Lightning strikes are one of the natural biggest forces, and when they appear, there will be lots of destruction to buildings, electrical units and even human beings. For that, an efficient lightning protection system (LPS) is very essential. But just like other security systems, a lightning protection system also has a shelf life and may become ineffective over time. Property owners and their tenants must know when it is necessary to upgrade their systems. Here is a list of the most common indications that will signal you to upgrade your lightning protection system.
Ageing Infrastructure - Time to Rethink Your Protection
Lightning protection systems can deteriorate with time which can lower their efficiency. Where older systems may not be as safe as it is today. When has this system been in use for ages and it has not been maintained? That system shall be checked after a specified period of being in any building or installation. The main symptoms of this situation range from rusty wires, busted designs, or old earthing out of modern-day standards. Periodic upkeep and maintenance allow quick adaptation of the system to the advancements offered.
Recent Construction or Renovations
Should you have recently reinforced new floors, or extensions or made some alterations within the composition of a building, then the old lightning protection system in place may be inadequate. The new changes may, for example, add some vertical or lateral dimensions to the building, which in turn may influence the effectiveness of the system. Any major construction work carried out will require a professional re-evaluation of the system. This assumes that the new structure would be efficiently incorporated into the protection system to avert any lightning-related damages.
Changes in Local Weather Patterns
As climate change intensifies, regions which did not experience storms frequently can now expect an uptick in lightning. If your locality has recently experienced a surge in lightning storms or any other extreme weather, it implies that the existing lightning protection system you own now is probably outdated and out of justice due to the increased frequency/intensity of strikes. Change to a developed system with better features like surge protection or lightning detection which are likely to be useful in overcoming these new challenges.
System Test Results Are Inconclusive
To ensure that the system does what it was designed to do, lightning protection systems should be tested with regularity. In case the tests do not yield conclusive results or if the system fails to meet the expected performance standards, an upgrade is due. Some of the routine indicators of system failure include loss of grounding resistance, damaged cables, or the absence of bonding between the different components of the system. Such problems can create a safety hazard within the building and therefore, replacing older systems with newer ones that have improved testing and monitoring technology will solve such potential dangers.
Expanding Technological Needs
There’s no denying that changes in technology have positively impacted lightning protection systems. Systems nowadays can be enhanced with features such as smart sensors, real-time monitoring and automated surge protection which were not possible with older models. These features can detect lightning strikes before they hit, allowing for preventive actions. If your system still does not have such advancements, then perhaps it's time to get one of the modern systems. The new technology integration means that your system is up to date with current requirements and can quickly deal with any possible attacks.
Increased Frequency of Lightning Strikes
Climate change has altered the weather patterns in several areas making lightning strikes more common. Older electrical systems may be more susceptible to strain resulting from more frequent lightning strikes. With a new lightning protection system installed, you will gain peace of mind as modern systems are built to withstand increased lightning activity and limit the extent of damage. Proactive measures such as regular lightning activity monitoring in your locality help assess whether it is at a higher risk and upgrade lightning protection devices before mayhem occurs.
Conclusion
A lightning protection system is very crucial when it comes to the security of your building against lightning threats. However, even the best systems must be adjusted and enhanced regularly. If you’re observing deterioration processes in the current system, its rebuilding, alteration of climate conditions, or the presence of bad testing results, this is a cue for change. Also, go for an upgrade if your system is outdated or is unable to accommodate high lightning attack frequencies. When designing the configuration of the lightning protection systems and its components in particular, the relevant personnel should be consulted to avoid using outdated cables, ground, etc. When reinvesting into an existing system or making a new one, it is advantageous to cooperate with reliable providers such as a cable tray supplier in Delhi NCR to assist in making sure that some materials are up to the requirements of long-term protection.
By staying proactive and upgrading your lightning protection system as needed, you can provide peace of mind knowing that your property and its occupants are safe from the potentially devastating effects of lightning strikes.
