Lightning - containing the threat - December 2003

Electrical Power & Protection

Lightning - containing the threat

December 2003 Electrical Power & Protection

Lightning events are one of the major threats to our commercial/industrial as well as domestic environment. Every year, many millions of rands worth of direct and indirect damage is experienced through lightning events, the damage may be structural, or plant and equipment - resulting in plant downtime, not to mention the potential danger of personal injuries that may be sustained.

It is important to realise that lightning protection is essentially a risk management procedure. Whilst no guarantees of absolute protection against this natural phenomenon can be offered by any protection system, well designed and appropriate lightning protection systems can and will significantly reduce the risks of damage or injury associated with lightning events.

This is according to Ian McKechnie, managing director of Centurion-based specialist consulting engineers and solution providers Innopro. McKechnie adds that companies such as Innopro, with specialised expertise in the field of earthing and lightning protection, can provide their clients with a valuable impartial and independent expert service in this area. The company can provide clients with investigation services on existing installations, coupled with the design of appropriate and cost effective remedial measures. They can also provide designs in respect of new installations, industrial plants, buildings and other structures. These designs and remedial actions can then be used and implemented directly by appropriate in-house client personnel, or can be competitively quoted or tendered for as defined and measurable requirements, again ensuring the client a cost-effective, appropriate and measurable solution.

Many companies and organisations have experienced lightning related problems in the past lightning season. With the new lightning season upon us, it is essential for infrastructure owners and operators to assess the existing problem areas and take appropriate remedial action.

Innopro is a specialist consulting engineering company and solution provider, specialising in the areas of industrial EMC, earthing and lightning protection. Operating from Centurion, clients are serviced locally, nationally and internationally, in a variety of industry sectors including aviation, petrochemical, telecommunications, IT and general industrial infrastructure.

For more information contact Ian McKechnie, managing director, Innopro, 012 667 5151, [email protected]

Share this article:

Empowering Africa’s renewable energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
As a global leader in renewable energy technology, SUNGROW has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. At the recent Africa Energy Indaba 2025, SUNGROW showcased its advanced energy solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of the African continent.

Read more...

The role of electromechanical solutions in supporting Africa’s industrial growth
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s industries are transforming rapidly. Fuelled by a huge demand for energy connectivity, better infrastructure, increased manufacturing and responsible resource management, electromechanical solutions are key to shaping this growth, allowing industries to scale up their operations efficiently and sustainably.

Read more...

Empowering South Africa’s IPPs for a renewable future
Electrical Power & Protection
Many crucial parts of the economy of the future will be hugely energy intensive, foremost amongst which will be electrified transport and the large data processing required by automation and AI. Successful economies will be those that can ensure businesses and investors have access to a stable supply of low-cost renewable energy. South Africa has the opportunity to become a global leader in this regard.

Read more...

Sustainable mining operations escalate as demand for critical materials to double
Electrical Power & Protection
The mining sector is at the forefront of the energy transition due to its role in extracting essential materials and minerals necessary for green technologies. As demand for renewable energy, electric vehicles and other sustainable technologies increases exponentially, so will the demand for these necessary materials.

Read more...

Monitoring partial discharge on medium voltage switchgear
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its EcoStruxure Service Plan (ESP) in the Anglophone African region for medium voltage (MV) switchgear

Read more...

Raptor switches
Phoenix Contact Electrical Power & Protection
The Phoenix Contact Raptor switches enable reliable and safe operation in extreme ambient conditions. The managed switch portfolio meets the stringent requirements of IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 standards and is ideal for critical infrastructure and power supply applications.

Read more...

Electrical safety warning indicators
Electrical Power & Protection
Remlive electrical safety warning indicators have been keeping the workplace safe for more than 25 years.

Read more...

Self-contained standalone lightning warning system
Senseca Electrical Power & Protection
The BTD-200 lightning warning system from Biral (UK) is a complete detection and warning system. Its highly specialised aviation grade lightning detection technology delivers the warning as soon as lightning is detected and before the first strike.

Read more...

Half brick second generation converter
Vepac Electronics Electrical Power & Protection
The Supreme series half brick second generation converter from Vepac is composed of isolated, board-mountable, fixed switching frequency DC-DC converters that use synchronous rectification to achieve extremely high power conversion efficiency.

Read more...

Electrical Power & Protection

Lightning - containing the threat

Further reading:

Published by Technews