Why choose a ESE Paraton@ir® lightning rod for your lightning protection?
Indeed, the Paraton@ir early streamer emission (ESE) lightning rod is LPS France 's technological response Contact@ir connected monitoring system .
Understanding the ESE lightning rod: technology and triggering principle
Thus, for over a decade, lightning protection has undergone significant technological evolution, driven by increased safety requirements. The Paraton@irESE lightning rod range embodies this advancement by offering an active solution capable of anticipating the natural phenomenon to better channel it. Unlike passive systems, our technology incorporates high-precision electronic components designed to optimize the protection zone around the structure.
Furthermore, LPS France has been designing and manufacturing this range in France since 2010, ensuring complete control over the production chain. This local presence allows us to guarantee exceptional manufacturing quality.
Furthermore, innovation remains at the heart of our approach. Each model in the range has been designed to meet specific architectural configurations, from residential buildings to large industrial complexes. By choosing a solution designed and manufactured domestically, you are opting for proven reliability and immediate availability of equipment and spare parts.
The advanced operating principle of the ESE lightning rod
Furthermore, the early streamer emission (ESE) lightning rod represents a technological breakthrough compared to the traditional Franklin rod. Whereas the conventional lightning rod passively waits for lightning to strike the highest point, the ESE plays an active role in capturing the lightning strike. This technology relies on harnessing the electrical phenomena that precede a storm to provide a significantly greater protection radius
Note that the operation of our Paraton@ir PDAs relies on anticipating the updraft. When a thunderstorm forms, the ambient electric field increases rapidly, rising from a few hundred volts per meter to several tens of kilovolts per meter. Our devices detect this critical change and trigger the initiation process.
In general, the internal system of the PDA accumulates electrostatic energy present in the atmosphere. At the precise moment when the risk of discharge is imminent, the device releases this energy in the form of high-voltage pulses. This allows it to detect lightning at a greater distance from the point of impact, thus significantly increasing the size of the protected area.
The advantages of the ESE lightning rod compared to traditional solutions
In practice, the major advantage of the PDA lightning rod lies in its extended protection radius . A single active point can protect an area equivalent to that covered by several Franklin points connected by a complex network of conductors on the roof.
| Characteristic | Franklin Lightning Rod (Passive) | ESE Paraton@ir® Lightning Rod (Active) |
|---|---|---|
| Capture mode | Passive (simple peak effect) | Active (upstream tracer generation) |
| Protection radius | Limited (approx. 15-20m at level I) | Extended (up to 120m depending on model/level) |
| Facility | Complex (multiple points, meshed cage) | Simplified (often a single mast) |
| Aesthetic | Strong visual impact (cable network) | Discreet (easy architectural integration) |
| Overall cost | Raised on large areas (equipment + labor) | Optimized (fewer downpipes and grounding points) |
ESE lightning rod conforms to NF C 17-102 standards
In practical terms, safety allows for no compromise. That's why the entire range of PDA Paraton@ir strictly complies with the French standard NF C 17-102 (September 2011 version). This standard defines the performance requirements, test methods, and installation rules for lightning rods with early streamer emission (ESE) devices.
As a reminder, our products undergo rigorous high-voltage laboratory testing to validate their ignition lead time (ΔT) and their resistance to lightning currents (tested up to 100 kA at 10/350 µs wavelength). Furthermore, manufacturing by LPS France guarantees impeccable traceability and quality control. Each unit produced is individually identified and tested before shipment.
The Paraton@irESE lightning rod range: a solution for every level of protection
To precisely meet the needs of each structure, we have developed our technology into four distinct models. The choice of model depends on the required protection radius, itself determined by the Lightning Risk Analysis (LRA), and the height of the installation. Each model corresponds to a specific time-domain effectiveness (ΔT), which is the key parameter defining the device's performance.
Paraton@ir® 10: your standard solution for reliable protection ⚡
It should be noted that the Paraton@ir 10 is the entry-level model in our range, with a triggering time of 10 µs. This device is particularly suitable for smaller structures or areas where the required level of protection
It is ideal for:
- Detached houses
- Small office buildings
- Isolated technical installations (antennas, medium-sized pylons)
For an installation height of 5 meters above the surface to be protected, the Paraton@ir ® 10 offers a protection radius of up to 32 meters in Level I (maximum protection) and up to 58 meters in Level IV. It is an economical solution that does not sacrifice any safety .
Paraton@ir® 25: performance and versatility to protect your large areas
In reality, the Paraton@ir® 25, with its 25 µs ignition lead, represents the ideal compromise for the majority of medium-sized commercial and industrial buildings.
- Increased protection radius: at a height of 5 meters, it covers a radius of 45 meters in Level I and up to 75 meters in Level IV
- Versatility: it is perfectly suited to logistics warehouses, supermarkets or office buildings
Indeed, this model often allows the installation to be limited to a single lightning rod for the entire building, thus simplifying the network of down conductors and reducing the number of ground connections required.
Paraton@ir® 45: High-performance security dedicated to sensitive sites 🔒
However, designed for infrastructures requiring wide coverage and increased responsiveness, the Paraton@ir® 45 offers a 45 µs lead time for ignition.
However, this model is recommended for:
- Sports complexes and stadiums
- University campuses
- Industrial sites with storage of flammable materials
On the other hand, with a standard installation height of 5 meters, the Paraton@ir® 45 provides a protection radius of 63 meters in Level I and reaches 95 meters in Level IV.
Paraton@ir® 60: Maximum protection designed for your critical infrastructure
Nevertheless, the Paraton@ir® 60 is the flagship of our range. It offers the maximum performance allowed by the NF C 17-102 standard with a 60 µs ignition advance.
- Maximum coverage: up to 79 meters radius in Level I and 120 meters in Level IV (at h=5m)
- Critical applications: hospitals, data centers, Seveso sites, airports
For example, this device is capable of protecting very large structures with a reduced number of capture points. It represents the ultimate solution for ensuring the continuity of service of critical installations.
Smart connectivity with Contact@ir: an innovation LPS France
In particular, in the era of Industry 4.0, lightning protection must no longer be an isolated "black box." We have developed the Contact@irsystem to transform the lightning rod into a communicating device, capable of providing crucial information in real time.
Continuous monitoring and instant alerts for your protection system
The Contact@irmodule is positioned directly on the down conductor and communicates wirelessly with a dedicated router. Unlike mechanical lightning strike counters that require on-site visual verification, our IoT solution provides continuous monitoring.
As soon as a lightning event is detected, the system:
- Records the precise time and date of the impact
- Measures the intensity of the discharge current (amplitude)
- Send an instant alert via email or notification to the site administrators
This responsiveness is essential for safety. It allows managers to know immediately if their building has been affected, even in their absence.
Predictive maintenance to optimize the lifespan of your equipment
Beyond simply providing alerts, the Contact@irsystem is a powerful predictive maintenance tool. The data collected allows you to:
- Validate the system's effectiveness after a severe storm
- Schedule maintenance interventions only when necessary
- Documenting events for insurance companies and regulatory bodies
This connected approach reduces operational costs associated with routine inspections. Complete peace of mind for operators.
Installation and maintenance of ESE Paraton@ir® lightning rods
The effectiveness of a lightning protection system depends as much on the quality of the equipment as on the precision of its installation. With over 10 years of experience, LPS France guarantees projects that comply with current standards (NF C 17-102) and NF C 15-100 for grounding.
A compliant installation includes several critical elements:
- The positioning of the PDA: it must be located at the highest point of the structure, on an extension mast that rises at least 2 meters above all roof elements.
- Down conductors: they must carry the lightning current to the ground via the shortest and straightest possible path.
- Grounding: each downpipe must be connected to a dedicated ground connection, the resistance of which must be less than 10 Ohms.
Maintenance is also a regulatory requirement. A visual inspection must be carried out at least every two years, and a full inspection every four years .
Conclusion: Trust French expertise in ESE lightning rods
Lightning protection is an area where technical excellence is the only viable option. With the Paraton@irESE lightning rod range, you benefit from mature technology, validated by independent laboratories and field-proven for over a decade.
By choosing our solutions, you are opting for:
- Made in France, guaranteeing quality and durability
- A complete range (10, 25, 45, 60 µs) suitable for all configurations
- A connected innovation with Contact@ir for proactive monitoring
- Full compliance with NF C 17-102 and NF C 15-100 standards
Frequently Asked Questions about the Paraton@ir® ESE Lightning Rod
What is the difference between a ESE lightning rod and a classic Franklin lightning rod?
The Franklin lightning rod is a passive spike that waits for the strike, while the ESE lightning rod actively generates an upward leader to capture lightning earlier. This allows the ESE to offer a much wider protection radius, thus reducing the number of spikes and down conductors needed on the roof.
How to choose the right Paraton@ir® model for your building?
The choice of model (10, 25, 45, or 60) depends on the required protection level (I to IV), determined by a lightning risk analysis, and the building's geometry. The larger or more vulnerable the building, the more a high-performance model like the Paraton@ir60 will be recommended.
Is Contact@ir® monitoring necessary for all Paraton@ir® ESE lightning rods?
Although not mandatory, Contact@irmonitoring is strongly recommended, especially for sensitive or hard-to-reach sites. It allows for real-time alerts of any impact and ensures the system is functioning correctly.
What maintenance frequency is required to guarantee the effectiveness of your ESE Paraton@ir® lightning rod?
The NF C 17-102 standard mandates a visual inspection at least every 2 years and a complete inspection every 4 years. However, maintenance must be carried out systematically after each recorded lightning strike.
