Definition of Lightning Risk Assessment
Lightning risk assessment (LRA) is a method to calculate lightning strike risks to an object(s) based on some it’s characteristic. Lightning risk calculation is to identify potential threats and necessary protective measures. The result of lightning risk assessments will be use as basis to decide lightning protection need and then design the system. Lighting risk analysis and assessment is part of lightning risk management. Risk management procedure will enable to help to reduce the actual risk to be equal to or less than the tolerable risk. —Omazaki Consultant is a business unit in Omazaki Group who provides lightning strike risk assessment, analysis, calculation, and evaluation consulting service. This lightning hazard risk analysis and assessment services is part of our Electrical System Audit & Assessment services. Contact us by filled in the form in contact, or email us to cs@omazaki.co.id.
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Purpose of Lightning Risk Assessment (LRA)
The primary purpose of a lightning risk assessment is to determine whether lightning protection is required, and if so, to select the level of lightning protection required. The level of lightning protection determines the minimum level of lightning protection system (LPS) used for the defense design.
Lightning risk analysis is part of lightning protection system need evaluation. Based on IEC 62305 part 2, procedure of lightning protection need assessment is as follow:
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Lightning Risk Management as per IEC 62305 Part 2
IEC 62305-2 provides a detailed methodology for assessing the risk posed by lightning to a structure or system. It will involve:
- Identifying potential sources of lightning strikes
- Estimating the potential consequences of a strike
- Evaluating the effectiveness of existing protection measures
- Implementing additional protective measures if necessary.
Risk management for lightning and over-voltage protection is essential to assess the vulnerability of a building, its people and its contents to lightning and over-voltage threats, and to ensure the selection of the most effective protection system.
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Type of Lightning Risk Based-on IEC 62305
There are 4 (four) possible losses due to lightning hazard:
- Loss of human life
- Loss of public services
- Loss of cultural heritage
- Loss of economic value
Risk Value Calculation and Interpretation
IEC 62305-2 provides a method of calculating the risk of loss due to lightning strikes:
The following is an example of calculating calculated risk (R) and comparing it with tolerated risk (RT):
After calculating the lightning risk value (R), the interpretation or meaning of the calculation results is as follows:
Remarks:
For existing facilities or structures that have SPP installed, the SPP is assumed to be in ideal condition when calculating the risk value.
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References
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Contact Omazaki Consultant if you need lightning strike risk assessment and lightning protection system study consulting services based on IEC 62305-2 for design plans or assessments as lightning risk management of your existing lightning protection system facilities.
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