Lightning Protection Communications Tower

GSM communication towers, radio, TV transmitters, forest observation towers, meteorological stations and radars geographic location as of generally lightning compared to other facilities; because they are at the highest point and exposure to excessive voltage pulse risks. Therefore, in such structures EN 62305 (Lightning Protection Standard Structures) should be full and complete.

GSM and communication tower frequently is striked by lightning

• Protection against Lightning: IEC 62305 series
• General principles – IEC 62305-1
• Risk management – IEC 62305-2
• Physical damages to structures and life hazards – IEC 62305-3
• Electrical and electronic systems within structures – IEC 62305-4
• SPD for AC network : Tests IEC 61643-11
• SPD for communication lines : Tests IEC 61643-21

Gsm tower should be protected by lightning strike

Target

•  Protect internal equipment against failures due to surge voltages
•  Improve life duration
•  Limit distrubances of operation

 Action

•  Install SPDs on all external lines
• AC power line
• DC power lines
• Telecom lines
• Coaxial lines
•  Select SPD following standards

Surge arrester system is very important to protect radio communication

Surge Arrester Type for Communications Tower

Type 1 

• SDP intended to be install in a installation equipped with a Lightning Protection System, where a part of the current of the direct lightning strike could flow through the device.
• Tested in 10/350µs surge current

Type 2 

• For a SDP intended to be install at the electrical entrance or inside a classical installation.
• Tested in 8/20µs surge current

Type 3 

• A different way to test a SPD : more adapted to « low power » SDP.
• Tested in 1.2/50µs-8/20µs combination waveform