Definition
A Lightning Protection System (LPS) is the integrated set of air terminals, down conductors, and earth electrodes that captures direct lightning strikes and safely dissipates the current to ground, protecting solar PV equipment per IEC 62305 (international) and IS 16942 (India).
LPS Components
- Air terminals: rods or finials at high points.
- Down conductors: heavy copper/aluminum cable.
- Earth electrodes: ground rods, plates, or grids.
- Bonding: equipotential connection of all metallic components.
Standards
- IEC 62305-1 (general principles).
- IEC 62305-2 (risk assessment).
- IEC 62305-3 (physical damage protection).
- IEC 62305-4 (electrical systems protection).
- IS 16942 (India national).
Key Takeaways
- LPS protects against direct lightning strikes via air terminals, conductors, and earth.
- Designed per IEC 62305 or IS 16942.
- Combined with SPDs for both direct and induced lightning effects.
- Earth resistance ≤ 10 Ω target.
- Required in high-lightning regions; risk-assessment-driven elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 commonly searched questions about Lightning Protection System (LPS).
What is an LPS?
Lightning Protection System — air terminals (rod arrays), down conductors, and earth electrodes that capture lightning and dissipate it safely to ground.
Is LPS required for solar?
Site-dependent. Risk assessment per IEC 62305-2 determines need. Solar plants in high-lightning regions (>40 strikes/km²/yr) typically install LPS.
What's the difference between LPS and SPD?
LPS protects against direct strikes (air terminals + down conductors). SPD protects against induced surges (overvoltage on conductors). Both used together.
How is LPS designed?
Per IEC 62305-3 (India: IS/IEC 62305 or IS 16942). Air terminal placement via rolling sphere method. Earth resistance ≤ 10 Ω per LPS earth electrode.
Can the array racking serve as LPS?
Yes if designed to LPS standards: bonded conductor, sized to carry lightning current, proper earth termination. Often part of the structural metal of large arrays.
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