Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part Eight

In Article " Design Process for Lightning Protection Systems ", I indicated the (3) phases of the Design
Process for Lightning Protection Systems as follows:

Design Process For Lightning Protection Systems

The design process of lightning protection systems is commonly broken into

discrete phases, allowing the lightning protection designer to present an
integrated design package. These phases can be listed as follows:

1. Planning phase,
2. Consultation phase,
3. Detailed Design phase.

A Quality assurance is required in each phase in above.

Also, in Article " Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part One ", I explained an
Introduction to design calculations of lightning protection systems as follows:

Introduction To Design Calculations Of Lightning Protection Systems

It is very important before explaining the design calculations of lightning

protection systems to highlight some important topics or expressions that
will be used in these calculations. These topics can be listed as follows:

1. Sources and Types of Damage to a Structure,

2. Types of Loss,
3. Types of Risks Associated with Losses,
4. Lightning Protection Levels (LPL),
5. Lightning Protection Zones (LPZ),
6. Class of LPS,
7. Protection Measures.

And in Article " Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part Two ", I explained the
following:
 Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Continued
Third: Detailed Design Phase

The lightning protection design process involves a number of design steps as in Fig.1.

Fig.1: The Lightning Protection Design Process

Step#1: Characteristics of the Structure to Be Protected

 Step#2: Risk Assessment Study

Methods Of Calculations For Risk Assessment Study

The risk assessment study can be done by (4) different methods as follows:

1- Manual Method (equations and tables method),which will be explained as

per:
IEC 62305-2,
NFPA780.

2-Software Method,
3- Excel Sheets Method,
4-Online Calculators Method.

First: Manual Method (Equations And Tables Method) as per IEC 62305-2

The Manual Method (Equations and Tables Method) for Calculations of Risk Assessment Study as per IEC
62305-2 can be reviewed in the following Articles:

Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part Two

Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part Three
Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part Four
Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part Five
Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part Six

First: Manual Method (Equations And Tables Method) as per NFPA 780

In Article " Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part Seven ", I indicated that:
 To evaluate the need for lightning protection, We have two methods to
perform thisas per NFPA 780, which are:
Method#1: The simplified Risk assessment,
Method#2: The detailed Risk assessment.

In this Article, I explained Method#1: The Simplified Risk Assessment and Some Steps from Method#2:
The Detailed Risk Assessment.

Today, I will continue explaining the Steps of Method#2: The Detailed Risk Assessment as per NFPA-780.

First: Manual Method (Equations And Tables Method) as per NFPA-780 -

Continued

Method#2: The detailed Risk assessment

The detailed Risk assessment Method includes the following steps:

Step#2-1: Identify The Structure to be Protected

Step#2-2: for each Loss to be considered, identify the Tolerable
Level Of Risk RT
Step#2-3: Identify the Types of Risk Due to Lightning (Rn)
Step#2-4: For each type of loss to be considered , identify and
calculate the risk components Rx that make up Primary risk Rn which are:
RA, RB, RC, RM, RU, RV, RW, RZ.
Step#2-5: Calculate the Total Risk R = Rx = R1+R2+R3
Step#2-6: Comparing the calculated actual risk R of each loss to a
tolerable level of risk (RT), then we have (2) cases:

1. Case#1: If the calculated Total risk R is equal or less than the

respective tolerable risk RT i.e. R RT , then Structure is adequately
protected for this type of loss and no lightning protection is required
for this type of loss,
2. Case#2: If the calculated Total risk R is higher than the
tolerable risk RT i.e. R > RT, then Install lightning protection
measures in order to reduce Total Risk R.
 Step#2-7: go back to step#2-2 and make a series of trial and error
calculations until the risk R is reduced below that of RT (R RT).

Step#2-4: For each type of Risk to be considered, identify and calculate

the risk components Rx that make up Primary risk Rn

Step#2-4 includes two main parts as follows:

1. Identification of the Risk Components Rx,

2. Calculations of the Risk Components Rx.

I explained the first part: Identification of the Risk Components Rx in

Article " Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part
Seven ".

Second Part: Calculations of the Risk Components Rx

Each component of risk Rx depends on (3) parameters as follows:

1. The average annual threat of occurrence, Nx (strikes in the

area of interest),
2. The probability of damage, Px (or step and touch voltages to
humans),
3. The expected loss related to the event, Lx.

The value of each component of risk Rx can be calculated using the

following expression:

RX = NX x PX x LX
Where:

Nx = Number of Lightning Strikes affecting the Structure or Service

Px = Probability Of Damage
Lx = Loss Factor

Specific formulas for the calculation of the risk components are given
in Table-1.
 Risk Component Descriptor
RA = NdPALA Risk of injury due to direct strike to structure
Risk of physical damage to structure due to a direct
RB = NdPBLB
strike to the structure
Risk of failure of internal systems due to direct
RC = NdPCLC
strike to structure
Risk of failure of internal systems due to strike near
RM = NMPMLM
structure
RU = (NL+Nda)PULU Risk of injury due to strike to incoming service
Risk of physical damage due to direct strike to
RV = (NL+Nda)PVLV
incoming service
Risk of failure of internal systems due to direct
RW = (NL+Nda)PWLW
strike to incoming service
Risk of failure of internal systems due to strike near
RZ = (NINL)PZLZ
incoming service

Table-1: Risk Components Formulas

Calculations of First Parameter: NX = The average annual threat of

occurrence

1- Annual Threat of Occurrence resulting from a direct strike to a

structure (Nd)

The calculation of the annual threat of occurrence resulting from a direct

strike to a structure (Nd) is calculated as in Step#2-3: Calculate Annual
Threat of Occurrence (Nd) of method#1: the simplified risk assessment In
Article " Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part
Seven ".

2- The annual threat of occurrence due to strikes near a structure (NM)

The annual threat of occurrence due to strikes near a structure (NM) is given
by the following equation:

NM = Ng (Am Ae)(C1) 10-6 events/yr

Where:
Ng = lightning ground flash density in flashes/km2/year
Am = collection area of flashes near the structure (m2)
Ae = equivalent collection area of the structure (m2)
C1 = environmental coefficient

Notes:

For calculation of Ng and C1 see Step#2-2 & step#2-3 respectively of

the simplified Risk assessment method included in Article " Design
Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part Seven ".
The collection area (Am) for flashes near the structure includes the
area extending a distance of 250 m (820 ft) around the perimeter of the
structure.
For cases where NM is negative, a value of 0 is assigned to NM.

3- The annual threat of occurrence due to a strike to an incoming service

(NL)

The annual threat of occurrence due to a strike to an incoming service (NL)

is characterized by the following formula:

NL = Ng Al C1 Ct 10-6 events/yr

Where:

Ng = lightning ground flash density in flashes/km2/year

Al = collection area of flashes striking the service (m2) (see Table-2)
C1 = environmental coefficient of the incoming service
Ct = correction factor for the presence of an HV/LV transformer located
between the point of strike and the structure

Collection Area Aerial Buried

(lc 3(Ha + Hb))
Al 6 Hc(lc 3(Ha + Hb))
Ai 1000 lc
25 lc
Al = collection area of flashes striking incoming service (m2)
Ai = collection area of flashes to ground near incoming service (m2)
Hc = height of incoming service conductors above ground (m)
lc = length of incoming service section from structure to first point of
transition (m) (a maximum value of lc of 1 km should be used)
Ha = height of structure connected at end a of incoming service (m)
Hb = height of structure connected at end b of incoming service (m)
 = resistivity of soil where service is buried (m) (a maximum value for is
500 m).

Table-2: Values of Collection Areas Al and Ai

Notes:

For calculation of Ng and C1 see Step#2-2 & step#2-3 respectively of

the simplified Risk assessment method included in Article " Design
Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part Seven ".
Where the value of lc (used in the determination of Al) is not known,
a value of 1 km is assumed for the assessment.
A default value of 500 m can be used for soil resistivity () where
this value cannot be determined.
If the installation incorporates underground cables run underneath a
ground mesh, Al could be assumed to be 0 for that cable set (NL = 0).
Ct applies to line sections between the transformer and the structure.
A value of 0.2 is applicable for installations having a transformer located
between the strike and the structure. Otherwise, a value of 1 is assigned to
this variable.

4- The annual threat of occurrence due to flashes to an adjacent

structure (Nda)

The annual threat of occurrence due to flashes to an adjacent structure

(Nda) can be estimated by using the following equation:

Nda = Ng Ae C1 Ct 10-6 events/yr

Where:

Ng = lightning ground flash density in flashes/km2/year

Ae = equivalent collection area of the adjacent structure
C1 = environmental coefficient
Ct = correction factor for the presence of an HV/LV transformer located
between the point of strike and the structure

Notes:

For calculation of Ae, Ng and C1 see Step#2-1, Step#2-2 & step#2-3

respectively of the simplified Risk assessment method included in
Article " Design Calculations of Lightning Protection Systems Part
Seven ".
Ct applies to line sections between the transformer and the structure.
A value of 0.2 is applicable for installations having a transformer located
between the strike and the structure. Otherwise, a value of 1 is assigned to
this variable.

5- The annual threat of occurrence due to flashes near a service (NI)

The annual threat of occurrence due to flashes near a service (NI) can be
estimated by using the following equation:

NI = Ng Ai Ce Ct 10-6 events/yr

Where:

Ng = lightning ground flash density in flashes/km2/year

Ai = equivalent collection area of flashes to ground near the service
(m2) (see Table)
Ce = service environmental coefficient (see Table-3)
Ct = correction factor for the presence of an HV/LV transformer located
between the point of strike and the structure

Service Environment Ce
Table-
Urban with buildings exceeding 20 m high 0.01 3:
Service
Urbanpopulation greater than 50,000 0.1

Suburbanresidential on outskirts of cities 0.5

Ruralsettled areas outside of towns and cities 1
Environmental Coefficient Ce

Notes:

For calculation of Ng see Step#2-2 of the simplified Risk assessment

method included in Article " Design Calculations of Lightning Protection
Systems Part Seven ".
The collection area of the service (Ai) is related to the
length lc (seeTable-2) at which a flash near the service could cause induced
overvoltages not lower than 1.5 kV.
Ct applies to line sections between the transformer and the structure.
A value of 0.2 is applicable for installations having a transformer located
between the strike and the structure. Otherwise, a value of 1 is assigned to
this variable.
 Calculations of Second Parameter: PX = Probabilities of Damage

1- The Probability Of Injury (PA)

The factors associated with the probability of injury (PA) due to a direct
strike to a structure are primarily related to touch and step potentials.
Default values for (PA) are given in Table-4:

Protection Measure PA
No protection measures 1
Warning notices 0.1
Electrical insulation/isolation of exposed down conductor 0.01
Effective soil equipotentialization 0.01
Structural steel frame is used as the down conductor system 10-6
Table-4: Values of Probability (PA) That a Flash to a Structure Will Cause
Shock to Living Beings Due to Dangerous Touch and Step Voltages

2- The Probability Of Physical Damage (PB)

The factors associated with the probability of physical damage (PB) due to a
direct strike to a structure are primarily related to the type of protection
provided. Default values for (PB) are given in Table-5:

Type of protection provided PB

No protection provided 1

LPS based on 46 m (150 ft) striking distance 0.1

LPS based on 30 m (100 ft) striking distance 0.05

Structure with a metal roof and continuous metal or reinforced
concrete frame serving as a natural down conductor system with 0.001
bonding and grounding in accordance with NFPA 780
Table-5: Values of Probability (PB) of Physical Damage to a Structure Due
to Flashes to the Structure

Note:
 Values other than those given in this table can be used when justified
by a detailed analysis of the protection provided.

3- The Probability of failure of internal systems due to a direct strike (PC)

The factors associated with the probability of failure of internal systems due
to a direct strike (PC) are primarily related to the surge protection measures
provided. Default values for PC are given in Table-6:

SPD Protection Provided PC

No SPD protection 1
SPDs provided in accordance with Section
0.03
4.18
Table-6: Values of Probability (PC) as a Function of SPD Protection
Provided

Notes:

SPD protection is effective to reduce PC only in structures protected

by an LPS or in structures with a continuous metal or reinforced concrete
frame where bonding and grounding requirements of Section 4.18 are met.
Shielded internal systems fed by wiring in lightning protective cable
ducts or metallic conduit can be used in lieu of SPD protection.
Smaller values of PC can be used where SPDs above and beyond those
required by Section 4.18 and SPDs having better protection characteristics
(higher current withstand capability, lower protective level, etc.) than the
minimum specified in Section 4.18. See IEC 62305-2,Protection Against
Lightning, Annex B, for additional information.

4- The Probability that a strike near a structure will cause failure of

internal systems (PM)

The probability that a strike near a structure will cause failure of

internal systems (PM) depends on the lightning protection measures
implemented. These measures are characterized by a factor KS that takes
into consideration protective measures such as the shielding effectiveness of
the structure, any internal shielding provided, characteristics of internal
wiring, and the withstand voltage of the system to be protected.
Where SPDs are not installed at utilization equipment, or the SPDs at
the utilization equipment are not properly coordinated with those installed
at the service entrances, the value of PM to be used in the equation for the
risk of failure of internal systems due to a strike near a structure (PM) can be
taken from Table-7:

KS PM
>0.4 1
0.15 0.9
0.07 0.5
0.035 0.1
0.021 0.01
0.016 0.005
0.015 0.003
0.014 0.001
<0.013 0.0001

Table-7: Values of Probability (PM) as a Function of KS

Where coordinated SPDs are installed at the utilization equipment,

the value of PM used in the computation of PM is the lower value
between PCand PM.
For internal systems with equipment having withstand voltage levels
that are unknown or are less than 1.5 kV, a value of PM = 1 should be used in
the assessment.
The value of KS is calculated using the following equation:

KS = KS1 x KS2 x KS3 x KS4

Where:

KS1 = factor relating to the shielding effectiveness of the structure, lightning

protection system, or other shields at the exterior boundary of the structure
KS2 = factor relating to the shielding effectiveness of shields internal to the
structure
KS3 = factor relating to the characteristics of the internal wiring
KS4 = factor relating to the withstand voltage of the system to be protected

Values of KS1 and KS2:

For continuous metal shields with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5

mm, KS1 and KS2 should be assigned the value of 10-4 to 10-5 (scaled linearly).
Where not otherwise known, the value of KS1 and KS2 can be evaluated by
the following relationship as long as the equipment is located a
distance, w from the boundary shield:
 KS1 = KS2 = 0.12 w
Where:

w = distance measured in meters and given by a mesh grid spacing, the

spacing between down conductors, or the spacing between structural steel
columns.

In those structures where it is ensured that steel reinforcing bars are

interconnected and terminated by approved grounding electrodes, w is the
spacing between the reinforcing bars.
If the equipment is located closer to the applicable boundary than
the distance, w, the values of KS1 and KS2 should be doubled. In those cases
where multiple internal boundaries exist, the resulting value of KS2 is the
product of each individual value of KS2.

Values of KS3:

Table-8 provides values which can be selected for factor KS3 based on the
configuration of internal wiring. For wiring contained in continuous metallic
conduit that is properly bonded to the lightning protection grounding
system, the selected value of KS3 from the table is multiplied by a factor of
0.1.

Type of Internal Wiring KS3

Unshielded cableno routing precaution to avoid loops 1
Unshielded cablerouting precaution to avoid large loops 0.2
Unshielded cablerouting precaution to avoid loops up to
0.02
10 m2
Shielded cable with shield resistance of 20 > RS > 5 /km 0.001
Shielded cable with shield resistance of 5 > RS > 1 /km 0.0002
Shielded cable with shield resistance of 1 > RS /km 0.0001
Table-8: Values of Factor (KS3) as a Function of Internal Wiring

Note:

Shielded cable includes those conductors installed within a metallic

raceway.

Values of KS4:

The value of factor KS4 is evaluated by the following formula:

KS4 = 1.5/ UW
Where:

UW = lowest withstand voltage of the hardware in the system under

consideration.

5- The Probability, PU, that a lightning flash will result in injury to living
beings

The probability, PU, that a lightning flash will result in injury to living
beings due to touch voltage by a flash to a service entering the structure
depends on the characteristics of the service shield, the impulse withstand
voltage of internal systems connected to the service, typical protection
measures (physical restrictions, warning notices), and SPDs provided at the
entrance of the service.
Where SPDs are not provided for equipotential bonding, PU is
characterized by the probability of failure of internal systems due to a flash
to the connected service as shown in Table-9:

Uw RS >5 5 >RS >1 1 >RS

(kV) (/km) (/km) (/km)
1.5 1 0.8 0.4
2.5 0.95 0.6 0.2
4 0.9 0.3 0.04
6 0.8 0.1 0.02

Table-9: Values of the Probability (PU) as a Function of the Resistance of

the Cable Shield and the Impulse Withstand Voltage (Uw) of the
Equipment

Notes:

RS is the resistance of the cable shield.

Where SPDs are provided for equipotential bonding, the value of PU to
be used in the equation for the risk of injury to humans due to flashes to a
service is the lower value between PC and PU. For unshielded services, a
value of PU = 1 is used.
Where physical restrictions, warning notices, etc., are used, the
value ofPU can be further reduced by multiplying it by PA.
 6- The Probability of physical damage due to a strike to a service
entering a structure (PV)

The probability of physical damage due to a strike to a service

entering a structure (PV) depends on the service line shielding
characteristics, the impulse withstand voltage of internal systems connected
to the service, and any SPDs provided.
Where SPDs are not provided, the value of PV is equal to the value
of PU.
Where SPDs are provided, the value of PV to be used in the equation
for the risk of physical damage due to a strike to a service is the lower value
between PC and PU.

7- The Probability of a failure of internal systems due to a strike to a

service entering a structure (PW)

The probability of a failure of internal systems due to a strike to a

service entering a structure (PW) depends on the service line shielding
characteristics, the impulse withstand voltage of internal systems connected
to the service, and any SPDs provided.
Where SPDs are installed, the value of PW is the lower value
of PC or PU.
Where SPDs are not installed, the value of PW to be used in the
equation for the risk of failure of internal systems due to a strike to a
service is equivalent to the value of PU.

8- The Probability of a failure of internal systems due to a strike near a

service entering the structure under consideration (PZ)

The probability of a failure of internal systems due to a strike near a

service entering the structure under consideration (PZ) depends on the
service line shielding characteristics, the impulse withstand voltage of
internal systems connected to the service, and the protection measures
provided.
Where SPDs are not installed, the probability of failure of internal
systems due to a flash near the connected service (PZ) can be taken
fromTable-10.
Where SPDs are installed, the value of PZ can be taken to be the
lower value of PC or PZ.
 Shield and Shield and Shield and Shield and
Equipment Equipment Equipment Equipment
No
Uw Not Bonded to Bonded to Bonded to
Shield
(kV) Bonded Same Same Same
to Same System System System
System RS >5 5 >RS >1 1 >RS
(/km) (/km) (/km)
1.5 1 0.5 0.15 0.04 0.02
2.5 0.4 0.2 0.06 0.02 0.008
4 0.2 0.1 0.03 0.008 0.004
6 0.1 0.05 0.02 0.004 0.002

Table-10: Values of the Probability (PZ) as a Function of the Resistance of

the Cable Shield and the Impulse Withstand Voltage (Uw) of the
Equipment

Note:

RS is the resistance of the cable shield.

In the next Article, I will continue explaining the steps of Method#2: The Detailed Risk Assessment as per
NFPA 780. Please, keep following.