Communication towers have become a common sight in many parts of the world. They are tall structures used for supporting antennas and other communication equipment used in mobile networks, television and radio broadcasting, and other communication services. In areas with high lightning rates, it is important to have lightning protection systems in place to protect the communication tower from being damaged.
Importance of lightning protection system in communication towers
Lightning strikes are a common occurrence and can cause devastating damage to communication towers. Lightning can arc, strike and cause electrical surges or damage to equipment, which can lead to network outages, disruption of communication services, and even pose a safety risk to people working on or near the communication tower.
A lightning protection system is essential in protecting communication towers from lightning strikes. It comprises of several components designed to provide a path for the lightning current to follow, thereby preventing damage to the tower and equipment mounted on it. The traditional lightning protection system consists of three parts, which include the air termination system, down-conductor system, and earth termination system.
Characteristics of lightning protection systems
The air termination system is designed to create a low resistance path for the lightning current. The system must have a sharp point at the top of the tower, which works as a lightning rod, to attract and conduct the lightning current through the down-conductor system. The air termination system can be a single or multiple rods, depending on the size of the communication tower. The system should also have a mesh network covering the upper side of the tower to dissipate the lightning energy.
The down-conductor system is designed to conduct the lightning current from the air termination system to the earth termination system. The down-conductor system is usually made of copper or aluminum, and it must have a low impedance to allow for the smooth flow of the lightning current. The down-conductors should also be installed in a straight path with no sharp bends or kinks.
The earth termination system is designed to safely dissipate the lightning energy into the ground, where it can be harmlessly dispersed. The earth termination system usually consists of a set of copper or galvanized steel rods driven deep into the earth at a distance from the base of the communication tower. The rods must be connected to the down-conductor system, and their length should be determined by the soil resistivity of the area.
Scope of application
Lightning protection systems are suitable for use in all types of communication towers, including television transmission towers, cellular communication towers, and radio towers. The design and installation of the lightning protection system will depend on the size of the communication tower, its location, the soil resistivity of the area, and the lightning protection standards in the region.
