Pararrayos y Protectores de sobretensiones Ingesco

Skip to content

Frequent questions

External Protection

Earth connection of the lightning conductor to the general earthing system.

According to Regulation UNE 21.186 Section 4.4:

“When the building or structure to be protected has an earthing system for the power supply, the earth connections for the lightning conductor must be connected to it by means of a standardised conductor.”

Use of lightning meter

The CDR-1 lightning meter is a device designed to detect the impact of lightning on external systems for protection against lightning (lightning conductors, Faraday cages, etc.)

Regulation UNE 21.186 7.2 stipulates the following concerning regular inspection:

7.2.1 Frequency.
“... a system for protection against lightning must be inspected whenever there is any modification or repair to the structure it protects, and after any impact by lightning on the structure.”

Note
This information may be recorded using a lightning meter installed on one of the down conductors.

+ information

Natural components: use of steel structures in building

The UNE 21,186 specifies:

2.3.7 Natural components.
Among the elements that make up the structure drivers, some may replace in whole or in part to a downspout or serve as a complement to it.

2.3.7.1 Natural components that can replace all or part of the downspout.
In general, external steel interlocking armor (metal structures) can be used as drainpipes, provided they are conductors and the impedance is less than or equal to 0.01Ω ...

Use of spark gaps

Regulation UNE 21.186 stipulates:

3.1.1 Equipotential bonding
Equipotential bonding mustl be effected using equipotential conductors, spark gaps or voltage surge protectors at the point where the down conductor and the ESE lightning conductor along which the lightning charge travels are closest together, so that the components will be at the same voltage as the structure, its walls or their interior.

6.1 Aerials
The presence of aerials on the roof of a building increases the risk of lightning strikes and they may be the first point to receive the lightning charge.

In the case of individual or collective radio and TV receiving aerials, the mast supporting the aerial must be bonded directly or via a spark gap installation to the down conductors using suitable conducting materials, unless the aerial is outside the protected area or on another roof. The coaxial cable must be protected against voltage overload.

+ Información

Certification of a ESE system lightning rod

The certification of a ESE system lightning rod guarantees its operation as it has successfully passed the tests specified in Annex C of the UNE 21,186.

Installation Guide

Instructions to install a Lightning rod according to UNE 21.186 and NFC 17 102.

Installation Guide

Difference between checking and certification of lightning conductors

Checking is the verification of a lightning conductor installation carried out by a specialised company to ensure that the system is properly maintained and will function correctly.

Certification is the inspection of a lightning conductor system carried out by an ENAC accredited inspection body, to verify that the system has been correctly installed and complies with regulations, thus ensuring objective, impartial monitoring.

Companies specialising in Systems for Protection against Lightning

The UNE 21.186 standard stipulates that the parties involved in the design and construction of a lightning protection system (architects, engineers, builders and installers) must consult companies specialising in protective devices.

Ingesco is a company specialising in lightning protection systems, with over 36 years of experience in the sector. The quality of our lightning conductors has been recognised in product certification issued by Bureau Veritas International, which has also confirmed that our production and sales processes conform to the ISO 9001:2008 standard. Ingesco also has a LABELEC high voltage laboratory certified by ENAC nº307/LE681 and the QUIBAC Inspection body, official assessors of Type C compliance, accredited by ENAC (certification nº41/EI069) for lightning conductor installations.

When a system for protection against lightning is necessary

According to the CTE-SU8 standard regarding risks from lightning:

1. Procedure for verification

1. A system for protection against lightning must be installed, as specified in section 2, when the expected frequency of lightning strikes (Ne) is greater than the acceptable risk level (Na).

2. Buildings in which toxic, radioactive, highly inflammable or explosive substances are handled and buildings whose height exceeds 43m must always be equipped with lightning protection systems whose efficiency (E) is equal to, or greater than, 0.98, as specified in Section 2.

Regulations currently affecting external systems for protection against lightning

UNE 21.186
Resolution passed on 24 July 1996 by the Directorate General for Technology and Industrial Safety, published in the Official State Gazette on 27 September 1996 (no. 234), “Protection of structures, buildings and open areas by lightning conductors with early streamer emission systems”.

CTE-SU8
Technical building code. Document on safety of use. Safety from hazards caused by the effects of lightning.

UNE-EN 62.305
New European legislation on protection against lightning.

UNE 50.164
Lightning protection components.