Lightning is a natural and unavoidable event which not only risks the lives of livestock but also affects low-voltage systems (power systems as well as signal/communication systems) through several mechanisms. The obvious interaction is a flash to the power system, but other coupling mechanisms can also produce over-voltages.
Singapore is one of the countries in the world with the highest number of lightning strikes. Situated close to the Equator, the warm and humid tropical conditions are highly favourable for the development of thunderstorms which produce lightning. “On average, Singapore experiences 168 thunderstorm days per year. This refers to the number of days in which thunder is heard over Singapore, and gives an indication of lightning activity (as thunderstorms are associated with lightning)”, National Environment Agency, NEA.
A lightning rod or a mesh-shaped external lightning protection system cannot provide complete protection against direct lightning strikes. This means it is only possible to state the probability that a lightning will be trapped. The probability that a lightning will strike in the area protected by a lightning rod can be calculated in relation to the lightning protection level selected.
The need for protection, the economic benefits of installing protection measures and the selection of adequate protection measures should be determined in terms of risk management which is part of the subjects of the Singapore Standard SS555 (Code of practice for protection against Lightning). The criteria for design, installation and maintenance of lightning protection measures are also considered in SS555. Since the IEC 62305 standard is a normative reference in the SS555, an updated version of SS555 is soon to be reviewed and published due to the revised version of the IEC 62305 standard.
Phoenix Contact is pleased to present you the 3-day “SS 555 + IEC 62305:2013 SER Lightning Protection Updates” Seminar. This seminar aims to provide the participants with insight updates to the SS 555 Lightning Protection Standard, a clear understanding of the effects of lightning and what can or cannot be done to alleviate its effects. The various methods available for lightning protection of building structures will be described and some case study examples will be presented to illustrate their effectiveness or otherwise.
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