How can engineers protect telecom facilities from lightning strikes?

According to Above Ground Level Magazine, engineers can help protect telecom facilities from the dangers associated with lightning strikes using a six point plan of protection. Continue reading below to learn more about these six steps of lightning protection for telecom facilities. 1. Capture the Lightning Strike

Where can I find information about lightning protection?

For lightning protection best resources are Polyphasers book the ARRL Handbook along with the book “Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur”. The ARRL Handbook contains good electrical safety information for the amateur radio operator. Links on the next few pages to references and info. Links are also available at:

How do you protect a building from a lightning strike?

1. Capture the Lightning Strike Step one of the six point protection plan involves capturing the lightning strike via a rod or air terminal. Several different options exist depending on the structure size and height.

What happens if lightning strikes a telecommunications facility?

Lightning causes 22,600 fires per year and is the number one natural cause of system failures. As a result, these problems can result in substantial revenue losses. Telecommunications facilities are particularly at risk of direct lightning strikes—and the electrical surges that ensue—due to their tall stature and complex electrical makeup.

Can lightning damage a telephone line?

Lightning can couple to telephone lines and RF feeders, leaving communication lines vulnerable to potential damage. With telephone and data lines, surges can occur from each line to ground or across the lines. Protection against these surges requires the use of appropriately designed surge protection devices.

What happens if lightning strikes a power line?

The problem: Lightning strikes near power lines or other power system disturbances can couple voltage transients or surges onto power lines. Lightning can couple onto power lines via a direct strike to the power line or via capacitive and magnetic coupling when lightning strikes nearby.