In accordance with the "Technical Specification for Lightning Protection Device Detection of Buildings," all lightning protection devices in use must undergo a routine lightning protection inspection annually. But why conduct lightning protection inspections? Let us delve into the importance of lightning protection inspections.
One: Thunderstorm protection testing enables timely monitoring of the operation status of lightning protection devices in use.
All lightning protection devices (including external and internal lightning protection devices) have a service life. In addition to damage caused by normal lightning, they are also affected by human and environmental factors, which can reduce the effectiveness of the lightning protection devices and shorten their service life.
Natural grounding bodies and artificial grounding bodies in external lightning protection devices will experience varying degrees of rust and cracking over time with usage. The lightning arresters and down conductors, exposed to the outdoors for extended periods, are susceptible to deformation, corrosion, and cracking due to temperature, humidity, and adverse weather conditions (such as storms, severe thunderstorms, snow and ice). They may also be covered or broken due to unauthorized constructions, thereby affecting lightning protection safety and posing potential hazards from lightning strikes.
Surge protectors within internal lightning protection systems, featuring components such as surge suppressors (voltage-sensitive resistors, etc.), are susceptible to wear and tear. Over time, these components may experience degradation in performance, surface contamination, discoloration, and oxidation, which can affect their operational efficiency.
Only through the annual routine lightning protection inspections, which measure the various parameters of lightning protection devices, can we scientifically and objectively evaluate the true effectiveness of these devices. This allows for an accurate understanding of their operational status, ensuring a clear head and providing a scientific basis for lightning protection safety.
Secondly, only through lightning protection testing can one accurately determine whether the lightning protection devices of newly constructed, reconstructed, or expanded buildings meet the requirements of lightning protection regulations.
Buildings are continually renovated, reconstructed, or expanded to meet the needs of managers and users. The construction, reconstruction, or expansion of buildings may alter their lightning protection classification, thereby changing the protection level of the lightning protection systems. Only through annual routine lightning protection inspections can it be determined whether the lightning protection systems of newly constructed, reconstructed, or expanded buildings comply with their lightning protection classification, identify any lightning strike safety hazards, and fully understand the normativeness and systematics of the lightning protection systems post-renovation or expansion, as well as the presence of any human-induced damage or coverings to the lightning protection systems.
Through lightning protection testing, potential hazards can be identified, prompting lightning protection device managers to take timely and effective corrective measures to reduce the safety risks associated with lightning strikes.
Thunderstorm Protection Testing can determine the performance parameters of lightning protection devices, fully reflecting any corrosion, deterioration, or electrical disconnection issues. It also provides objective and fair corrective suggestions for non-compliance with standards. This encourages managers or users of lightning protection devices to take effective corrective measures, effectively reducing the safety hazards of lightning strikes and ensuring the safety of personnel and property.
Through lightning protection inspections, the meteorological authorities can fully understand the overall operational status of lightning protection devices within their jurisdiction and the risk factors associated with lightning strikes, implementing effective lightning protection regulatory measures on all fronts.
Industry professionals in lightning protection testing conduct a comprehensive summary of the lightning protection device testing services carried out in the previous year during the first half of each year, and report it to the local provincial meteorological authorities. These authorities, through this data, can fully understand the status of lightning protection device testing, the operation of lightning protection devices, the compliance of practitioners with operational standards, and the market coverage. This information provides a scientific basis for the year-round lightning protection regulatory work, allowing for the formulation of policies, regulations, and notices that align with market development. Lightning protection testing data also serves as a crucial basis for safety supervision.
In summary, lightning protection testing is crucial, especially as global warming leads to frequent occurrences of disaster weather like thunderstorms. Lightning protection is important at all times. Lightning protection testing is a critical component of safety measures, and it demands the high attention of the entire society.
