Risk analysis

Whether you want or need to protect your building or object against lightning strikes depends on the risks which are acceptable to take and has to be discussed after a risk analysis has been executed.

It is important to understand the sources of damage, types of damage and types of losses. The procedure to assess the risk evaluates various combinations considering structure, contents, services and environment with the sources and types of damage.

IEC 62305-1 introduces the concepts of sources of damage where:

S1 – Lightning flash to the structure
S2 – Lightning flash nearby the structure
S3 – Lightning flash to the services
S4 – Lightning flash nearby the services

With the possible sources of damage due to lightning flash defined, three possible types of damage are identified:

D1 – Injury of living beings (humans and animals) due to touch and step potential
D2 – Physical damage (fire, explosion, mechanical destruction, chemical release)
D3 – Failure of internal electrical/electronic systems due to lightning electromagnetic impulse

The main purpose of the risk assessment is to determine if lightning protection is required and if so, to select the appropriate lightning class. The lightning class determines the minimum lightning protection level (LPL) that is used within the lightning protection design. Lightning protection can be installed even when the risk management process indicates that it is not required. A higher level of protection than required can also be selected.

Our advice
We offer design, site support and supervision services for Earthing & Lightning Protection in accordance with the new BS EN 62305.

DKW operate internationally with consultants, contractors and power engineering concerns both direct and via our comprehensive network of distributors.

Our products are tested in compliance with BS EN 62561 Lightning Protection System Components, BS EN 62305 Protection against Lightning and BS 7430:2011+A1:2015 Code of Practice for Protective Earthing of Electrical Installations.