Petrol stations are highly vulnerable to lightning strikes and surges due to their extremely sensitive control and display systems. The necessity of a lightning protection system is essential when considering the highly flammable sources of ignition on site. Prudent building regulations dictate that structures where a lightning strike can easily occur or can have serious consequences due to their location, type of construction or use, must be equipped with permanently effective lightning protection systems. Operators of petrol stations need to ensure that employees, customers and pedestrians are protected against fire and explosion risks caused by fuels and vapours.
The IEC 60364-1 (HD 60364-1) standard specifies that “property shall be protected against damage as a consequence of over voltages such as those originating from atmospheric events or from switching”. The surge protective devices recommended in this standard must not be installed in Ex zones (zone 0, 1 and 2), if any. If surge protective devices are located in hazardous zones, adequate measures (e.g. approved enclosures and/or approved surge protective devices) must be taken to avoid ignition.
A professional external lightning protection system, consistent lightning equipotential bonding and additional surge protection measures are required to protect petrol stations from direct lightning strikes.
Equipment located in the forecourt, such as the petrol price display, and the incoming utility line are vulnerable to direct lightning strikes. Therefore, lightning current arresters should be installed at the entrance point into the building.
The fuel dispensers are generally located underneath a projecting metal roof and are thus protected against direct lightning strikes. For this reason, and due to the intermeshed earth-termination system, surge arresters are installed at the entrance point of the lines into the petrol station building and at the entrance point of the lines into the fuel dispenser to protect the lines leading to the fuel dispenser electronics.
It is important to interconnect all metal constructions, such as pipes, fuel dispenser enclosures, and tanks, and to connect them to the earth-termination system of the petrol station building. The earth-termination system should have an earth resistance of < 10 Ω (recommendation).
Grid to backup power in zero seconds
Electrical Power & Protection
South Ocean Electric Wire has completed a solar installation that marks a global first: a seamless switch from grid to backup power in zero seconds.
Read more...Three decarbonisation myths and how organisations can debunk them Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
A UN Climate Change Report revealed that the world is on track to miss its 2050 net zero targets, with temperatures expected to increase by over 2,4°C by 2100. To help shift positive intent to concrete action, Schneider Electric outlined three of the most common myths surrounding decarbonisation and how organisations can get started on their decarbonisation journey.
Read more...Tackling the barriers of renewables and empowering the manufacturing sector
Electrical Power & Protection
Solar energy is surging in South Africa, but the energy is primarily self-consumed, meaning many manufacturing sites draw power directly and don’t gain more energy independence through comprehensive energy storage or hybrid energy solutions.
Read more...Three-phase filters for electromagnetic interference Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
Vepac Electronics has available three-phase filters that provide a solution to electromagnetic interference generated by equipment or from an AC source.
Read more...The age of grid defection is upon us
Electrical Power & Protection
Solar and battery systems have got so cheap that many private individuals, farmers and companies are waking up to the fact that in many locations in South Africa it is now less expensive to be off the electrical grid than to be on it.
Read more...Connectors for quick, easy and tool-free in-field termination
Electrical Power & Protection
KYOCERA AVX has released the new 9288-000 Series hermaphroditic wire-to-wire and wire-to-board connectors for lighting and industrial applications. These unique two-piece connectors facilitate WTW termination with two identical mating halves, which simplifies BOMs.
Read more...Biomass is building up steam
Electrical Power & Protection
Pressure is mounting for local manufacturers to swap fossil fuels for biomass to reduce their carbon footprints and mitigate carbon taxes. Experienced steam and boiler operations and maintenance service provider, Associated Energy Services has spent the past 14 years reviewing solutions.
Read more...Würth Elektronik expands its power module series
Electrical Power & Protection
Würth Elektronik has expanded its successful MagI³C-VDLM power module series with two new models that further enhance the performance of the existing portfolio of compact DC/DC power supply modules.
Read more...The journey towards renewable energy in the Seychelles
Electrical Power & Protection
The Seychelles is committed to its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Recent technological advancements and strategic planning are steadily paving the way for a more sustainable future.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version