Building Services – II

21ARC44

Module – 3:
Electrical Services- Protection Systems
Protection Systems

Switchgear and Protection Systems

• In an electric power system, switchgear is the combination of electrical disconnect switches,
fuses or circuit breakers used to control, protect and isolate electrical equipment.
• Switchgear is used both to de-energize equipment to allow work to be done and to clear faults
downstream. This type of equipment is directly linked to the reliability of the electricity supply.
• We are all familiar with low voltage switches and re-wirable fuses in our home. The switch is
used to manually open and close the electrical circuit in our home and electrical fuse is used to
protect our household electrical circuit from over current and short circuit faults.
• In same way every electrical circuit including high voltage electrical power system needs
switching and protective devices. But in high voltage and extra high voltage system, this
switching and protective scheme becomes complicated one for high fault current interruption in
safe and secure way. In addition to that from commercial point of view every electrical power
system needs measuring, control and regulating arrangement. Collectively the whole system is
called switchgear and protection of power system. The electrical switchgear has been
developing in various forms.
• Normally a circuit breaker uses both SF6 (Sulphur Hexafluoride) and air as insulation.
Protection Systems
FUSE & BREAKERS
• Fuses and Circuit Breakers both serve the same purpose – which is to protect electrical circuits
by preventing overloads that can cause fires. They both interrupt the flow of electricity, but in very
different ways from each other.
• While a fuse is made of a piece of metal that melts when overheated, circuit breakers on the
other hand, have internal switch mechanisms that can be tripped by an unsafe surge of
electricity.
• Fuses can be quicker for interrupting the flow of power, but when they melt, they must be
replaced; circuit breakers on the other hand just need to be reset.
• When comparing the two, we’ll take a look at some of the major advantages and disadvantages
between fuses and circuit breakers to distinguish between them.
Protection Systems
Fuses
• Fuses come in different types – for both residential and commercial use. The most common type
is made from a metal wire or a filament that is enclosed in a glass or ceramic and metal casing.
• In residential homes, the fuse is usually plugged into a central fuse box, where the building’s
wiring passes through. When electricity flows, the fuse will permit the power to pass unobstructed
across the filament between circuits.
• If overloads occur, the filament melts and stops the flow of electricity. It will take some time for
the filament to melt, and therefore any power surge is stopped. When a fuse is blown, it is to be
discarded and replaced with a new fuse.
• There are different voltage and ratings that are available which handle different capacities of
electricity. The best fuse for a circuit is usually one that is rated for slightly higher than normal
• operating current.
Protection Systems
Fuses
Protection Systems
CIRCUIT BREAKER
• Circuit breakers are specially designed switches that automatically open to stop current in the
event of an overcurrent condition.
• Circuit Breakers have two different ways of working – the first is through the use of an
electromagnet and the other is through the use of a bi-metal strip. In both instances, when turned
on, the breaker allows electrical current to pass from a bottom to an upper terminal across the
strip.
• Once the current reaches any unsafe levels, the magnetic force of the solenoid or strip becomes
strong enough to throw a metal lever in the switch mechanism, breaking the current.
• The other option that can happen is that the metal strip can bend, throwing the switch and
breaking the connection.
• In order to reset the flow of electricity, the switch can just be turned back on. This reconnects the
circuit.
• Circuit breakers in many cases are found in a cabinet of individual switches known as the
breaker box. This simple switch action allows for an easy turn-off for individual circuits in a house
when needed for working on a wiring in the location.
Protection Systems
CIRCUIT BREAKER
• Circuit breakers are of two types:
➢ Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
➢ Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
• GFCI circuit breakers cut power to the entire circuit. They are tripped by an overload of current, a
short circuit or a line-to-ground fault. This can occur when an unwanted path forms between an
electrical current and a grounded element.
• AFCI circuit breakers protect against an unintentional electrical discharge in an electrical cord or
wiring that could cause a fire. Once the breaker senses the electrical jump and abnormal path, it
instantly disconnects the damaged circuit before the arc builds enough heat to catch fire.
• In general, if the current gets unbalanced, then both the above breaks the circuit. It can be reset
by the touch of a button, and is generally useful in kitchens or bathrooms, where electrocution is
a risk from the use of electrical appliances near water sources such as sinks or faucets.
Protection Systems
PROTECTION RELAYS
• A relay is an automatic device which senses an abnormal condition of electrical circuit and closes
its contacts. These contacts in turns close and complete the circuit breaker trip coil circuit hence
make the circuit breaker tripped for disconnecting the faulty portion of the electrical circuit from
rest of the healthy circuit.
• A relay is a switching device as it works to isolate or change the state of an electric circuit from
one state to another.
• Classification or the types of relays depend on the function for which they are used.
• Protective relays: Protective relays continuously monitor these parameters: voltage, current, and
power; and if these parameters violate from set limits they generate alarm or isolate that
particular circuit. These types of relays are used to protect equipment like motors, generators,
transformers, and so on.
Protection Systems
MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKER (MCB)
• An MCB is an electromagnetic device that embodies complete enclosure in a molded insulating
material. The main function of an MCB is to switch the circuit, i.e., to open the circuit (which has
been connected to it) automatically when the current passing through it (MCB) exceeds the value
for which it is set. It can be manually switched ON and OFF as similar to normal switch if
necessary.
• All fuses need to be replaced with MCB for better safety and control when they have done their
job in the past. Unlike a fuse, an MCB operates as automatic switch that opens in the event of
excessive current flowing through the circuit and once the circuit returns to normal, it can be
reclosed without any manual replacement. MCBs are used primarily as an alternative to the fuse
switch in most of the circuits.
• A wide variety of MCBs have been in use nowadays with breaking capacity of 10KA to 16 KA, in
all areas of domestic, commercial and industrial applications as a reliable means of protection.
Protection Systems
MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKER (MCB)

• MCBs are of time delay tripping devices, to which the magnitude of overcurrent controls the
operating time. This means, these get operated whenever overload exist long enough to create a
danger to the circuit being protected.
• MCBs do not respond to transient loads such as switches surges and motor starting currents.
Generally, these are designed to operate at less than 2.5 milliseconds during short circuit faults
and 2 seconds to 2 minutes in case of overloads (depending on the level of current).
• MCBs are used to perform many functions such as local control switches, isolating switches
against faults and overload protection devices for installations or specific equipment or
appliances.

Types of Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB’s)

• MCBs are classified into three major types according to their instantaneous tripping currents.
➢ Type B MCB
➢ Type C MCB
➢ Type D MCB
Protection Systems
MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKER (MCB)
Type B MCB
• This type of MCB will trip instantly at a rate of three to five times its rated current. These are
normally used for resistive or small inductive loads where switching surges are very small.
Therefore, these are suitable for residential or light commercial installations.

Type C MCB
• This type of MCB will trip instantly at a rate of five to ten times its rated current. These are
normally used for high inductive loads where switching surges are high such as small motors and
florescent lighting. In such cases, Type C MCBs are preferred to handle higher value of short
circuit currents. Therefore, these are suitable for highly inductive commercial and industrial
installations.

Type D MCB
• This type of MCB will trip instantly at a rate of ten to twenty five times its rated current. These are
normally used for very high inductive loads where high inrush current are very frequent. These
are suitable for specific industrial and commercial applications. The common examples of such
applications include x-ray machines, UPS systems, industrial welding equipment, large winding
motors, etc.

In a nutshell, all the MCBs are useful to protect a circuit in case of Short Circuit / Over Current / Over
Load depending upon the respective specifications / conditions.
Protection Systems
EARTH LEAKAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS (ELCB)
• If any current leaks from any electrical installation, there must-be any insulation failure in the
electrical circuit, it must be properly detected and prevented otherwise there may be a high
chance of electrical shock if-anyone touches the installation. An ELCB was used for this purpose,
meaning, the earth wire would be connected to a sensor, which would detect the earth leakage
current and makes the power supply off by opening the associated circuit breaker.

RESIDUAL CURRENT CIRCUIT BREAKER (RCCB) / RESIDUAL-CURRENT DEVICES (RCD)

• In this case, both circuit conductors (phase & neutral) are run through a sensing coil & if any
imbalance of the currents is detected, the tripping mechanism is activated.
• RCCB is more sensitive than ELCB & hence nowadays all ELCBs are replaced with RCCBs
Protection Systems
MCCBs (Moulded case circuit breakers)
• Molded case circuit breakers are interrupting devices with self-contained,
current-responsive elements. These breakers are assembled as an
integral unit in a supported and enclosed housing of insulating material.
• MCCBs are a type of electrical protection device that is commonly used
when load currents exceed the capabilities of miniature circuit breakers.
These can also be used for a wide range of voltages, and frequencies of
both 50 Hz and 60 Hz.
• The main distinctions between molded-case and miniature circuit breaker
are that the MCCB can have current ratings of up to 2,500 amperes, and
its trip settings are normally adjustable.
• An additional difference is that MCCBs tend to be much larger than
MCBs.

As with most types of circuit breakers, an MCCB has three main functions:
• Protection against overload – currents above the rated value that last
longer than what is normal for the application.
• Protection against electrical faults – During a fault such as a short circuit
or line fault, there are extremely high currents that must be interrupted
immediately.
• Switching a circuit on and off – This is a less common function of circuit
breakers, but they can be used for that purpose if there isn’t an adequate
manual switch.
Protection Systems
AIR CIRCUIT BREAKERS (ACB)
• Air circuit breaker is circuit operation breaker that operates in the air as an arc extinguishing
medium, at a given atmospheric pressure.
• It is an electrical device used to provide overcurrent and short-circuit protection for electric circuits
over 800 Amps to 10K Amps. These are usually used in low voltage applications below 450V.
• We can find these systems in Distribution Panels (below 450V).
• There are several types of Air circuit breakers and switching gears available in the market today
that is durable, high-performing, easy to install and maintain. The air circuit breakers have
completely replaced oil circuit breakers.
• The working principle of Air Circuit breaker is rather different from other types of circuit breaker.
The main aim of circuit breaker is to prevent reestablishment of arcing after current zero where the
contact gap will withstand the system recovery voltage. During interruption of arc, it creates an arc
voltage instead of supply voltage. Arc voltage is defined as the minimum voltage required for
maintaining arc.

Application and Uses of Air Circuit Breaker:

• protection of plants
• common protection of electrical machines
• protection of transformers, capacitors and generators.
• Electricity sharing system and NGD about 15kV
• Low as well as High voltage and Currents applications
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
Electrical Earthing:
• The process of transferring the immediate discharge of the electrical energy directly to the earth
by the help of the low resistance wire is known as the electrical earthing. The electrical earthing is
done by connecting the non-current carrying part of the equipment or neutral of supply system to
the ground. The earthing provides the simple path to the leakage current. The short-circuit current
of the equipment passes to the earth which has zero potential, thus, protecting the system and
equipment from damage.

Need of Earthing or Grounding. Why Earthing is Important?

• The primary purpose of earthing is to avoid or minimize the danger of electrocution, fire due to
earth leakage of current through undesired path and to ensure that the potential of a current
carrying conductor does not rise with respect to the earth than its designed insulation.
• When the metallic part of electrical appliances (parts that can conduct or allow passage of electric
current) comes in contact with a live wire, maybe due to failure of installations or failure in cable
insulation, the metal becomes charged and static charge accumulates on it. Then, if a person
touches such a charged metal, the result is a severe shock.
• To avoid such instances, the power supply systems and parts of appliances must be earthed to
transfer the charge directly to the earth.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
Below are the basic needs of
Earthing.
• To protect human lives as
well as provide safety to
electrical devices and
appliances from leakage
current.
• To keep voltage as constant
in the healthy phase (If fault
occurs on any one phase).
Flow of current without earthing
• To Protect Electric system
and buildings form lighting.
• To serve as a return
conductor in electric traction
system and communication.
• To avoid the risk of fire in
electrical installation systems.

Flow of current with earthing

Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
A tip - Earthing & Grounding:
• Earthing & Grounding are terminologies used in different parts of the world. US uses the word “Grounding” while
Europe uses the word “Earthing”.

Types of Electrical Earthing

• The electrical equipment mainly consists of two non-current carrying parts. These parts are
neutral of the system or frame of the electrical equipment. From the earthing of these two non-
current carrying parts of the electrical system earthing can be classified into two types.
➢ Neutral Earthing
➢ Equipment Earthing

Neutral Earthing
• In neutral earthing, the neutral of the system is directly connected to earth by the help of the GI
wire. The neutral earthing is also called the system earthing. Such type of earthing is mostly
provided to the system which has star winding. For example, the neutral earthing is provided in
the generator, transformer, motor etc.
Equipment Earthing
• Such type of earthing is provided to the electrical equipment. The non-current carrying part of the
equipment like their metallic frame is connected to the earth by the help of the conducting wire.
So, if any fault occurs in the apparatus, the short-circuit current gets passed to the earth by the
help of that wire, thus, protecting the system from damage.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems

Earthing

Earthing & Grounding

Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
Where do you require applications of Earthing?
• Power generations & Substations
• Transmissions
• Transformers
• Telecommunications
• Lightning arrestors
• Water treatment plants
• Industries
• Residential, Public & Commercial buildings
• Equipment body earthing

Methods of Earthing / Types of Earthing

Earthing can be done in many ways. The various methods employed in earthing (in house wiring or
factory and other connected electrical equipment and machines) are discussed as follows:

1. Plate Earthing
2. Pipe Earthing
3. Rod Earthing
4. Earthing through Waterman
5. Strip / Wire Earthing
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
1. Plate Earthing:
• In this system, a plate made up of
either copper (600 x 600 x 3.18) or
galvanized iron (600 x 600 x 6.35)
is buried vertical in the earth pit,
which should not be less than 3M
from the ground level.
• The earthing plate is embedded in
layers of coal & salts for a
minimum thickness of 150mm
alternatively
• The earthing wire (copper wire for
copper plate or GI wire for GI
plate) is bolted to the earthing
plate with help of bolts & nuts
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
2. Pipe Earthing:
• A galvanized steel perforated pipe of approved length and
diameter (approx. 38mm & 2M length) is placed vertically in
a wet soil in this kind of system of earthing.
• It is the most common system of earthing as it is
economical.
• The pit area around the GI pipe is filled with coal & salts
alternatively.
• This system can take better leakage currents than plate
earthing system.
• In summer season, for better continuity of earthing, 2 or 3
buckets of water are poured in the pit.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
3. Rod Earthing:
• It is the same method as pipe earthing except that a copper rod of 12.5mm (1/2 inch) diameter or
16mm (0.6in) diameter of galvanized steel or hollow section 25mm (1inch) of GI pipe of length
above 2.5m (8.2 ft) are buried upright in the earth manually or with the help of a pneumatic
hammer.
• Sometimes it is necessary to increase the embedded length of the electrode under the ground to
reduce the earth’s resistance. In such cases more than one rod is hammered one above the
other.
• This system of earthing is suitable for areas which are sandy in character.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
4. Earthing through the Waterman:
• The length of embedded electrodes in the soil reduces earth resistance to a desired value.
• In this method of Earthing, the waterman (Galvanized GI) pipes are used for Earthing purpose.
The resistance of GI pipes to be checked and Earthing clamps to be used to minimize the
resistance for proper Earthing connection.
• Primarily, increasing the moisture content in the soil reduces the soil resistivity. In many locations
water table goes down in dry weather conditions. Therefore, it is essential to pour water in and
around the earth pit to maintain moisture in dry weather conditions.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
5. Strip or Wire Earthing:
• In this method of earthing, strip electrodes of cross-section not less than 25 x 1.6mm is buried in
a horizontal trenches of a minimum depth of 0.5M. If copper with a cross-section of 25 x 4mm is
used and a dimension of 3.0mm. It can be galvanized iron or steel.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
General method of Earthing / Proper Grounding Installation (Step by Step)
The usual method of earthing of electric equipments, devices and appliances are as follow:
• First, dig a 5x5ft (1.5×1.5m) pit about 20-30ft (6-9 meters) in the ground. (Note that, depth and
width depends on the nature and structure of the ground)
• Bury an appropriate (usually 2’ x 2’ x 1/8” (600x600x300 mm) copper plate in that pit in vertical
position.
• Tie earth lead through nut bolts from two different places on earth plate. Use two earth leads with
each earth plate (in case of two earth plates) and tighten them. To protect the joints from
corrosion, put grease around it. Collect all the wires in a metallic pipe from the earth
electrode(s). Make sure the pipe is 1ft (300mm) above the surface of the ground.
• To maintain the moisture condition around the earth plate, put a 1ft (300mm) layer of powdered
charcoal (powdered wood coal) and lime mixture around the earth plate.
• Use thimble and nut bolts to connect tightly wires to the bed plates of machines. Each machine
should be earthed from two different places. The minimum distance between two earth
electrodes should be 10 ft (3m).
• Finally, test the overall earthing system through earth tester. If everything is going about the
planning, then fill the pit with soil. The maximum allowable resistance for earthing is 1Ω. If it is
more than 1 ohm, then increase the size of earth lead and earth continuity conductors.
• Keep the external ends of the pipes open and put the water time to time to maintain the moisture
condition around the earth electrode which is important for the better earthing system.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
Factors affecting Earth resistivity:
1. Soil Resistivity
• It is the resistance of soil to the passage of electric current. The earth resistance value (ohmic
value) of an earth pit depends on soil resistivity.
• It varies from soil to soil. It depends on the physical composition of the soil, moisture, dissolved
salts, grain size and distribution, seasonal variation, current magnitude etc. In depends on the
composition of soil, Moisture content, Dissolved salts, grain size and its distribution, seasonal
variation, current magnitude.
2. Soil Condition
• Different soil conditions give different soil resistivity. Most of the soils are very poor conductors of
electricity when they are completely dry. Soil resistivity is measured in ohm-meters or ohm-cm.
• Soil plays a significant role in determining the performance of electrode. Soil with low resistivity is
highly corrosive.
• If soil is dry, then soil resistivity value will be very high. If soil resistivity is high, earth resistance of
electrode will also be high.
3. Moisture
• Moisture has a great influence on resistivity value of soil. The resistivity of a soil can be
determined by the quantity of water held by the soil and resistivity of the water itself. Conduction
of electricity in soil is through water.
• The resistance drops quickly to a more or less steady minimum value of about 15% moisture.
And further increase of moisture level in soil will have little effect on soil resistivity. In many
locations water table goes down in dry weather conditions.
• Therefore, it is essential to pour water in and around the earth pit to maintain moisture in dry
weather conditions. Moisture significantly influences soil resistivity.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
Factors affecting Earth resistivity:
4. Dissolved salts
• Pure water is poor conductor of electricity. Resistivity of soil depends on resistivity of water which
in turn depends on the amount and nature of salts dissolved in it.
• Small quantity of salts in water reduces soil resistivity by 80%. Common salt is most effective in
improving conductivity of soil. But it corrodes metal and hence discouraged.
5. Climate Condition
• Increase or decrease of moisture content determines the increase or decrease of soil resistivity.
Thus in dry whether resistivity will be very high and in monsoon months the resistivity will be low.
6. Physical Composition
• Different soil composition gives different average resistivity. Based on the type of soil, the
resistivity of clay soil may be in the range of 4 – 150 ohm-meter, whereas for rocky or gravel
soils, the same may be well above 1000 ohmmeter.
7. Location of Earth Pit
• The location also contributes to resistivity to a great extent. In a sloping landscape, or in a land
with made up of soil, or areas which are hilly, rocky or sandy, water runs off and in dry weather
conditions water table goes down very fast. In such situation back fill compound will not be able
to attract moisture, as the soil around the pit would be dry.
• The earth pits located in such areas must be watered at frequent intervals, particularly during dry
weather conditions.
• Though back fill compound retains moisture under normal conditions, it gives off moisture during
dry weather to the dry soil around the electrode, and in the process loses moisture over a period
of time. Therefore, choose a site that is naturally not well drained.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
Factors affecting Earth resistivity:
8. Effect of grain size and its distribution
• Grain size, its distribution and closeness of packing are also contributory factors, since they
control the manner in which the moisture is held in the soil. Since, increase or decrease of
moisture content in soil determines decrease or increase of soil resistivity, in dry weather
resistivity will be very high and during rainy season the resistivity will be low.
9. Effect of current magnitude
• Soil resistivity in the vicinity of ground electrode may be affected by current flowing from the
electrode into the surrounding soil. The thermal characteristics and the moisture content of the
soil will determine if a current of a given magnitude and duration will cause significant drying and
thus increase the effect of soil resistivity.
10. Area Available
• Single electrode rod or strip or plate will not achieve the desired resistance alone.
• If a number of electrodes could be installed and interconnected the desired resistance could be
achieved. The distance between the electrodes must be equal to the driven depth to avoid
overlapping of area of influence. Each electrode, therefore, must be outside the resistance area
of the other.
11. Obstructions
• The soil may look good on the surface, but there may be obstructions below a few feet like virgin
rock. In that event resistivity will be affected. Obstructions like concrete structure near about the
pits will affect resistivity. If the earth pits are close by, the resistance value will be high.
12. Current Magnitude
• A current of significant magnitude and duration will cause significant drying condition in soil and
thus increase the soil resistivity.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems

LIGHTNING SYSTEM DESIGN

• Lightning is a sudden electrostatic discharge that occurs typically during a thunderstorm. This
discharge occurs between electrically charged regions of a cloud (called intra-cloud lightning or
IC), between two clouds (CC lightning), or between a cloud and the ground (CG lightning).
– A lightning bolt can generate up to 35,000 to 40,000 amps.
– All lightning is heat lightning, & it can be as hot as 90,032°F.

• The role of the building protection system is to protect it against direct lightning strokes. The
system consists of:
– The capture device: the lightning protection system;
– Down-conductors designed to convey the lightning current to earth;
– "Crow's foot" earth leads connected together;
– Links between all metallic frames (equipotential bonding) and the earth leads
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
• When the lightning current flows in a conductor, if potential differences appear between it and the
frames connected to earth that are located in the vicinity, the latter can cause destructive
flashovers.
• Every structure needs some form of lightning protection. There are three critical reasons why:
1. To reduce the structural damage to buildings - lightning damage can be as slight as a burnt
mark on a wall or the complete demolition of a building. Damage to structure could be
cause by (a) Thermal damage, (b) Arch attachment point (c) Acoustic shock wave
2. To reduce damage to equipment - a direct or indirect hit can generate enough current to
damage all electrical equipment and appliances inside the structure.
3. To reduce danger to humans and animals - it is not a safety precaution to stay indoors
when lightning strikes as it has the capacity to radiate current that could shock anyone
nearby. A lightning striking a house also has the capacity to damage and adversely affect
the occupants.
• Understanding lightning will improve our ability to protect our buildings from lightning damage,
but there is no 100% safe-guard. Not all methods and techniques will work or are needed in all
buildings.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems

A. Grounding

• Ben Franklin was an early user of grounding. While the principle is still the same we have
multiple methods to keep the power of lightning out of your building.

• Lightning Rods are the most familiar grounding protection. Ben Franklin understood the theory
of making a lightning target and directing the resultant strike harmlessly to the ground. Different
designs work in different environments and meet different requirements. The wires over utility
substations act as lightning rods, although we call them air terminals today.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
There are 3 types of lightning protection system
used which are:

1. The lightning rod (simple rod or with

triggering system) - The lightning rod is a
metallic capture tip placed at the top of the
building. It is earthed by one or more
conductors (often copper strips).
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems

2. The lightning rod with taut wires - These wires are

stretched above the structure to be protected. They are
used to protect special structures: rocket launching
areas, military applications and protection of high-
voltage overhead lines.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems

3. The lightning conductor with meshed cage (Faraday cage) - This protection involves
placing numerous down conductors/tapes symmetrically all around the building. This type of
lightning protection system is used for highly exposed buildings housing very sensitive
installations such as computer rooms.
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems

B. Transients and Surges

• To a lightning bolt building wiring, fuses and circuit breakers are all the same. They’re all
conductors. They’re also not capable of dealing with the extreme flow of current suddenly
added to the system by lightning. These lightning-induced transients are controlled with
Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) equipment.
• They’re our high tech answer to a switch that shuts off power as soon as any rise is identified.
• A TVSS shunts, filters, clamps or blocks energy from travelling down the wire.

C. Detection
• There is a lot of controversy about being able to detect lightning and then being able to detect it
in time to avoid damage. One aim of detection is to be able to switch from AC line power to
standby power. This way the system is not interrupted and the main AC power is not subject to
lightning damage.

Consequences of building protection for the electrical installation's equipment

• As a consequence, the building protection system does not protect the electrical installation: it
is therefore compulsory to provide for an electrical installation protection system.
• 50% of the lightning current discharged by the building protection system the potential rise of
the frames very frequently exceeds the insulation withstand capability of the conductors in the
various networks (LV, telecommunications, video cable, etc.).