bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
I have been reviewing the new TC-81 (IEC 62305 1-5) international standard for lightning protection systems. It definitely appears to be a much more sound and technically accurate standard for lightning protection.
Unlike the NFPA 780 or LPI 175, the TC-81 breaks down LPS into categories based on its purpose, risk analysis, and type.
For example, protection from life and property damages, protection of electrical and electronic equipment, and protection of utility services entering the structure are discussed separately instead of one general protection method. These are again broken down into risk management methods which identify the total level of risk on life and property. And unlike the NFPA 780 which is only a minimum standard, this standard provides 4 types of protection methods based on a set of minimum and maximum lightning current parameters.
Another interesting idea is the installation of horizontal air terminals verses the conventional vertical rod. The standard also calls for short length ground rods (3-4 feet) driven at an inclined angle of 30? instead of the typical deep ground electrodes (8 foot) driven vertically.
The standard is fairly expensive and broken into 5 books each costing around $200. However the standard is being coordinated with UL and other NRTL for compliance with the UL96A.
Unlike the NFPA 780 or LPI 175, the TC-81 breaks down LPS into categories based on its purpose, risk analysis, and type.
For example, protection from life and property damages, protection of electrical and electronic equipment, and protection of utility services entering the structure are discussed separately instead of one general protection method. These are again broken down into risk management methods which identify the total level of risk on life and property. And unlike the NFPA 780 which is only a minimum standard, this standard provides 4 types of protection methods based on a set of minimum and maximum lightning current parameters.
Another interesting idea is the installation of horizontal air terminals verses the conventional vertical rod. The standard also calls for short length ground rods (3-4 feet) driven at an inclined angle of 30? instead of the typical deep ground electrodes (8 foot) driven vertically.
The standard is fairly expensive and broken into 5 books each costing around $200. However the standard is being coordinated with UL and other NRTL for compliance with the UL96A.