 Lightning protection is not just “surge” protection. Every company in the electrical world seems to be selling “surge” protection these days but that will not protect your company from a direct lightning strike or even a close indirect strike.
Dehn & Sohne is the leading manufacturer of Lightning protection in Europe. In fact they make and brand a significant amount of equipment for others.
Electropar has represented Dehn & Sohne for some years now and the differences between the “others” and Dehn is worth thinking about.
Lightning protection comes in three main forms. For high structures the “Air Termination rods” and conductors connected to a good ground are necessary but they will not protect the electrical system in the building from a close encounter with a lightning discharge – which typically can be up to 250,000 Volts.
Dehn & Sohne produce three devices ideally suited for the protection of your electrical systems.
The “DehnVentil” or “Dehnbloc Maxi” These are (SPD Type 1- the highest international classification) lightning “Arrestor” devices. They connect to the incoming mains of the building (ideally before the meters) and deflect the lightning discharge directly to ground.
An arrestor uses technology such as a gas discharge tube to redirect the discharge directly to ground before it enters the electrical system of the building. They are rail mounted and connect in parallel with the incoming mains.
A new feature is the replaceable modules fitted into the units. These will withstand a number of events before they need replacing, and that is indicated on the front of each module. They also have an optional remote indicating facility.
The next level of defence is the SPD Type 2 surge arrester. These are fitted on the incoming mains of each distribution switchboard and provide both arresting and surge protection. Again they are rail mounted, are modular and have an ability to supply remote indication of an event.
Further protection can be provided with SPD Type 3 devices down to the individual power point, computer cable and telephone connection.
In the industrial field, devices are available for every process cable connection including Ethernet, RS 232,485 and many more.
For full comprehensive data and assistance on protecting your plant/building from lightning damage talk to Mike Barker on mikeb@electropar.co.nz
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