Strategies to prevent dangerous sparking within the structure using equipotential bonding or electrical insulation.
Physical protection does not stop on the outside of a building. External strikes create massive electromagnetic fields that cause dangerous sparking inside the structure. Lightning Equipotential Bonding (EB)
: To prevent dangerous sparking inside the structure by connecting metal parts and electrical systems. Separation Distances
The standard, titled "Physical damage to structures and life hazard," provides the primary technical requirements for designing and installing a Lightning Protection System (LPS) . It covers both external protection (interception, down-conductors, and earthing) and internal protection (equipotential bonding to prevent sparking). iec 62305-3 pdf
Insulating the exposed down-conductors with cross-linked polyethylene (at least thick) to withstand
The second edition, IEC 62305-3:2010 , remains the widely referenced version.
The external LPS acts as the shield for the building. According to IEC 62305-3, a complete external system must feature three seamlessly integrated components: 1. Air-Termination Systems Lightning Equipotential Bonding (EB) : To prevent dangerous
All components of an LPS must be connected using appropriate lightning protection components (LPC) that comply with the IEC 62561 series, as referenced by the latest edition of the standard.
The earth-termination system safely disperses the lightning current into the ground. The standard prefers a low earth resistance (typically or less). It defines two types of arrangements:
Never design an LPS without identifying the required LPL via IEC 62305-2. and length of the run. 4.
The earth-termination system disperses the lightning current into the ground. IEC 62305-3 recommends a low earthing resistance, ideally . The standard defines two types of earthing arrangements:
) must be maintained between the external LPS conductors and internal metallic installations. IEC 62305-3 provides specific formulas to calculate this distance based on the material insulation properties, current division, and length of the run. 4. Lightning Protection Levels (LPL)
Electrical and electronic systems within structures
Understanding IEC 62305-3: The Definitive Guide to Physical Damage and Life Hazard Protection