Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Fundamentals of Lightning and Its Effects

• Understand how lightning is formed and its behavior.
• Identify direct and indirect effects of lightning strikes.
• Recognize risks associated with ground potential rise, step voltage, and equipment damage.

2. Lightning Protection System (LPS) Components

• Learn about key components of an LPS:
• Air terminals (lightning rods, early streamer emission devices)
• Down conductors and their placement
• Grounding electrodes and earthing systems
• Bonding and surge protection devices (SPDs)
• Differentiate between conventional lightning protection and non-conventional (ESE, Dissipation Array Systems).

3. Risk Assessment and Lightning Protection Design

• Conduct lightning risk assessment based on IEC 62305, NFPA 780, and IEEE standards.
• Determine the lightning protection level (LPL) required for different structures.
• Calculate the rolling sphere method, mesh method, and angle method for air terminal placement.
• Design an efficient grounding system to dissipate lightning energy safely.

4. Grounding and Earthing System for Lightning Protection

• Understand grounding principles for lightning current dissipation.
• Compare different earthing systems:
• Single-point vs. multi-point grounding
• Deep earth rods, ground plates, and chemical grounding techniques
• Measure and improve ground resistance for effective dissipation.

5. Surge Protection and Electrical System Safety

• Understand the role of surge protective devices (SPDs) in protecting electrical systems.
• Select and install Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 SPDs for different applications.
• Integrate surge protection with low-voltage, medium-voltage, and high-voltage networks.

6. Lightning Protection for Industrial and Special Applications

• Design LPS for industrial plants, refineries, and power stations.
• Implement protection strategies for renewable energy systems (solar farms, wind turbines).
• Address challenges in telecommunication towers and high-rise buildings.

7. Installation, Testing, and Maintenance of LPS

• Follow best practices for installing and inspecting lightning protection systems.
• Conduct ground resistance testing and lightning protection continuity checks.
• Develop a preventive maintenance plan for LPS components.

8. Compliance and Safety Standards

• Ensure compliance with IEC 62305, NFPA 780, IEEE 998, UL 96A, and local codes.
• Understand legal and insurance requirements for lightning protection.
• Implement safety procedures for lightning-prone work environments.

9. Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Analyze real-world examples of lightning protection failures and successes.
• Participate in hands-on exercises for LPS risk assessment and design.
• Develop an optimized lightning protection strategy for a given facility.

Target Audience

• Electrical engineers and designers
• Facility managers and maintenance personnel
• Safety officers and compliance specialists
• Energy and utility professionals
• Construction and project managers