The IEC 62305 standard, which deals with lightning protection, defines "protection levels" as specific categories of lightning protection systems, each designed to provide a different degree of safety and effectiveness. Here is an overview of the essential aspects of these protection levels according to this standard:
1. Four Levels of Protection (NP1 to NP4):
The standard specifies four levels of protection, with NP1 providing the strongest protection and NP4 the most basic. Each level is designed to withstand a certain type of lightning impact, with NP1 being able to withstand the most severe lightning impacts. It is taken into account in the calculation of the protection radius of lightning rods with initiation device, like those in the range Ellips And Paraton@ir ®.
2. Technical Parameters:
The levels differ in technical parameters such as reference lightning current, current density, and probability of lightning interception. For example, an LP1 level system is designed to withstand higher lightning currents compared to an LP4 system.
3. Choice of Protection Level:
Selection of the appropriate level of protection depends on several factors, including the probability of lightning strike, the value of the structure to be protected, and the potential consequences of a lightning strike. A risk analysis is generally carried out to determine the most appropriate level of protection. The LPS Manager app allows you to determine the appropriate level of protection by answering a quick and simple questionnaire.
4. Design Requirements:
Each level of protection requires specific design and installation of the lightning protection system, including lightning rods, the grounding conductors, earthing system, and surge protection devices such as surge protectors.
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5. Overall Protection:
The standard aims to provide comprehensive protection against lightning, including structural protection against direct impacts, as well as surge protection and secondary electromagnetic effects.
In short, the “protection levels” in IEC 62305 are categories that define the intensity and complexity of lightning protection systems, allowing engineers and designers to choose the most suitable system according to needs. specific to a structure.
The NF C 17-102:2011 standard uses the results obtained to apply them to the calculations of the protection radii of grounding conductors with initiation devices.