6.

Internal lightning protection

6.1 Equipotential bonding for metal According to IEC 60364-4-41, equipotential bond-
ing consists of the
installations main equipotential bonding (in future: protective
equipotential bonding)
Equipotential bonding according to IEC 60364-4- and the
41 and IEC 60364-5-54 supplementary equipotential bonding (in future:
supplementary protective equipotential bonding)
Equipotential bonding is required for all newly Every building must be given a main equipotential
installed electrical power consumer’s installations. bonding in accordance with the standards stated
Equipotential bonding according to IEC 60364 above (Figure 6.1.1).
series removes potential differences, i.e. prevents The supplementary equipotential bonding is
hazardous touch voltages between the protective intended for those cases where the conditions for
conductor of the low voltage electrical power con- disconnection from supply cannot be met, or for
sumer’s installations and metal, water, gas and special areas which conform to the IEC 60364 series
heating pipes, for example. Part 7.
equipotential bonding of bathroom
metal element going
through the building
buried installation, operation-

protected tank installation)

ally isolated (e.g. cathodic

230/400 V
(e.g. lift rails)

remote signalling system

5 1 Equipotential bonding bar

(main equipotential bonding,
antenna

in future: main earthing

terminal)
kWh

8 2 Foundation earth electrode

6 3 Connector
4
1 4 Lightning current arrester
5 Terminal
6
6 Pipe clamp
7 Terminal lug
to PEN 8 Isolating spark gap

heating SEB
distribution

6 6
network
insulating element

Z
IT system

gas waste 7
water water 4

Z terminal lug for external

lightning protection
foundation earth electrode / 3 3
2
lightning protection earth electrode

Fig. 6.1.1 Principle of lightning equipotential bonding consisting of lightning and main equipotential bonding (in future: protective equipoten-
tial bonding)

www.dehn.de LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 147

Main equipotential bonding
The following extraneous conductive parts have to
be directly integrated into the main equipotential
bonding:
⇒ main equipotential bonding conductor in
accordance with IEC 60364-4-41 (in future:
earthing conductor)
⇒ foundation earth electrodes or lightning pro-
tection earth electrodes
⇒ central heating system
⇒ metal water supply pipe
⇒ conductive parts of the building structure (e.g.
lift rails, steel skeleton, ventilation and air con-
ditioning ducting)
⇒ metal drain pipe
⇒ internal gas pipe
⇒ earthing conductor for antennas (in Germany
in DIN VDE 0855-300)
⇒ earthing conductor for telecommunication
systems (in Germany in DIN VDE 0800-2)
⇒ protective conductors of the electrical installa-
tion in accordance with IEC 60364 series (PEN
conductor for TN systems and PE conductors
for TT systems or IT systems)
⇒ metal shields of electrical and electronic con-
ductors
⇒ metal cable sheaths of high-voltage current
cables up to 1000 V
⇒ earth termination systems for high-voltage
current installations above 1 kV according to
HD 637 S1, if no intolerably high earthing volt-
age can be dragged.
Normative definition in IEC 60050-826 of an extra-
neous conductive component:
A conductive unit not forming part of the electri-
cal installation, but being able to introduce electric
potential including the earth potential.
Note: Extraneous conductive components also
include conductive floors and walls, if an electric
potential including the earth potential can be
introduced via them.
The following installation components have to be
integrated indirectly into the main equipotential
bonding via isolating spark gaps:
⇒ installations with cathodic corrosion protec-
tion and stray current protection measures in
accordance with EN 50162
148 LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE
⇒ earth-termination systems of high-voltage cur-
rent installations above 1 kV in accordance
with HD 637 S1, if intolerably high earthing
potentials can be transferred
⇒ railway earth for electric a.c. and d.c. railways
in accordance with EN 50122-1 (railway lines of
the Deutsche Bahn may only be connected
upon written approval)
⇒ measuring earth for laboratories, if they are
separate from the protective conductors
Figure 6.1.1 shows the terminals and the respective
components of the main equipotential bonding.
Design of the earth-termination system for
equipotential bonding
The electrical low-voltage consumer’s installation
requiring certain earthing resistances (disconnec-
tion conditions of the protective elements) and the
foundation earth electrode providing good earth-
ing resistances at cost-effective installation, the
foundation earth electrode is an optimal and
effective complement of the equipotential bond-
ing. The design of a foundation earth electrode is
governed in Germany by DIN 18014, which, for
example requires terminal lugs for the earthing
busbar. More exact descriptions and designs of the
foundation earth electrode can be found in Chap-
ter 5.5.
If a foundation earth electrode is used as lightning
protection earth electrode, additional require-
ments may have to be considered; they can be tak-
en from Chapter 5.5.
Equipotential bonding conductors (in future: pro-
tective bonding conductors)
Equipotential bonding conductors should, as long
as they fulfil a protective function, be labelled the
same as protective conductors, i.e. green/yellow.
Equipotential bonding conductors do not carry
operating currents and can therefore be either
bare or insulated.
The decisive factor for the design of the main
equipotential bonding conductors in accordance
with IEC 60364-5-54 and HD 60364-5-54 is the cross
section of the main protective conductor. The main
protective conductor is the one coming from the
source of current or from the service entrance box
or the main distribution board.
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 Main equipotential bonding Supplementary equipotential bonding
Normal 0.5 x cross section of the between two bodies 1xcross section of the small-
largest protective conduc- er protective conductor
tor of the installation between a body and an 0.5 x cross section of the
extraneous conductive protective conductor
part
Minimum 6 mm2 with mechanical 2.5 mm2 Cu or equivalent
protection conductivity
without mechanical 4 mm2 Cu or equivalent
protection conductivity
Possible limit 25 mm2 Cu or equivalent − −
conductivity
Table 6.1.1 Cross sections for equipotential bonding conductors

In any case, the minimum cross section of the main This standard also includes the requirements for
equipotential bonding conductor is at least 6 mm2 the inspection of clamping units of cross sections
Cu. 25 mm2 Cu has been defined as a possible max- above 16 mm2 with regard to the lightning current
imum. ampacity. Reference is made therein to the testing
The supplementary equipotential bonding (Table of the lightning protection units in accordance
6.1.1) must have a minimum cross section of 2.5 with EN 50164-1.
mm2 Cu for a protected installation, and 4 mm2 Cu If the requirements in the previously mentioned
for an unprotected installation. standard are met, then this component can also be
used for lightning equipotential bonding in accor-
For earth conductors of antennas (according to IEC dance with IEC 62305-1 to 4 (EN 62305-1 to 4).
60728-11 (EN 60728-11)), the minimum cross sec-
tion is 16 mm2 Cu, 25 mm2 Al or 50 mm2 steel. Terminals for equipotential bonding
Terminals for equipotential bonding must provide
a good and permanent contact.
Equipotential bonding bars
Equipotential bonding bars are a central compo-
nent of equipotential bonding which must clamp
all the connecting conductors and cross sections
occurring in practice to have high contact stability;
it must be able to carry current safely and have suf-
ficient corrosion resistance.
DIN VDE 0618-1: 1989-08 (German standard) con-
tains details of the requirements on equipotential
bonding bars for the main equipotential bonding.
It defines the following connection possibilities as
a minimum:
⇒ 1 x flat conductor 4 x 30 mm or round conduc-
tor Ø 10 mm
⇒ 1 x 50 mm2
⇒ 6 x 6 mm2 to 25 mm2
⇒ 1 x 2.5 mm2 to 6 mm2

These requirements on an equipotential bonding

bar are met by K12 (Figure 6.1.2). Fig. 6.1.2 K12 Equipotential bonding bar, Part No. 563 200

www.dehn.de LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 149

Fig. 6.1.3 Pipe earthing clamp, Fig. 6.1.4 Pipe earthing clamp,
Part No. 408 014
Integrating pipes into the equipotential bonding
In order to integrate pipes into the equipotential
bonding, earthing pipe clamps corresponding to
the diameters of the pipes are used (Figures 6.1.3
and 6.1.4).
Pipe earthing clamps made of stainless steel, which
can be universally adapted to the diameter of the
pipe, offer enormous advantages for mounting
(Figure 6.1.5).
These pipe earthing clamps can be used to clamp
pipes that are made of different materials (e.g.
steel, copper and stainless steel). These compo-
nents allow also a straight-through connection.
Figure 6.1.6 shows equipotential bonding of heat-
ing pipes with straight-through connection.
Test and inspection of the equipotential bonding
Before commissioning the electrical consumer’s
installation, the connections must be inspected to
ensure their faultless condition and effectiveness.
A low-impedance conductance to the various parts
of the installation and to the equipotential bond-
ing is recommended. A guide value of < 1 Ω for the
connections at equipotential bonding is consid-
ered to be sufficient.
Fig. 6.1.6 Equipotential bonding with straight-through connection
150 LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE
Fig. 6.1.5 Pipe earthing clamp,
Part No. 407 114 Part No. 540 910
Supplementary equipotential bonding
If the disconnection conditions of the respective
system configuration can not be met for an instal-
lation or a part of it, a supplementary local equipo-
tential bonding is required. The reason behind is
to interconnect all simultaneously accessible parts
as well as the stationary operating equipment and
also extraneous conductive parts. The aim is to
keep any touch voltage which may occur as low as
possible.
Moreover, the supplementary equipotential bond-
ing must be used for installations or parts of instal-
lations of IT systems with insulation monitoring.
The supplementary equipotential bonding is also
required if the environmental conditions in special
installations or parts of installations mean a partic-
ular risk.
The IEC 60364 series Part 7 draws attention to the
supplementary equipotential bonding for opera-
tional facilities, rooms and installations of a partic-
ular type.
These are , for example,
⇒ IEC 60364-7-701 Rooms with bathtub or show-
er
⇒ IEC 60364-7-702 Swimming pools and other
basins
⇒ IEC 60364-7-705 For agricultural and horticul-
tural premises
The difference to the main equipotential bonding
is the fact that the cross sections of the conductors
can be chosen to be smaller (Table 6.1.1), and also
this supplementary equipotential bonding can be
limited to a particular location.
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Fig. 6.2.1 DEHNbloc NH lightning current arrester installed in a bus-
bar terminal field of a meter installation (refer to Fig. 6.2.2)
Fig. 6.2.2 DEHNventil ZP combined arrester directly snapped on the
busbars in the terminal field of the meter cabinet
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6.2 Equipotential bonding for low
voltage consumer’s installations
Equipotential bonding for low voltage consumer’s
installations as part of the internal lightning pro-
tection, represents an extension of the main equi-
potential bonding (in future: protective equipo-
tential bonding) according to IEC 60364-4-41 (Fig-
ure 6.1.1).
In addition to all conductive systems, this also inte-
grates the supply conductors of the low voltage
consumer’s installation into the equipotential
bonding. The special feature of this equipotential
bonding is the fact that a tie-up to the equipoten-
tial bonding is only possible via suitable surge pro-
tective devices. The demands on such surge protec-
tive devices are described more detailed in Annex
E subclause 6.2.1.2 of IEC 62305-3 (EN 62305-3) as
well as in subclause 7 and Annexes C and D of IEC
62305-4 (EN 62305-4).
Analogous to the equipotential bonding with met-
al installations (see Chapter 6.1), the equipotential
bonding for the low voltage consumer’s installa-
tion shall also be carried out immediately at the
point of entry into the object. The requirements
governing the installation of the surge protective
devices in the unmetered area of the low voltage
consumer’s installation (main distribution system)
are described in the directive of the VDN (Associa-
tion of German Network Operators) “Surge pro-
tective devices Type 1. Directive for the use of
surge protective equipment Type 1 (up to now
Class B) in main distribution systems” (see sub-
clauses 7.5.2 and 8.1) (Figures 6.2.1 and 6.2.2).
6.3 Equipotential bonding for infor-
mation technology installations
Lightning equipotential bonding requires that all
metal conductive components such as cable lines
and shields at the entrance to the building shall be
incorporated into the equipotential bonding so as
to cause as little impedance as possible. Examples
of such components include antenna lines, (Figure
6.3.1) telecommunication lines with metal conduc-
tors, and also fibre optic systems with metal ele-
ments. The lines are connected with the help of
elements capable of carrying lightning current
(arresters and shielding terminals). A convenient
installation site is the point where cabling going
LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 151
 α α
isolated air-termination system
(DEHNconductor)
230 V~
DATA
230 V~
Fig. 6.3.1 Lightning equipotential bonding with isolated air-termina-
tion system, type DEHNconductor, for professional anten-
na systems according to IEC 62305-3 (EN 62305-3)
outside the building transfers to cabling inside the
building. Both the arresters and the shielding ter-
minals must be chosen to be appropriate to the
lightning current parameters to be expected.
In order to minimise induction loops within build-
ings, the following additional steps are recom-
mended:
⇒ cables and metal pipes shall enter the building
at the same point
⇒ power lines and data lines shall be laid spatial-
ly close but shielded
⇒ avoiding of unnecessarily long cables by laying
lines directly
Antenna installations:
For reasons connected with radio engineering,
antenna installations are generally mounted in an
exposed location. Therefore they are more affect-
ed by surges, especially in the event of a direct
lightning strike. In Germany they must be integrat-
152 LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE
feeding point
α α
air termination tip
sealing unit
range
connection
equipotential bonding insulating pipe
isolated down conductor
(HVI-conductor)
s^= 0.75 m in air
antenna
s^= 1.5 m in brickwork
s = separation distance
equipotential bonding earth-termination
to BTS system
Fig. 6.3.2 Isolated construction of a lightning protection system at a
cell site
ed into the equipotential bonding in accordance
with DIN VDE 0855 Part 300 (German standard)
and must reduce the risk of being affected
through their design, (cable structure, connectors
and fittings) or suitable additional measures.
Antenna elements that are connected to an anten-
na feeder and cannot be connected directly to the
equipotential bonding, as this would affect their
functioning, should be protected by arresters.
Expressed simply, it can be assumed that 50 % of
the direct lightning current flows away via the
shields of all antenna lines. If an antenna installa-
tion is dimensioned for lightning currents up to
100 kA (10/350 μs) (Lightning Protection Level III
(LPL III)), the lightning current splits so that 50 kA
flow through the earth conductor and 50 kA via
the shields of all antenna cables. Antenna installa-
tions not capable of carrying lightning currents
must therefore be equipped with air-termination
systems in whose protection area the antennas are
www.dehn.de
located. Choosing a suitable cable, the respective
partial lightning current share must be determined
for each antenna line involved in down conduct-
ing. The required cable dielectric strength can be
determined from the coupling resistance, the
length of the antenna line and the amplitude of
the lightning current.
According to the current standard IEC 62305-3 (EN
62305-3), antenna installations mounted on build-
ings can be protected by means of
⇒ air-termination rods
⇒ elevated wires
⇒ or spanned cables
In each case the separation distance s must be
maintained in the areas protected against light-
ning strikes.
The electrical isolation of the lightning protection
system from conductive components of the build-
ing structure (metal structural parts, reinforce-
ment etc.), and the isolation from electric lines in
the building, prevent partial lightning currents
from penetrating into control and supply lines and
hence protect sensitive electrical and electronic
devices from being affected or destroyed (Figure
6.3.1 and Figure 6.3.2).
Fibre optic installations:
Fibre optic installations with metal elements can
normally be divided into the following types:
⇒ cables with metal-free core but with metal
sheath (e.g. metal vapour barrier) or metal
supporting elements
⇒ cables with metal elements in the core and
with metal sheath or metal supporting ele-
ments
⇒ cables with metal elements in the core, but
without metal sheath.
For all types of cable with metal elements, the min-
imum peak value of the lightning current, which
adversely affects the transmission characteristics of
the optical fibre, must be determined. Cables capa-
ble of carrying lightning currents must be chosen,
and the metal elements must be connected to the
equipotential bonding bar either directly or via an
SPD.
⇒ Metal sheath: termination by means of shield
terminals e.g. SAK, at the entrance of the
building
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⇒ Metal core: termination by means of earthing
clamp e.g. SLK, near splice box
⇒ Prevention of potential equalising currents:
connect indirectly via spark gap e.g. DEHNgap
CS, base part BLITZDUCTOR CT, rather than
directly
Telecommunication lines:
Telecommunication lines with metal conductors
normally consist of cables with balanced or coaxial
cabling elements of the following types:
⇒ cables with no additional metal elements
⇒ cables with metal sheath (e.g. metal damp-
proofing) and / or metal supporting elements
⇒ cables with metal sheath and additional light-
ning protection reinforcement
The splitting of the partial lightning current
between IT lines can be determined using the pro-
cedures in Annex E of IEC 62305-1 (EN 62305-1).
The individual cables must be integrated into the
equipotential bonding as follows:
a) Unshielded cables must be connected by SPDs
which are capable of carrying partial lightning
currents. Partial lightning current of the line
divided by the number of individual wires =
partial lightning current per wire.
b) If the cable shield is capable of carrying light-
ning currents, the lightning current flows via
the shield. However, capacitive/inductive inter-
ferences can reach the wires and make it nec-
essary to use surge arresters. Requirements:
⇒ The shield at both ends must be connected to
the main equipotential bonding to be capable
of carrying lightning currents (Figure 6.3.3).
Fig. 6.3.3 SAK shield connection system capable of carrying light-
ning currents
LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 153
 Telekom customer c) If the cable shield is not capable of carrying
lightning currents, then:
⇒ for the terminal connected at both ends, the
TAE procedure is the same as for a signal wire in an
IT installation
unshielded cable. Partial lightning current of
the cable divided by the number of individual
wires + 1 shield = partial lightning current per
3 OUT 4 wire
⇒ if the shield is not connected at both ends, it
has to be treated as if it were not there; partial
BLITZDUCTOR
BCT MLC BD 110

lightning current of the line divided by the

No.919 347

number of individual wires = partial lightning

BLITZDUCTOR CT current per wire
1 IN 2
BCT MLC BD 110
5 kA (10/350 μs)
If it is not possible to determine the exact wire
load, it is recommendable to take the threat
parameters from IEC 61643-22. For a telecommuni-
cations line hence results a maximum load per wire
APL
of 2.5 kA (10/350 μs).
Fig. 6.3.4 Lightning equipotential bonding for connection of a
telecommunications device BLITZDUCTOR CT (application Of course not only the used SPD must be capable
permitted by Deutsche Telekom) of withstanding the expected lightning current
load, but also the discharge path to the equipoten-
tial bonding.
By means of a multi-core telecommunications line
for example this can be demonstrated:
⇒ A telecommunications cable with 100 double
wires coming from LPZ 0A is connected in an
LSA building distribution case and shall be pro-
tected by arresters.
⇒ The lightning current load of the cable was
assumed to be 30 kA (10/350 μs)
⇒ The resulting symmetrical splitting of light-
Fig. 6.3.5 DEHN equipotential bonding enclosures (DPG LSA) for ning current to the individual wire is 30 kA /
LSA-2/10 technology, capable to carry lightning current 200 wires = 150 A / wire.

At first this means no special requirements to the

⇒ In both buildings where the cable ends, the discharge capacity of the protective elements to be
lightning protection zone concept must be used. After the discharge elements have flown
applied, and the active wires must be connect- through, the partial currents of all wires add up to
ed in the same lightning protection zone (usu- 30 kA again to load in the downstream discharge
ally LPZ 1) path, for example clamping frames, earthing
⇒ If an unshielded cable is laid in a metal pipe, clamps or equipotential conductors. To be safe
this must be treated like a cable with a cable from any damage in the discharge path lightning
shield which is capable of carrying lightning current tested enclosure systems can be used (Fig-
currents. ure 6.3.5).

154 LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE www.dehn.de