as the lightning rod, part of the current can actually flow back into it and destroy any connected device. Only lightning surge protection devices can offer protection.
How do these lightning surge protection works?
SPDs protect power distribution and telecommunication systems from high voltage surges caused by lightning strikes. They arrest surges currents at their point of installations, discharging them to earth so that they bypass critical equipment.
Used together with a lightning protection system they provide maximum protection against lightning.
What are the terminologies used?
SPDs are classified according to their standards into three different types
Type1 – this can discharge partial lightning currents and commonly employs spark gap technology. They are generally installed in the service entrance switchboard to protect low-voltage equipment from direct lightning strike overvoltage.
Type2 – this version can help prevent the spread of over-voltages in electrical installations and help protect connected equipment. They are fitted to all distribution panels that serve electrical equipment. They offer protection against the residual effects of lightning strikes and switching overvoltages.
Type3 – This are only required to be installed as a supplement to type2 and has a low discharge capacity. It's best suited for a location close to the protected equipment to further protect against switching transients generated within a facility.
What are the basic functions of an SPD?
- It prevents voltage spikes from stressing electrical equipment
- It ensures that the surge current flow away from the equipment
- It prevents secondary induced voltage from damaging the equipment
What are the qualities of lightning surge protection devices by LEC?
- They are able to identify failures and activate an alarm quickly
- They can filter EMI/RFI
- Protect equipment from overload
- Resetting is not required
Some of the patented SPDs from Lightning Eliminators are:
- Facility guard
- Transient Limiter
- DC surge protectors
- Hybrid surge protectors for data and telecom applications
- Data line protectors
- Coaxial line protectors
LEC continues to be an innovative leader in manufacturing, design and engineering SPDs. With our unique technology, we ensure reliable and continued protection during sustained and abnormal over-voltage events. Lightning surge protection devices are one of the best investments a business can make against any unlikely event like lightning strike.