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Since many electronics drive smart building systems, ordinary-external lightning protection systems, such as air termination systems, down conductor systems, and grounding & bonding networks, may be insufficient for modern smart buildings. Moreover, the facilities need inner lightning protection systems (e.g., grounding and bonding network, shielding) preventing Lightning Electromagnetic Impulse (LEMP) effects. 
 
Therefore, Kumwell presents a solution using a hot-dip galvanized steel rounded conductor as a down conductor added to the concrete structure for effective internal and external lightning protection systems. It acts as shielding for reducing LEMP effects and lightning protection. Lastly, using a grounding and bonding network as a building foundation can create long-lasting safety.

 
Achieving space efficiency and beautiful scenery in air termination design by Self-Standing Lightning Pole
 
  • The lighting pole is a tall air termination pole, usually used in skyscrapers, in which multiple presented air terminals are not allowed for more scenery beauty, e.g., activity areas and swimming pools. Moreover, the lightning pole can be used as a design technique for lessening the air terminal.
 
  • Self-Standing Lightning Pole is designed to be smaller, lighter, easier to move, faster install, durable, and support wind force up to 120 km/hr.
Side lightning protection by strike pad

  • According to EIT Lightning protection chapter 3 and IEC 62305-3 standards, more than 60 meters height buildings are exposed to lightning strikes at aside.

  • There are two methods to prevent side lightning.
    1. Install Strike Pad for baiting lightning.
    2. Fortify the building with neutral air terminators, such as, aluminum cladding, façade, frame, glass holder, and more.
Achieving cost-effective down conductor design by Hot-Dip Galvanized steel round conductor 

  • Using a hot-dip galvanized steel conductor as an additional down conductor, bonding with metal structure, is accepted by EIT and IEC standards.​
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  • Kumwell Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel
    1. No thievish risk like coppers 
    2. Distinctive color from rebar making it easier to   inspection
    3. Lowest price compared to other materials
    4. Passes IEC 62561-2 standard test
Bonding outer metal components to down conductors by Earth Point

  • Earth point connects hot-dip galvanized steel conductor planted in the concrete and external devices connecting to the grounding systems. It is also used as a bonding point with other metals.
 
  • In the installation, the back end of the earth point must connect to a down connector. The front end is installed level with a concrete protractor at the concrete pole or wall as a bonding point metal structure or devices.
 
  • Earth point is made of stainless steel preventing corrosion. Also, it has an M10 braid for connecting with other devices and passing IEC 62561-1 standard test.
Grounding and bonding network design by concrete foundation grounding
 
  • EIT, IEC, IEEE, and DIN approved grounding and bonding network design by concrete foundation grounding. There are two main methods of concrete foundation grounding.
  1. Grounding networks used footings or foundation piles with ground beams. In this grounding method, footing and foundation piles will act as a ground rod, while ground beams act as the ground loop surrounding the building.
  2. Grounding system using mat foundation will plant network-shape conductors similar to using ground grid grounding system. 
 
  • Concrete foundation grounding advantages
  1. Meager ground resistance and ground impedance due to high volume of concrete contacting with the area; therefore, electric current will distribute to the ground swiftly.
  2. High durability results in a permanent grounding system.
  3. High security from rising ground potential.
Rooftop lightning protection by Smart Lighting Warning System (SLWS)
 
  • At present Various skyrises use rooftops as a garden, viewpoint, and restaurants. These areas are outdoors; thus, people are exposed to lightning strikes even if the buildings have a verified lightning protection system.
 
  • IEC 62793 standard, “Thunderstorm Warning System” is a lightning warning standard applying for lighting protection in open areas.
 
  • Kumwell researches and develops Smart Lightning Warning System, a software-based prediction system, notifying users via Alarm Viewer. The prediction uses data from the nationwide Lightning Detection Network (installed Magnetic Field Sensor) and E-Field Sensor (located in open areas: rooftops). When there are multiple electrolyte clouds and a high possibility of lightning, the system will alert and signal evacuation users in the area. When the weather is safe, the system will notify users to continue users’ activities.



  Houses  

Most modern houses are smart houses and are beautifully designed for comfort, safety, and energy-saving. Thus, there are several automation systems in the present house designs (e.g., IoT networks). Nevertheless, the house and automation systems need internal and external lightning protection systems to work stably. Therefore, the protection systems are necessary because they protect the buildings from lightning strike impact, protect devices from Lightning Electromagnetic Impulse (LEMP), and protect system surge during the lightning.
 
Air termination and solar panels protection design by circular conductors
 
  • Since the most-concerned house design principle is beauty, air termination systems should blend in with the buildings. 
 
  • Circular conductors are suited for the air termination system due to their flexibility to bend in multiple directions corresponding to complex architecture. Also, it can be angled vertically, acting as an air terminal. The suitable circular conductor’s material is tinned copper because it is beautifully glossy and cannot rusty. If the designer uses other materials, beauty should be considered as a top priority.
 
  • If the house is solar, its roof (where solar panels are located) can be protected by bending circular conductors into a vertical shape. There are two methods of installing conductors.
  1. Adheres the conductors with solar cells and bonds with a lightning protection system. This method will cause electric current flow through solar cells.
  2. Installs the conductors in Isolated formation by spacing separation distance between conductors and solar cells.
Down conductor system design for houses
 
  • Down conductors’ installation using concrete planted Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Round Conductor is recommended for recently constructed houses. Also, the stated method is approved by IEC and EIT.
 
  • Bonding with concrete-planted metal structure in this regard significantly reduces down conductor’s impedance, reduces surge peril, and acts as shielding protecting devices and electronics from Lightning Electromagnetic Impulse (LEMP).
 
  • Existing houses that needed external down conductor installation should use Kumwell insulating copper circular conductor (KIC), passing lightning impulses resistance 1.2/50 µs, 100 kV. KIC should be installed 3 meters higher from the ground preventing touch voltage.
Grounding network design for lightning protection and grounding system
 
  • Houses with ample outdoor spaces should install a grounding network in a ground loop formation to control electric potential and step voltage prevention.
 
  • In houses with only small outdoor spaces, if it is an existing house, the ground rod should be placed vertically and at least one each for every down conductor installed. If the house is new, grounding network for lightning protection should use concrete foundation as a grounding electrode by using conductor, installed in ground beam, acts as a ground loop surrounding the house and connects with foundation piles, which act as a ground rod.
 
  • Prepares main ground bar used in the grounding system for connecting grounding to both electrical and devices systems. Moreover, an electrical grounding system must be bonded with a grounding electrode of the lightning protection.
 
  • Copper-bonded ground rod size 5/8’ diameters and 2.4 meters long, passing TIS standard test and complied with lightning protection and installation standards, is recommended.
Device surge protection by installing Surge Protective Device (SPD)
 
  • SPD’s function eliminates electric current or surge in the systems before harming electrical devices by distributing to grounding systems.
 
  • SPD should be installed in the consumer unit preventing damage to the house’s electrical and electronic devices.
 


  Cultural & Architecture Heritage Building  

Buildings such as temples, pagodas, churches, shrines, and other religious architectures are cultural heritage buildings that are usually congested. Therefore, lightning protection systems are critical to these buildings since if lightning strikes, there will be significant risks to human lives and heritage architectural damages. Consequently, people & structures safeties and structure adjustability (architecture beauty friendly) should be the top priorities of lightning protection systems.
 
Kumwell, a one-stop lighting protection leader, develops multiple solutions protecting and maintenance cultural heritage buildings. Due to maximum safety and stability provided, it is ensured that the heritage buildings will stand and create value for a long time.
 

Air termination system aesthetic design by circular conductor
 
  • Due to buildings’ intricacy, circular conductors are suited for a lightning conductor for baiting lightning strikes at the facilities.
 
  • Circular conductors can be bent in multiple directions without standard disuniting; they will be harmonious with the buildings.
 
  • Various conductor materials can be chosen to match multiple standards, e.g., copper, aluminum, tinned copper, stainless, and more.
 
Touch voltage protection from KIC
 
  • A down conductor installed outside buildings may cause touch voltage to nearby persons or contact down conductors in some circumstances.
 
  • Preventing touch voltage at 3-m height from ground level should be done using copper insulating cable (KIC cable). KIC passes lightning impulse tests in both dry and wet conditions (rain-operated simulation).
Ground ring design for step voltage protection
 
  • Due to most public buildings being heavily crowded, grounding systems must intensively control electric potential to prevent step voltage hazards.
 
  • IEC standard states that grounding system and bonding network should be designed as four ground rings surround the building.
    • The first ring should be installed 1-meter away from the building’s wall and planted 0.5-meter ground depth.
    • The second ring should be installed 3 meters away from the first ring and buried 1-meter ground depth.
    • The third ring should also be installed 3 meters away from second ring and planted 1.5 meters away from the ground surface.
    • The last ring should be installed 3 meters away from the third ring and buried 2 meters in depth.
Contact Center
Tel : 02-954-3455
E-Mail : info@kumwell.com
Kumwell Corporation Public Company Limited
358 Liang Mueang Nonthaburi Road, Bangkrasor,
Muang, Nonthaburi, Thailand 11000