Surge Arrester Complete Catalogue 2006

J21874_CONT_newA.
indd 1
8/11/06 6:01:25 PM
J21874_CONT_newA.indd 2
8/11/06 6:01:29 PM
Introduction
Detailed contents
Protection standards for structures
Protection standards against voltage surges
Product standards
Installation standards
Decrees concerning applications
The different types of lightning strokes
2
4
5
6
7
8
10
Services
Introduction
Lightning Expertise, operating assistance
Preliminary lightning risk study
List of sites exposed to lightning
Regulation of sites exposed to lightning
Sensitive loads
Reasons for Lightning Protection in buildings
Reasons for Lightning Protection in industry
Needs for continuity of supply in hospitals
Lightning Protection engineering
Introduction
General contents
14
15
16
18
20
22
24
25
27
28
Products
Introduction
Choice of devices for the protection against lightning
Lightning prevention: Lightning warning systems
Primary protection: Lightning conductors
Earthing systems: recommendations
Wiring diagrams for earthing systems
30
31
32
34
65
67
Solutions
Approach per market segment
Residential solutions
Tertiary solutions
Industry soluti ons
Infrastructure solutions
73
74
78
102
11 4
Glossary
Lightning Protection Glossary
Questions / Answers - LV Surge Arresters
120
128
J21874_CONT_newA.indd Sec1:1
8/11/06 6:01:31 PM
Detailed contents
Introduction
foreword
general contents
detailed contents
1
2
Standards
standards for the Protection of structures
standards for the Protection against voltage surges
product standards: background, product standards by country
installation standards: for buildings, for surge arresters
4
5
6
7
Decrees concerning applications

orders - laws concerning lightning conductors, ministry of public health and
population, state commerce secretary, environmental ministry
prevention of risks
The different types of lightning strokes
the effects of lightning, electrical characteristics of lightning strokes
direct lightning strokes
indirect lightning strokes via lines
indirect lightning strokes via the ground
8
9
10
11
12
13
Services
Introduction
presentation of services, advice / expertise, renovation / upgrading
lightning expertise of listed sites, example of the company Flexys,
operating help/assistance
14
15
Preliminary study of lightning risk

preliminary study 1st part: documents, limit, risks, determining Nd
preliminary study 1st part: determining Nc, method for determining
the level of protection, preliminary study 2nd part: standards
16
17
List of sites exposed to lightning

list of sites exposed to lightning: type of structure / effects of lightning
regulation of sites exposed to lightning
18
20
Sensitive loads
list of sensitive loads: building mar kets
list of sensitive loads: industr y and infrastructure markets
22
23
Reasons for Lightning Protection

resions for lightning protection: individual housing, group housing
reasons for lightning protection: example of an industrial site
reasons for lightning protection: example of a ter tiar y site
needs for the continuity of supply in hospitals
24
25
26
27
Lightning Protection engineering

actors / roles: what to do before and after an incident
28
Products
Introduction
presentation of primar y and secondary protection devices
30
Choice of devices for the protection against lightning

protection in series, protection in parallel
31
Lightning prevention: lightning warning systems

large network warning systems: Meteorological system, Storm Warning system 32
local warning systems, storm warning devices, lightning detectors
33
Primary protection - lightning conductors
simple lightning rod, multiple point lightning rod
lightning rod with arcing device
lightning conductor with taught wires, lightning conductors with meshed cage
lightning conductor with meshed cage and lightning rod
34
35
36
37
8/11/06 6:01:32 PM
Choosing low voltage surge arresters for LV networts

choosing surge arresters for: LV networks
surge arresters: Indications
overview of the surge arrester offer
PRD surge arresters: Withdrawable Type 2 LV surge arrester
LV surge arrester Communication networks
39
50
52
54
60
Earthing systems: recommendations

choosing an earthing system
earthing system TT
earthing system TN-S
earthing system TN-C
65
66
67
68
Wiring diagrams for earthing systems

earthing system TT single-phase, three-phase+neutral
earthing system TN-S single-phase, three-phase+neutral
earthing system TN-C three-phase and IT single-phase
69
69
70
Solutions
Introduction
presentation of application sheets
Approach per market segment
list of application sheets: residential, tertiary, industry, infrastructures
Application sheets
residential: electrical household appliances
residential: electronic devices
tertiary: service station
tertiary: tax office
tertiary: hotel - restaurant
tertiary: residence for the elderly
tertiary: scholastic establishments
tertiary: veterinary analysis laboratory
tertiary: convenience store
tertiary: laboratory - hypermarket workshop
tertiary: head offices and its surrounding buildings
tertiary: remote monitoring of an all-purpose room
tertiary: sports hall
tertiary: livestock agricultural building
industry: grain silos
industry: plastics technology company
industry: logistics centre
industry: bottling line
industry: robotised islet
industry: steam turbine power station
infrastructure: wind farm
infrastructure: GSM telecommunication relay
infrastructure: highway operating and safety centre
72
73
74
76
78
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
10 0
102
104
106
108
110
112
114
116
11 8
Glossary
Lightning Protection Glossary
Questions / Answers LV - Surge Arresters
120
128
8/11/06 6:01:33 PM
Standards for the

Protection of Structures
Standards that can be used for
the Protection of structures
Reminder of standardisation commissions:
c IEC:
IEC 61 024-1
Protection of structures
against lightning
Part 1: General principles
c CENELEC:
International Electrotechnical Commission TC81

TC37
European Standardisation Commission
TC81X
c UTE / CEF 81:
French Commission
IEC 61 662
IEC 61 663
Evaluation of the risks linked

to the dammage caused by
lightning
Protection of
telecommunication lines
IEC 61 1024-1-2
IEC 61 024-2
Design, installation,
maintenance and inspection
of installations for the
protection against lightning
Special cases
Specifications
Published in 1990
IEC 61 024-1-1
Choice of the level of
protection for installations
Published in 1993
Draft 1997
Published in 1998
ENV 61 024-1
European pre-standard
Published in 1995
NF C 17 100
NF C 17 102
Protection of structures
against lightning: installations
of lightning conductors
Protection of structures and

open zones against lightning
using a lightning conductor
with an arcing device
The NFC 17 100 is backed by the

European pre-standard ENV 61 024
no equivalent at the European level

nor the International level
Published in 1997
Published in 1995
NF EN 50 164-1
Components for protection
against lightning
Specifications for
connection components
Publihed in January 2000
8/11/06 6:01:33 PM
Standards for the Protection

against Voltage surges
Standards that can be used for the Protection
against Voltage surges in electrical equipment
NB:
c for that which deals with protection against the effects of lightning
in France, we are subjected to Ministerial decrees
c the application of a decree is mandatory in terms of methodology, and
non-compliance may lead to legal proceedings in the case of an accident
c the use of a standard (amongst applicable standards) is only a voluntary
act, however this choice is important for a long-lasting installation
c a standard is neither an absolute technical rule, nor an exact science.
Therefore in its application, choice, quality and competencies of
intervening parties is particularly important.
IEC 61 643-1
IEC 61 647-1
Devices for the protection

against voltage surges
connected to LV distribution
networks
Components for
LV protection systems
Specifications for
gas discharge tubes
Operating specifications and

test methods
IEC 61 643-12
Selection and application
principles
in progress
Published in March 1998
IEC 61 643-21
Devices for the protection
against voltage surges
connected to data and
telecommunication networks
Published in October 2000
IEC 61 647-2
Specifications for
diodes
IEC 61 647-3
Specifications for
varistors
IEC 61 643-22
Selection and application
principles
in progress
IEC 61 647-4
Specifications for
thyristors
IEC 61 312-1
General principles
Published in February 1995
IEC 61 312-2
NF C 61 740 / 95
Shielding structures
Equipotential bonding of
structures and earthing
Surge arresters for

low voltage installations
Published in July1995
Published in August 1998
IEC 61 312-3
UTE C 15-900
Protection against
electromagnetic impulses
generated by lightning
Specifications relating to
surge arresters
Co-habitation of power
and communication networks
Appendix: protection against
voltage surges
Published in July 2000
Published in October 2000
IEC 61 312-4
Protection against
electromagnetic impulses
generated by lightning
Published in September 1998
8/11/06 6:01:35 PM
Product standards
Standards - In brief
c April 1991: NF C 15 100 makes surge arresters mandatory for regions with a
keraunic level > 25
c 1992: upon request from EDF, this obligation was lifted and the product standard
NF C 61 740 was completely reviewed.
c 1995: NF C 15 100 recommends the installation of surge arresters when LV supply
is overhead.
The new standard NF C 61 740 / 95 is applicable.
It is one of the strictest in the world.
The costs for obtaining the NF USE standard are therefore very high.
c 1996: the new surge arrester installation guide UTE C 15 443 is applicable
(replaces C 15 531 dated 1989).
c 1998: the first international LV surge arrester standard was published in March.
It contains three test classes (I, II, and III).
It is based on the VDE 0675 (class I test), NF C 61 740 / 95 (class II test), UL 1449
(class III test).
Product standards
c France:
v lightning conductor NF C 17 100 revised in December '97
v lightning conductor with arcing device NF C 17 102 dated July '95
v HV surge arrester with variable R NF C 65 100 dated August '94
v HV surge arrester with metallic oxide NF C 65 101 dated August '94
v LV surge arrester NF C 61 740 dated July '95
c international:
v LV surge arrester IEC 61 643-1 (March '98): devices for the protection against
voltage surges connected to distribution networks.
c This recent standard is based on three product standards VDE 0675,
NF C 61 740 / 95, and UL 1449, three test classes have been defined:
v test class I: they are conducted using rated discharge current (In), impulse voltage
1.2/50 and full current Iimp,
v test class II: they are conducted using rated discharge current (In), impulse voltage
1.2/50 and Full discharge current Imax,
v test class III: they are conducted using the combined wave (1.2/50 ; 8/20).
These 3 test classes cannot be compared, since each is based on different
standards (country) and specificities. Moreover each manufacturer may refer to one
of the 3 test classes.
Other product standards by country

To date, a few countries have product standards:
c France
v NF C 61 740 / 95: surge arresters with variable resistors of the oxide of zinc type
for low voltage networks.
c Austria
v VE SN 60 1 and 4/1990: uberspannungsableiter fur netze mit nennspannungen
bis z 1000V und = 1500V.
c Australia
v AS 1307-2: surge arresters (diverters). 1/1987: silicon carbide type for AC systems.
c Republic of South Africa
v SABS 0171/1986: surge arrester for low voltage distribution systems.
c Germany
v VDE 0675: uberspannungsbleiter.Part 6/11 : surge arresters for use in AC supply
systems with rated voltages ranging from 100 to 1000V.
(project cancelled and replaced by the standard IEC 61 643-1).
8/11/06 6:01:36 PM
Installation standards
Installation standards for buildings

c Franch standards
v NF C 15 100 dated April '95 section 443 and 534: installation of surge arresters is
recommended in cases where LV supply is overhead.
v surge arrester installation guide UTE C 15 443 dated July '96.
c International standards
v IEC 61 024-1-1 (1993) and guide 1-2 (05/98): protection of structures
against lightning,
v IEC 60 364-4-443 and 5-534 (03/99 and 11/97): electrical installation for buildings,
v IEC 61 312-1 (1995): protection against electromagnetic impulses from lightning.
International installation standards for surge arresters
c guide IEC 61 643-12 in progress.

c standards IEC 60 364: electrical installation for buildings
c standard IEC 60 364-4-443: protection to ensure safety.
This section helps in the choice of the surge arrester protection level Up in function
of the loads to be protected.
If the installation is supplied by, or includes, an overhead line, protection against
atmospheric voltage surges should be foreseen if the site's keraunic level
corresponds to external influence conditions
AQ 1 (>Nk = 25 days/year i.e. Ng = Nk/20 = 1.25).
Rated residual voltage of protection devices must not be greater than the value of
the impulse withstand category II given below:
Rated voltage of
the installation* for:
rated impulse withstand voltage

specified for:
three-phase
networks**
middle point
networks
equipment at
the source of
installation
(impulse
withstand
category IV)
120-240 V
4 kV
6 kV
230/440 V **
277/480 V **
400/690
1000 V
distribution
and final
circuit
equipment
(impulse
withstand
category III)
2.5 kV
4 kV
utilisation
devices
(impulse
withstand
category II)
specially
protected
equipment
(impulse
withstand
category I)
1.5 kV
2.5 kV
0.8 kV
1.5 kV
8 kV
6 kV
4 kV
values suggested by system engineers
2.5 kV
* as in standard IEC 60 038

** in Canada and the USA, for voltages greater than 300 V in regard to the earth, the voltage
corresponding to the voltage just above the column is applicable.
Category I is for the manufacturers of special equipment. Category II is for product commissions
for equipment supplied by a fixed installation.
Category III is for product commissions for equipment in fixed installations and
for a few special product commissions.
Category IV is for electric utilities and system engineers.
c standard IEC 60 364-5-534: choice and implementation of electric equipment.

This section describes the installation conditions for surge arresters:
v according to earthing diagrams: the full system voltage Uc of a surge arrester must
not be lower than the true full system voltage between terminals.
In TT earthing systems, when the surge arrester is located downstream from the
earth leakage protection device, Uc must be at least equal to 1.5 Uo.
In TN systems and TT systems, when the surge arrester is located upstream from
the earth leakage protection device, Uc must be at least equal to 1.1 Uo.
In IT systems, Uc must be at least equal to the phase to phase voltage U.
Uo is phase to neutral network voltage.
In extended IT systems, higher Uc values may be required.
v at the incoming end of an installation: if the surge arrester is installed at the source
of an electrical installation supplied by the public distribution network, its rated
discharge current must not be lower than 5 kA.
If a surge arrester is installed downstream from an earth leakage protection device, a
type s device, of which the immunity to impulse currents is at least 3 kA (8/20 s),
must be used.
v in the presence of a lightning conductor: if a lightning conductor is installed,
additional specifications for surge arrester must be applied
(see IEC 61 024-1 and IEC 61 312-1).
v furthermore: it must be indicated that the device for the protection against voltage
surges no longer provides protection:
v either by a device for the protection against voltage surges themselves
v either by a separate protection device.
In order to ensure optimal protection against voltage surges, all connection
conductors for the surge arrester must be as short as possible (preferably no longer
than a total length of 0.5m).
Earthing conductors for surge arresters must have a minimum cross-section of
4 mm2 and be made of copper.
8/11/06 6:01:38 PM
Decrees concerning
applications
Orders - laws concerning surge arresters
Addition to the order no. 54-856 dated 13 August 1954:
c safety regulation against the risk of fire and panic in buildings open to the public.
"Journal Officiel" dated 4 October 1959, no. 230, title IV bis,

chapiter V, section 5, article 21:
c bell towers, towers and minarets must be fitted out with a lightning conductor. They
must be checked on a regular basis, every 5 years at most, as well as after work
dealing with the structure or conducted within the immediate area of it.
Orders no. 67-1063 dated 15 November 1967:

c public administration regulation for the construction of high-rise buildings and their
protection against the risks of fire and panic:
v buildings for housing, over 50 metres high
v buildings for offices, hotels, archives, sanitary use over 28 metres high.
v article G H 12 (paragraph 12b):
the roofs of these buildings must be fitted out with lightning conductors.
v article G H 48 (paragraph 1b): verification
c Surge arrester verification to be conducted every five years as in article G H 12
above. These verifications are to also be conducted after work dealing with the
structure or conducted within the immediate area of it.
Ministry of Public Health and Population

Circulars dated 29 January 1965 and 1 July 1965:
c installation of a device for the protection against lightning, particuliarly for

retirement housing, is mandatory.
State Commerce Secretary

Circulars dated 22 October 1951:
c deal with the protection of industrial establishments against the dangers of
lightning. It also deals with the modalities for implementing lightning conductors.
Decree dated 23 October 1986, ministry of the interior:

appendix section 2, article 0 to 5, paragraph 6:
c all high-altitude restaurants must be protected against lightning by a lightning rod in

compliance with standard NF C 17 100.
Standard NF C 17 100 regulates lightning conductor installations.
Environmental Ministry
Decree dated 28 January 1993 dealing with the protection
against lightning of certain listed installations:
c art. 1: installations subjected to the authorisations under the legislation for listed
installations and upon which a lightning stroke may be the source of events that may,
indirectly or directly seriously dammage the safety of installations, the safety of
persons or the quality of the environment must be protected against lightning.
c art. 2: devices for the protection against lightning must be in compliance with the
French standard C 17 100 dated February 1987 or any other standard in force within
a State that is a member of the European Community and which guarantees
equivalent safety.
The standard must be applied in consideration of the following disposition:
for all equipment, construction, equipment assemblies and constructions that do not
have a configuration and contours that are not geometrically simple, the possibilities
of aggression and the protection zone must be studied using the complete method
for a fictive sphere. The same is true for reservoirs, towers, chimnies and, in general,
for any high-rise structure with a vertical dimension greater than the sum of the two
other dimensions.
However, for protective systems using meshed cages, the implementation of captive
points is not mandatory.
8/11/06 6:01:43 PM
Decree dated 28 January 1993 dealing with the protection

against lightning of certain listed installations (cont.):
c art. 3: the condition of devices for the protection against lighting for installations
dealt with in the present decree shall be verified every five years in compliance with
article 5.1 of the French standard C 17 100 adapted, if necessary, to the type of
protection system implemented. In this case the procedure is to be described in a
document that is available to the inspection of listed installations.
Verification is also to be conducted after work on the protected buildings and
structures or surrounding area that may have caused damage to the system for the
protection against lightning that was implemented, as well as after lightning has
struck the buildings or structures.
A suitable device for the couting of lightning strokes must be installed on the
installations dealt with in the present decree. If it is impossible to install a counting
device, this must be proven.
Prevention of risks
Decree dated 29 July 1998:
relating to silos and installations for storing cereals, grains, foodstuffs or any other
type of organic products that emit flammable dusts
c art. 16: electrical equipment used must be adapted to the inherent risks of these
activities.
Silos are to be efficiently protected against the risks linked to the effects of static
electricity, stray currents and lightning.
Equipment that is necessary for the safety of the silo must be continuously energised
and built in compliance with the regulations in force.
Electrical installations are to be installed by competent persons, using standardised
equipment and in compliance with the applicable standards.
Electrical equipment must also be protected against impulses.
All electrical installations are to be maintained in good condition and are to be
verified after their installation and modification.
Verification must be conducted every year by a certified organisation.
c art. 17: reinforced concrete frames, all metal parts or metal exposed conductive
parts, posts, supports exposed to dust, metal cubicles and devices such as
transportation equipment must be earthed and equipotentially bonded.
The earth resistance values are to be measured from time to time and must comply
with the standards in force.
Earthing of equipment and exposed conductive parts are separate from that of the
lightning conductor. It must be conducted by competent persons with standardised
equipment and in compliance with the standards in force. The earth connection of
exposed conductive parts is conducted using a loop at trench bottom or using an
equivalent measure.
Interconnections are maintained in good condition and periodically verified.
Any "earth" or "frame" fault must trigger a siren or visual alarm when it passes the
first safety threshold, and must stop these installations when it passes the second
safety threshold.
Grain silos: example of a protected installation,

see chapiter on solutions page 102
8/11/06 6:01:45 PM
The different types

of lightning strokes
The effects of lightning
Lightning, as an electric phenomenon, produces the same consequences as any
other electric current through a good or bad conductor.
Thermal effects
They are linked to the Joule effect in bad conductors (wood, concrete, etc.): bursting
due to the vaporisation of water, melting of conductors with a small cross-section or
thin metal sheets.
A rise in the voltage of earth connections
Lightning current has very steep rise fronts, impedances of the connection circuit to
the earth connector and of the earth connector itself become dominant.
c Rises in voltage that result, translate into:
v arcings with neighboring metal objects that are not directly linked to this circuit,
thus the risk of fire
v the destruction of electrical or electronic equipment that is incorrectly connected to
the earth.
Induced effects
Induced currents may appear in conductors that are parallel to those that run off the
lightning current. These currents will themselves generate rises in voltage that lead
to the same type of inconveniencies as those described above.
Electrodynamic effects
The magnitude of induced currents in different circuits may generate attraction or
repulsion forces that could lead to deformations or breaks.
Electrical characteristics of a lightning stroke

A lightning stroke is in general made up of several partial discharges that run off
through the same ionised channel.
c the main characteristics of a lightning stroke are as follows:
v total length: 0.2 to 1 second
v number of discharges: 4 on average
v maximum current: 200,000 Amps
v maximum value dI/dl: 150,000 Amps per microsecond
v length of a local storm: 2 hours on average
v spectrum span: the discharge current has a frequency of a few MHz.
It can reach a few GHz.
10
8/11/06 6:01:47 PM
Direct lightning strokes

A direct impact is a lightning current that directly hits a structure, a building,
an overhead line or an external installation for the protection against lightning:
c on a metal structure, heat radiation is produced, which can melt several cubic
millimetres of metal.
In general without any serious consequences, this melting may lead to the piercing of
thin sheets, with the projection of very hot metal and lead to a fire.
c on a building, or in the wood of a tree, the lightning current flows in the gaps and
evaporates any humidity that is present, which produces excessive pressure and the
projection of materials.
In the case of reinforced concrete, the current flow may lead to bursting, as it tries to
reach the iron parts.
c on an overhead line, the voltage surges that are locally generated will flow along
the cables up to the electric enclosure inside the building, the shorter the
propagation distance,the greater the magnitude of the voltage surge upon entry onto
the premises. In regions with an average lightning density, magnitudes range from 5
to 6 kV with extraordinary peaks of 12 kV.
11
8/11/06 6:01:50 PM
The different types of

lightning strokes
Indirect lightning strokes via lines
c most often, it is the effects induced by lightning that produce transient voltage
surges, which are called impulse voltage surges.
They are induced into the network's lines by a lightning stroke in the area
surrounding these lines through electromagnetic induction
(principle of Lenz: E = - L. di/dt)
These lines form an inductive loop with the earth and which comes to a full circle in
low voltage installations, producing a breakdown between (L, N) and the earth.
All the network lines are increased to the same voltage, and flow in the same
direction.
The voltage value created depends among other criteria on the distance of cables to
the earth (surface of the loop). Thus the importance of earthing distribution and
telecommunication cables.
12
8/11/06 6:01:53 PM
Indirect lightning strokes via the ground

The dissipation of a lightning stroke in the ground (HF wave) creates different voltage
levels over very short distances. Earth connectors in the surrounding area are
consequently increased to different voltage levels, thus creating voltage surges that
flow in the LV installation. They are called "rises in voltage through the earth".
c near a lightning conductor
Other phenomena may appear when lightning strikes. In particular, the run-off to the
earth via a lightning conductor of the electrical arc current causes electromagnetic
disturbances in the electrical installation that is in the vicinity. When a building is
fitted out with a lightning conductor, the lightning current runs off to the ground via
the descending conductor in the lightning conductor and causes electromagnetic
disturbances, in the installation as well as a rise in the earth's voltage. To such a
degree that the lightning conductor's earth connector is buried.
c common mode - differential mode
Atmospheric voltage surges can be placed in two categories:
v common mode voltage surge (MC):
- voltage surges present between live conductors (Ph or N) and the installation's PE.
v differential mode voltage surge (MD):
- voltage surges present between the installation's live conductors (Ph - N).
13
8/11/06 6:01:56 PM
Services
A spark of genius
to protect your
electric installation!
In order to satisfy its customers expectations as best as

possible, for new or renovated buildings,
Schneider Electric has extended its product and equipment
offer to include a service solution offer:
c service centres for electrical distribution
c advice / expertise
c renovation / upgrading
c operating assistance.
Services for electrical distribution

c CEAT: centre for the study and technical assistance of MV and LV
electrical distribution
c CEMOS: centre for testing and on-site implementation
c AVGL: centre for MV and LV electrical/technical after-sales
service
c Transfo Services: centre for transformer service
c ISF: Institut Schneider Formation, customer training centres.
Advice / expertise
c preliminary studies and network studies:
v discrimination
v harmonics
v motor starting and integration
v operating safety
v lightning study: "Foudrval" software
v lightning expertise for listed sites
c financing studies:
v financial leasing
v leasing
Renovation / Upgrading
c upgrading equipment
v motorisation of operating mechanisms
v changing ratings, Protection Control-Monitoring
v striker adaptation
c renovation of the park
v upgrade audit
v MV switchboards
v MV / LV tranformers
v LV switchboards
Schneider Electric at your service:
c the entire Schneider Electric network is at your disposal:
v local sales agencies
v CEAT: centre for studies and technical assistance
v international subsidiaries.
These services are available to answer your concerns.
c after business hours, please call:
+33 (0)4. 76. 57. 60. 60.
14
8/11/06 6:02:01 PM
Lightning expertise of listed sites

Installations listed as environmentally protected are subjected to an authorisation
and must comply with the decree dated 28 January 1993.
A lightning risk study and the installation, if necessary, of devices for the protection
against lightning are mandatory, before February 1999.
c mandatory for listed sites, the lightning study includes:
v the preliminary study, which requires the site manager to decide whether or not
his installation needs to be protected against lightning.
v the study of protection devices both external and internal, the aim of which is to
characterise and dimension protection devices defined by the preliminary study
v the definition of maintenance procedures, the aim of which is to extend over
time the efficiency of protective installations and to define how often all the devices
for the protection against lightning should undergo a maintenance check.
Example of a chemical industrial site overall protected against

the risks of lightning: Flexsys in Ste, France
Services
Lightning Expertise
Operating assistance
Contract for the protection against lightning dealt with on the whole by
Schneider Electric.
c aim: make the electrical installation of a listed site conform and installation of a
global lightning protection system for high and low voltage
c preliminary study, in compliance with decree dated 28 January 1993, defined for
this site:
v lightning conductors with an arcing device for the protection against direct lightning
strokes
v MV, LV and ELV surge arresters for protection against the indirect effects from the
electrical supply networks, from the telephone network and low level circuits.
c total contract price: 670 KF
v cost of study: 30 KF
v price of lightning conductors and their installation: 340 KF
v price of HV and LV surge arresters and their installation: 300 KF.
Operating assistance
c assistance and test upon placing into operation
c extension of guarantee
c preventive maintenance level 3 to 4
c service contrats
c repair work
v competency
v proximity
v 24-hour service, 7 days/week
c transformer rental:
v 150 available devices
v power from 100 to 200 kVA
v primary dual voltage: 15 / 20 kV, 13.5 / 20 kV
v terminals adapted to your installation
c installation audit
v switchgear audit
v network audit
c network diagnosis
v harmonics
v EMC
v voltage disturbances
c remote services: Schneider on-line.
15
8/11/06 6:02:04 PM
Preliminary study
The aim of this study is to determine the measures to be taken so as to make an
installation conform wtih decree dated 28 January 1993 relating to listed sites for
the protection of the environment.
c its aim, in its first part, is to determine whether or not protection against the effects
of lightning is necessary.
c if protection against the effects of lightning is necessary for certain site elements,
the aim of the second part of this study is to determine the protection devices.
First part
It consists of the preliminary study:
c it is conducted in compliance with standards:
v NF C 17 100 and NF C 17 102,
v NF C 15 100, NF C 61 740 and guide UTE 15 443,
v NF C 13 100 and NF C 13 200,
v IEC 61 024-1, IEC 61 024-11 and IEC 61 662.
c for each building, the following is determined:
v the number of audible direct lightning strokes (Nd) on the structure
v the accepted number of lightning strokes (Nc) on the structure
c comparison of Nd and Nc, allows to determine whether an external protection
device (lightning conductor) is necessary.
c if a lightning conductor is necessary, the required protection level is determined.
Supplied documents
c study of the danger
c layout plan.
Intervention limits
Expertise advice: Lightning risk study
c this study concerns and deals with the direct or indirect effects of lightning on
buildings and structures
c recommendations take into account the dammages that may be inflicted upon the
surroundings both inside as well as outside the building.
c the seriousness is estimated according to the risks known today, notably using the
danger study file.
c this preliminary study concerns the entire establishment.
Reminder of the risks identified in the danger study

c the main dangers presented by the activity are as follows:
v the risk of fire
v the risk of explosion.
Determining Nd
The audible number of yearly direct lightning strokes (Nd) on a structure is calculated
using the expression:
c Nd = Ng max. Ae. C1. 10-6 / year
c Ng max.: maximum yearly lightning density concerning the region where the
structure is located (number of impacts / year / km2)
c Ae: equivalent capture surface:
v the equivalent capture surface is defined as the surface area that has the same
annual probability of lightning striking it as the structure itself.
v it is the surface included between the lines obtained by intersecting the surface
area and the 1/3 pitch line that goes through the topof the structure and
goes around it.
c C1: environmental coefficient.
v the site's topography and the objects located inside the distance 3H (H = building
height) of the structure significantly influence its capture surface.
v this influence is taken into account by the environmental coefficient C1.
Environmental coefficient (location relative to the structure)
structure located in a space where there are tall structures
or trees of the same height or higher
structure surrounded by smaller structures
isolated structure: no other structures within a 3H distance
structure isolated at the top of a hill or a promontory
C1
0.25
0.5
1
2
Calculation of the yearly audible rate of direct lightning strokes:

Nd = Ng max. Ae. C1. 10-6 / year
16
8/11/06 6:02:06 PM
Determining Nc
c the accepted rate of lightning strokes (Nc)
on a structure is expressed by the following formula: Nc =
5.5. 10-3
C2 x C3 x C4 x C5
v C2, C3, C4 and C5 are coefficients that allow for the risk of dammage to be
analysed
v C3, C4 and C5 are determined in compliance with the danger study.
C2: structural coefficient
type of
structure
metal
current
flammable
Expertise advice: Study of electrical installations to make them

reliable
type of roof
metal
0.5
1
2
common
1
1
2.5
flammable
2
2.5
3
Structure contents
of no value or non-flammable
common value or normally flammable
high value or highly flammable
exceptional value, irreplacable or extremely flammable, explosive
C3
0.5
1
2
3
Structure occupancy
not occupied
normal occupancy
evacuation difficult or risk of panic
C4
0.5
1
3
Consequences of lightning
continuity of supply not necessary and
no consequences on the environment
continuity of supply necessary and
no consequences on the environment
continuity of supply necessary and
consequences for the environment
C5
1
5
10
Method for determining the level of protection

c the value of the accepted rate of lightning strokes (Nc) is compared to the value of
the audible rate of lightning strokes on the structure (Nd):
v if Nd Nc, a system for protection against lightning is not always necessary
v if Nd > Nc, an efficiency (E) system for the protection against lightning must be
installed.
v determination of the calculated efficiency coefficient: E = 1 - Nc / Nd
c determination of the level of protection in function of the calculated efficiency:
Calculated
efficiency E
E > 0.98
0.98 E > 0.95
0.95 E > 0.9
0.90 E > 0.8
0.8 E > 0
level of
protection
level I + additional
measures
level I
level II
level III
level IV
I peak
current (kA)
D arcing
distance (m)
2.8
5.2
9.5
14.7
20
30
45
60
Second part
The second part of the preliminary study allows for suitable protection devices
against lightning to be chosen for each building and each circuit.
c it is conducted in compliance with the standards:
v NF C 13 100 and NF C 13 200,
v NF C 15 100,
v NF C 17 100 and NF C 17 102,
v NF C 61 740,
v guide UTE C 15 443,
v cahier technique from the Union des Industries Chimiques dated June 1991 and
added to in October 1993.
c for each building or structure, we make sure that the efficiency of recommended
external protection device(s) (lightning conductors) is greater than or equal to the
calculated efficiency.
c for each circuit or set of circuits, we determine the internal protection devices
(surge arresters) needed, in function of the required availability, and reconfiguration
possibilities of the supply (see chapiter on Products: secondary protection, LV surge
arresters).
17
8/11/06 6:02:07 PM
List of sites
exposed to lightning
Type of structure
Effects of lightning
Individual housing
Perforation of electrical installations, fire and

material damage.
Damage normally limited to objects that were located
at the point where the lightning stroke hit or on the
lightning stroke's path.
Building
Group appartment
Damage to group installations electrical,

TV antennas, fire alarm and access control.
Risk of fire in the common technical rooms, technical
bushing (power distribution and communication
networks.
Stopping of installations: lift, air-conditioning, controlled
mechanical ventilation.
Agricultural building
Primary risk of fire and dangerous voltage jumps

Secondary risk due to a loss of electric power
with risk of death for livestock resulting from a
breakdown in the electronic control system of the
installations for ventilation, food supply, etc.
Theatres, schools,
department stores,
sporting zones
Damage caused to electrical installations

(for ex. electrical lighting) probabliy leading to
panic.
Breakdown in the fire alarm systems leading to a
delay in reaction time.
Banks,
insurance companies,
commercial companies
In addition to the effects mentioned above: problems

linked to a loss of communication, to the breakdown of
computers and to the loss of data.
Hospitals, nursaries,
penal establishments
residencies for
the elderly
In addition to the effects mentioned above: problems

effecting persons in intensive care and difficulties
in providing aid to immobile persons.
Museums and
archeological sites
Loss of irreplacable cultural heritage.
18
8/11/06 6:02:07 PM
Type of structure
Effects of lightning
Telecommunications,
road and monitoring
infrastructures,
electrical industries with
a risk of fire
Unacceptable loss of services to the public.

Loss of information for road traffic control,
Effects the safety of equipment and persons.
Indirect risk inflicted upon the immediate surroundings
following a fire, etc.
Manufacturing
industries
Additional effects depending on factory contents,

from minor damage to unacceptable damage
including production losses.
Refineries,
service stations,
fireworks manufacture,
ammunition manufacture
Direct or indirect risk of fire

Risk of explosion in buildings or storage tanks.
Risk of pollution and contamination through the ground
Ecological and financial consequences for the
production unit and the surrounding environment.
Chemical factories,
biochemical laboratories
and factories.
Fires and malfunction of installations

followed by consequences that are harmful to the
local and global environment.
Risk of pollution and contamination through the ground
Financial consequences for the production unit.
Nuclear plants,
Break in production and the distribution of power to

users.
List of exposure criteria of buildings subjected to lightning:

a building is considered as being exposed to lightning when it presents the following
criteria:
c geographic criteria:
v building isolated in a rural zone
v building surrounded by tall trees
v building located in a humid or swampy zone
v building located on a peak, on a relief or a prominence.
c criteria linked to infrastructures:
v building supplied by overhead electrical networks
v building supplied by overhead communication networks
v building fitted out with a lightning conductor or near a lightning conductor.
Careful!
c lightning conductors protect buildings against the direct effects of
lightning
c lightning conductors do not protect electrical and electronic devices
against the indirect effects of lightning:
v induced or conducted voltage surges
v rises in earth voltage.
19
8/11/06 6:02:08 PM
20
8/11/06 6:02:09 PM
21
8/11/06 6:02:16 PM
Sensitive loads
Building Markets
List of electrical devices that are sensitive to atmospheric
voltage surges: building market
Device categories
Impulse withstand voltage

(8/20 wave)
2.5 kV
1.5 kV
load types
Electronic audio-visual devices
television
VCR
decoder
demodulator
satellite antenna motor
distributing amplifier
Electronic audio devices
HIFI equipment
home cinema
sound equipment
Programmable household appliances
washing machine
dish-washer
clothes dryer
oven
Telephone devices
digital telephone
wireless telephone base
answering machine
telephone transmitter
fax
Computer equipment
personal computer
server
scanner
CD burner
printer
disquette and external drives
Internet modem
UPS
Access control
intrusion alarm
audio doorphone
video doorphone
automatic gate
automatic blinds
video cameras
Lighting devices
outdoor garden lighting
urban lighting
public monument lighting
Garden and general outdoor equipment
electric awnings
automatic sprinkler system
submerged pump
Leisure equipment
swimming pool pump
cv
cv
cv
c
cc
cc
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cv
cc
ccv
ccv
ccv
ccv
cv
ccv
cc
cc
cc
cv
cc
cc
cc
c individual home: house

v group housing: appartment
c group housing: condominiums
Rated voltage
of the installation for:
rated impulse withstand voltage

recommended for:
three-phase
networks
middle point
networks
equipment at
the source of
installation
(impulse
withstand
category IV)
120-240 V
4 kV
6 kV
230/440 V
277/480 V
400/690
1000 V
distribution
equipment
and final
circuits
(impulse
withstand
category III)
2.5 kV
4 kV
utilisation
devices
(impulse
withstand
category II)
especially
protected
equipment
(impulse
withstand
category I)
1.5 kV
2.5 kV
0.8 kV
1.5 kV
8 kV
6 kV
4 kV
values suggested by system engineers
2.5 kV
22
8/11/06 6:02:22 PM
Sensitive loads
Industry-Infrastructures
List of electrical devices that are sensitive to atmospheric
voltage surges: industry and infrastructure markets
Device categories
Impulse withstand voltage

(8/20 wave)
2.5 kV
1.5 kV
load types
Communication networks
FM radio antenna
TV antenna: VHF, UHF
antenna: FH, PMR, 3RP, GSM, DCS
dish antenna
scanner
video camera - road traffic control
TV antenna tower and supports
communication network tower
GSM relay
radio relay
antenna system
Computer equipment
computer ??? bay
telephone automatic exchange
local interconnection loop
metropolitan interconnection loop
fibre optics network
networked computer
networked peripheral devices
networked server platform
UPS system
Web site centre
Technical management and monitoring-control
technical alarm
remote management unit
remote monitoring unit
fire detection unit
technical building management
remote indication - remote control
atmospheric pollution measurement station
access control system
remote diagnosis, remote maintenance
Transportation via cable
lift
funicular
freight lift
supporting mast
passenger ropeway w/small cabins
passenger ropeway
cableway
chair lift
T-bar lift
Hoisting equipment
magnet crane
building crane
dock crane
travelling crane
Power production and transportation
railroad overhead contact line
wind power engine for pumping
wind power engine for energy production
solar panel
medium voltage supporting mast
low voltage supporting mast
communication network supporting mast
Industrial structures
industrial smokestack
smoke duct
ventilator system
smoke evacuation trap
lighting mast
air extraction and treatment conduct
atmospheric pollution measurement station
Structures for storage
sedimentation tank
water tower
storage tank
reservoir
silo
Lightning Protection Installation:
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
v
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c highly recommended
c recommended
v little use
23
8/11/06 6:02:23 PM
Reasons for Lightning

Protection in buildings
Reasons for installing a lightning protection system
in residential or tertiary buildings
Type of equipment to be connected
individual home
apartment building
water pipes
gas lines
metal tanks and burried cisterns
TV antenna and mast
TV antenna cable shielding
TV cable network shielding
TV dish and support
TV dish cable shielding
GSM antenna and mast
GSM antenna cable shielding
high rise building walkway lighting
type of equipment to be installed
lightning conductor mast
down conductor
lightning stroke counter
crow's foot earth connector interconnected
to that of the building
type of loads to be protected
equipotential bond
of earths and exposed cond. parts
cc
cc
cc
cc
cc
cc
cc
cc
c
c
c
installation of lightning conductor
cv
cv
v
cv
installation of a surge arrester
incoming
secondary
c
cv
cc
cc
cc
cc
cv
cv
power measurement device

incoming telephone line enclosure
FM radio cable
TV network cable (UHF, VHF)
TV dish cable
distributing amplifier
computer device supply
personal computer, scanner, printer, fax,
modem, UPS
HiFi-video device supply
cv
TV, VCR, decoder, demodulator,
HiFi system, home cinema, sound system
programmable household appliance supply
cv
washing machine, dryer, dish-washer, oven
telephone device supply
cv
cordless telephone base, answering machine,
transmitter, portable, fax, modem
group PLC supply
cc
group heating, air-conditioning, ventilation unit
access control, audio-video doorphone,
garage door, submerged pump, swimming
pool motors, group sprinkler systems
small PLC supply
cv
heating, air-conditioning, audio-video doorphone,
gate, garage door, electric blinds, electric
awning, submerged pump, swimming pool tarp,
garden sprinkler, controlled mechanical ventilation
alarm system supply
cvc
intrusion, fire detection, technical alarm,
video camera
group lighting system management
c
lighting system supply
cv
other electrical devices
cv
cv
cv
cv
cc
cv
cv
c
cv
c individual home: house

v group housing: appartments
c group housing: condominiums
24
8/11/06 6:02:25 PM

Protection in industry
Reasons for installing a lightning protection system
in industrial buildings
Loads to be protected
surge arrester
incoming
continuous process manufacturing line
c
non-continuous process manufacturing line
c
fire detection and alarme unit
c
production management information system
c
administration - management information syst. c
monitoring - server information system
c
personal - office PC information system
c
access control information system
c
UPS - large systems
c
UPS - small systems
c
internal and external telecommunications
c
monitoring and video control circuit
c
computer room air-conditioning
c
production site heating - forced air
c
heating - air-conditioning - offices
c
power management PLCs
c
technical building management
c
fire detection unit
c
air extraction and treatment unit
c
air extractor
c
compressor - motor
c
lift
c
submerged pump
battery charger - fork lift
c
industrial site
Building type
sensitive process
production unit
continuous process
non-continuous process
packing automate
quality control lab
monitoring system
fire detection
network servers
heating - air-conditioning
power management
air treatment
storage building
packaging automate
fork lift battery charger
fire detection
weighing system
external storage
gauging system
hazardous material tanks
administrative building
management system
office information system
heating - air-conditioning
technical management
lift - motors
fire detection
guard house
access control
fire detection
telecom. means
surge arrester
secondary
c
c
v
c
c
c
c
v
v
v
c
c
v
v
v
c
v
type of backed-up supply

UPS
generat. internal
system
set
battery
effects of
a break
effects of a
breakdown
comments
protection
set starting
set starting 30 min.
self sufficient 1 day
set starting
self sufficient 8 days
production loss
production loss
production loss
loss of data
loss of data
non-detection of fire
loss of data
operating loss
operating loss
operating loss
inacceptable
acceptable
acceptable
acceptable
inacceptable
guard alarm
inacceptable
acceptable
acceptable
acceptable
global
secondary
secondary
secondary
global
yes on supp.
global
secondary
secondary
secondary
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
v
c
v

charger stopped
operating loss
charger stopped
loss of data
acceptable
acceptable
guard alarm
acceptable
secondary
yes on supp.
yes on supp.
c
v
v
c
loss of data
acceptable
yes on sypp.
primary
v
c

loss of data
loss of data
operating loss
loss of data
operating loss
acceptable
acceptable
acceptable
acceptable
acceptable
guard alarm
secondary
secondary
secondary
secondary
secondary
yes on supp.
v
c
v
c
c
c
self sufficient 1 day operating loss

self sufficient 8 days non-detection of fire
self sufficient 1 day operating loss
acceptable
guard alarm
acceptable
secondary
yes on supp.
secondary
c
c
c
Lightning Protection Installation:
c highly recommended
c recommended
surge arrester
v little use
25
8/11/06 6:02:28 PM

Protection in industry
Example of the classification of the need for continuity of supply
and Lightning Protection for a hospital
Levels
level 1: c
expressed need
type of equipment
services, activities, equipment

that require continuous electrical
supply
automatic supply
without break
surge arrester mandatory
with indication

that allow an interruption in the
electrical supply of less than
15 seconds
automatic supply
available in less than
15 seconds
surge arrester highly
recommended

that allow an interruption in the
electrical supply of more than
15 seconds
automatic supply
available above
15 seconds
surge arrester
recommended In 5 kA

for which a break in the electrical
supply does not represent a danger
no automatic back-up
supply
lightning risk analysis
recommended
level 2: v
level 3: c
level 4: v
This classification example was establised in function of the time needed upon a
break, to re-establish the electricity using back-up equipement.
c level 1: for services, activities or equipment being dealt with, to avoid an
interruption, even a brief one, of the electrical supply, in addition to the generator
set(s) that ensure electricity back-up, special equipment, called UPSs, need to be
installed. This equipment prevents the break in electricity inherent to the automatic
starting of the generator set(s). Moreover, a surge arrester must be installed at the
incoming end of electrical distribution as well as secondary protection devices near
sensitive loads. Remote indication of the correct functioning of the surge arresters
allows for preventive maintenance to be conducted.
c levels 2 and 3: for services, activities or equipment that allow an interruption of less
than or greater than 15 seconds, electricity back-up is ensured by one or several
generator set(s) that allow for the voltage to be re-established at fixed thresholds.
A surge arrester installed at the incoming end of distribution is highly recommended
wherever the installation may be and the for whatever the lightning risk exposure
level of the building.
c level 4: for services, activities and equipment, for which a break in the electrical
supply does not present a danger for the patients, a back-up source (generator set)
must be foreseen to satisfy the requirements provided for by safety regulations
against fire in buildings open to the public: "back-up lighting enables the
establishment to continue to function in the case of a breakdown in the lighting
system". A risk analysis for voltage surges is useful for choosing a suitable surge
arrester.
26
8/11/06 6:02:31 PM
Needs for the continuity

of supply in hospitals
Levels of protection:
c level 1
v level 2
c level 3
v level 4
Needs for the continuity of supply for the following:

building activities / care services
required levels
1
2
3
operating block operating room

operating room recovery room
obstetric room
monitoring unit
cardiotocography
emergencies
reanimation (adults, children)
intensive care
premature births
catheterisation
haemodialysis
functional explorations
medical imaging traditional radiology room
medical imaging angiography room
medical imaging coronarography room
medical imaging scanography room
medical imaging using magnetic resonance
nuclear medecine scintigraphy room
nuclear medecine ventilation
radiotherapy
medium and short term accomodations
long term accomodations psychiatry
long term accomodations functional readaptation
long term accomodations follow-up care
long term accomodations gerontology
long term accomodations long stay
long term accomodations retirement home
day hospital
consultations
laboratories
analysis automates
pharmacy
refrigerator for the conservation of blood products
central sterilisation
mortuary chamber
ambulance
management system for calls to the central unit
administration
computer information
restaurant
refrigerators
laundry
shops
medical air production unit
extraction (vacuum) unit
unit for the treatment of water for dialysis
air treatment unit
operating room
reanimation
intensive care
equipment necessary for fire safety
emergency lighting
back-up lighting
fire detection
smoke removel outlets
lifts and fire-barriers
hoisting devices for patients
self-reversing switch
automatic transportation system
station for readings of pure water and waste water
heat installations
cooling installations
water pump
patient call system
water softener
c
v
c
c
c
c
c
v
v
v
v
c
c
c
c
v
v
v
v
c
c
c
c
c
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
c
c
c
c
v
c
v
c
v
v
c
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
c
c
c
v
c
c
c
c
c
c
v
27
8/11/06 6:02:33 PM
Lightning Protection
engineering
Identification of the actors in Lightning Protection in
function of installation phases
Phases
aims and drafted documents
Specifications
for protection against lightning
preparation of a protection plan and definition:

of protection levels,
of zones for the protection against lightning and
their limits,
of earth and exposed conductive parts equipotential
bonding networks, treeing and dimensioning of earths
exposed conductive parts of interfaces for movements
and flows at the limit of protection zones,
of cable routing and shielding.
Study - design
drafting of drawings and general descriptions:
for protection against the
risk analysis,
effects of lightning
earth network analysis,
primary protection analysis (lightning conductor,etc.),
analysis of their location and installation method,
secondary protection analysis (incoming surge arrester,
secondary surge arrester),
analysis of their location and installation method.
Additional tasks
preparation of tenders for bids:
for installation design
site prevention plan,
particularity of contents,
preliminary schedule.
Building of the installation
compliance with product standard EN 50 164
for the protection against lightning quality of the installation,
compliance with installation standards,
particularities defined by the study,
quality of implemented equipment.
Reception of the installation
review of detailed installation drawings before complete
for the protection against lightning removal of worksite.
Approval of the installation
installation check conducted
for the protection against lightning verification of documentation concerning the installation.
Verification of the installation
installation management:
time-span defined by the study that may be adjusted upon
reception in function of revisions that were made.
responsable for the task

design office in contact with:
architect,
promoter,
computer system contractor,
planners for installations being dealt with,
sub-contractors.

equipment manufacturers to obtain
specifications, and technical limits of the
equipment to be implemented according to the
provision in standards EN 50 164.

architect,
promoter,
worksite supervisor.
electrical contractor/organisation designated by
the instructing party for worksite follow-up:
an independent expert,
the design office.
organisation designated by the instructing party
for worksite follow-up:
an independent expert,
the design office.
control organisation
the control organisations mission may
take effect before the start of work for an
opinion concerning the study file.
control organisation
28
8/11/06 6:02:35 PM
Identification of the roles and guarantees in function

of the actors of Lightning Protection
Actors
role
guarantees and means
Architects
project elaboration
integration of Lightning Protection in projects

with separation of electric batches:
earth and exposed conductive parts networks,
protection against direct effects (lightning conductor),
protection against indirect effects (surge arrester, etc.).
drawings, diagrams and general descriptions:
of earth and exposed conductive parts networks,
of primary protection (lightning conductor, etc.),
of secondary protection (surge arrester, etc.).
no results guranteed:
analysis in contact with a competent
design office.
Design offices
for the protection against the
effects of lightning
Contractors
quality of the installation:
for the protection against lightning compliance with installation standards,
compliance with recommendations defined by the study
and specifications,
Switchgear manufacturers
quality of products:
for the protection against lightning compliance with product standards,
EN 50 164 and IEC 61 643-1
Control organisations
quality of the control:
of electrical installations
compliance with installation standards,
compliance with particularities definied by the study
and specifications.
DRIRE (ICPE)
inspection of the installation:
safety commissions
inspection - condition of the site or building to be protected
examination and inspection of study files.
Prevention organisations
detection of storms and lightning alert systems:
companies: Mtorage, Dimension broadcasting of information via the media
Mto France, etc.
or special products (software, subscriptions,etc.).
CRAM
institutional role and risk prevention
Insurance companies
compliance of rules and their
ISO certifiers
accreditation.
Lightning legal experts
technical expertise by the Appeals Court
by the tribunals and file examination.
Training organisations
role: to inform, sensitise and prevent:
public or private companies
training in the Protection against Lightning,
Product training classes (lightning conductors,
surge arresters, etc.) and their installation rules.
guarantee of means linked to the competent:

specialised design office:
preliminary studies,
specifications ,
audits - expertise.
guarantee of means linked to:
competent specialised contractor
for difficult access,
electrician as primary activity.
guarantee of means linked to builder role
the manufacturer cannot be held responsable
for the poor use of products and noncompliance with standardised installation rules.
the control organisation must not be the:
design office or contractor
refer to COFRAC accreditation and to standard
NF EN 45 004.
administrative control:
verification of the installations compliance
according to official texts in force.
without the guarantee for protection:
safety of installations for alerting and
detecting.
audits, advice, reimbursement for dammage:
they may require an installation for protection
against lightning before or after an incident.
guarantee of means:
technical expertise after incident.
without guarantee of results:
specialised, competent and independant trainer
organisation linked to a builder (wholesaler or
specialist) of electrical equipment.
29
8/11/06 6:02:38 PM
Products
A spark of genius
to protect your
Primary protection devices (external installations for the

protection against lightning: IEPF)
Their aim is to protect installations against direct lightning strokes.
These protection devices allow for the lightning current to be
captured and run off to the ground.
The principle is based on a protection zone that is determined by a
structure that is higher than the others.
The same is true for any peak effect caused by a post, a building or
a very high metal structure.
There are three main types of primary protection:
c lightning conductors which are the oldest and best know form of
protection
c taught wires
c the meshed cage or Faraday cage.
Secondary protection devices (internal installations for the
protection against lightning: IIPF)
They take the effects of atmosperhic voltage surges into account:
c conducted voltage surges
c induced voltage surges
c rise in earth voltage
Careful, do not confuse!

Switching voltage surges, that require in series protection and,
atmospheric voltage surges that require parallel protection to
protect supply, telephone or communication (bus) networks.
30
38
8/11/06 6:02:40 PM
installation
to be protected
supply
protection
in series
Up
principle of protection in series.
Careful!
All these series protection devices are specific to a
device or application. They must be dimensioned for
the installation's power or the equipment to be
protected. Most of them require additional protection
by means of a surge arrester.
supply
installation to
be protected
protection
in parallel
Protection in series
It is connected in series to the supply cables of the system that is to be protected.
c transformers reduce through the inductor effect the voltage surges and make
certain harmonics disappear through coupling. This protection is not very effective.
c filtres with components such as resistors, inductance coils and capacitors are well
adapted to industrial or switching disturbances that correspond to a well defined
frequency band. This protection is not suited for atmospheric disturbances.
c wave absorbers are primarily made of air inductance coils so as to limit voltage
surges, and of surge arresters to absorb currents. They are very well adapted to the
protection of sensitive electronic and computer devices. They only act against voltage
surges. They are very cumbersome and expensive. They in no way replace
uninterrupted power supplies that protect loads against breaks in the supply.
c network conditioners and UPSs: these devices are primarily used to protect very
sensitive equipment, such as computer devices, which require a very high quality
electrical supply. They allow for the voltage and frequency to be regulated and to
eliminate interference as well as ensure the continuity of supply even in the case of a
mains break (for UPS systems). However, they do not protect against significant
voltage surges of the atomospheric type, for which protection using a surge arrester
is still needed.
Products
Choice of devices for the

Protection in parallel
This anti-voltage surge protection can be adapted to the power of any installation or
electrical equipment that is to be protected. It is the most efficient and the most used.
Up
principle of protection in parallel.
MV/LV
overvoltage
limiter
IT earthing system
PIM
c overvoltage limiters are used in MV/LV substations at the tranformer outlet. Only
used for earthing systems with an impedant or isolated neutral (IT), they allow for
votlage surges to be run off to the ground, in particular for power frequency voltage
surges.
permanent insulation
monitor
overvoltage limiter.
c LV surge arresters come in two forms:

v modular surge arresters that are installed in LV electric switchboards.
v mobile plug-in surge arresters that protect devices that are plugged into current
sockets. They ensure secondary protection for the area however they have a limited
run-off capacity.
Careful!
Certain surge arresters are built into loads, however
they do not provide sufficient protection against high
voltage surges.
Additional protection using a modular surge
arrester is needed.
c weak current surge arresters protect telephone or switching networks against

voltage surges that come from the outside (lightning) as well as those that come
from the inside (polluting equipment, device switching, etc.).
Weak current surge arresters, like LV surge arresters, can also be installed in
enclosures or built into loads.
31
8/11/06 6:02:43 PM
Lightning prevention
Lightning warning systems
Lightning warning systems with widespread
detection networks
A lightning warning system helps to ensure the protection of persons, to stop
a high-risk activity, to disconnect equipment, the destruction or unavailabilty of which
would have serious consequences.
The systems can send a warning signal to the monitoring or operating station, can
trigger a siren or automatically start up necessary devices. Lightning warning can
either come from a widespread detection network and be communicted by a
telecommunications network, or from local systems installed near the site that is to
be protected.
The meteorological system
c is made up of a network of sixteen detection stations that are sensitive to low

frequency electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by lightning in a wide frequency
band (from 1 to 500 kHz).
c each detection station is fitted out with DF antennas the information of which is
received by a central station which uses this information to locate impact points.
c this system thus allows for the evolution of a storm to be followed and to determine
the number of lightning strokes.
c application examples:
v airport control tower
v industrial process that requires continuous non-fault power supply.
Storm Warning systems, Safir and SAFe

These Lightning Monitoring and Warning systems via Radioelectric Interferometry
used by the company Dimension were developed by Onera (National Bureau for
Aerospace Study and Research) in order to detect storm activity both between
clouds and between clouds and the ground.
c the Safir system is made of a network of detection stations that cover 100 to
200 km in function of the type of sensor, and which allows for precision locating
within one to two kilometres
c each station has a certain number of electromagnetic antennas that make up an
interferometric network
c the interferometric principle consists in comparing the different phases of the
signals received by the antennas
c this system allows for lightning flashes to be localised
c it also provides the possibility:
v of distinguishing inter-cloud flashes from cloud-ground flashes
v of indicating for each discharge:
- the current in kA
- the polarity
- the rise time
- the decrease time
- the amount of charge.
v safety infrastructure (control tower, monitoring centre)
v listed industrial site (chemical, petrochemical, waste treatment)
v communication network
v nuclear plant
v hospital.
Storm phenomena:
c beginning: the electrostatic field on the ground is the first phenomenon that comes
before a storm that can be easily measured. It appears as of the start of the
separation of the charges in a cloud. It can be measured by a field mill up to a
distance of 15 km from the storm cell.
c growth: during this phase, the first intracloud discharges appear. Lightning flashes
represent up to 90 % of the discharges that are generated by a storm cell. Near or
far, these discharges can be detected up to roughly 30 km by stand-alone detection
systems and even more by network antennas that use high frequency detection.
c maturity: the first lightning strokes appear on the ground. When the descending
leader joins the ascending leader, a lightning stroke occurs, this is the return arc.
Ground lightning strokes can be detected up to a distance of 30 km by stand-alone
detection systems and by networks.
c collapse: the maximum amount of ground lightning strokes is produced during this
phase. This is the phase when wind shear appears and which is dangerous for
planes that are taking off or landing. This is also the phase during which there is the
most risks linked to significant precipitation.
32
8/11/06 6:02:45 PM
Local warning systems

These local lightning warning systems have a detection range that is limited to
around ten kilometres.
c sensor technology that is used can be:
v electrostatic
v electromagnetic
v optical.
c local systems can be broken down into two families:
v storm warning devices that detect storm signs as of the beginning phase
v lightning flash detectors that are almost only operational as of the growth phase.
Storm warning devices
Field mill.
Storm warning devices measure all of the electric activity that is linked to a storm
i.e. the electric fields, discharges, etc.
There are two types of storm warning devices:
c field mills
field mills detect storms that are already active and up to a distance of roughly
30 km as well as a storm that is forming and located up to fifteen-some kilometres.
The field mill also allows for local and sporadic storm formation to be detected; it
thus allows for the preventive protection of equipment that is connected to antennas
placed on peaks.
v the field mill is a device that measures the electric field at a given point
v it contains a disk that rotates parallel to a stationary disk.
v the rotating disk is driven by an electric motor
v each disk has electrodes in it and the unit makes up a variable capacitor in which
one electrode is stationary and the other mobile.
v the current that is collected at the electrode terminals varies in function of the
electric field value.
v the measurement provides the electric field value.
c peak current detectors (corona)
peak current detectors use the Corona to detect a storm.
v they indirectly measure the electrical field
v they detect the presence of significant electric fields, of at least a few kV/m,
however only vertically from the site.
v research and development centre
v computer building (servers)
v Internet access provider
v hypermarket
v any site that has a generator set that allows Normal/Back-up switching
when a storm cell has been detected in the area.
Lightning flash detectors

Lightning flash detectors can be broken down into two categories that use different
measurment technologies:
c optical detectors
v they are sensitive to visible lightning flashes
v their operation may be disturbed by stray light such as that produced by the
headlights of a car.
c electromagnetic detectors
v they are sensitive to lightning discharges
v they do not provide sufficiently early warning for on-site or local storm formation
v they may send a warning after lightning has already hit the site
v these detectors use a capacitive antenna and are highly reliable since they are not
very sensitive to artificial parameters.
v ammunitions manufacturerer
v military building
v service station.
Lightning flash detector.
33
8/11/06 6:02:46 PM
Primary protection
Lightning conductors
There are 5 main types of primary protection against lightning strokes that directly
hit a structure, a building, an overhead line or an external installation for the
protection against lightning and which can be broken down into 2 categories:
c passive lightning conductors
v these devices for the protection against lightning only contain passive materials
and elements (copper, galvanised steel, etc.)
c active lightning conductors
v these devices are made of active elements that ionise the surrounding air during a
storm so as to channel the lightning stroke.
Simple lightning rod (passive)

The simple lightning rod (Franklin rod) has a metal capture point with a tapered end,
which captures the electric arc that is produced by the lightning stroke.
c the best height for the lightning rod is: 2 to 6 metres
v church bell tower
v water tower
v GSM relay
v private home, etc.
simple lightning rod
Multiple point lightning rods (passive)

The multiple point lightning rod operates in the same way as the simple lightning rod,
except that it has several tapered capture points to capture the electric arc that is
produced by the lightning stroke.
c the best height for the lightning rod is: 2 to 6 metres
v tall historical monument
v high-rise building
v industrial building
v cathedral, etc.
multiple point lightning rod
34
8/11/06 6:02:47 PM
Lightning conductor with arcing device (active)

The lightning conductor with arcing device (PDA) is a simple lightning rod or a point
rod that draws its magnetic field from the atmospheric electric field.
The energy that is collected is stored then freed in large amounts to ensure
ionisation through electrical discharge at the point. This artificial ionisation as well as
the peak effect favour the attractive power.
An electric or electronic system located at the end of the rod, emits a high voltage
impulse with a determined magnitude and frequency thus generating an advance on
arcing as soon as the surrounding field exceeds the threashold value that
corresponds to the minimum lightning risk.
c this arcing device allows for the propagation and formation time of the ascending
discharge to be reduced
c it is more efficient in capturing lightning than a passive lightning rod
v computer building (servers)
v communication network
v Internet access provider
v nuclear plant
v hospital.
lightning conductor with

arcing device
lightning conductor with

arcing device
(multiple points)
UE
C
AC
IL
35
8/11/06 6:02:53 PM
Primary protection
Lightning conductor with taught wires (passive)
Lightning conductors with taught wires are made up of one or several tin-coated
copper wires with a diametre of 25 mm2 that are strung between two masts above
the installations to be protected, at a distance of 10 % of the structure's height.
c they are mainly used on industrial buildings and infrastructures.
v metal structures of the pylon type (electric lines, suspended structures)
v industrial structures of the storage tank type (flammable products, explosives)
v storage zone for cisterns and tanks at risk (chemical, petrochemical, nuclear, etc.)
v military applications, no rocket or missil launching.
90
Lightning conductor with meshed cage (passive)

The lightning conductor with meshed cage uses the protection principle of the
Faraday cage type.
c it is made up of a conductor assembly that surrounds a structure or building, and
which is characterised by the size of the mesh formed by the conductors that are
vertically and horizontally positioned.
v the tighter the meshing, the better the external protection.
Spacing of 5 to 20 m at most depending on the level of protection must be respected
v any point on the meshed cage may be the heart of a direct impact,
v captive points, small simple rods from 30 to 50 cm high are often used with
meshed cages in order to provide preferential captive points.
They should be placed at the angles, straight up from down conductors and on
protruding parts.
c earthing is intended to disperse the lightning current and is made up of an earth
connector at the bottom of each down conductor. Earth connectors must be
interconnected and the whole must be connected to the building's earth connector
using a conductor with the same cross-section and which is of the same nature.
36
8/11/06 6:02:57 PM
Careful!
Certain lightning conductors with arcing devices
manufactured between 1932 and 1986 have
radioactive components.
c to replace these lightning conductors, contact
ANDRA (the public establishment that is responsible
for the management of radioactive waste)
that will help you to:
v identify the type of device being dealt with
v be in compliance with regulations in force
v provide you with the material and special containers
needed to dispose of generated waste
v indicate a designated collection area
v provide you with identification labels for
transportation and operating sheets for packaging
v fill in corresponding administrative documents.
Global protection system using lightning conductors

To protect certain high-risk sites, all of the lightning conductors already described
can be used.
c a meshed cage lightning conductor can be combined with a simple lightning rod in
order to reinforce the primary protection device.
c global protection can be referred to when the following is used to make a primary
protection installation (IEPF):
v passive type devices:
- lightning rod, simple or multipoint
- lightning conductor with taught wires
- lightning conductor with meshed cage
v active type devices:
- lightning conductor with arcing device or ionisation,
- simple or multipoint lightning rods
c using lightning conductors with meshed cage, taught wires and an arcing device all
together is recommended for sites that have different types of structures:
v administrative office building
v industrial hangar with metal frame
v smokestack and evacuation vent
v tank and storage container
v storage zone for tanks at risk.
v ammunition manufacturer
v military building
v nuclear plant.
37
8/11/06 6:03:01 PM
Seconday protection
Introduction
Today, there are ways to protect the electric installations in
Buildings, the production and transportation of Energy,
the equipment in Infrastructures and Industrial sites against the
direct or indirect effects of lightning.
Buildings
c the need to even better satisfy customer expectations and the

recent evolution of standards, has led Schneider Electric to develop
a new range of surge arresters. This modular offer has been
adapted to each country for the protection needs in the housing,
tertiary and industrial sectors. It is in compliance with the
international IEC 61 643-1 class 2 test standard.
c it is available in the fixed or withdrawable formats, single-pole
or multiple poles. It also includes a range of surge arresters that are
especially designed for communication networks.
Energy
c risk evaluation of each installation is essential for the effective

protection of electric equipment as well as to ensure the best
posssible continuity of supply.
c for this, just choose a surge arrester in function of the criteria
linked to both the loads to be protected as well as the site's
characteristics.
c Low Voltage modular surge arresters can be installed in electric
enclosures, switchboards or cabinets.
Infrastructures
c they are intended for the protection of single-phase or threephase electric installations or communication networks against
transient atmospheric or switching voltage surges.
How to choose LV surge arresters?
Industry
1. determine Imax in function of the

lightning density (Ng)
2. determine the number of poles in function
of the earthing system and choose either the
fixed or withdrawable type surge arrester
3. determine the level of protection Up in function
of the type of loads to be protected (Uchoc)
see page 47
see page 48
see page 49
A few useful definitions
c Imax: is the peak value of a current with a 8/20 s wave shape that runs off
through the surge arrester and with a magnitude that is in compliance with the
operating test for class II. Imax is greater than In.
c In: is the peak value of a current with a 8/20 s wave shape that runs off through
the surge arrester. It is used to rank surge arresters for class II testing and to
precondition surge arresters for class I and II testing.
c Up: is a parameter that characterises the surge arresters operation by limiting the
voltage between terminals and which is chosen from the list of preferential values.
This value is greater than the highest value obtained during measurement of the
limiting voltage.
The most common values for a 230/400 V network are:
1 kV - 1.2 kV - 1.5 kV - 1.8 kV - 2 kV - 2.5 kV.
38
8/11/06 6:03:04 PM
Surge arresters
Choosing surge arresters for:
LV networks
Choosing surge arresters: 2 examples of use
b installing surge arresters in a structure equipped with a lightning conductor
b installing surge arresters in a structure not equipped with a lightning conductor.
Installation with lightning conductor

E91007
The presence of a lightning conductor on the building or in a 50 m radius can cause

a direct lightning stroke generating a rise in the frame potential and that of the
earthing system. Part of the lightning current rises in the electrical installation through
the rod then the earth bar.
b in order to protect the loads, a high flow capacity Type 1 PRF1 surge arrester (class 1
test) must then be installed at the incomer end of the switchboard that is capable of arcing
and then conducting the lightning current towards a distant earth referenced at 0 V.
b Two technologies are available:
v air gap technology: this is the PRF1 range requiring systematic installation of
another surge arrester (type 2) in cascade, so that the residual voltage at the terminals
of the second surge arrester I max = 40 kA (PRD40, PF40) is compatible with the impulse
withstand voltage of the equipment to be protected (U impulse < 1.5 kV)
v technology with varistor: this is the PRD1 draw-out surge arrester range.
Installation of another surge arrester (type 2) is not required.
b if the loads to be protected are located more than 30 m away from the incoming
protection, a secondary protection surge arrester I max 8 kA (PRD8, PF8) will be installed
as close as possible to the loads
b Type 1 (class 1 test) or Type 2 (class 2 test) surge arresters meet the standard
EN 61-643-11 (IEC 61643-11).
DB107920
Type 1 protection with PRF1
DB107903
Type 1 protection with PRD1
39
8/11/06 6:03:06 PM
Surge arresters
LV networks (cont.)
Installation without lightning conductor
E91006
b the following table determines the maximum current of the surge arrester(s) to be
installed according to geographic situation and lightning stroke density of the site to
be protected.
b mount a secondary protection surge arrester Imax: 8 kA if:
v the distance between the incoming surge arrester and loads is u 30 m
v the surge arrester's voltage Up is too high in regards to the sensitivity of the load
to be protected (Uchoc) (see page 4).
Residential
Geographical location
Lightning flash density (Ng)
Imax (kA) incoming protection
Imax (kA) secondary protection if: Up too high and/or d u 30 m
Urban
y 0.5
10-20
0.5 < Ng < 1.6

10-20
u 1.6
10-20
Rural
y 0.5
10-20
0.5 < Ng < 1.6

40
8
u 1.6
65
8
Tertiary/industrial(1)
Continuity of supply of the operation
Not necessary
Partial
Mandatory
Consequence (financial) of a lightning
Low
High
Very high
stroke on equipment to be protected
Lightning flash density (Ng)
y 0.5
0.5 < Ng < 1.6
u 1.6
y 0.5
0.5 < Ng < 1.6
u 1.6
y 0.5
0.5 < Ng < 1.6
Imax (kA) incoming protection
20
20
40
20
40
65
40
65
Imax (kA) secondary protection if:
8
8
8
8
8
Up too high and/or d u 30 m
(1) Since in the tertiary/industrial sector the cost of equipment to be protected is higher, damage due to lightning is more significant
u 1.6
65
8
DB108017
Type 1 protection with PF/PRD
40
8/11/06 6:03:07 PM
Surge arresters
LV networks (cont.)
b the surge arrester's level of protection (Up) depends on the installed equipment
and the rated voltage of the installation
b Up must lie between:
v the full voltage of the permanent operating conditions (Uc)
v the impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc) of the equipment to be protected.
8/20 impulse withstand table for equipment to be protected

General standard: IEC 60364-4.
UC < Up < Uchoc

Rated voltage of the
installation
Threephase networks
400/690/1000 V
230/440 V
Equipment sensitivity withstand (Uchoc)

Reduced
Electronic circuit devices:
televisions, alarms, HiFi, video
recorders, computers
telecommunication
2.5 kV
1.5 kV
Shock wave
category I
Normal
Electrical household
appliances: dishwashers,
ovens refrigerators, protable
tools
4 kV
2.5 kV
Shock wave
category II
High
Industrial devices: motors,
distribution cabinets, current
sockets, transfos.
Very high
Industrial devices: electric
meters, telemeters
6 kV
4 kV
Shock wave
category III
8 kV
6 kV
Shock wave
category IV
Permanent operating full withstand voltage Uc as in the IEC 60364-5-534 standard

Earthing systems
TT
Uc value for common mode

u 1.1 Uo
(protection between live
conductors and earth)
Uc value for differential mode
u 1.1 Uo
(protection between phase and
neutral)
Uo: simple network voltage between phase and neutral
Uc: full voltage under permanent operating conditions.
TN-S
u 1.1 Uo
u 1.1 Uo
TN-C
u 1.1 Uo
IT
u 1.732 Uo
u 1.1 Uo
Note: Rated impulse withstand voltage is an impulse withstand voltage assigned by the manufacturer to the equipment or to a part of it, characterizing the specified
capability of its insulation against overvoltages (in accordance with 1.3.9.2 of IEC 60664.1).
41
8/11/06 6:03:08 PM
Surge arresters
LV networks (cont.)
Placing several surge arresters in a cascading configuration
The incoming protection device (P1) is dimensioned to run-off lightning currents at
the source of the installation, 2 cases are possible:
b if there is a level of protection (Up) too high for the impulse withstand voltage
(Uchoc) of the installation's equipment (figure 1):
v a secondary protection surge arrester (P2) placed near loads is sufficient, to lower
the voltage and make it compatible with the impulse withstand voltage of the
equipment to be protected (see installation constraints section).
b if sensitive equipment is too far from the incoming protection device (d u 30 m
figure 2):
v a secondary protection surge arrester (P2) placed near loads suffices, to lower the
voltage and make it compatible with the impulse withstand voltage of the equipment
to be protected (see installation constraints section).
Up surge arrester < Uchoc switchgear

Example figure 2
DB107905
DB107904
Example figure 1
E:
equipment to be protected
(impulse withstand of 1.5 kV)
P1: incoming protection device
dimensioned with In and Imax that
are sufficient enough to face
lightning currents that may appear
and with a level of protection of
1.8 kV
P2: surge arrester near equipment to be
protected with an adapted level of
protection and which is coordonated with P1
E:
equipment to be protected
(impulse withstand of 1.5 kV)
P1: incoming protection device
dimensioned with In and Imax that
are sufficient enough to face
lightning currents that may appear
and with a level of protection of
1.5 kV. This level of 1.5 kV is
acceptable in principle, but the
distance d is too great
P2: surge arrester near equipment to be
protected with an adapted level of
protection and which is coordonated with P1
42
8/11/06 6:03:09 PM
Surge arresters
LV networks (cont.)
DB108041
Choice depending on the earthing system PRF1 and PRD1

offers Type 1 (class 1 test)
Type of surge TT
arresters
PRF1
Uc = 260 V
Uc = 400 V
Combi PRF1
Uc = 260 V
PRF1 Master
Uc = 440 V
TN-S
TN-C
1P+1N/PE
3 x 1P+1N/
PE
1P+N
3P+N
1P+1N/PE
3 x 1P+1N/
PE
1P+N
3P+N
1P
3x1P
1P+N
3P+N
1P+N
3P+N
2 x 1P
4 x 1P
2 x 1P
4 x 1P
IT
IT nondistributed distributed
neutral
1P
3P
1P+N
3P+N
1P
3P
1P
3 x 1P
2 x 1P
4 x 1P
1P
3 x 1P
PRD1
Uc = 340 V
2P (1)
2P
3P
4P (1)
4P
(1) Utilisable seulement si systme diffrentiel en amont du PRD1.
Choice depending on the earthing system PRD, PF offers

Type 2 (class 2 test)
Type of surge TT
arresters
PRD
MC
Uc = 340 V
MC
Uc = 440 V
MC/MD
Uc = 440/340 V
1P
TN-S
TN-C
2P
4P
1P
2P
3P
IT
3P
4P
1P+N
3P+N
1P+N
3P+N
1P
2P
4P
1P+N
3P+N
1P+N
3P+N
PF
MC
Uc = 340 V
MC
Uc = 440 V
MC/MD
Uc = 440/340 V
1P
2P
3P
43
8/11/06 6:03:10 PM
Surge arresters
LV networks (cont.)
PRF1 Type 1 surge arrester and Type 2 surge arrester combination tables
Rappel : use of the air gap technology makes the PRF1 and type 2 surge arrester combination essential.
In two separate switchboards
DB107911
DB107913
TT (TN-S)
Uc
1P+N
260 V
3P+N
Type 1
CB
+Type 2
CB
PRF1 1P 260 V
+ PRF1 50 N/PE
(ref. 16621 +
16623)
3x PRF1 1P 260 V
+ PRF1 100 N/PE
(3x ref. 16621 +
16624)
D125 A 2P
(ref. 18532)
PRD40r 1P+N
(ref. 16562)
PF40 1P+N
(ref. 15687)
PRD40r 3P+N
(ref. 16564)
PF40r 3P+N
(ref. 15690)
2P 40 A
curve C
D125 A 4P
(ref.18534)
TN-C
Type 1
Uc
3P
260 V
4P 40 A
curve C
IT
Uc
3P
440 V
+Type 2
CB
3x PRF1 1P 260 V D125 A 3P

(3x ref. 16621)
(ref. 18533)
CB
PRD40r 3P
340 V
(3x ref. 16445)
PF40 3P
(ref. 15582)
3P 40 A
curve C
Type 1
CB
+Type 2
CB
PRF1 3P 440 V
(ref. 16627)
D125 A 3P
(ref. 18533)
PRD40r 3P IT
460 V
(ref. 16563)
3P 40 A
curve C
DB108019
Combi PRF1 Type 1 surge arrester and Type

2 surge arrester combination table
DB108186
TN-S
Uc
1P+N
260 V
3P+N
TN-S/
IT (N)
Type 1
CB
+Type 2
CB
2x PRF1 1P 260 V
(ref. 16621)
4x PRF1 1P 260 V
(ref. 16621)
D125 A 2P
(ref. 18532)
D125 A 4P
(ref. 18534)
PRD40r 2P
(ref. 16444)
PRD40r 4P
(ref. 16664)
2P 40 A
curve C
4P 40 A
curve C
Type 1
CB
+Type 2
CB
2x PRD40r 1P
440 V
(ref. 16560)
PRD40r 4P
(ref. 16597)
2P 40 A
curve C
Uc
1P+N
440 V
PRF1 1P+N 440 V D125 A 2P

(ref. 16625)
(ref. 18532)
3P+N
PRF1 3P+N 440 V D125 A 4P

(ref. 16628)
(ref. 18534)
4P 40 A
curve C
TT/TN-S
Type 1
CB
Uc
1P+N Combi PRF1 1P+N built-in
260 V
(ref. 16626)
3P+N Combi PRF1 3P+N built-in

(ref. 16629)
+Type 2
CB
PRD40r 1P+N
(ref. 16562)
PF40 1P+N
(ref. 15687)
PRD40r 3P+N
(ref. 16564)
PF40r 3P+N
(ref. 15690)
2P 40 A
curve C
4P 40 A
curve C
44
8/11/06 6:03:10 PM
Surge arresters
LV networks (cont.)
PRF1 Type 1 Master surge arrester and Type 2 surge arrester combination tables
DB107907
DB107906
In the same switchboard
TT/TN-S/
IT (N)
Uc
1P+N
440 V
CB
+Type 2
CB
TT/TN-S/
IT (N)
2x PRF1 Master
1P 440 V
(2x ref. 16630)
4x PRF1 Master
1P 440 V
(4x ref. 16630)
NS160N
TM160D 2P
(ref. 30620)
NS160
TM160D 4P
(ref. 30650)
2x PRD40r 1P
440 V
(2x ref. 16560)
PRD40r 1P IT
460 V
(ref. 16597)
2P 40 A
curve C
Uc
1P+N
440 V
4P 40 A
curve C
3P+N
Type 1
CB
+Type 2
CB
2xPRF1 Master
1P 440 V
(2x ref. 16630)
4x PRF1 Master
1P 440 V
(4x ref. 16630)
NS160N
TM160D 2P
(ref. 30620)
NS160
TM160D 4P
(ref. 30650)
2x PRD40r 1P
440 V
(2x ref. 16560)
PRD40r 4P IT
(ref. 16597)
2P 40 A
curve C
Type 1
CB
+Type 2
CB
3x PRF1 Master
1P 440 V
(3x ref. 16630)
NS160N
TM160D 3P
(ref. 30630)
PRD40r 3P IT
460 V
(ref. 16563)
3P 40 A
curve C
4P 40 A
curve C
DB107909
3P+N
Type 1
TN-C/IT
Uc
3P
440 V
45
8/11/06 6:03:11 PM
Surge arresters
LV networks (cont.)
Type 1 surge arresters (class 1 test)
b PRF1 are dimensioned to conduct direct lightning currents with a 10/350 wave
form
b PRF1 are surge arresters that use "encapsulated air-filled spark gap " type
technology without arc device
b when the lightning current flows in the PRF1 surge arrester, a follow current (If) is
created. If the value of current Ifi is greater than the prospective short-circuit current
at the installation point, the PRF1 surge arrester discharges by itself, without the help
of the associated protective device.
Otherwise, the protective device may trip. An OF indication auxiliary associated with
the protective device should be provided to warn the user that loads are no longer
protected as long as the protective device is not reset (see the "indication" section).
b the PRF1 Master surge arrester uses an "air spark gap" type technology with
electronic arcing.
Its main feature is its high level of protection and its good capacity to extinguish the
25 kA follow current without tripping the associated disconnection device.
The extinction of the electrical arc is facilitated by sheet-metal elements that divide
the latter into several partial arcs. This technology increases the reliability of the
operation and the availability of the protected installation.

b these surge arresters use "varistor" type technology or "varistor + gas-filled spark
gap" technology
b they are dimensioned to conduct indirect lightning currents with an 8/20 wave form.
Choosing the disconnection device

After having chosen the surge arrester(s) needed to protect the installation, the
appropriate disconnection circuit-breaker is to be chosen from the opposite table:
b its breaking capacity must be compatible with the installation's breaking capacity
b each live conductor must be protected example: a 1P+N surge arrester must be
combined with a 2P disconnection device (2 protected poles).
Type 1 surge arresters

Type of surge arrester
PRF1
PRF1 Master
PRD1
Disconnection device
D125 125 A curve D
or fuse NH type gG (gL) 125 A
NS160N TM160D or fuse NH type gG (gL) 160 A
C120

Max. lightning discharge current Disconnection circuit-breaker
Rating
Curve
65 kA
40 kA
20 kA
8 kA
50 A
40 A
25 A
20 A
C
C
C
C
Coordination between
Type 1 surge arresters (class 1 test) and
To guarantee optimum protection of loads against direct effects (10/350 wave form)
and surges (8/20 wave form), induced or conducted, Type 1 and Type 2 surge
arresters must be installed in cascade.
There are 2 cases:
b the Type 1 and Type 2 surge arresters are installed in the same switchboard:
v the Type 1 surge arrester with air spark gap technology has the same steady state
voltage (Uc) as the Type 2 surge arrester with varistors
v the Type 1 surge arrester Neutral/PE pole is common to both surge arresters
b the Type 1 and Type 2 surge arresters are installed in two separate switchboards:
The Type 1 surge arrester has the same steady state voltage (Uc) as the Type 2
surge arrester.
In both cases, each surge arrester is associated with its protective device.
An OF opening indication auxiliary for the protection devices is recommended.
46
8/11/06 6:03:12 PM
Surge arresters
LV networks (cont.)
Installation constraints Type 1 surge arrester
DB107956
DB107955
If the distance between the box housing the Type 1 PRF1 surge arrester and the
loads is greater than 30 m, then the Type 2 surge arrester (PF, PE, PRD, STM) must
be assembled as close to the loads as possible.
DB107957
b The 50 cm rule also applies to the PRF1 surge arrester connection.
47
8/11/06 6:03:14 PM
Surge arresters
LV networks (cont.)
Installation constraints Type 1 (PRD1) and
Type 2 (PF, PRD) surge arrester
DB107958
The 50 cm rule in the switchboard

Connections must be as short as possible. Do not exceed a distance of 50 cm, to
efficiently protect electrical loads.
DB107959
Co-ordinating 2 surge arresters (the 10 m rule)

In the case of an exposed site and the presance of sensitive loads, it is
recommended to coordinate upstream and downstream protection in a cascading
configuration.
48
8/11/06 6:03:15 PM
Surge arresters
LV networks (cont.)
DB108190
DB108189
DB108188
Case of earth leakage devices

In installations fitted out with a general earth leakage protection, it is preferable to
place the surge arrester upstream from this protection.
However, certain power distributors do not allow intervention at this distribution level
(this is for instance the case for LV subscribers in France).
It is therefore necessary to plan a selective device of the s type, or with delayed
tripping, so that when the current runs off to the earth through the surge arrester, it
does not produce nuisance tripping of the incoming circuit-breaker.
The best way to guarantee the continuity of supply of priority circuits, while ensuring
safety in the case of atmospheric disturbances is to combine:
b a surge arrester that can protect sensitive loads against atmospheric overvoltages
b a circuit-breaker with an upstream earth leakage protection device of 300/500 mA
selective, to ensure total earth leakage discrimination
b a residual current device of 30 mA s type placed downstream is insensitive to this
type of disturbance.
Another solution can be foreseen: use a circuit-breaker (not earth leakage) at the
incoming end of the installation followed by a residual current circuit-breaker. The
surge arrester is to be connected between the two devices (see below).
Careful, the link L must be class II.
Choice depending on the communication

network
Type of network
Series PRC
PRI 1248 V PRI 6 V
Telecommunication
Digital 300 Hz RTC
Numeris access T0
Specialised 24 V line
Specialised modem line base band 64 kbit/s
MIC line and access T2
Computer
Current loop 200 V
Current loop 1248 V
RS 232 (12 V)
RS 485 (12 V)
Current loop 6 V
RS 422 (6 V)
RS 423 (6 V)
Supply 12/48 V
Fire safety centralising equipment,
ELV load, intrusion centralising
49
8/11/06 6:03:16 PM
Surge arresters
Indications
Surge arrester end of life indication

A variety of indication devices are provided to warn the user that loads are no longer
protected against atmospheric surges.
Type 1 surge arresters: PRF1 1P 260 V, Combi 1P+N and 3P+N

and PRF1 Master with air spark gap technology
These surge arresters have an indicator that show whether the module is operating
correctly. This indicator requires an operating voltage of min. 120 V AC.
It does not come on:
b if the operating voltage is y 120 V AC
b if there is no supply voltage
b if the arcing electronics are faulty.
Type 1 (PRD1) and Type 2 (PF, PRD) surge arresters (varistor,

varistor + gas spark gap)
End of life takes the form of destruction of the surge arrester or cartridge.
This can be one of 2 types:
b internal end of life disconnection:
v the accumulation of electrical shocks causes the varistors to age, which translates
into a rise in the leakage current. Above 1 mA, there is thermal runaway and
disconnection of the surge arrester
b external end of life disconnection:
v is produced when an overvoltage is too energetic (lightning stroke directly on the
line), above the surge arrester's flow capacity there where the varistors are
placed in solid short-circuit with the earth (or possible between the phase and
neutral)
v this short-circuit is eliminated by opening of the disconnection circuit-breaker that
must be associated.
Surge arresters for communication networks

The surge arrestor is only at the end of life in short-circuit, following the accumulation
of electrical shocks which causes it to age or following an overvoltage that is too
energetic.
These surge arresters include:

b a built-in NO/NC remote indication contact
b a mechanical indicator on the front panel:
v white: normal operation (1)
v red: cartridge to be immediately replaced (3).
DB107919
DB107918
PRD65r, PRD40r and PRD20r surge arresters
Series PRD65, PRD40, PRD20, PRD8, PRC and PRI surge

arresters
(1).
(2).

b a mechanical indicator on front panel:
v white: normal operation
v red: surge arrester to be immediately replaced.
PRD surge arresters

b a mechanical indicator on the front panel:
v red: cartridge is to be immediately replaced.
PF surge arresters
b a built-in remote indication NC contact for the PF65r and PF30r models
b an green/red light indicator on the front panel:
v green: normal operation
v red: surge arrester to be immediately replaced.
50
8/11/06 6:03:17 PM
Surge arresters
Indications (cont.)
DB107960
Protective device opening indication

The Type 1 surge arrester protective device can be tripped in two cases:
b when the follow current (Ifi) extinguishing capacity of the surge arrester is less than
the prospective short-circuit current of the installation
b when the Type 1 surge arrester is at the end of life (internal short-circuit).
An OF indication transfer auxiliary is recommended to indicate opening of the
protective device.

The Type 2 surge arrester protective device can be tripped in event of end of life
(internal short-circuit).
An OF indication transfer auxiliary is recommended to indicate opening of the
protective device.
Diagram 1.
DB107961
Optimum indication
Association PRF1 + PRD40
This consists of serial connecting the various indication auxiliaries:
b the OF contact of the Type 1 surge arrester protective device (diagrams 1 and 2)
b the OF contact of the Type 2 surge arrester protective device (diagrams 1 and 2)
b the transfer contact built into the PF65r, PF30r, PRD65r and PRD40r surge
arresters (diagram 3)
b the EM/RM indication auxiliary (diagram 4).
Indication of proper operation of lightning protection by green indicator light.
Diagram 2.
DB107962
Indication of placing out of operation of lightning protection by red indicator light or

indication by supply breaking (MX).
This diagram has the drawback of placing the entire installation out of operation as
long as the surge arrester is not replaced or the protective device is not reset.
It cannot therefore be used in cases when continuity of supply is required (fire alarm,
remote monitoring, etc.).
DB107964
Note: an automatic recloser can be associated with the Type 1 surge arrester D125 protective
device as per diagram 5.
DB107963
Diagram 3.
Diagram 4.
51
8/11/06 6:03:18 PM
Overview of the surge arrester

offer
LV network surge arresters
The choice of a surge arrester for an LV network is made by taking several

criteria into consideration:
if presence or no of a lightning rod on the building or in a radius of 50 m
the maximum discharge current (lmax)
the level of protection (Up)
the earthing system of the installation TT, TN-S, TN-C or IT
fixe surge arrester or with a drawout cartridge.
Type 1 surge arrester for installation in presence of lightning rod

Type
Number
of poles
PRF1 1P 260 V
PRF1 1P 440 V
PRF1 N/PE 50 1P 260 V
PRF1 N/PE 100 1P 260 V
PRF1 1P+N 440 V
PRF1 3P 440 V
PRF1 3P+N 440 V
Combi PRF1 1P+N 260 V
Combi PRF1 3P+N 260/440 V
PRF1 Master 1P 440 V
1P
1P
1P
1P
1P+N
3P
3P+N
1P+N
3P+N
1P
Shock current (Iimp)

(10/350)
25 kA
25 kA
50 kA
100 kA
25 kA
25 kA
25 kA
25 kA
25 kA
35 kA
Fixed surge arrester
Operation indication
Green indicator
No
No
No
No
No
No
Green indicator
Green indicator
Green indicator
Type 2 surge arresters without the presence of a lightning conductor or for cascading
Type
Number
of poles
Max. discharge
current (Imax)
(8/20)
PRD65r
1, 1P+N,
3P, 3P+N
1, 1P+N,
3P, 3P+N
1, 1P+N,
3P, 3P+N
1, 1P+N,
3P, 3P+N
1, 1P+N,
3P, 3P+N
1P+N,
3P+N
1P+N,
3P+N
1P+N,
3P+N
1P+N,
3P+N
1P+N,
3P+N
65 kA
PRD40r
PRD40
PRD20
PRD8
PF65r
PF40r
PF40
PF20
PF8
40 kA
40 kA
20 kA
8 kA
65 kA
40 kA
40 kA
20 kA
8 kA
Surge arrester
With draw-out
Fixed
cartridge
Red mechanical
indicator
Red mechanical
indicator
Red mechanical
indicator
Red mechanical
indicator
Red mechanical
indicator
Red indicator
not lit: ok
Red indicator
not lit: ok
Red indicator
not lit: ok
Red indicator
not lit: ok
Red indicator
not lit: ok
52
8/11/06 6:03:19 PM
Overview of the surge arrester

offer
Network surge arresters for weak

current or telephony
Type
PRC srie
PRI 6 V
PRI 1248 V
Max. discharge
current (Imax)
10 kA
10 kA
10 kA
The choice of a surge arrester for weak current and telephony is made in
function of the type and technical characteristics of the network to be
protected:
telecommunication: analogue, digital
special link, etc.
12/48 V supply, for fire safety and intrusion centralising equipment, etc.
date transmission, computing, building monitoring, etc.
Max. voltage of the

signal to be
transmitted
220 V
53 V
7V
Indication transfer
Built-in
Using auxilary
Red mechanical indicator

EM/RM
EM/RM
EM/RM
53
8/11/06 6:03:21 PM
PRD surge arresters

Withdrawable Type 2 LV surge arresters
0
PRD withdrawable surge arresters allow

quick replacement of damaged cartridges.
The withdrawable surge arresters with r
indication have remote transfer of the
information: cartridge to be replaced.
Each surge arrester in the range has a specific application:

incoming protection:
the PRD65(r) is recommended for a very high risk level (strongly exposed site)
the PRD40(r) is recommended for a high risk level
the PRD20(r) is recommended for a low risk level
secondary protection:
the PRD8(r) ensures secondary protection of loads to be protected and is placed
in cascade with the incoming surge arresters. This surge arrester is required when
the loads to be protected are at a distance of more than 30 m from the incoming
surge arrester.
Rated discharge current (In)
Type of protection
PB101664
Incoming
65 kA
Very high risk level (strongly exposed site)
PRD65
40 kA
High risk level
PRD40
20 kA
Low risk level
PRD20
Secondary
PB101665
1P+N
3P+N
8 kA
PB101663
PRD8
Cartridge
54
8/11/06 6:03:22 PM
PRD surge arresters

DB107761
DB107760
Network
1P+N
3P+N
1P
2P
3P
4P
Earthing Transfer Surge

Associated
system
arrester name protection device
PRD65r 1P IT
PRD65r 1P
PRD65r 1P+N
PRD65r 2P
PRD65r 3P IT
PRD65r 3P
PRD65r 3P+N
PRD65r 4P
50 A C curve
16659
IT
TT & TN
TT & TN-S
TN
IT
TN-C
TT & TN-S
TN-S
PRD40r 1P
PRD40 1P
PRD40r 1P+N
PRD40 1P+N
PRD40r 2P
PRD40 2P
PRD40r 3P
PRD40 3P
PRD40r 3P IT
PRD40r 3P+N
PRD40 3P+N
PRD40r 4P IT
PRD40r 4P
PRD40 4P
40 A C curve
16597
16664
16669
TT & TN
TT & TN
TT & TN-S
TT & TN-S
TN
TN
TN-C
TN-C
IT
TT & TN-S
TT & TN-S
IT
TN-S
TN-S
PRD20 1P
PRD20r 1P+N
PRD20 1P+N
PRD20 2P
PRD20 3P
PRD20r 3P IT
PRD20r 3P+N
PRD20 3P+N
PRD20r 4P IT
PRD20 4P
25 A C curve
16599
16673
TT & TN
TT & TN-S
TT & TN-S
TN
TN-C
IT
TT & TN-S
TT & TN-S
IT
TN-S
PRD8 1P
PRD8r 1P+N
PRD8 1P+N
PRD8 2P
PRD8 3P
PRD8r 3P IT
PRD8r 3P+N
PRD8 3P+N
PRD8r 4P IT
PRD8 4P
20 A C curve
16678
16680
TT & TN
TT & TN-S
TT & TN-S
TN
TN-C
IT
TT & TN-S
TT & TN-S
IT
TN-S
16555
16556
16557
16442
16558
16443
16559
16561
16566
16562
16567
16444
16667
16445
16568
16563
16564
16569
16571
16672
16572
16446
16447
16573
16674
16574
16576
16677
16577
16448
16449
16578
16679
16579
55
8/11/06 6:03:23 PM
PRD surge arresters

0
Technical data
Surge arrester Nbr of
name
poles
PRD65
PRD65r 1P IT
PRD65r 1P
PRD65r 1P+N
PRD65r 2P
PRD65r 3P IT
PRD65r 3P
PRD65r 3P+N
PRD65r 4P
PRD40
PRD40r 1P
PRD40 1P
PRD40r 1P+N
PRD40 1P+N
PRD40r 2P
PRD40 2P
PRD40r 3P
PRD40 3P
PRD40r 3P IT
PRD40r 3P+N
PRD40 3P+N
PRD40r 4P IT
PRD40r 4P
PRD40 4P
PRD20
PRD20 1P
PRD20r 1P+N
PRD20 1P+N
PRD20 2P
PRD20 3P
PRD20r 3P IT
PRD20r 3P+N
PRD20 3P+N
PRD20r 4P IT
PRD20 4P
PRD8
PRD8 1P
PRD8r 1P+N
PRD8 1P+N
PRD8 2P
PRD8 3P
PRD8r 3P IT
PRD8r 3P+N
PRD8 3P+N
PRD8r 4P IT
PRD8 4P
Width
Imax
In
Up
Network rated
voltage
Uc
kA
V
CM
V
CM
L/
in mod.
of 9 mm
kA
1P
1P
1P+N
2P
3P
3P
3P+N
4P
2
2
4
4
6
6
8
8
65
65
65
65
65
65
65
65
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
2
1.5
1.5
1.5
2
1.5
1.5
1.5
230
230
230
230
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
440
340
440
340
440
340
440
340
1P
1P
1P+N
1P+N
2P
2P
3P
3P
3P
3P+N
3P+N
4P
4P
4P
2
2
4
4
4
4
6
6
6
8
8
8
8
8
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.8
1.5
1.5
1.8
1.5
1.5
230
230
230
230
230
230
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
340
340
440
440
340
340
340
340
460
440
440
460
340
340
1P
1P+N
1P+N
2P
3P
3P
3P+N
3P+N
4P
4P
2
4
4
4
6
6
8
8
8
8
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.2
1.2
1.4
1.2
230
230
230
230
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
340
440
440
340
340
460
440
440
460
340
1P
1P+N
1P+N
2P
3P
3P
3P+N
3P+N
4P
4P
2
4
4
4
6
6
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
230
230
230
230
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
340
440
440
340
340
460
440
440
460
340
Cat.
no.
DM
L/N
340
340
340
340
340
340
340
340
340
340
340
340
340
340
16555
16556
16557
16442
16558
16443
16559
16659
16561
16566
16562
16567
16444
16667
16445
16568
16563
16564
16569
16597
16664
16669
16571
16672
16572
16446
16447
16573
16674
16574
16599
16673
16576
16677
16577
16448
16449
16578
16679
16579
16678
16680
CM : common mode (phase to earth and neutral to earth)

DM : differential mode (phase to neutral)
Spare cartridges
Type
C 65r-440
C 65-340
C 40-460
C 40-340
C 20-460
C 20-340
C 8-460
C 8-340
C neutral
Spare cartridges for
Cat. no
PRD65 IT
PRD65, PRD65r
PRD40r IT
PRD40, PRD40r
PRD20 IT
PRD20, PRD20r
PRD8 IT
PRD8, PRD8r
All products
16580
16681
16684
16685
16686
16687
16688
16689
16691
Operating frequency
Operating voltage
Ic permanent operating current
Response time
End of life indication:
by white/red mechanical indicator
End of life remote indication
Type of connection terminals
Operating temperature
Standards
White
Red
50/60 Hz
230/400 V AC
< 1 mA
< 25 ns
in operation
at end of life
by contact NO, NC 250 V / 0.25 A
tunnel terminals, 2.5 to 35 mm
-5 C to +40 C
IEC 61643-1 T2
and EN 61643-11 Type 2
56
8/11/06 6:03:25 PM
PF surge arresters
Fixed Type 2 LV surge arresters
The PF multi-pole single-piece surge

arrester range is adapted to all earthing
systems: TT, TN-S, TN-C and IT.
The PF surge arresters with r indication
have remote transfer of the information:
surge arrester to be replaced.
Each surge arrester in the range has a specific application:

incoming protection:
the PF65(r) is recommended for a very high risk level (strongly exposed site)
the PF40(r) is recommended for a high risk level
the PF20 is recommended for a low risk level
secondary protection:
the PF8 ensures secondary protection of loads to be protected and is placed in
cascade with the incoming surge arresters. This surge arrester is required when the
loads to be protected are at a distance of more than 30 m from the incoming surge
arrester.
Rated discharge current (In)
Type of protection
Incoming
PB101666
65 kA
Very high risk level (strongly exposed site)
PF65
40 kA
High risk level
PF40
20 kA
Low risk level
PF20
Secondary
PB101667
1P+N
8 kA
PF8
3P+N
57
8/11/06 6:03:26 PM
Network
1P+N
DB107761
DB107760
PF surge arresters
3P+N
1P
2P
3P
4P
Earthing Transfer Surge

Associated
system
arrester name protection device
PF65 1P
PF65 1P+N
PF65 2P
PF65 3P
PF65r 3P+N
PF65 3P+N
PF65r 4P
50 A C curve
15585
TT & TN
TT & TN-S
TN
TN-C
TT & TN-S
TT & TN-S
TN-S
PF40 1P
PF40 1P+N
PF40 2P
PF40 3P
PF40r 3P+N
PF40 3P+N
PF40r 4P
PF40 4P
40 A C curve
15590
15588
TT & TN
TT & TN-S
TN
TN-C
TT & TN-S
TT & TN-S
TN-S
TN-S
PF20 1P
PF20 1P+N
PF20 2P
PF20 3P
PF20 3P+N
PF20 4P
25 A C curve
15593
TT & TN
TT & TN-S
TN
TNC
TT & TN-S
TN-S
PF8 1P
PF8 1P+N
PF8 2P
PF8 3P
PF8 3P+N
PF8 4P
20 A C curve
15596
TT & TN
TT & TN-S
TN
TN-C
TT & TN-S
TN-S
15683
15684
15584
15581
15685
15586
15686
15687
15587
15582
15690
15688
15691
15692
15592
15597
15693
15694
15695
15595
15598
15696
58
8/11/06 6:03:28 PM
PF surge arresters
Technical data
Surge arrester Nbr of
name
poles
Width
Imax
In
Up
Network rated
voltage
Uc
in mod.
of 9 mm
kA
kA
kV
CM
V
CM
L/
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
230
230
230
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
340
440
340
340
440
440
340
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
230
230
230
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
230/400
340
440
340
340
440
440
340
340
5
5
5
5
5
5
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
230
230
230
230/400
230/400
230/400
340
440
340
340
440
340
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
1
1
1
1
1
1
230
230
230
230/400
230/400
230/400
340
440
340
340
440
340
PF65
PF65 1P
1P
2
65
PF65 1P+N
1P+N
4
65
PF65 2P
2P
4
65
PF65 3P
3P
8
65
PF65r 3P+N
3P+N
8
65
PF65 3P+N
3P+N
8
65
PF65r 4P
4P
8
65
PF40
PF40 1P
1P
2
40
PF40 1P+N
1P+N
4
40
PF40 2P
2P
4
40
PF40 3P
3P
8
40
PF40 3P+N
3P+N
8
40
PF40r 3P+N
3P+N
8
40
PF40r 4P
4P
8
40
PF40 4P
4P
8
40
PF20
PF20 1P
1P
2
20
PF20 1P+N
1P+N
4
20
PF20 2P
2P
4
20
PF20 3P
3P
8
20
PF20 3P+N
3P+N
8
20
PF20 4P
4P
8
20
PF8
PF8 1P
1P
2
8
PF8 1P+N
1P+N
4
8
PF8 2P
2P
4
8
PF8 3P
3P
8
8
PF8 3P+N
3P+N
8
8
PF8 4P
4P
8
8
CM: common mode (phase to earth and neutral to earth).
DM: differential mode (phase to neutral).
Operating frequency
Operating voltage
Ic permanent operating current
Response time
End of life indication:
by green/red mechanical indicator
End of life remote indication
Type of connection terminals
Operating temperature
Standards
Green
Red
Cat. no.
DM
L/N
340
340
340
340
340
340
340
340
340
340
15683
15684
15584
15581
15685
15586
15585
15686
15687
15587
15582
15690
15688
15590
15588
15691
15692
15592
15597
15693
15593
15694
15695
15595
15598
15696
15596
50/60 Hz
230/400 V AC
< 1 mA
< 25 ns
in operation
at end of life
by contact NO, NC 250 V / 0.25 A
tunnel terminals, 2.5 to 35 mm2
-5 C to +40 C
IEC 61643-1 T2
and EN 61643-11 Type 2
59
8/11/06 6:03:29 PM
LV surge arresters
Communication networks
PRC parallel
This surge arrester protects analogue telephone installations (telephones, answering
machines, minitels, photocopiers) against transient atmospheric voltage surges.
Data
c frequency: 5060 Hz
c installation: in parallel on telephone network
c maximum voltage of the signal to be transmitted: 220 V
c pass-band: 100 MHz
c withstand 50 Hz (15 min): 25 A
c number of protected pairs: 1
c capacity at 1 kHz: < 100 pF (no attenuation of signal)
c insulation withstand: > 100 M
c end of life indication through irreversible short-circuiting of the device
(tone elminiated)
c connection: using 3 tunnel terminals for cable of 0.5 to 2.5 mm2
c degree of protection:
v IP20 on terminals
v IP40 on front panel
c temperature:
v operating: -25 to +60 C
v storage: -40 to +70 C
c weight (g): 65.
PRC parallel
PRC series
This surge arrester protects analogue telephone installations (telephones,
answering machines, minitels, photocopiers) against transient atmospheric voltage
surges.
Data
c installation: in series on the telephone network
c maximum voltage of the signal to be transmitted: 220 V
c In = 10 kA (8/20)
c Up = 300 V
c rated current: 20 mA
c pass-band: 3 MHz
c capacity at 1 kHz: < 100 pF (no attenuation of signal)
c insulation withstand: > 100 M
c operating indication via mechanical indicator:
v red: surge arrester must be replaced
v IP20 on terminals
c temperature:
c weight(g): 65.
PRC series
Block diagrams
PRC parallel and PRC in series
telephone network
telephone network
135
13 5
PRC
PRC
M E R L IN G E R IN
m u lti 9
TRC1
F
E
GB
I
24 6
M E R L IN G E R IN
multi 9
F
E
GB
NL/B
16420
NL/B
16420
PRC parallel
PRC in series
60
8/11/06 6:03:30 PM
PRI 1248 V et 6 V
These surge arresters protect digital telephone installations and PLCs (1248 V) as
well as computer or data networks (6 V) against transient atmospheric voltage
surges.
Data
PRI 1248 V
PRI 6 V
c installation: in series
c maximum voltage of the signal to be transmitted:
v PRI 1248 V : 53 V
v PRI 6 V: 7 V
c In = 10 kA (8/20)
c Up
v PRI 1248 V: 70 V
v PRI 6 V: 15 V
c rated current: 20 mA
c pass-band:
v PRI 1248 V: 6 MHz
v PRI 6 V: 80 MHz
c operating indication via mechanical indicator:
v red: surge arrester must be replaced
v IP20 on terminals
c temperature:
c weight (g): 65.
Auxiliaries PRC, PRI

c adaptable remote indication EM/RM modules (see page 62).
PRI 1248 V and 6 V

network L1
L2
13 5
line side
PRI
6
24
protected
side
I1
I2
load
supply
PRI
61
8/11/06 6:03:31 PM
62
8/11/06 6:03:32 PM
1 surge arrester
1 disconnection
circuit breaker
1 terminal block
with pre-fitted PE earth
cable
63
8/11/06 6:03:54 PM
64
8/11/06 6:04:07 PM
Earthing systems:
Recommendations
Choosing an earthing system
An installation's earthing system is the result of:
c either ministerial texts or stems from power utilities that require earthing systems
c or are the user's decision, when he is supplied by a MV/LV tranformer that he owns
or when he has his own power source
(or a LV/LV transformer with separate windings).
This choice takes into consideration:
c to begin with, operating necessities (continuity of supply - required or not) and
operating conditions (maintenance service ensured by qualified or non-qualified
electrical personnel, maintenance ensured by an outside company)
c secondly, any special characteristics for the network and loads.
Voltage surges on the LV network
c either between live conductors (phase/phase or

phase/neutral); they are called differential mode and
are particularly dangerous for any equipment that
contains electronics
c or between live conductors and the earth (phase/
earth or neutral/earth); they are called common mode
and are above all dangerous for equipment, the frames
of which are connected to the earth.
Common mode or differential mode?
c common mode: basic protection consists in building surge arrester protection

in the common mode between phase and PE or phase and PEN whatever the
earthing system may be.
c differential mode: for earthing systems TT and TN-S, earthing the neutral creates
unbalance due to earth impedances, which will make voltage in the differential mode
appear, whereas the voltage surge induced by the lightning stroke is in the common
mode.
For example, taking the case of an earthing system TT. A 2-pole surge arrester is
installed in the common mode to protect the installation (fig. 1).
Resistance R1 of the earthing of the neutral at the pylon level is much weaker than
the resistance R2 of the installation's earth. The lightning current will run through the
ABCD circuit to run off to the earth, taking the easiest path. It will run throught the
varistors V1 and V2 in series, which will make a differential voltage, which is equal to
twice the surge arrester's residual voltage (Up1 + Up2), appear on terminals
A and C, at the incoming end of the installation, in extreme cases.
pole-mounted
MV/LV substation
alimentation
MV
supply HTA
LV
alimentation
supply
BT
surge arrester
A
I
I-i
Up1
I
V2 Up2
V1
B
I-i R1 low
i R2 high
i very low
fig. 1 - Commun mode protection.
If the surge arrester had differential mode protection V3 (fig. 2), the path through
which the current ran would have been AHGCD and voltage VAC would have been
limited to a value Up3.
MV
supply HTA
alimentation
alimentation
HTA
pole-mounted
MV/LV substation
alimentation
BT
LV
alimentation
supply
BT
surge arrester
A
C Up3 I
I-i
G
V3
Up1
V1 I
B
D
I-i R1 low
H
V2 Up2
R2 high
fig. 2 - Differential mode protection.
This example shows the importance of protection in the differential mode for
earthing systems TT and TN-S
c the table below indicates, in compliance with guide UTE C 15 443, the connections
to be made according to the earthing system used, in the case of atmospheric
voltage surges.
This table clearly indicates that a single-block multiple
pole surge arrester that preferably has both differential
mode and common mode protection is to be adapted
to the earthing systems TT and TN-S. Single-pole
surge arresters in the common mode are better
adapted for the earthing systems TN-C and IT.
System compatibility
differential mode
phase and neutral
common mode
phase and earth
neutral and earth
TT
TN-S
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
TN-C
IT
yes
yes
yes (neutral distributed)
65
8/11/06 6:04:09 PM
Earthing system TT
This is the system required for low voltage public distribution.
The neutral is connected to the earth on the distribution substation. Frames are
connected to another earth called the "frame earth"; this is the subscriber's earth.
Protection of persons is carried out by using earth leakage protection devices (DDR).
Since earths are separated between the MV/LV substation and the subscriber, they
are not necessarily equipotentially bonded. A rise in voltage of phases and of the
neutral in regard to equipment frames is to be feared. Surge arrester protection
in the common mode is then mandatory.
Surge arrester protection in the differential is welcomed.
TT system, surge arrester connection for single-phase

switchboard
RCD
disconnection
circuit-breaker
equipment
to be
protected
PE
L1
N
main earth
terminal
(loop at trench
bottom)
user frame
grounding
connector
LV neutral
earthing connector
TT system, surge arrester connection for three-phase

switchboard
disconnection
circuit-breaker
RCD
equipment
to be
protected
PE
L1
L2
L3
N
main earth terminal

LV neutral
earthing connector
(loop at trench
bottom)
user frame
grounding
connector
66
8/11/06 6:04:11 PM
Earthing systems:
Recommendations
Earthing system TN-S
The transformer's neutral is connected directly to the substation's earth.
Frames are connected to the protection conductor PE. The protection conductor and
the neutral conductor are separate. That is why it is called TN-S (Neutral Separate).
Protection is carried out using a circuit-breaker.
This system resembles that of the TT system.
It is thus necessary to protect the live conductors in regard to the earth (common
mode) and phases in regard to the neutral (differential mode).
TN-S system, surge arrester connection for single-phase

switchboard
disconnection
circuit-breaker
equipment
to be
protected
PE
L1
N
PE
LV neutral
earthing connector
main earth terminal
(loop at trench
bottom)
user frame
grounding
connector
TN-S system, surge arrester connection for three-phase

switchboard
disconnection
circuit-breaker
equipment
to be
protected
PE
L1
L2
L3
N
PE
main earth terminal
LV neutral earthing
connector
(loop at trench
bottom)
user frame
grounding
connector
67
8/11/06 6:04:12 PM
Earthing system TN-C

The transformer's neutral is directly connected to the distribution substation.
Frames are connected to a conductor which serves both as a protection conductor
and as a neutral conductor (PEN). That is why it is called TN-C (Neutre Confondu).
Protection is carried out using a circuit-breaker.
TN-C system, surge arrester connection for three-phase

switchboard
disconnection
circuit breaker
equipment
to be
protected
PEN
L1
L2
L3
PEN
main earth terminal

LV neutral
earthing connector
(loop at trench
bottom)
user frame
grounding
connector
An equipotential bond is thus established between all devices. It must be reinforced

by connecting the PEN to the earth. In doing so there is no possibility for the neutral
to rise in voltage in regard to the earth. Surge arrester protection is thus only useful
between the phases and the PEN.
68
8/11/06 6:04:12 PM
Wiring diagrams for

earthing systems
A surge arrester is chosen in function of different criteria:
c the installation's earthing system
c the need for protection in the common mode (MC) and/or in the differential
mode (MD)
c the choice of a light indicator or mechanical indicator for end of life
c a fixed or withdrawable cartridge
c remote indication
c deminsions
c price.
TT earthing system connection for single-phase

electric switchboard
L1
N
earth
leakage
device
LV neutral earth connector
disconnection
circuit-breaker
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
C60N
C40
400Va
6000
1 3
10kA IEC 947.2
24206
O - OFF
2 4
equipment to
be protected
O - OFF
surge arrester
(1P+N)
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
PF15
5kA (8/20)
In
Imax 15kA (8/20)
Up(LN/ ) 1,8kV
1,1kV
Up(L/N)
250/440V
Uc
PRD/PF (1P+N)
15692
or
PRD/PF (2P)
MC/MD
MC
main earth terminal

load frame earth connector
(loop at trench bottom)
TT earthing system connection three-phase+neutral

L1
L2
L3
N
earth
leakage
device
disconnection
circuit-breaker
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
C60N
C40
400Va
6000
1 3 5 7
10kA IEC 947.2
2 4 6 8
24232
O - OFF
O - OFF
O - OFF
O - OFF
equipment to
be protected
L1 L2 L3
N
14 11 12
L1
16559
multi 9
PRD
C Neutral r
if red
replace
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
PRD
C65r-275
Imax:65kA(8/20)
In:20kA(8/20)
Up:1,5kV
Uc:275V
if red
replace
L2
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
PRD
C65r-275
Imax:65kA(8/20)
In:20kA(8/20)
Up:1,5kV
Uc:275V
if red
replace
L3
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
PRD
C65r-275
Imax:65kA(8/20)
In:20kA(8/20)
Up:1,5kV
Uc:275V
if red
replace
surge
arrester
(3P+N)
PRD/PF (3P+N)
PRD/PF (4P)
L/N
L/
N/
Up (kV)
1,5
1,2
1,5
1,2
1,2
1,2
C65
C8..C40
Uc (V)
275
440
440
C8....C65
MERLIN GERIN
or
MC/MD
MC
main earth terminal

69
8/11/06 6:04:18 PM
TN-S earthing system connection for single-phase

L1
N
PE
disconnection
circuit-breaker
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
C60N
C40
400Va
6000
1 3
10kA IEC 947.2
24206
2 4
O - OFF
O - OFF
equipment to
be protected
14 11 12
16557
MERLIN GERIN
MERLIN GERIN
Uc (V)
275
440
440
C8....C65
C65r-275
C Neutral r
if red
replace
surge arrester
(1P+N)
PRD/PF (1P+N)
Imax:65kA(8/20)
In:20kA(8/20)
Up:1,5kV
Uc:275V
PRD/PF (2P)
if red
replace
L/N
L/
N/
Up (kV)
1,5
1,2
1,5
1,2
1,2
1,2
C65
C8..C40
multi 9
PRD
multi 9
PRD
or
MC/MD
MC
main earth terminal

TN-S earthing system connection

for three-phase+neutral
L1
L2
L3
N
PE
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
C60N
C40
400Va
6000
1 3 5 7
10kA IEC 947.2
2 4 6 8
24232
O - OFF
O - OFF
O - OFF
O - OFF
disconnection
circuit-breaker
equipment to
be protected
L1 L2 L3
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
PF15
5kA (8/20)
In
Imax 15kA (8/20)
Up(LN/ ) 1,8kV
1,1kV
Up(L/N)
250/440V
Uc
surge arrester
(3P+N)
PRD/PF (3P+N)
PRD/PF (4P)
15693
or
MC/MD
MC
main earth terminal

70
8/11/06 6:04:22 PM
Wiring diagrams for

earthing systems
TN-C earthing system connection for three-phase
L1
L2
L3
PRD (1P)
PEN
disconnection
circuit-breaker
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
C60N
C25
400Va
6000
1 3 5
10kA IEC 947.2
24217
MC
MC
2 4 6
O - OFF
O - OFF
O - OFF
L1 L2 L3
14 11 12
16558
equipment to
be protected
PRD (3P)
L1
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
PRD
C65r-440
Imax:65kA(8/20)
In:20kA(8/20)
Up:2kV
Uc:440V
if red
replace
L2
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
PRD
C65r-440
Imax:65kA(8/20)
In:20kA(8/20)
Up:2kV
Uc:440V
if red
replace
L3
PF (1P)
surge arrester
(3P)
PF (3P)
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
PRD
C65r-440
Imax:65kA(8/20)
In:20kA(8/20)
Up:2kV
Uc:440V
MC
if red
replace
MC
or
main earth terminal

71
8/11/06 6:04:27 PM
Solutions
A spark of genius
to protect your
The aim of this Solutions chapiter is to illustratee the different

applications for the protection against lightning using
installation examples taken from our customers.
c these application sheets are regrouped by market type:
v residential, tertiary, industry and infrastructures.
c they simply allow you to identify the advantages of an
installation for the protection against lightning that is adapted
to each building type.
c they present:
v the electric block diagram of the installation
v all of the devices for protection against lightning
v the low voltage surge arresters decided upon
v the associated disconnection circuit-breakers.
The headings of each sheet will:
c answer practical questions concerning the needs expessed by the
customer for his installation and for the electric and geographic
environment of the site
v your needs
v environment
c present the advantages of the solution retained by Schneider
Electric to meet this protection need
v Schneider solutions
v advantages of this solution
v role of protection
c provide practical advice to simplify installation, wiring and the
choice of an adapted surge arrester.
v installation advice
v wiring advice
v surge arrester profile.
72
8/11/06 6:04:31 PM
Application sheets per market segment

Residential
How to prevent the breakdown of your
low voltage household appliances during a storm?
How to prevent the destruction of electronic
devices in your home during a storm?
IL
E
CU
AC
Tertiary
How to protect a service station
against the effects of lightning?
How to protect a tax office
How to protect the electric installation
of a hotel-restaurant against the effects of lightning?
How to protect the electric installation of a
residence for the elderly against the effects of lightning?
How to protect a secondary school
against the effects of lightning ?
How to protect a veterinary analysis laboratory
of a convenience store against the effects of lightning?
How to protect the laboratory/workshop
of a hypermarket against the effects of lightning?
How to protect the head offices of a company and
its surrounding buildings against the effects of lightning?
How to protect the remote monitoring installation
of an all-purpose room against the effects of lightning?
How to protect a sports hall
How to protect a livestock agricultural building
Industry
How to protect grain silos
in a plastics technology company during a strom?
How to protect the logistics centre for the
cosmetics industry against the effects of lightning?
How to protect an industrial bottling line
How to protect an automobile body robotized islet
How to protect the steam turbine power station
in a paper factory against the effects of lightning?
Infrastructures
How to protect the electric installation of a
wind farm during a storm?
How to protect a GSM telecommunication relay
against lightning?
How to protect a highway operating and safety centre
74
76
78
Solutions
Approach per
market segment
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
100
102
104
106
108
110
112
114
116
118
73
8/11/06 6:04:45 PM
Residential
)PXUPQSFWFOUUIFCSFBLEPXOPGZPVS
MPXWPMUBHFhousehold appliances
Your needs
Each year, lightning is the cause of a great deal of damage. It is the main
cause of the destruction of household appliances. Moreover, it causes
nuisance tripping and the sudden stopping of loads. During a storm,
lightning can at any moment cut off the supply to your freezer and cause
damage that entails the replacement of equipment and loss of frozen
goods. These types of phenomena often occur during the summer, when
you are on holiday.
To overcome this problem we offer you a simple solution for the
protection of your LV electric installation and your loads.
MV / LV transformer
L1
N
Environment
c This house built in a traditional manner is located in a residential
neighborhood in the suburbs of a large city
c This home does not have a lightning conductor and is supplied via a low
voltage overhead single-phase line
c It has a TT earthing system
In this region the local lightning density, which corresponds to the number
of lightning impacts per km2, is moderate (0.5 < Ng < 1.6)
c Electric equipment to be protected has:
v an average cost of (< 25 000 Frs)
v a standard impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 2.5 kV)
c The house has:
v a 150-litre freezer,
v a washer and dryer,
v a dish-washer,
v a conventional oven and a microwave,
v a refrigerator and portable devices (coffee machine, radio, tools, etc.),
v a 200-litre hot water tank.
Schneider Solutions
c To protect all electric equipment in the home against atmospheric voltage

surges, the installation of a single surge arrester in the electric switchboard
is sufficient.
Advantages of this solution
c Simplicity
c Savings
c Wiring ease
c Conform to regulations
c Protection of the entire installation
c Reinforced safety of persons and equipment
c Protection against nuisance tripping.
Incoming protection prevents disturbances from penetrating into the home
and causing the destruction of very sensitive electric devices or the premature ageing of cable insulation.
Wiring recommendations
Installation recommendations
c Equipotential bonding of frames and earths:

v as in C 15-100, all exposed conductive parts must be connected
c A single earth connector network:
v a single earth connector for all electric, computer and communication
equipment
c Reduce loop surfaces
c Keep incoming surge arrester wires and installation outgoing wires
seperated at a distance.
c Place a surge arrester PF15, with a level of

protection Up: 1.8 kV in the main enclosure of
your installation
c Use a circuit-breaker with protection adapted
to the surge arrester, here a C60 - 20 A, C curve
c Install an RCCB 30 mA type "si" (super
immunised) on the supply circuit of the freezer,
in order to guarantee the continuity of supply of
your electric installation.
74
8/11/06 6:04:53 PM
EVSJOHBTUPSN
Electric block diagram
electric switchboard enclosure
disconnection
circuit-breaker
earth
leakage
protection
s type
"si" 30 mA
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
C60N
C40
400Va
6000
1 3
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
ID si
10kA IEC 947.2
24206
O - OFF
2 4
O - OFF
TEST MENSUEL
40A In 0,030A
230Va
-25
Ic 10 000A
Im 630A
OF
23315
equipment
to be protected
L
surge arrester (1P+N)
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
PF15
5kA (8/20)
In
Imax 15kA (8/20)
Up(LN/ ) 1,8kV
1,1kV
Up(L/N)
250/440V
Uc
15692
earth terminal block
primary circuits or sensitive

loads to be protected
main earth terminal

PROG.
Role of protection
c Run off the lightning current that comes from
the supply network to the ground, guaranteeing a
level of protection Up that is compatible with the
impulse withstand voltage that is inherent to
each piece of equipment
c In the case of lightning that strikes nearby, the
rise in the earth's voltage and the induced
magnetic field that propagates in the network
are limited by the surge arrester.
01
Profile of a surge arrester that complies

with the standard
c In 5 kA (8/20) recommended by the NF C 15100 standard
c End of life indication on front panel:
a flashing or steady red light on the front panel of the surge arrester
indicates that it needs to be replaced
c Always associated with a disconnection circuit-breaker so as to interrupt
the short-circuit if a lightning impulse exceeds the maximum run off
capacity (15 kA) of the surge arrester.
75
8/11/06 6:04:58 PM
Residential
)PXUPQSFWFOUUIFEFTUSVDUJPOPG
electronic devicesJOZPVSIPNF
Your needs
Each year, lightning is the cause of a great deal of damage. It is the main
cause of the destruction of household appliances. Moreover, it causes
nuisance tripping and the sudden stopping of loads. During a storm,
lightning can at any moment cut off the supply to your sensitive electronic
devices and cause dammage that entails the replacement of equipment
and can place your intrusion alarm out of operation. These types of
phenomena often occur during the summer, when you are on holiday.
To overcome this problem we offer you a simple solution for the
protection of your LV electric installation and your loads.
Environment
c This house built in a traditional manner is located in a rural area
c This home does not have a lightning conductor and is supplied via a low
voltage overhead single-phase line
In this region the local lightning density, which corresponds to the number
of lightning impacts per km2, is high (Ng 1.6)
c Electric equipment to be protected has:
v a high cost (> 25 000 Frs),
v a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV)
c The house has:
v various household appliances: freezer, washer,
dishwasher, ovens, heating system, etc.,
v a home cinema system with satellite reception and hifi equipment,
v a multimedia room with a PC, modem, printer fax, video games,
v a fire alarm,
v an intrusion alarm,
v a remote controlled electric gate,
v electric blinds and awnings.
telephone network
13 5
PRC
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
TRC1
F
GB
I
NL/B
Schneider Solutions
c Sensitive electronic equipment is being installed more and more in

residential buildings, and requires protection against atmospheric voltage
surges. Moreover, these loads, which are supplied with (230 V) power
and via communication networks (telephone, video, etc.) must be followed
by a surge arrester that is specific to each network.
16420
PRC parallel
c Simplicity
c Savings
c Wiring ease
c Conform to regulations
c Protection of the entire installation
c Reinforced safety of persons and equipment
c Protection against nuisance tripping
Incoming protection prevents disturbances from penetrating into the home
and causing the destruction of very sensitive electric devices or the premature ageing of cable insulation.
c Equipotential bonding of frames and earths:
v as in C 15-100 all exposed conductive parts
must be connected
c Single earth connector network:
v a single earth connector for all electrical,
computer and communication equipment
c Reduce loop surfaces
c Keep incoming surge arrester wires and
installation outgoing wires seperated at a
distance.
76
8/11/06 6:05:01 PM
EVSJOHBTUPSN
L1
N
disconnection
cricuit-breaker
earth
leakage
protection
s type
equipment to
be protected
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
C60N
C40
400Va
6000
1 3
10kA IEC 947.2
24206
2 4
O - OFF
O - OFF
L
surge arrester (1P+N)
14 11 12
16557
multi 9
PRD
C Neutral r
MERLINGERIN
multi 9
PRD
C65r-275
Imax:65kA(8/20)
In:20kA(8/20)
Up:1,5kV
Uc:275V
if red
replace
L/N
L/
N/
Up (kV)
1,5
1,2
1,5
1,2
1,2
1,2
C65
C8..C40
Uc (V)
275
440
440
C8....C65
MERLINGERIN
if red
replace
PE
main earth terminal

Connection diagram for communication networks

telephone network
L1
ELV network L2
13 5
13 5
PRC
PRI
MERLIN GERIN
24 6
multi 9
TRC1
F
GB
I
NL/B
24 6
I1
I2 PLC supply
16420
PRC series
PRI 48 V
PROG.
01
Role of protection
c Place a surge arrester PRD15, with a level of

protection Up: 1.2 kV in the main enclosure of
your installation
c Use a circuit-breaker with protection adapted
to the surge arrester, here a C60 with a 20 A,
C curve
c Install a surge arrester type PRC series to
protect: fax, modem, telephone, etc
c Install a surge arrester type PRI 12-48 V to
protect the system for the protection against fire
and other PLCs in the residence.
c Run off the lightning current that comes from the supply network to the
ground, guaranteeing a level of protection Up that is compatible with the
impulse withstand voltage that is inherent to each piece of equipment
c in the case of lightning that strikes nearby, the rise in the earth's voltage
and the induced magnetic field that propagates in the network are limited
by the surge arrester.

with the standard
c In 5 kA (8/20) recommended by the NF C 15100 standard
77
8/11/06 6:05:05 PM
Tertiary
)PXUPQSPUFDUB
service station BHBJOTUUIFFGGFDUT
Your needs
A service station made up of 3 types of buildings: the garage,
the store and the gas pumps fitted out with a PLC with 24-hour
distribution and an automatic wash station.
The "garage/store" building houses sensitive equipment such as personal
computers, cash registers, telephones and refrigerators to preserve
foodstuffs.
The need for continuity of supply is high since there is data transmission.
Site safety against fire and the risks of explosion is mandatory.
Environment
c This listed site must comply with the decree dated 28 January 1993 and
circulars dated 23 January 1993 and 28 October 1996. It is protected by a
lightning conductor with an arcing device
c Located on the outskirts of a large city, this service station may encounter
atmostpheric voltage surges that are linked to direct or indirect lightning
strokes
c The local lightning density is moderate (0.5 < Ng < 1.6)
c It is supplied via a low voltage three-phase + neutral underground line
c It has a TN-S earthing system
c The equipment to be protected is expensive and has:
v a high impulse voltage withstand (Uchoc 4 kV) for industrial devices
of the motor, pump, compressor, sign, walkway and interior lighting
type,
v a reduced impulse votlage withstand (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for cash
registers, computer equipment, PLCs for the setting and distribution of
fluids,
v telecommunication and building automation devices require
protection against lightning of the PRI type
(fire detection and technical building management - TBM).
Schneider Solutions
c The order dated 28 January 1993 relating to the protection against
lightning for listed installations that are subject to authorisation, stipulates
that a preliminary lightning risk study must be conducted and then verified
by the DRIRE. This study recommends the installation of a lightning
conductor on the building as well as the protection of electric equipment
against voltage surges generated by lightning
c To ensure better continuity of supply:
v power distribution is carried out with redundancy thanks to the use of a
back-up power supply (generator set),
v to prevent nuisance tripping of Store and Alarm outgoers, RCCBs of the
"si" type are to be implemented.
c To ensure protection against atmospheric voltage surges:
v since the building is fitted out with a lightning conductor to protect against
direct lightning strokes, a surge arrester located on the incoming end of the
electric distribution and secondary surge arresters located near electric
equipment are to be foreseen.
c Make sure that building frames and earths are equipotentially bonded
c Reduce loop surfaces of supply cables.
c Install an incoming surge arrester with an
Imax = 65 kA (8/20)
c Foresee a disconnection circuit-breaker to be
associated with each surge arrester
c Install secondary surge arresters with an
Imax = 8 kA (8/20) and associated disconnection
circuit-breakers C60 with a of rating 20 A
c A surge arrester PRI 48 V to protect building
PLCs and for fire detection should be installed in
series for them.
78
8/11/06 6:05:08 PM
PGMJHIUOJOH
MV/LV
MSB
100 kVA
C120
50 A
GE
PRD
65 kA
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
automatic pumps
garage
workshop
store
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
7686
QS 53
7923 YR 33
motors
automatic
wash PLC
heating
garage lighting
ON
shop
alarms
STOP
RT 78
ID
"si"
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
self reversing switch
fire detection
RED LIPS
siren
Role of surge arrester

protection
c Run off the lightning current to the ground,
guaranteeing a level of protection Up that is
compatible with the electric equipment to be
protected
c Limit the rise in the earth's voltage and the
induced magnetic field.
ID
"si"
lighting
refrigerators
comuter equipment
Equipment for storm warning

c A storm detecter can be placed on the site. It warns the operator of the
risk of lightning on the site, thus allowing to anticipate the eventual use of
generator sets before the first signs of lightning. It consists of a field mill
that is installed on the outside of the building, an acquisition unit and either
an audible or a light warning signal.

with the standard
c In 5 kA (8/20) recommended by the NF C 15100 standard.
79
8/11/06 6:05:13 PM
Tertiary
)PXUPQSPUFDUB
tax office BHBJOTUUIFFGGFDUT
MV/LV transformer
400 kVA
Your needs
This 4-storey administrative building located in a big city houses the tax
office and its computer processing centre.
c It consists of:
v offices,
v reception desks,
v computer rooms,
v a communication room,
v a catering area including: a cafeteria, a kitchen and a refrigeration room,
v a maintenance workshop and an oil boiler room,
v an area for mail and photocopying,
v archives,
v a lit parking lot outside the building.
Environment
c Located in a region with a high lightning density (Ng > 1.6) this building is
protected by a lightning conductor that is placed above the lift's machinery
c Surrounded by shopping centres and residences, it is taller than all the
other buildings and thus may be subjected to atmospheric voltage surges
from a direct or indirect lightning stroke
c It is supplied via a low voltage three-phase + neutral underground line
c Continuity of supply is required for the power supply of refrigerators and
freezers and above all to guarantee the transmission of information and
data from the computer processing centre to the regional departments and
which requires the protection of loads against lightning
c The primary equipment to be protected, personal computers, printers,
etc., have a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Up 1.5 kV) which
requires secondary protection devices
c Moreover, this installation houses:
v self-reversing switch,
v smoke removal devices in the kitchen,
v a fire detection and alarm system,
v emergency lighting,
v goods lifts and lifts
c The guard house has a telephone, HiFi equipment, a television with an
antenna on the terrasse, as well as a remote monitoring and building
management system
c The external parking lot is fitted out with low light poles.
Schneider Solutions
v power distribution is carried out with redudancy thanks to the use of a
v to prevent nuisance tripping of Store and Alarm outgoers and to protect
the supply of computer equipment and the self-service area, RCCBs of the
v since the building is fitted out with lightning conductors to protect against
equipment, and which must be at a distance of at least 30 meters from the
incoming surge arrester, are to be foreseen.
MSB 1
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
lift
parking
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
lift
goods
lift
siren
lighting
boiler
room
workshop
reception
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
lighting
pump
lighting motor
smoke evacuation
lighting
sockets
heating / air cond.

protection
protected
80
8/11/06 6:05:17 PM
PGMJHIUOJOH
generator
GE
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
MSB 2
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
guard
house
UPS
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
lighting
remote monitoring
alarm
tech.
build.
mgmt
self - service
C60
20 A
ID
"si"
ID
"si"
computer
equipment
C60
20 A
ID
"si"
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
lighting
oven
freezer heating / air cond.
heating / air cond. refrigerator
c Make sure that building frames and earths are
equipotentially bonded
sockets
personal computers
networks
archives
offices
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
telecom.
tech.
build.
fire detection mgmt
lighting sockets
lighting
sockets
heating / air cond.
c Install an incoming surge arrester with an Imax = 65 kA (8/20)
c Foresee a disconnection circuit-breaker to be associated with each surge
arrester
c Install secondary surge arresters with an Imax = 8 kA (8/20) and
associated disconnection circuit-breakers C60 with a rating of 20 A
c A coaxial surge arrester can be installed on the antenna's coaxial line so
as to limit electromagnetic disturbances generated by lightning
c A surge arrester PRI 48 V to protect the telecommunication network
should be installed in series for it.
NB: the PRD 65r is equiped with information reporting to the monitoring station which indicates
the end of life of a surge arrester and the need for the withdrawable cartridge to be replaced.
81
8/11/06 6:05:22 PM
Tertiary
)PXUPQSPUFDUUIFFMFDUSJDJOTUBMMBUJPO
PGBhotel-restaurant BHBJOTU
MV/LV transformer
250 kVA
Your needs
A hotel must comply with regulations for "type 0" listed sites that require fire
detection in passage ways and in premises at risk.
c It consists of:
v a system for fire indication with remote transfer of information
v a device for fire safety with fire barriers in doors, lift stopping,
MSB
v
v access control using a credit card and video monitoring
c Moreover, there are several rooms for general uses:
v restaurant, kitchen with freezers,
v an administrative office with computer equipment: PC, fax, modem,
printer.
UPS
C60
50 A
Environment
c This site is protected by a lightning rod
c Located in the suburbs of a city, this etablishment may be subjected to
atmospheric voltage surges due to direct or indirect lightning strokes
c It is supplied via a low voltage three-phase + neutral overhead line
c The equipment to be protected:
v is expensive,
v has a high impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 4 kV) for ventilation,
motors, current sockets and lighting,
v a normal impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 2.5 kV) for
dishwashers, ovens, refrigerators, freezers,
v a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for computer
equipment, PLCs for setting and distribution of fluids, television,
alarm devices,
v telecommunication devices and PLCs in the hotel require protection
against lightning of the PRI type
(fire detection and technical building management - TBM).
PRD
65 kA
d > 30 m
restaurant
rooms
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
ID
"si"
lighting
freezer
oven
PRD
8 kA
sockets
lighting
Schneider Solutions
c To prevent nuisance tripping, RCCBs of the "si" type are to be
implemented in the switchboards that supply the reception desk and
restaurant
Imax = 65 kA (8/20)
circuit-breakers C60 with a of rating 20 A
c A surge arrester PRI 48 V to protect the
building's PLCs and fire detection system is
installed in series on them.
82
8/11/06 6:05:26 PM
UIFFGGFDUTPGMJHIUOJOH
lift
parking
reception
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
lift
smoke
removal
video
lighting
ID
"si"
ID
"si"
computer
lighting
access control
equipment
heating / air cond. fire detection
sortie
1378 RF
38

protection

with the standard

protected
c In 5 kA (8/20) recommended by the NF C 15 100 standard.

83
8/11/06 6:05:29 PM
Tertiary
PGBresidence GPSUIFFMEFSMZBHBJOTU
MV/LV transformer
Your needs
This health establishment including a sleeping area must comply with
regulations for "U type" listed sites that require fire detection with an action
indicator, consisting of:
c A system for fire indication with remote indication of information, a
general selective alarm and low level siren (class A)
c A device with fire barriers for safety
c An access control device for lift stopping and smoke removal
c Video monitoring equipment
Moreover, it is equiped with different premises for general use:
c Nurse station with night call service, pharmacy
c Restaurant, kitchen equipped with freezers
c An office with computer equipment (PC, printer)
c A television room.
This establishment must comply with the order (No. 1455 and 1559) dated
January 1965 and which makes the installation of lightning conductors
mandatory.
MSB
C60
50 A
PRD
65 kA
rooms
C60
20 A
Environment
c Located in the suburbs of a large city, this establishment may be
subjected to atmospheric voltage surges from direct or indirect lightning
strokes
c It is supplied via a low voltage three-phase + neutral overhead line
c The equipment to be protected:
v is expensive,
v has a high impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 4 kV)
for ventilation and lighting devices,
v a normal impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 2.5 kV)
for the dishwashers, ovens, refrigerators, freezers,
v a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for computer
equipment, the television, the alarm and telecommunication devices,
v telecommunication devices and building PLCs (fire detection and
technical building management - TBM), require protection against lightning
of the PRI type.
Schneider Solutions
c The protection against fire and the continuity of supply of electric loads is
particularly important in this type of establishment that houses persons with
reduced mobility
v to prevent nuisance tripping, RCCBs of the "si" type are to be
implemented.
v since the building is fitted out with lightning conductors to protect against
PRD
15 kA
heating / air cond. lighting

restaurant
C60
20 A
ID
"si"
PRD
8 kA
heating / air cond.

lighting
oven
freezer
Imax = 65 kA
84
8/11/06 6:05:32 PM
generator
GE
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
lift
reception
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
15 kA
PRD
15 kA
lift smoke removal
ID
"si"
computer equipment
lighting
ID
"si"
fire detection
heating / air cond. access control

nurse
parking
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
15 kA
PRD
15 kA
heating / air cond.
sockets
lighting
video
alarm
lighting
sortie
1378 RF
38

protection

with the standard

protected
c In 5 kA (8/20) recommended by the NF C 15 100 standard

85
8/11/06 6:05:36 PM
Tertiary
secondary school
Your needs
This secondary school has several buildings including:
2 "day school" and "boarding school" 2-storey buildings with lift
1 gymnasium: dressing rooms and sports field
1 half-board building: restaurant and kitchen
1 technical workshop and gas boiler room
1 administrative building and housing for employees.
This site must comply with the regulations for protection against fire,
it has a safety system and fire alarm like all school establishments or
holiday camps which have sleeping areas.
It is recommended to monitor the continuity of supply of automatic
detection devices and fire alarms for all circumstances including
atmospheric voltage surges.
MSB 1
C60
20 A
PRD
40 kA
boarding
school
Environment
Located in the suburbs of a large city, this establishment may be subjected
to atmospheric voltage surges from near or far lightning strokes
The local lightning density is moderate (0.5 < Ng < 1.6)
It has a TN-S earthing system
The equipment to be protected is moderately expensive, however the
establishment does not have a large budget to cover for risks (and thus
replacement), sensitive devices must therefore be well-protected:
electron microscopes, measurement devices, electronic and
computer equipment
A great number of teaching devices and equipment have a reduced
impulse withstand voltage (U choc b 1.5 kV) in particuliar for lab
workshops:
biology, chemistry, electronics and computer rooms require suitable
protection against lightning as near as possible to loads.
The same is true for alarm and fire detection devices
The building, traditional construction, does not have any special earthing
device, however is in compliance with the standards in force
The secondary school is supplied by a low voltage three-phase + neutral
underground line that is supplied by the local utility.
The other supply networks: gas (utility) telecommunications (France
Telecom) and water (local utility) are undergroud as well.
computer
equipment
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
resid.
hall
lighting
heating
sockets
Schneider Solutions
The main LV distribution cabinet (MSB) installed in the technical room in
the day school building, has a 40 kA device for the protection against
lightning (LV withdrawable surge arrester PRD40 associated with a 20 A
disconnection circuit-breaker).
Secondary distribution enclosures, on each floor of the other buildings are
protected by 8 kA LV surge arresters (surge arrester PRD 8 associated
with a 20A disconnection circuit-breaker).
Telecommunication, monitoring and fire alarm devices are protected by
communication surge arresters of the type:
PRC, for analogue telephone networks,
PRI 12/48 V for digital telephone and PLC networks,
PRI 6 V for computer networks.

Incoming surge arresters: run lightning current
off to the ground and limit voltage surges on
equipment located in the vicinity
(within a distance of 30 m max.)
Secondary surge arresters: located near
sensitive loads reduce the voltage between Ph-T
and N-T so that the rated impulse withstand
voltage remains lower than 1500 V
In compliance with regulations.
86
8/11/06 6:05:39 PM
MV/LV transformer
400 kVA
MSB 2
C60
20 A
PRD
40 kA
day school
guard house
kitchen
external
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
boiler room stock room

workshop
lighting
heating
kitchen
boarding
school
C60
20 A
ID
"si"
mech.
hot
heat.
fan
water
class rooms
rooms
stock
room
main housing
gymnasium
C60
20 A
ID
"si"
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
lift
administration
external
fire
PRD
8 kA
lighting
biology laboratories,
PLC, electronics
C60
20 A
cash registers
oven
mech.
fan
heating
hot water
lighting
The role of the surge arrester disconnector

c Reduce loop surfaces.
c Isolate the surge arrester from the rest of the installation in case the
surge arrester's run off capacity Imax is exceeded, following a particularly
intense lightning stroke.
If the disconnector has been activated, loads are no longer protected
against atmospheric voltage surges.
Replacement of the surge arrester is thus recommended.
c Make sure that surge arrester incoming cables
are at a distance from the installations outgoing
cables
c Always associate a disconnection circuitbreaker with the surge arrester
c If the building is fitted out with a lightning
conductor, an incoming surge arrester with a
high run off capacity (Imax = 65 kA) should be
installed.

with the standard
c In 5 kA (8/20) recommended by the NF C 15 100 standard.
87
8/11/06 6:05:43 PM
Tertiary
)PXUPQSPUFDUBveterinary
analysis laboratory BHBJOTU
Your needs
This 3-storey veterinary analysis laboratory is located in the suburbs of a
city, in a high-rise building. This installation requires protection against
lightning to guarantee the continuous operation of the bacteriology and
virology departments.
They contain freezer rooms, freezers and incubators which constitute the
most sensitive areas of this company.
This establishment also has a lift, a fire alarm and an intrusion alarm, a
telephone unit automatic exchange (U.A.X.) and a secretarial department
containing various computer equipment (PC, printer, fax, modem).
Environment
c This site has a total surface area of 500 m2 and is located in a region with
a lightning density of (Ng = 1.6)
c It is supplied by a low voltage, three-phase + neutral underground
network, and has a TN-S earthing system
c The equipment to be protected is expensive (> 250,000 Frs) and has:
v a high impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 4 kV) for the motors in lift
machinery, compressors, incubators and autoclaves and cooling
devices, current sockets, suction hoods, diluters and lighting,
v a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for the U.A.X.,
computer equipment and alarms, access control and fire detection
devices, electronic devices (microscopes, distribution controllers, colony
counters, spectrometers and plate readers)
c Telecommunication devices and building PLCs require special
c Since the building is not fitted out with a lightning conductor, the design
and engineering office conducted a voltage surge risk study in order to
determine suitable surge arrester protection.
Schneider Solutions
c Schneider surge arrester choice software helped to determine the exact
value for the surge arrester on the incoming end of the installation and for
the associated disconnection circuit-breaker
c Since sensitive equipment (Uchoc 1.5 kV) is located more than 30 m
from incoming protection, the software helped to determine the value of
secondary surge arresters to be placed nearest loads
c To ensure better continuity of supply for the bacteriology and virology
areas:
v RCCBs of the "si" type are to be implemented in order to prevent any
nuisance tripping due to the rise in the earth's voltage when a lightning
surge passes
v a surge arrester located in the MSB is to be foreseen,
v install a secondary surge arrester in each sub-distribution cabinet that
supplies sensitive equipment located over 30 m from the incoming surge
arrester,
v install a surge arrester on the telecommunication network to protect
supplied devices such as alarms, modems, telephones, and faxes.
c Install a surge arrester with an Imax = 40 kA
(8/20) and a disconnection circtuit-breaker C60
with a rating of 20 A
circuit-breakers C60 with a rating of 20 A.
88
8/11/06 6:05:47 PM
Electrical block diagram
MV/LV transformer
250 kVA
MSB
C60
20 A
PRD
40 kA
celler lighting
celler
sockets
lift
lift
power
outlets
heating
administrative
build. lighting
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
machinery cold
storage
compressor
motors
bacteriology
ID
"si"
diluters
incubators
autoclaves
hoods
lighting
offices sanitary
computers
secretariat
night
bell
HAUT
HAUT
BAS
BAS
HAUT
HAUT
HAUT
BAS
BAS
BAS
HAUT
BAS
HAUT
HAUT
BAS
HAUT
BAS
BAS
weak current
administrative
build. sockets
C60
20 A
ID
"si"
PRD
8 kA
secretariat
offices
hallways
ID
"si"
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
alarm
computers
coded keyboard
U.A.X.
virology laboratory
plate
colony
reader
counter
computers
electronic spectrometer
devices
microscope
MERLIN GERIN

protection

with the standard
c Run off the lightning current to the gournd,

protected

capacity (15kA) of the surge arrester.
89
8/11/06 6:05:50 PM
Tertiary
PGBconvenience store BHBJOTU
Your needs
A store that distributes category 3 foodstuffs, as in the classification of
buildings open to the public, must comply with fire regulations. It requires
alarm equipment of type 3, including stand-alone siren alarms, manual trip
units and remote control for stopping the device.
This convenience store with a surface of 500 m2 has a sales floor with
freezers and a cash register with a cash/credit card terminal; it has a
storage and stock room, and an office equipped with computer
equipment (PC, printer, fax) for stock management and order processing.
Environment
c Located in the suburbs of a city, this establishment may be subjected to
c It is supplied by a low voltage three-phase + neutral underground line
c The equipment to be protected is moderately expensive ( 250,000 Frs)
and has:
v a high impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 4 kV) for motors,
compressors in the refrigerators and freezers
(freezer benches), current sockets, heating and lighting,
v a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for alarm and
access control devices as well as computer equipment
(cash register, credit card device, PC),
v telecommunication devices also require protection against lightning
Schneider Solutions
c Since sensitive equipment (Uchoc < 1.5 kV) is located more than 30 m
c To ensure better continuity of supply for the freezer zones:
v RCCBs of the "si" type are to be implemented in order to prevent any
nuisance tripping due to the rise in the earth's votlage when a lightning
surge passes
v install a secondary surge arrester in each switchboard 1 and 2 that
arrester,
supplied devices such as fire alarms, modems, telephones, faxes.
(8/20) and a disconnection circuit-breaker C60
90
8/11/06 6:05:53 PM
MV/LV tranformer
160 kVA
MSB
C60
20 A
PRD
40 kA
switchboard 1
switchboard 2
C60
20 A
ID
"si"
ID
"si"
PRD
8 kA
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
heating
storage lighting
lighting
freezer
current sockets
refrigerater
fire detection syst.
alarm
computer equip.
cash register

protection

with the standard

protected

91
8/11/06 6:05:55 PM
Tertiary
)PXUPQSPUFDUUIFlaboratory workshop of a hypermarket
Your needs
This store with a total surface area of 2,500 m2, has over 40,000 referenced
products of which 5,000 are foodstuffs. It has an area for making
foodstuffs, which has 2 walk-in freezers and 2 walk-in refrigerators for raw
materials and finished products.
c It also includes:
v electric ovens,
v heating plates,
v beaters/mixers,
v kneaders.
This laboratory requires complete continuity of supply to guarantee the
cold chain and food hygiene of products throughout their manufacture.
It is mandatory to protect eatibles and finished products.
Environment
c This large-sized hypermarket is protected by a lightning rod and a
meshed cage consisting of the metal frame
c Located on the outskirts of a large city, this laboratory/workshop
may be subjected to atmospheric voltage surges due to direct or indirect
lightning strokes
c The equipment to be protected is expensive ( 250,000 Frs).
c The impulse withstand voltage of equipment to be protected is:
v high (Uchoc 4 kV) for industrial devices of the motor and UPS type,
and for lighting,
v reduced (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for sensitive devices of the cash register,
computer, PLC and acces control type.
Schneider Solutions
v power distribution is carried out with redundancy thanks tot he use of a
v to prevent nuisance tripping on Store and Alarm outgoers, RCCBs of the
c To ensure portection against atmospheric voltage surges
direct lightning storkes, a surge arrester located on the incoming end of the
Imax = 65 kA (8/20)
c A disconnection circuit-breaker associated with
each surge arrester is to be foreseen
circuit-breakers C60 with a rating of 20 A
92
8/11/06 6:05:57 PM

MV/LV transformer
400 kVA
GE
MV room
generator room
switchboard
1
switchboard
2
switchboard
3
C120
50 A
C120
50 A
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
PRD
65 kA
PRD
65 kA
ID
"si"
drinks
office
computer
sockets equip.
cash registers
hygiene /
beauty
kitchen
workshop
lab
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
beater
heating
kneader
plates
lighting
oven
clothing
meat
fresh
stand
produce
freezer refrigerator
fish stand
sport
toys
sockets
ID
"si"
lighting
freezer
ID
"si"
refrigerator
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
household appl.
produce
fresh
products
tv - hifi
fruits/vegetables
SORTIE

protection
protected

with the standard
93
8/11/06 6:06:02 PM
Tertiary
)PXUPQSPUFDUUIFIFBEPGGJDFTPGB
company and its surrounding
Your needs
The head offices of a large food distribution company located in the Paris
metropolitan area houses 1,800 persons in 10 buildings with a total surface
area of 60,000 m2.
c Electric power is distributed by 8 HV/LV substations made of:
v modular cubicles from the SIM6 range, fitted out with Sepam 2000
control-monitoring units and capacitor banks for reactive power
compensation for power of 880 k var,
v transformers from 630 to 1000 kVA,
v an MSB with Masterpact and Compacts NS motorised circuit-breakers
c LV distribution is conducted by LV/LV safety transformers
from 80 to 250 kVA and is backed-up by a UPS EPS 2000 of 120 kVA
c The protection and control-monitoring system is ensured by 9 Isis 2000
monitoring systems, 8 PLCs of the TSX 47/67 type and 30 variable speed
controllers of the ATV16 and ATV66 types.
In order to ensure continuity of supply in all 10 buildings, surge arresters
are to be installed in the distribution cabinets of the head offices.
Environment
c Located on the outskirts of a large city, this assembly may be subjected
to atmospheric voltage surges due to direct or indirect lightning strokes
c Since buildings are located at a distance from each other, they are all
fitted out with lightning conductors with arcing devices
c The equipment to be protected is expensive (1,000,000 Frs) with:
v a high impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc < 4 kV) for devices of the
motor, pump, compressor, current socket, ventilation, and lighting
type,
v a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for automatic
managment units that ensure the automation needed for equipment
availability, for Technical Building Managment (TBM) for lighting,
temperature adjustment, awning closing, access unit, intrusion
detection, remote monitoring, the fire safety system and computer
equipment.
Schneider Solutions
implemented.
direct lightning storkes, a surge arrester located on the incoming end of the
c Earthing systems from each building must be interconnected
Imax = 65 kA (8/20) in each building
circuit-breakers C60 with a rating of 20 A in a
cascading configuration with the incoming surge
arrester (buildings A and F)
94
8/11/06 6:06:06 PM
buildings BHBJOTUUIFFGGFDUTPGMJHIUOJOH
generator
1000 kVA
GE
630 kVA
C120
50 A
MV/LV
transformer
building A
MV/LV
transformer
building F
MSB 1
building A
MSB 2
building A
PRD
65 kA
MSB 3
building F
MSB 4
building F
C120
50 A
C60
50 A
PRD
65 kA
PRD
65 kA
build. A
build. C
build. E
ID
"si"
ID
"si"
build. G
C60
20 A
C60
50 A
C60
50 A
C60
50 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
65 kA
PRD
65 kA
PRD
65 kA
motors
pumps
compressor ventilation
lighting
TBM
heating / air cond. computers
lighting
TBM
ID
"si"
lighting
TBM
MERLIN GERIN
HAUT
HAUT
BAS
BAS
HAUT
HAUT
HAUT
BAS
BAS
BAS
HAUT
BAS
HAUT
HAUT
BAS
HAUT
BAS
BAS
build. B
build. D
C60
50 A
C60
50 A
C60
20 A
C60
50 A
PRD
65 kA
PRD
65 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
65 kA
motors
pumps
compressor ventilation
build. F
ID
"si"
lighting
TBM
ID
"si"
lighting
TBM
build. H
ID
"si"
lighting
TBM

protection

with the standard

protected

95
8/11/06 6:06:09 PM
Tertiary
)PXUPQSPUFDUUIF
remote monitoring JOTUBMMBUJPOPG
MV/LV
transformer
160 kVA
Your needs
This all-purpose room is shared by several associations and is fitted out
with a remote management unit for heating, access control, lighting
and intrusion alarms.
c This device enables remote monitoring to:
v ensure 24-hour stand-by and maintenance via the remote monitoring
centre, and in the case of an incident to call upon a technician or the police,
v communicate with the monitoring station located several kilometres away
and which is conducted via the RTC switching transmission network,
programming keeps a record of the succesive statuses of the alarms
throughout the day and warns the monitoring company once in the evening
for alarm status validation,
v monitor access to the rooms according to timetables and badge numbers
of roughly a thousand persons,
v control the lighting and heating in function of the periods during which the
premises are occupied. Computer data from the EDF electric meter are
transmitted via BUS for the calculation of consumption, temperatures and
to pilote the supply of heating, load shedding, ventilation, etc.
in function of this.
To be efficient, this management device requries significant continuity of
supply.
MSB
C60
20 A
PRD
40 kA
Environment
c This communal establishment with a surface area of 500 m2 is located in
a rural area in a mountainous region with a lightning density of (Ng = 1.6)
c It is supplied by a low voltage three-phase + neutral overhead line
c The equipment to be protected is moderately expensive ( 250,000 Frs)
and has:
v a high impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 4 kV) for the heated flooring
with energy storage, ventilation convectors, mechanical fans,
domestic hot water heater and lighting,
v a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for the
management system which consists of a central unit and several
extensions, alarm and access control devices:
badge readers
Schneider Solutions
c To ensure better continuity of supply for the access control and computer
area:
v RCCBs of the "si" type are implemented in order to prevent any nuisance
tripping due to the rise in the earth's voltage when a lightning surge passes
arrester,
supplied devices such as alarms, modems, telephones, faxes.
room 1
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
mech.
fan
heating / air cond. hot water
lighting
96
8/11/06 6:06:12 PM
BOall-purpose room BHBJOTUUIFFGGFDUTPGMJHIUOJOH

lighting
room 2
lighting
room 4
room 3
lighting
room 6
room 5
lighting
room 8
room 7
entrance
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
lighting
heating / air cond.
mech.
fan
lighting
hot water
sockets
heating / air cond.
lighting
sockets
heating / air cond.
ID
"si"
lighting
alarm
badge readers
computers

protection
Profile of a surge arrester in compliance

with the standard

protected

97
8/11/06 6:06:18 PM
Tertiary
)PXUPQSPUFDUB
sports hall BHBJOTUUIFFGGFDUT
Your needs
This gymnasium which is made up of various modular courts, houses local
students during the week and handball and basketball teams on the
weekend, it is fitted out with access control, intrusion alarms, a fire
detection and alarm system.
This gymnasium includes a main room that can accomodate team sports,
a judo room, dressing rooms and bleachers for the public.
Environment
c This 1500 m2 building is located in the suburbs of a city,
it may be subjected to atmospheric voltage surges due to direct or indirect
lightning strokes
c It is supplied by a LV three-phase + neutral, underground network
supplied by EDF
c It has TT earthing systems
c An earth circuit (made of bare copper at trench bottom which encircles
the building and which is connected to metal structures, was implemented
to ensure good equipotential bonding of frames)
c The equipment to be protected is moderately expensive and has:
v a high impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 4 kV) for motors in the
dressing room ventilation system, the compressor, current sockets,
the domestic hot water heater and lighting,
v a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for access
control alarm devices and lighting programming.
Schneider Solutions
arrester,
supplied devices such as alarms and access control.
98
8/11/06 6:06:22 PM
PGMJHIUOJOH
MV/LV transformer
160 kVA
MSB
C60
20 A
PRD
40 kA
utilities
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
ventilation
compressor
heating
current sockets
external lighting
lighting line 1
hot water
dressing room
lighting
lighting line 2
access control
alarm
fire detection
extra feeder

protection

with the standard

protected

99
8/11/06 6:06:25 PM
Tertiary
)PXUPQSPUFDUB
livestock agricultural building
Your needs
This milk producing installation with fifty some heads includes a "stable",
with a stock of hay, a milk processing room fitted out with semiautomatic milking machines, a pasturisation and refrigeration unit for
conservation of the bacteriological qualities and taste of milk.
The aim of devices for the protection against lightning is to limit the risks
linked to fire and to protect equipment in order to guarantee product
conformity with health and veterinary standards.
This operation also includes a house that is fitted out with computer
management equipment.
Environment
c This livestock farm:
v is located in the mountains and has a high lightning density; moreover it
is surrounded by very tall trees that attract lightning,
v is supplied by a low voltage three-phase + neutral overhead line,
v has a TN-S earthing system.
c The local lightning density is high (Ng 1.6)
c The equipment to be protected is expensive ( 500,000 Frs), and has:
v a high impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 4 kV) for devices of the
motor, pump, compressor and lighting type,
v a reduced impulse withstand votlage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for computer
equipment such as PC and printer
c Protection of the power network against atmospheric voltage surges is
ensured using modular surge arresters of the PRD type
c The telephone installation includes a telephone fax and a minitel in
connection with the local co-op and thus requires protection against
lightning of the PRC series type.
Solutions Schneider
c Since the operation entails several buildings, it is important to foresee the
interconnection of the earthing systems in order to obtain good
equipotential bonding and to guarantee the effeciency of surge arrester
protection devices
c The main distribution cabinet (MSB) which is installed in the agricultural
building's workshop has an incoming surge arrester with an Imax = 65 kA.
Other secondary surge arresters are installed in sub-division enclosures in
the home, stable and milk production units.
c Make sure that frames and earths are equipotentially bonded in each
building and that they are interconnected
Imax = 65 kA
c An RCCB of the "si" type should be foreseen
for nuisance tripping
c Install a surge arrester of the PRC series type
on the telephone line.
100
8/11/06 6:06:27 PM
BHBJOTUUIFFGGFDUTPGMJHIUOJOH
MV/LV transformer
MSB
agricultural
building
C60
50 A
PRD
65 kA
workshop socket
lighting
house
stable
production
unit
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
heating
sockets
lighting
wahsing
hot
machine
water
refrigerater
oven
computer
equipment
lighting
extra feeder
sockets
compressor
milking
pasturisation
lighting
refrigeration

protection

with the standard

protected

101
8/11/06 6:06:30 PM
Industry
)PXUPQSPUFDU
grain silos BHBJOTUUIFFGGFDUT
Your needs
This industrial installation for the storage of cereals representing 100,000
tons in 5 silos, is exposed to the risks of fire and explosion since it
produces dust and flammable particules.
A lightning stroke at the electrical circuit level could cause the silos to
explode, it is thus necessary to protect the installation by fitting it out with
LV surge arresters.
This cereal equipment includes:
c Conveyor belts
c Hoppers equipped with gates
c A nitrogen injection circuit
c A management and monitoring office.
Environment
c This listed unit, which must comply with the decree dated 28 January
1993 and to the circulars dated 23 January 1993 and 28 October 1996:
v is protected by a lightning conductor,
v is supplied via a low voltage three-phase + neutral overhead line,
v has a TN-S earthing system
c The equipment to be protected is expensive (> 1,000,000 Frs), and has:
v a high impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 4 kV) for industrial devices
for the motors in ensiling conveyor belts, pumps, compressors, electromechanical gates for loading,
v a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for PLCs for
setting the gas that is injected into the silos in order to reduce the
concentration of oxygen as well as for the monitoring station which is
equipped with computer equipment such as PCs and printers
c Telecommunication devices and centralised management PLCs
require special protection against lightning.
Schneider Solutions
c In general, silos are especially exposed to lightning, moreover the electric
equipment is close to the point of impact, this is why special care is taken
when implementing a lightning conductor and for the equipotential bond of
the earths and frames of each cubicle
c the electric equipment to be protected has different impulse withstand
voltages (4 kV, 1.5 kV). An incoming surge arrester at the head of the
installation and secondary surge arresters near sensitive equipment are to
be installed.
Imax = 65 kA
c Install a surge arrester of the PRC series type
to protect the communication network that
supplies modems, faxes and offices.
102
8/11/06 6:06:32 PM
MV/LV transformer
MSB
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
400/230 V
silo 1
silo 3
silo 5
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
hopper
nitrogen injection
pumps
gates
motor
compressor conveyor belts
hopper
nitrogen injection
pumps
gates
motor
offices
silo 2
silo 4
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
heating / air cond.
lighting
sockets nitrogen injection

pumps
hopper gates
motor
computer equipment centralised

management
nitrogen injection pumps

hopper gates
motor
nitrogen injection motor

hopper pumps
gates

protection

with the standard

protected

103
8/11/06 6:06:36 PM
Industry
JOBplastics technology
Your needs
A company that manufactures plastics is subjected to the decree in labour
legislation dated January 1996, which requires a fire alarm system with
sirens in establishments with over 50 employees, the operator is to extend
the alarm system to include an automatic fire detection system, as
required by the insurer.
c This small company consists of:
v an injection moulding workshop,
v storage premises for raw materials and finished products,
v a test laboratory and a control room,
v a reception and exhibit hall,
v offices and a computer room.
Environment
surge arrester with an arcing device
c Located in the suburbs of a large city, this establishment may be
subjected to atmospheric voltage surges due to direct or indirect lightning
strokes
c The equipment to be protected is moderately priced ( 250,000 Frs) and
has:
v a high impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 4 kV) for motors,
compressors, current sockets, ventilation and lighting,
v a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for PLCs for the
adjustment and distribution of fluids, television in the exhibit hall, alarm
and access control devices and computer equipment,
v telecommunication devices and building PLCs, require protection
against lightning (fire detection and technical building management).
Schneider Solutions
lightning for listed installations and subjected to authorisation, stipulates
that a preliminary lightning risk study must be conducted and verified by the
DRIRE. This study recommends the installation of lightning conductor on
the building as well as the protection of electric equipment against voltage
surges produced by lightning
v to prevent the nuisance tripping of PLCs and to protect equipment on
line 2 RCCBs of the "si" type are to be implemented
c Make sure that building frames and earths are equipontentially bonded
Imax = 65 kA (8/20)
104
8/11/06 6:06:39 PM
company EVSJOHBTUPSN
MV/LV transformer
generator
GE
250 kVA
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
production
offices
MSB 1
MSB 2
products
C120
50 A
C120
50 A
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
PRD
65 kA
PRD
65 kA
test lab
storage
computer
equipment
workshop
Mgmt.
accounting
offices
meeting secretariat
room
MSB 3
reception
sanitary
storage
extra feeder
dressing room
d > 30 m
line 1
PLCs
line 2
ID
"si"
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
compressor
injection
PLCs
lighting
ID
"si"
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
fire detection
ventilation
ID
"si"
TBM
intrusion detection
telecommunication
compressor
injection
PLCs
ventilation
lighting
MERLIN GERIN

protection
protected
3
6
Storm warning equipment
c A storm detector can be installed on-site. It warns the operator of the risk
of lightning on the site, thus allowing for the passage to generator sets
before the first lightning stroke appears. It consists of a field mill that is
installed on the outside of a building, an acquisition unit and a siren or light
warning device.

with the standard

105
8/11/06 6:06:42 PM
Industry
)PXUPQSPUFDUthe logistics
centre GPSUIFDPTNFUJDTJOEVTUSZ
MV/LV transformer
250 kVA
Your needs
This site designed for the cosmetics industry consists of general service
buildings including computer equipment, a boiler room, lifts, an air
conditioner, an automatic exchange, preparation halls and
warehouses.
At the site's entrance, an EDF power supply substation is next to the
access control building that ensures 24-hour surveillance.
The aim of devices for the protection against lightning is to limit the risks of
fire and explosion and to protect all the computer systems and
communication networks.
c The risks of fire may appear at different levels of which:
v solid fuel: cartons (packaging), wood (pallets), polyethylen (packaging
film),
v liquid fuel: alcohol (that make up cosmetics), domestic fuel oil (heating)
c Risks of explosion may appear at different levels of which:
v storage of cosmetic products that contain alcohol,
v workshop for fork lift loads (batteries),
v propane tanks,
v aerosol cans (with butane),
v boilers (fuel).
MSB 1
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
external
lighting
pumps
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
This site with a constructed surface of 12,500 m2 is located in an industrial

zone on a lot with a total surface area of 40,000 m2, along side a national
road in a region with a low lightning density.
The 3 smokestacks on the boiler plant constitute attractive elements for
lightning and are protected by a lightning conductor with an arcing device.
c Moreover some of the buildings are fitted out with:
v TV and telecommunication antennas,
v evacuation ventilators, for fumes and condensation water,
v fresh air intake enclosures and vents on storage tanks.
c A very tall lighting column to light up external parking lots
c The terrain is chalky and covered with a bedding
c An earth circuit at trench bottom (made of bare copper) which forms a
belt around the main building with rising conductors ensures earthing
connections for metal structures and was implemented to ensure good
equipotential bonding of frames
c All of the town's networks - HV power supply (EDF), gas (GDF),
telecommunications (France Telecom) and water - are burried.
motors
pumps
external
lighting
Environment
alarms
production
line
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
alarm 1
alarm 2
lighting
power
electric heating
Schneider Solutions
c The main building made of metal frames and posts acts as a natural
meshed cage
c Place surge arresters with a level of protection Up: 2 kV (transformer
secondary and generator set) in all LV transformation substations in the
factory
c For sensitive equipment or that which presents a high risk factor, place
secondary surge arresters in sub-distribution switchboards near:
v computer servers,
v fire detection and alarm units, "sprinkler" installation
v mimic panels for monitoring and alarm transfer to the guard house
automatic exchange,
v device to locate persons (BEEPER),
v safety and gas detection devices,
v fire sirens.
Schneider Solutions (cont.)

c Protect power supplies for general highly
exposed external lighting using LV surge
arresters, if possible at the entrance point to
structures
c Protect internal and external telephone lines to
allow for emergency calls, using a LV
communication network surge arrester
c Place LV surge arresters (HF) on coaxial
antenna cables
c Place LV surge arresters (HF) on coaxial
antenna cables.
106
8/11/06 6:06:44 PM
GE
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
generator set
computer.
bays 1
MSB 2
C60
20 A
C120
50 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
65 kA
bays sockets
UPS
alarms
gas / ISIT
sirens
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
alarms alarms
ISIT
gas
computer.
bays 2
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
sirens
bays sockets
production
unit 1
production
unit 2
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
electric heating
light.
electric heating
light.
sockets 1 sockets 2
sockets 1 sockets 2
internal
cabinet
production
computer
ID
"si"
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
sockets
PLCs
heating
power
stocks
lighting
HAUT
HAUT
BAS
BAS
HAUT
HAUT
HAUT
BAS
BAS
BAS
HAUT
BAS
HAUT
HAUT
BAS
HAUT
BAS
BAS
BAS

protection
protected
c Implement a special earth connector for the automatic exchange and
connect it to the earthing system
c Connect all attractive elements, placed on the terrasse via the most direct
path to the meshed cage
c Use a spark gap to connect television and Telecom antenna poles
c Conduct a general equipotential bond that regroups: earth circuits, ducts
and pipes (water, gas and fire), protective conductors and cable hoops
c Connect at the layout level, cable screens, drains, both ends of unused
multiconductor cable strands (EMC rules)
c Maintain a 30-cm space between telephone cables and cables (HV, LV)
which may cause disturbances.
107
8/11/06 6:06:46 PM
Industry
)PXUPQSPUFDUBOJOEVTUSJBM
bottling line BHBJOTUUIFFGGFDUT
MV/LV transformer
630 kVA
Your needs
In this industrial installation for the production of sparkling mineral water,
the operator wants to protect the bottling line whcih has a capacity of
12,000 bottles / hour.
c This chain consists of:
v a bottle filling machine,
v a corking machine,
v a capping machine,
v a pre-pleating machine,
v a crimping machine,
v three conveyor belts.
These machines are driven by alternating current motors with a power of
0.5 to 5 kW.
Proper operation of the installation requires identical flow for each
machine and a need for the continuity of supply while ensuring the
safety of persons.
Environment
surge arrester with an arcing device
c Located on the outskirts of a large city, this bottling line may be subjected
to atmospheric voltage surges due to direct or indirect lightning strokes
c The equipment to be protected is expensive ( > 500,000 Frs) and has:
such as motors, pumps, compressors, conveyors,
v a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for computers,
PLCs for control and production,
v telecommunication devices and building PLCs require protection
against lightning (fire detection and technical building management).
MSB
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
hall 1
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
bay 1
PLC
enclosure
ID
"si"
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
Schneider Solutions
lightning of listed installations subjected to authorisation, stipulates that a
preliminary lightning risk study must be conducted and verified by the
DRIRE. This study recommends the installation a lightning conductor on
the building as well as the protection of electrical equipment against
voltage surges generated by lightning
v to prevent the nuisance tripping of PLCs, RCCBs of the "si" type are to be
implemented
PLCs
compressor
motors
control PLCs
production management
Imax = 65 kA (8/20)
108
8/11/06 6:06:47 PM
PGMJHIUOJOH
generator
GE
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
guard house
building lighting
hall 2
sockets
PLC
enclosure
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PLCs
motors
bottle filling
ID
"si"
mireuse
conveyor
pre-pleating
labelling
crlmping
capping
building lighting
corking
bottle conveyor PLC
Role of surge arrester protection
c A storm detector can be installed on-site.

It warns the operator of the risk of lightning on
the site, thus allowing for the passage to
generator sets before the first lightning stroke
appears. It consists of a field mill that is installed
on the outside of a building, an acquisition unit
and a siren or light warning device.

with the standard
c Run off the lightning current to the ground, guaranteeing a level of

protection Up that is compatible with the electric equipment to be protected
c Limit the rise in the earth's voltage and the induced magnetic field.

109
8/11/06 6:06:52 PM
Industry
)PXUPQSPUFDUBOBVUPNPCJMFCPEZ
robotised islet BHBJOTUUIFFGGFDUT
MV/LV transformer
630 kVA
Your needs
In this automobile construction workshop, a robotised islet for bodywork is
designed to weld automobile body parts together.
There are 3 robots, 2 of which weld, in the assembly; the parts are brought
by one robot, and upon completion, they leave this station on a conveyor
belt.
The control function of the automaton is conducted by a PLC containing
300 inputs/outputs of which 150 on FIPIO field buses. Each conveyor
belt is controlled by a PLC.
Exchanges between PLCs consist of digital information. The robots
communicate via the JNET.
Since synchronisation of the different sub-assemblies is necessary,
continuity of supply is mandatory.
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
Environment
c This listed site is subjected to the decree dated 28 January 1993 and
lightning rod
c Located on the outskirts of a large city, this islet may be subjected to
c The equipment to be protected is expensive and has:
such as motors, pumps, compressors, and lighting,
v a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for computers,
PLCs for the setting and distribution of fluids,
v telecommunication devices and building PLCs require protection
against lightning of the PRI type (fire detection and technical building
management).
utilities
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
Schneider Solutions
DRIRE. This study recommends the installation of a lightning conductor on
v to prevent the nuisance tripping of computers and the production line,
RCCBs of the "si" type are to be implemented,
v the quality and availability of the 230 V network are ensured by a UPS
motors
compressor
pump
Imax = 65 kA (8/20)
110
8/11/06 6:06:56 PM
PGMJHIUOJOH
GE
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
MSB
400 / 230 V
400 / 400 V
UPS
auto transformer
LV transformer
a
400 / 230 V
continuous
process
manufacture
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
distribution
lighting
heating
ID
"si"
motors
ventilator
400 / 240 V
PLCs
compressor
400 / 230 V
ID
"si"
computer equipment,
individual
communication (TBM)
machines
manufacturing
240/24 V back-up supply
process
(fire)


with the standard


111
8/11/06 6:06:59 PM
Industry
)PXUPQSPUFDUUIFsteam turbine
power station JOBQBQFSGBDUPSZ
Your needs
This industrial installation for the continuous manufactur of paper,
consumes a great deal of power in particuliar for drying the pulp.
Roughly 2 tonnes of steam is needed to produce 1 tonne of paper.
To produce, using receycled paper, 200 tonnes per day of packaging
paper, a steam station that is completely automated was installed on the
site. This unit produces 100,000 tonnes of steam per year, with 15 bars of
pressure and allows for operating costs to be reduced to a minimum,
while guaranteeing safety and complete continuity of supply.
Paper production must never be stopped for it entails significant
maintenance and re-starting costs.
Environment
c This site has two steam boilers with mixed gas/fuel burners, an electric
steam boiler with submerged electrodes supplied by medium voltage
substation, a water treatment line with dosing pumps and a heat
degasser
c This listed station, must comply with the decree dated 28 January 1993
and circulars dated 23 January 1993 and dated 28 October 1996:
v is protected by a lightning conducter with arcing device,
v is supplied by a low voltage three-phase + neutral underground line,
v it has a TN-S earthing system
c The equipment to be protected is expensive (> 1,000,000 Frs) and has:
such as motors, pumps, compressors, electromechanical valves for
gas and fuel supply,
v a reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for PLCs for
steam setting as well as for the monitoring station fitted out with computer
equipment such as PCs and printers,
v telecommunication devices and centralised management PLCs
require specific protection against lightning.
Schneider Solutions
DRIRE. This study recommends the installation a lightning conductor on
v to prevent the nuisance tripping of Process and Automation outgoers,
RCCBs of the "si" type are to be implemented
Imax = 65 kA (8/20)
112
8/11/06 6:07:02 PM
MV/LV transformer
generator
GE
400 kVA
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
MSB
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
a
boiler
outgoers
demineralistion
and reduction
station
automation
process
outgoers
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
PRD
8 kA
gas heater / fuel 1
electric heater
gas heater / fuel 2
pumps
compressor
valves
ID
"si"
regulator
degassing
computers
and PLCs


with the standard


113
8/11/06 6:07:04 PM
Infrastructures )PXUPQSPUFDUUIFFMFDUSJD
JOTUBMMBUJPOPGBwind farm
MV distribution
G1
Masterpact
M 16 N
Your needs
DC/AC
converter
Compact
C801H or
NS800H
accumulator
batteries
Schneider Solutions
c In general the wind powered engines that are difficult to access are
particularly exposed to lightning, moreover, electrical equipment located in
the box at the top of the pole is very close to the impact point; for this
reason special care is to be taken when installing a lightning rod and for the
equipotential bond of the earths and frames of each wind powered engine
c Electric equipment to be protected have various impulse withstand
voltages (6 kV, 2 kV, 1.5 kV). A surge arrester needs to be installed at the
head of each of the most sensitive installations (auxiliary circuits).
c Make sure that the frames and earths of each installation are
equipontentially bonded and that all of the posts and technical premises
are interconnected
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
voltage test
terminal
Environment
c This assembly is set up in the mountains, on peaks highly exposed to
atmospheric voltage surges (Ng > 1.6)
c The installation is subjected to direct and indirect lightning strokes
c These wind powered engines have devices for the protection against
lightning that is in compliance with the IEC 1024 standard and include:
v a lightning rod, located on the generator box,
v captive points on the ends of each rotor blade,
v an equipotential bond of the various machine frames (transformer,
generator, rotor, cooling system, etc.),
v a single earth connector at the foot of each pole
c This site, which is difficult to access because of its geographic location,
required the installation of overall protection against lightning, in order to
limit maintenance work due to voltage surge problems
c Moreover, sensitive equipment is located at the tip of metal poles that vary
in height between 50 and 100 metres
c Loads to be protected have various impulse withstand voltages:
v very high impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc > 6 kV) for electric meters
and measurement transformers,
v high impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 4 kV) for fans, air conditioners
for temperature adjustment, power transformers, battery chargers and
associated current converters,
v reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc 1.5 kV) for the fire detection
system and the remote control device via modem. The latter transmits
weather data (wind speed and direction) and allows for the wind powered
engins to be remotely managed (rotation speed, blade inclination,
installation safety).
LC1F 630
(type 1)
This wind farm, is a test site for renewable electric power production.
It allows for the behaviour of several wind powered engines, with power
from 750 to 2000 kW, to be studied and for their yield to be measured.
The operator wants to protect this installation against the effects of
lightning, in order to guarantee his customers (power utilities and wind
powered engine manufacturers) the best possible operating conditions.
He must also be able to ensure permenant continuity of supply thus
contributing to the overall quality of power produced on the network.
750 kW
current test
terminal
auxiliary
circuits
accumulator
batteries
DC/AC
converter
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
rotor supply
fire detection
remote control via modem
Imax = 65 kA
each surge arrester is to be foreseen.
114
8/11/06 6:07:05 PM
EVSJOHBTUPSN
Electric block diagram: LV surge arrester implementation
G2
G3
900 kW
LC1F 630
(type 1)
C120
50 A
Compact
C1001H or
NS1000H
PRD
65 kA
G4
1200 kW
LC1F 780
(type 1)
Compact
C1251N or
NS1250
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
voltage test
terminal
G5
1600 kW
LC1F 630
(reinforced,
3P in parallel)
Masterpact
M16N
(STR28D)
or NS1600N
C120
50 A
voltage test
terminal
LC1F 630
(reinforced,
3P in parallel)
Masterpact
M25N
(STR28D)
or NS2500N
PRD
65 kA
2000 kW
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
voltage test
terminal
voltage test
terminal
C120
50 A
C120
50 A
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
PRD
65 kA
PRD
65 kA
CT
CT
CT
L1
L2
L3
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
reactive power compensation
air speed
monitoring
blade
inclination
control
temperature
setting
technical room
lighting

protection

with the standard

protected

115
8/11/06 6:07:11 PM
Infrastructures )PXUPQSPUFDUBGSM
UFMFDPNNVOJDBUJPOSFMBZ
Your needs
This GSM relay station installed in the country consists of:
a technical premise for power supply with a MSB and a metal pole fitted out
with radiocommunication antennas.
In order to ensure overall protection against the effects of lightning, the
installation was built in compliance with NF C17-100 and NFC 61740/95
standards.
Each GSM installation also transmits technical data (alarms, remote
transfer upon faults, etc.) to the regional transit centre. It guarantees
24-hour telephone coverage to its subscribers.
For these reasons all terrestrial radiocommunication stations must ensure
optimal continuity of supply and thus must be protected against the effects
of atmospheric and electromagnetic (CEM) disturbances. With this aim, an
automatic circuit-breaker reclosing system remotely places the main loads
back into service after a fault: local and subscriber changeover
switches?, technical bays (lines: high capacity France Telecom,
Motorolla, Nokia, Alcatel).
voltage test
terminal
Transformer voltage
presence
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
utilities
enclosure
C60
20 A
Environment
c This GSM relay with ground equipment, is located in an area that is
highly exposed to atmospheric voltage surges (Ng > 1.6)
c Protection against direct effects is carried out via a lightning rod which is
placed at the top of the metal pole
c Protection of the power network against indirect effects is ensured using
modular surge arresters PRD
c Protection of communication and computer networks, is conducted using
modular surge arresters of the PRI type, and on HF networks using surge
arresters installed on coaxial cables
c Wiring and earthing networks are optimised for the metal structure of the
pole and are consided as a natural earth conductor.
v connection of the earth conductor, using a triangular stake, is conducted
on the main leg opposite radio equipment and on the down conductor of
coaxial cables,
v coaxial cables are connected to the earth using 2 specific kits,
one at the antenna level, the other at the change in the vertical/horizontal
plane,
v at the entrance to the technical building, coaxial cables are connected to
the earth at the computer bay level via connections
c Loads to be protected have various impulse withstand voltages:
v very high impulse withstand level (Uchoc > 6 kV) for measurement
devices,
v high impulse withstand level (Uchoc > 4 kV) for temperature setting
devices for the technical room
v reduced impulse withstand voltage (Uchoc < 1.5 kV) for fire and flood
detection systems, signal modulation and amplification.
Schneider Solutions
implemented
PRD
8 kA
flood detection
fire detection
temperature setting
ATm
A1
SD
10
off/
reset
48
Tm
84
T2
120
Vigi C60
SD
12
min
Tm
A1
Y1
C60
Vigi C60
120
min
210
30s
300s
T1
18
A2
91
92
A2

equipontentially bonded

protection
protected
116
8/11/06 6:07:15 PM
BHBJOTUMJHIUOJOH
GE
current test
terminal
Generator voltage
presence
CT
automatic re-closing
enclosure
ATm
lighting
sockets
battery charger
indication
lighting
France Telecom
test outgoers
ELV technical bays

Telecom line
receivers
48 V
c Install an incoming surge arrester with Imax = 65 kA

c A disconnection circuit-breaker associated with each
surge arrester is to be foreseen
c For the safety enclosure (diagram opposite), a
closing device is to be foreseen (ATm + Tm C60) that
allows for automatic reclosing without intervention
c A coaxial surge arrester may be installed on the HF
antenna's coaxial line so as to limit electromagnetic
disturbances in the technical bay
telecommunication network is to be installed in series
on it.
high capacity
line 2 Mbit/s
Vigi
C60 "si"
Tm
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
EM / RC
parafoudre
coaxial
HF antenna
line
Motorola line
Nokia line
Alcatel line
extension 64 kbit/s extension 64 kbit/s extension 64 kbit/s

with the standard
117
8/11/06 6:07:22 PM
Infrastructures )PXUPQSPUFDUBhighway
operating and safety centre
400 kVA
Your needs
This monitoring centre located in the Rhne-Alpes region consists of a

monitoring building that is highly exposed to lightning, and which is fitted
out with 3 lightning conductors.
It monitors 386-km highway network including:
5 tunnels, 34 tolls fitted out with lightning conductors with arcing devices
(PDA), 25 isolated technical premises, 7 maintenance centres,
27 weather stations, 120 surveillance cameras, 41 panels that display
various messages (PMV), 40 traffic counting stations, 400 emergency
call boxes.
Its aim is to optimise completely safe user circulation and to guarantee the
reliability of data: 200,000 paid transactions/day and 40,000 telebadge
subscribers.
This company employs 1,200 workers in a 3 shift operation. 300 PCs
connected via an Ethernet network and local networks (LAN), allow
24h-hour access to the central information system.
A telecommunication network (23 GHz), voice, data and images (VDI),
relayed by 32 emitter/receiver poles (400 MHz), accessible to all the
personnel and to the 700 service vehicules, allows the use of a private
radio frequency in the open channel mode. 20 GSM relay poles fitted out
with automatic circuit-breaker re-closing, are rented out to private or
public telecommunication operators.
All this safety equipment requires both continuity of supply and protection
against atmospheric voltage surges.
Transformer
voltage
presence
ID
"si"
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
utilities
enclosure
C60
20 A
Environment
c All of the 460 toll devices are connected via 386 km of optical fibres,
single-mode or multi-mode with 3 capacities:
622 Mbits/s for the Back Bone, 2 Mbits/s for the 20 routers and
changeover switchesX25 and 64 kbits/s for local loops that operate in the
synchronous mode
c All these installations are supplied by 145 EDF power distribution points
and fitted out with back-up batteries (2 or 4 hours of autonomous
operation)
c The traffic PC including a light mimic panel, 37 TV monitoring screens,
30 work stations, supplied via an Intranet network and self reversing
switches, the 8 toll centres, the 10 central servers, the voice server, the
customer/server stations for subscriber sales points and main partners:
Radio France, DDE, Police, Town hall
c The information system allows the operation of: an internal message
system (Intranet), electronic document management, reliable bank
transactions (credit cards or telebadge), safety signals and indication,
data supplied by the system for automatic detection of incidents (DAI)
and a Numris link with the head offices based in Paris.
accumulator batteries
PRD
8 kA
air cond. for offices

servers
voice
heating
and booths
server
radio guide mimic panel
safety
emmitter
lighting
lighting
L
ATm
A1
SD
10
off/
reset
48
Tm
84
T2
120
Vigi C60
SD
12
min
Tm
A1
Y1
C60
Vigi C60
120
min
210
30s
300s
T1
Schneider Solutions
c The example given here represents the protection of the safety centre
located in the monitoring building
c The principle behind lightning protection is also locally applied to the toll
booth level, the telecommunication poles and the technical premises
implemented
18
A2
91
92
A2
c Install an incoming surge arrester with Imax = 65 kA

c A disconnection circuit-breaker associated with each
surge arrester is to be foreseen
c For the safety enclosure (diagram opposite), a
closing device is to be foreseen (ATm + Tm C60) that
allows for automatic reclosing without intervention.
118
8/11/06 6:07:27 PM
MSB
GE
C120
50 A
PRD
65 kA
Generator voltage
presence
Automate
9978 VR 01
110
110
4887 KI 69
5612 KL 21
9978 VR 01
9978 VR 01
1151 TR 73
3335 YU 56
5612 KL 21
4131 BU 57
9978 VR 01
4887 KI 69
5123 CE 66
3335 YU 56
5612 KL 21
8910 AD 28
1151 TR 73
5123 CE 66
5612 KL 21
8910 AD 28
9978 VR 01
4887 KI 69
8951 GH 56
safety enclosure
PLC cabinet
Vigi
C60 "si"
ATm
C60
20 A
Tm
Vigi
C60 "si"
ATm
Tm
PRD
8 kA
auto. barriers
telebadge
GSM relay
automates
automates
counting station
routers changeover
money automate
automates
switches X25
credit card automate
superviser

equipontentially bonded

protection

protected
C60
20 A
PRD
8 kA
emergency call
safety lighting
animated indication signs
boxes
(PMV)
video cameras
weather stations

with the standard
119
8/11/06 6:07:30 PM
Glossary
Angle of protection:
This list of terms has been extracted from the

"Protection against lighting" glossary written up by
APF (Association Protection Foudre - Association for
Lightning Protection) and is available from the
following address:
62, avenue de Wagram 75017 Paris - France
Tl. : +33 (0)1 47 63 31 88
www.apfoudre.com
c in the past and for a long time it has been accepted that the volume protected by a
lightning rod was defined by a cone with a circular base, the tip of which corresponds
to the point of the rod. However a large discrepancy remains in regard to the value of
the half angle of this cone, which varies between 30 and 60, depending on the
author. So as to preserve old habits, modern standards have kept this cone concept,
however provide the same protected volume between the cone angle and the fictive
sphere radius. The chosen angle of protection is now based on a certain logic.
Burns:
c burns on someone hit by lightning are always more superficial than electric burns
by a high voltage current at power frequency. The amount of time it takes for the
current to pass throught the body is, indeed, extremely brief. Over 10% of persons hit
by lightning do not have any burn marks on their bodies.
v superficial burns through flashes (arc radiation), often just singe the skin and hair,
v electric burns, at the entry / exit points, can be idenfied by their circular, confined
aspect and their depth, and allow for the current's path to be retraced,
v burns due to the melting of a necklace, or a bracelet, often leave a deep mark
which localises the arcing zone of the flashover,
v keraunic marking on the skin with tree-shaped figures in the form of fern leaves or
Lichtenberg figures.
Belting:
c to improve external protection of high-rise buildings (over 28 metres tall), and
chimneys, down conductors can be extended with one or several horizontal
conductors, called belts. It is recommended to use a belt every 20 metres.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC):
c the capacity of a device or a system to operate in a satisfactory manner in its

electromagnetic environment and without itself generating electromagnetic
disturbances that cannot tolerated by anything that is within this environment. In this
context, lightning appears as a significant disturbing factor.
Down conductor:
c part of the external installation designed to conduct atmospheric discharge
currents from the captive device to the earth connector (IEC 1024-1). Down
conductors can, if need be, play a captive role, and for high-rise buildings, can
prevent the damaging effects of a lateral impact.
Equipotential bonding conductor:
c conductor that ensures an equipotential bond. Equipotential bonding conductors

that make up the frame grounding system and which only have a functional role must
not be marked with the double green-yellow colour.
Protective earth conductor (PE):
c conductor specified in some measures for the protection against electric impulses
and which are designed to electrically connect some of the following parts: frames of
electrical equipment and household appliances, fluid pipes and lines (water, gas,
waste water, etc.), conductive elements (metal beams, lift rails, large iron parts in
buildings), main earth terminal, earth connector. Protective earth conductors are
marked with the double green-yellow colour.
Roof conductor:
c roof conductors are designed to run off lightning currents, which are captured by
capture devices, to down conductors. They can, if need be, play the role of a
collector.
Co-ordination of protection devices / surge arrester cascading:

c this is one example amongst others: when a low level of protection is needed, and
there is a significant discharge current, a solution with only one single surge arrester
may not be possible for the installation.
In this case it is necessary to place several protection device in a cascading
configuration: this is called co-ordination of protection devices. A thorough study is
required since the low level protection device risks being destroyed before the
incoming surge arrester has time to react. Insertion of a decoupling element
(for example, a long line or inductance coil) may then be necessary.
Leakage current or continuous operating current, (Ic):
c this is the current that flows through the surge arrester when it is supplied with full
operating voltage (Uc) for each mode. Ic corresponds to the sum of the currents that
flow through the protective component in the surge arrester and in all the internal
circuits connected in parallel with it.
120
8/11/06 6:07:34 PM
c is the peak value of a current with a 8/20 s wave shape that runs through a surge
arrester and which has a amplitude that is conform to the operating test sequence for
class II tests. Imax is greater than In.
Rated discharge current, (In):
c is the peak value of a current with a 8/20 s wave shape that runs through a surge
arrester. It is used to categorise surge arresters for class II tests and to pre-condition
them for class I and II tests.
Lightning stroke:
c this expression refers to either the physical phenomenon, i.e. a lightning stroke as
an electric discharge, or to an accident caused by lightning and which can wound or
be fatal to persons or animals.
In order to avoid any ambiguity, we recommend that the term "lightning stroke" be
used for the physical phenomenon and that the term "hit by lightning" for an accident.
c this term designates one of the return arcs when there is a flash to the earth,
which can respectively be a "first stroke" or one of the "subsequent strokes".
Glossary
Full discharge current for class II tests, (Imax):
Atmospheric discharge:
c there are primarily two types of discharges, which are detailed below.
Disconnector / disconnection device:

c device, built-in or associated, that allows for a surge arrester to be disconnected
from the network if the surge arrester is faulty or not operational.
Lightning stroke density:
c this density is expressed by the number of impacts per square kilometer and per
year. For that which concerns France, it is between less than 1 impact / sq.km/year
and 4 impacts / sq.km/year. This density was scientifically determined using sensors
that were placed over the entire territory.
A return arc density has also been defined. The average return arc density is roughly
2.2 times the impact density (NF C 17-102).
Capture device:
c its function is to capture lightning strokes, and constitutes the preferred impact
point, and which in general is mandatory, on a protected building or structure when
lightning strikes. The IEC 1024-1 standard defines it as "the external part of the
installation which is designed to intercept lightning flashes". There are several types
of capture devices.
Duration of a lightning flash:
c the total duration during which a current runs through the lightning channel,
including the return arc currents and the persistent current. On average, it lasts a
hundred some milliseconds, but may reach 3 seconds for very violent lightning
strokes.
Overheating of conductors:
c like any electric current, lightning currents heat up the conductors through which
they flow: this is the well-known Joule effect, which may lead to melting if the
conductor's diameter is too small. Overheating is directly linked to specific energy.
Lightning flash:
c in common language, the term "flash" is used to designate the light that appears
when there is an atmospheric discharge.
Inter-cloud / intra-cloud flash:
c an atmospheric electric discharge that developes inside a storm cloud (intra-cloud

flash) or between clouds (inter-cloud flash).
This type of flash is not taken into consideration for the protection of ground
installations.
Spark gap:
c device composed of two electrodes that are placed opposite each other, with a
suitable space between them, and between which arcing occurs (possibly followed
by a holding current) as soon as a voltage surge reaches a certain value.
The sparkover voltage depends on the space between the electrodes, and in general
is greater than a thousand volts. On Medium and High Voltage power networks, the
spark gap is a form of protection technology that is slowly disappearing and being
replaced by the surge arrester.
121
8/11/06 6:07:37 PM
Glossary
Gas discharge tube:
c a spark gap that is enclosed in a tight, insulating enclosure (often made of glass or
alumina), filled with a mixture of rare gases under controlled pressure. Gas discharge
tubes are of the 2-pole type (2 lateral electrodes) or 3-pole type (with an additional
central electrode). They are mainly used to protect networks and telecommunication
equipment, and are also used in surge arresters. Their sparkover voltage is several
hundred volts up to a kilovolt for pulsed operating conditions (rise front of 1 kV/s).
These components are sometimes incorrectly called overvoltage protectors.
Corona:
c phenomenon consisting of air ionisation, which appears, at normal atmospheric
pressure, when the electric field exceeds a magnitude of 26 kilovolts per centimeter.
In general this phenomenon developes at the tip of a pointed conductive object,
where the surrounding field is locally amplified. The produced discharges are
blueish-purplish in colour, and the corresponding physical process is an electron
avalanche. Formation of a corona is the necessary condition for the development of
an ascending pre-discharge.
Blast effects:
c when an object is an obstacle for the passage of a sound wave (see this term), it is
subjected to a very strong blast. Walls or large boards can be knocked down by this
blast. People who are situated near a lightning stroke can be thrown several meters
away.
Effects of lightning on people:

c they are in theory no different from the effects on structures and electric lines.
Effects are adapted to man (or animal) who serves as a rather good conductor.
A human body is a uniform volume, with a resistance of 100 to 500 ohms maximum:
v an adult body mainly consists of water, 60 % and the skin's resistance to high
voltage is negligeable. The body's electric behaviour in regard to a lightning current
has been compared to that of a tree trunk full of sap.
Effects on people are either direct or associated
c electric effects (direct effects):
v electrification except for thermal electric effects.
c examples of non-thermal electric effects:
v pain sometimes persisting in a member through which the lightning current flowed,
v heart rate problems following the passage of lightning current through the heart.
c electrothermal effects (direct effects).
Electric and electromagnetic effects:
c the terms "electric effects" and "electromagnetic effects" are used to describe the
effects of lightning only produced by electric currents that run through the lightning
channel and in the ground. These currents generate voltage surges and increases
(or rises) in the earth's voltage.
Electrodynamic effects:
c electrodynamic forces arise in conductors through which currents flow and are
located in the magnetic field created by neighbouring currents: these are called
Laplace forces. When lightning currents run in two parallel conductors, the
electrodynamic force is a force of attraction between the two conductors. As a result,
thin tubes or cable sheaths may be crushed and completely flattened. Laplace forces
must also be taken into account in surge arrester installations, and conductor
fastenings should be planned in consequence.
Indirect effects:
c effects of a lightning stroke that hits the ground near a structure, a building or an
overhead line and which can nevertheless be cause dammage.
Equipotential bonding:
c all devices the aim of which is to equipontentially bond all the metal structures
contained in the volume to be protected, including pipes and tubes for fluids (cold
and hot water, waste water, gas), frames for class I electric equipment, electronic
equipment, sanitary devices, large internal metal parts (guide rails in lifts, stairs,
beams, etc.). Also including metal cable sheaths and wire and telecommunication
trunking.
122
8/11/06 6:07:39 PM
c term commonly confused with elecrification, yet it is the term that is strictly used for
fatal electrification. Amongst causes:
v ventricular fibrillation (the most frequent),
v asystolia and inhibition of respitory centres.
c by extension, and according to some authors, electrocution may be electrification
the outcome of which is only fatal after several days, with the condition that the direct
cause of death is the passage of the current through the body.
Earth electrode or conductor:

c conductive element or set of elements in the earth connector that ensure a direct
electric contact with the earth and which dissipates the atmospheric discharge
current in the earth (IEC 1024-1).
Glossary
Electrocution:
Increase / rise / in the earth's voltage:

c the phenomenon behind a rise in the earth's voltage is the run-off of an electric
current into the ground. At the impact point of a lightning stroke, the lightning current
runs off and spreads in the ground, and generates differences in voltage between
different points in the ground, due to the resistance which characterises the latter.
St Elme's flame:
c former name for corona, given by navigators in Medieval times, to the "flame" that
they saw at the tip of their ship's masts.
Auricular fibrillation (AF):

c heart rate problems characterised by chaotic activity of the atrium, that undergo
multiple and chaotic fluttering within the range of 400 to 600 / minute (according to
intra-auricular recordings). Due to this the heart's haemodynamics is highly
disturbed. AF is rather frequent during electrifications, in particular those due to
lightning.
Ventricular fibrillation (VF):

c significant heart rate problems, the main outcome of which is sudden death and
caused in particular by electrocution. Death can be avoided only if the victim is
immediately given mouth to mouth and cardiopulmonary resuscitation with an
external cardiac massage, followed by one or several external electroshocks in an
emergency unit.
Lightning / flash to the earth:
c violent atmospheric electric discharge, that developes between a cloud and the
earth, consisting of one or several lightning strokes (IEC 1024-1).
Hit by lightning:
c action of lightning on an object or any type of construction, on a person or animal.

c electrification by a lightning current. Synonym with: accident due to the passage of
a lightning current through the body and its consequences.
Melting at point of impact:
c heat is produced at the interface between a metal surface and a return arc, at the
point called the "arc root", which is capable of melting a few cubic millimeters of
metal. In general without any serious consequences, however may lead to the
piercing of thin sheets of metal, which may cause liquid metal to splatter. The amount
of melted metal is proportional to the electric charge from the lightning stroke.
Burried meshing:
c more or less tightly woven meshing that is horizontally burried at a depth of

between 50 and 80 cm.
Direct impact:
c lightning stroke that directly hits a structure, a building, an overhead line,
or external installation for the protection against lightning.
Lateral impact:
c when lightning hits an object or structure beneath its summit, it is considered as a

lateral impact.
This type of impact is produced on high-rise structures.
Keraunic:
c adjective based on the greek word keraunos (= lightning), it qualifies everything
that deals with storm phenomena and their consequences.
123
8/11/06 6:07:41 PM
Glossary
Equipotential bond:
c electric bond that places various metal structures in the volume to be protected at
the same voltage level or at voltage levels that are near each other.
Equipotential bonding of computer systems:
c there are two main methods to connect metal elements in computer systems, such
as cabinets, boxes and drawers, to the structure's common earth. One of the
following two basic configurations is to be used:
v star configuration (type S)
v meshed configuration (type M).
Lightning mechanism on people:
c mechanisms are defined according to whether they are direct or indirect.

c direct lightning stroke:
v lightning directly hits part of the body or an object that is very conductive and which
is in contact with the body (tool, golf club, umbrella with metal tip and frame),
protruding parts (or objects), and those located at the highest point, are the most
exposed. A direct lightning stroke typically hits an isolated person (in a field for
example), who is standing, feet on the ground and who is at the same voltage as the
ground,
c indirect lightning stroke:
v lateral flash: a lightning current from a structure (a tree for example), which itself
has been directly hit by lightning, runs through the body. This indirect mechanism is
as dangerous as a direct lightning stroke.
v contact voltage (or touch voltage): voltage that appears upon an insulation fault
between the conductive parts simultaneously accessible. In particular for lightning
current run-off, it is the difference in voltage that may appear between a conductive
part which is increased to a certain voltage and the voltage of the ground or frames
in the immediate vicinity. This difference in voltage is applied to a person (or animal)
if he/it simultaneously touches the conductive part, the ground or a frame.
v pace voltage: difference in the voltage that may appear between two points of the
ground's surface, when an electric current flows into the ground. When the distance
between these points corresponds to the space between the feet of a person (or the
front or rear paws of an animal), this difference in voltage is called "pace voltage".
When the difference between the points is a meter, and moreover, it is oriented in
such a way as to measure the maximum voltage, this difference in voltage coincides
with the definition of a voltage gradient.
v induced voltage (stroke at a distance): this indirect mechcanism leads to an
induced flash, for example: a standing person who is struck by lightning in a shelter
that is perfectly insulated from the ground, which however has a roof made of sheet
metal.
Fictive sphere method:
c practical method, using a fictive sphere, for the best position of lightning rods and
to determine the width of cage meshing in an external protective installation.
The radius of the fictive sphere used for the geometrical construction of the
protection depends on the required level of protection retained.
It coincides with a certain arcing distance. In other words, just like a given arcing
distance is associated with a lightning current amplitude, the level of protection
determines the amplitude of the current above which protection is in theory ensured.
Using the fictive sphere method, the volume protected by a lightning rod is limited by
the arc of a circle that passes through the point and which turns around the rod.
Direct fire:
c when a lightning arc in the air passes through flammable materials, such as paper,
fabric, straw, hay, or even dry wood, it can start a fire by contact or through heat
radiation from the channel, the temperature of which can reach 30,000 C.
Level of protection:
c classification of an external installation for the protection against lightning that

expresses its performance level. International standardisation (IEC 81) provides four
levels of protection, not to be confused with the level of protection against voltage
surges.
Level of protection for voltage, (Up):
c this parameter characterises the operation of a surge arrester by limiting the

voltage between its terminals and which is chosen from the list of preferred values.
This value is greater than the the highest value obtained upon measurement of the
limitation voltage.
The most common values for a 230/400 V network are:
1 kV - 1.2 kV - 1.5 kV - 1.8 kV - 2 kV - 2.5 kV.
124
8/11/06 6:07:42 PM
Keraunic level:
c expresses the severity of a storm using the number of days per year when thunder
is audible for a given site. In France the keraunic level is between 10 for northwestern regions and 36 for certain high lightning density regions in the south-west.
It should be noted that values as high as 66 have been recorded in the Cantal area.
The keraunic level is determined in an empirical manner. At present, it has become
obsolete and has been replaced by the lightning density concept.
Sound wave, thunder:

c a pressure wave in the air in the immediate area of the lightning channel,
generated by a violent expansion of this channel under the effect of high
temperatures that are reached in its core. This wave propagates through the air first
at a speed higher than that of sound, then progressively evolves into a sound wave,
which appears in the form of thunder. In the immediate area surrounding the return
arc, excessive pressure reaches 20 bars, and at 5 meters, it is still several bars.
Storm:
c meteorological phenomenon consisting of atmospheric instability, during which
turbulence produces electric charges in the air, in particular in storm clouds.
These charges are the cause of violent electric discharges, called "atomospheric
discharges".
Surge arrester:
c device designed to limit transient voltage surges and to deviate current waves.
It contains at least one non-linear component (NF C 61-740).
MV / HV surge arrester:
c device designed to protect medium voltage and low voltage electric equipment
against high transient voltage surges and to deviate associated waves. It also limits
the duration, and often the amplitude, of the holding current. Considered as being
part of a surge arrester: any external spark gap in series that is needed for the
correct operation of the device in operation, whether or not the supply includes this
spark gap (IEC 99-1).
Lightning conductor with meshed cage:
c all the conductors that surround a structure or building to be protected, and which
is characterised by the size of the meshing that is made by these conductors.
The tighter the meshing, the better the external protection. In theory, any point on a
meshed cage can be the site of a direct impact. Moreover, an installation using a
meshed cage disperses currents that run off to the ground more effectively and thus
diminishes the electromagnetic coupling of internal equipment.
Lightning conductor with arcing device (PDA):

c lightning rod, which is fitted out with an electric or electronic system that generates
an advanced spark-over (advanced ignition of the ascending pre-discharge), that has
been proven when compared to a simple lightning rod under the same conditions.
The method for the calculation of the protective radii of a PDA is described in the
NFC 17-102 standard.
Taught wires:
c this system is made up of one or several conductive wires that are hung above the
installations to be protected.
Single lightning rod:
c single lightning rods (sometimes called Franklin rods) have a practical height of 2
to 6 meters and have a tapered end. They can consist of one or several elements of
the same nature, under the condition that their electric continuity is ensured
(NF C 17-100).
Overvoltage protectors, chopping devices:
c non-standardised terminology, equivalent to "surge arrester", which is sometimes

found in technical documentation. These terms should be avoided.
Earth rod:
c conductor that is vertically pushed into the ground (or with a slight inclination).
To efficiently ensure the flow of lightning currents, the length of a rod should not
exceed roughly ten meters (limitation of the longitudinal impedance). If several rods
are grouped together to make up a single earth connector, the distance between two
neighbouring rods must be at least equal to their depth.
Buried plate:
c metal plate that is preferrably buried in a vertical position, at a depth that is in

general between 50 and 80 cm. In certain situations it may be better to bury it in a
horizontal position.
125
8/11/06 6:07:44 PM
Glossary
Contact point / entry point / exit point:
c from the moment when a human body becomes an integral part of the return arc
circuit, this means that the lightning arc current entered the body through the skin via
one or several given point(s). Likewise, one or several exit point(s) exist as well. It is
possible that these points do not leave any characteristic signs such as localised
electric marks or burns that should be looked for on the skin, clothing, shoes or
whatever is left after arcing (very brief phenomenon) and after the path that the
flashover took.
Point of impact:
c point at which a lightning stroke hits the earth, a structure or an installation for the
protection against lightning.
Capture point:
c capture points, sometimes incorrectly called shock points, are small single rods 30
to 50 cm in height. They are often used with meshed cages, and are designed to
serve as preferred capture points.
Earth connector:
c an electrode, or set of grouped electrodes, in close contact with the ground,

designed to establish an electric link with it. Its primary aim is to ensure the
protection of persons against indirect contacts. For that which concerns lightning,
an earth connector's function is to run off and diffuse lightning currents to the earth.
Earth loop / earth belt:
c earth connector made up of an electrode that forms a closed loop around the
bottom of a structure, under or on the ground's surface (IEC 1024-1). In general,
this earth conductor surrounds a building and is called an earth belt.
Earth belt at trench bottom:

c earth electrode that has been embedded in the concrete foundations of a
structure or building (IEC 1024-1).
Crow-foot earth connector:
c earth connector made up of several horizontally burried conductors, that are

arranged in a radial configuration from the connection with the down conductor.
These horizontal conductors can sometimes usefully be completed with vertical rods
on their ends.
Yearly probability of direct lightning strokes:
c average number of direct impacts per year on a structure or building.

This probability is a function of the local lightning stroke density, of the capture
surface that correspons to the structure or building, and of the highest or lowest
natural protection in the environment.
Protection radius:
c horizontal distance betwee the lightning rod's axis and the fictive sphere's contact
point with the plane to be protected, or the radius of the circle of the protection cone
at the intersection with the plane to be protected.
Electromagnetic radiation:
c electromagnetic wave that radiates from the lightning channel. Today, it is generally
accepted that leaders and pre-discharges, and in particular the ionising activity at
their head, generate waves with frequency spectrums that are in the range of the
VHF field (above 100 MHz).
Frame grounding system / equipotential network:
c ensemble that is made up of the equipotential bonds, i.e. the equipotential bonding
conductors, the protective conductors that connect the metal parts of equipment on
terminals to each other, and the conductors that ensure a functional earthing.
Storm severity:
c storm severity expresses the rate at which storms or lightning strokes occur in a
given area. It is generally defined in two ways.
Zero-phase sequence / common mode voltage surge (CM):

c a voltage surge that appears between all of the conductors on a line or a cable
(phases and neutral) and the earth or metal frame of an earthed device.
Symmetrical voltage / differential mode (DM):
c a voltage surge that appears between the different live conductors on a line or
cable (phase-to-phase or phase-to-neutral). In general, symmetrical voltage surges
are characterised by amplitudes that are considerably lower than zero-phase voltage
surges.
126
8/11/06 6:07:46 PM
Conducted voltage surge:

c these types of voltage surges are in general produced by the direct impact of
lightning on an overhead power or telecommunication line, or by an impact in their
vicinity (the voltage surge is then induced through electromagnetic coupling between
the line and the lightning channel).
Induced voltage surge:

c the phenomenon that is responsible for these types of voltage surges is
electromagnetic induction. Lightning currents from close impacts, and even more so
from direct impacts on a building, generate a rapidly changing magnetic field inside
the building. Induced voltage will flow through any closed loop, and in particular any
electric circuit that is subjected to this field.
System for the protection against lightning:

c complete system that protects a structure and open areas against the effects of
lightning. It consists of an external installation (primary protection) and an internal
installation (secondary protection) for the protection against lightning.
Full operating voltage, (Uc):
c maximum value for r.m.s. or direct voltage that can be continuously applied in the
surge arrester's protection mode. It is equal to the rated voltage.
Rated network voltage, (Un):

c the reference value for voltage which designates the network, (example: 230/400 V
for a three-phase network).
It is common to use the phase / neutral voltage which is expressed by Uo, this value
Uo is needed to be able to choose Uc.
Residual voltage, (Ur):

c the peak value of the voltage that appears between the surge arrester's terminals
when a discharge current flows through it.
Varistor:
c a varistor is a component with an oxide of zinc (ZnO) or silicon carbide (SiC) base,
that thanks to its current / voltage characteristic can limit the voltage on its terminals
(chopping). The ZnO varistor is the basic component that is generally used in supply
network surge arresters (LV, MV).
Lightning protection zone:
c zones in which the electromagnetic environment due to lightning must be defined

and regulated. The volume to be protected in regard to electrodynamic impulses
must be divided into zones in order to define volumes with different severity levels,
and to designate the areas for connection points at the limits of the zones.
127
8/11/06 6:07:47 PM
Questions / Answers
LV Surge Arresters
1. Is total protection possible when using surge arresters?
c Complete, absolute protection does not exist. The risk of voltage surges throughout
the "life" of an electric installation is not negligeable. Depending on the site's lightning
exposure conditions, it may even be quite significant.
c Minimum protection using surge arresters, is very useful and eliminates induced
and/or conducted voltage surges that follow lightning that strikes near or far away.
c A surge arrester efficiently protects an installation if it complies with the rules of the
trade.
2. Can surge arresters from different ranges be used together
(example: PF and PE or PRD)?
c Yes, if the different full operating voltages (Uc) are complied with according to the
earthing diagrams.
c To obtain for example protection in the differential mode for PF 30 and PF 65
devices, a PE 40 or 65 or even a PE 15 or 8 device just needs to be added since the
lightning current between the phase and the neutral is less significant than in the
common mode.
3. Why associate the surge arrester with a disconnection circuit-breaker?
c The disconnection circuit-breaker ensures surge arrester disconnection from the
rest of the installation when the surge arrester is short-circuited.
c This short-circuiting may be caused by an atmospheric voltage surge that is
particularly energetic, heat protection that is built-into the surge arrester does not in
this case have the time to react.
c The disconnection circuit-breaker ensures cable protection:
v a too energetic voltage surge can destroy the surge arrester
v the breaking capacity of the disconnection circuit-breaker must therefore be at
least equal to the installation's Isc. It also indicates end of life.
4. What happens if the surge arrester is not associated with
a disconnection circuit-breaker?
c Continuity of supply is no longer ensured since the incoming circuit-breaker itself
ensures tripping in the case of end of life upon surge arrester short-circuiting.
c Moreover, product standards NF C 61 740-95 and IEC 61 643-11 make the
association of a disconnection device with a surge arrester mandatory.
5. Can a surge arrester be installed in tertiary and industrial installations?
c Surge arresters 15-30/40-65 kA are installed as secondary protection in all market
segments. The only difference resides in the place of installation and thus in the
choice of the PDC of the disconnection circuit-breaker.
6. Can a 4-pole surge arrester be used for single-phase?
c Yes if connection of the neutral to the Neutral pole is complied with.
7. Rated voltage (Un) of our surge arresters is 230/400 V, can they operate
on a 240/415 V network, are characteristics modified?
c Our surge arresters can be used on the 240/415 V networks.
c The surge arrester choice table in function of the earthing system remains valid.
c Characteristics are not modified.
8. Can surge arresters be used on a direct current network
(example: 110 V. DC)? If yes, specify the operating voltage(s) and
characteristic(s).
c Yes, however the surge arrester's life span is shorter than when operating on a
network with alternating current.
c In this case, withdrawable surge arresters are recommended.
9. Can a surge arrester be used on a 400 Hz network?
c Yes, Uc values must be complied with and a surge arrester chosen in
consequence.
10. How can the disconnection of PRI and PRC (series) surge arresters be
guaranteed?
c Low current surge arresters are fitted out with gas discharge tubes. End of life is
characterised by the absence of line tonality. On the contrary to power surge
arresters, disconnection is not needed.
11. Can a PRC be installed on all low current systems?
c No, it is designed for voltage of the telephone network type.
c The use of this product on another type of voltage would lead to:
v either insufficient protection due to too high a level of protection,
v or premature ageing of the PRC.
12. Is connection of the PRC's earth terminal to a telephone earth mandatory?
c Contrary to a very widespread notion, the so-called "telephone" earth no longer
exists.
c For lighting protection to be efficient, all the earth connector networks must be
interconnected.
c The PRC's earth terminal is thus to be connected to the main earth terminal.
128
8/11/06 6:07:48 PM
8/11/06 6:07:50 PM
8/11/06 6:07:51 PM

Surge Arrester Complete Catalogue 2006

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Surge Arrester Complete Catalogue 2006

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

J21874_CONT_newA.

Decrees concerning applications

Preliminary study of lightning risk

List of sites exposed to lightning

Reasons for Lightning Protection

Lightning Protection engineering

Choice of devices for the protection against lightning

Lightning prevention: lightning warning systems

Choosing low voltage surge arresters for LV networts

Earthing systems: recommendations

Wiring diagrams for earthing systems

Standards for the

International Electrotechnical Commission TC81

c UTE / CEF 81:

Evaluation of the risks linked

Protection of structures and

The NFC 17 100 is backed by the

no equivalent at the European level

Standards for the Protection

Devices for the protection

Operating specifications and

Published in March 1998

Surge arresters for

Published in August 1998

Published in July 2000

Published in October 2000

Other product standards by country

Installation standards for buildings

International installation standards for surge arresters

c guide IEC 61 643-12 in progress.

rated impulse withstand voltage

* as in standard IEC 60 038

c standard IEC 60 364-5-534: choice and implementation of electric equipment.

"Journal Officiel" dated 4 October 1959, no. 230, title IV bis,

Orders no. 67-1063 dated 15 November 1967:

Ministry of Public Health and Population

c installation of a device for the protection against lightning, particuliarly for

State Commerce Secretary

Decree dated 23 October 1986, ministry of the interior:

c all high-altitude restaurants must be protected against lightning by a lightning rod in

Decree dated 28 January 1993 dealing with the protection

Grain silos: example of a protected installation,

The different types

Electrical characteristics of a lightning stroke

Direct lightning strokes

The different types of

Indirect lightning strokes via the ground

In order to satisfy its customers expectations as best as

Services for electrical distribution

Lightning expertise of listed sites

Example of a chemical industrial site overall protected against

Expertise advice: Lightning risk study

Reminder of the risks identified in the danger study

Calculation of the yearly audible rate of direct lightning strokes:

Expertise advice: Study of electrical installations to make them

Method for determining the level of protection

Perforation of electrical installations, fire and

Damage to group installations electrical,

Primary risk of fire and dangerous voltage jumps

Damage caused to electrical installations

In addition to the effects mentioned above: problems

In addition to the effects mentioned above: problems

Loss of irreplacable cultural heritage.

Unacceptable loss of services to the public.