Nature’s unpredictable threat to life

Lightning is an enormously powerful phenomenon which is dramatic to witness but can cause staggering amounts of damage costing hundreds of millions of dollars every year. The effects of lightning can cause damage from its:

• Mechanical effects – the substantial force exerted by the electro-magnetic bolt of energy can cause enormous structural damage; in its search for conductive elements lightning has regularly demonstrated the ability to destroy non-conductive facades, destroy concrete to locate rebar, or even blowing through roof levels. Threats of puncture of metallic roofs through inadequate thickness can be avoided through supplementary measures.
• Thermal effects – lightning can exceed 30000°C, which is staggeringly hot. Whilst it only discharges for a fraction of a second during that time damage can occur, particularly in structures with inadequate lightning protection which can result in lightning causing hot spots which in turn can cause fires. Fires caused by lightning amount to a significant proportion of damage from lightning activity.
• Electro-magnetic effects – lightning can cause an electro-magnetic pulse which can destroy electrical components. Electro-magnetic damage causes millions of dollars in damage costs every year, this is exacerbated by lost data or operational downtime.
• Threats to life – either through the risk of loss of life through fire, or through electrocution resulting from step and touch voltages, people and livestock die every year through lightning. Above all others the threats to life must be the highest priority on any risk assessment.

Whilst one hundred percent protection may not always be possible, through application of lightning protection standards, such as BS EN 62305:2006, can provide effective protection. JMI is frequently sought to undertake various design and technical support services for its clients. Any design will identify the products required to complete the installation. The materials used to create lightning protection systems can be procured from FM Sudafix and this is a further reason that the FM Sudafix Group is often sought for lightning protection projects as it can support the full range of process elements, from inception to completion.

Lightning Protection Links