Lightning protection requirements for tubular busbar installation

Effective lightning protection for tubular busbars involves proper surge protection devices, grounding, bonding, and adherence to international standards. Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)For tubular busbars, pluggable surge protection devices can be installed directly onto busbar systems to protect against transient overvoltages. For example, the VARITECTOR PU AC BS60 can be snapped onto 60 mm busbars without tools, providing Type I+II+III or II+III protection for TN-C, TN-S, and TT networks.

These devices improve voltage levels, reduce line lengths for phase connections, and allow easy maintenance with visible status indicators and remote signaling contacts.

Grounding and Bonding

A low-impedance grounding and bonding system is essential to safely carry lightning currents to earth. Copper busbars, conductors, and mechanical grounding components should be used to interconnect the tubular busbars with the earth termination network. Exothermic welding (e.g., UltraShot® technology) ensures durable, corrosion-resistant connections.

Equipotential bonding minimizes potential differences and protects personnel and equipment during fault conditions.

Tubular Busbar Considerations

Tubular busbars, typically made of aluminium or copper, must comply with standards such as ENA TS 41-11 (aluminium) or ENA TS 41-16 (copper). Fittings, clamps, and joints should avoid deformation of the tube conductor, and connections between dissimilar metals must prevent electrochemical corrosion. Fixed fittings require at least two complete clamps for mechanical stability, while sliding fittings are determined by current rating.

Installation Guidelines

Follow B

S EN/IEC 62305-1 & 3 for conductor placement and lightning protection design. Use test clamps in down conductors for periodic inspection. Employ jointing clamps to maintain low-resistance, corrosion-resistant connections.

Select appropriate earth electrodes (rods, plates, or tape) and inspection pits to protect connections. Ensure all fixings are compatible with construction materials and provide mechanical stability.

Best Practices

Minimize the length of phase connections to reduce surge impact. Use pluggable SPDs for easy replacement and maintenance. Ensure all components are rated for the expected current and environmental conditions.

Conduct a site survey including soil resistivity measurements to optimize earthing design. Maintain documentation and drawings for compliance and future maintenance. By combining proper surge protection, robust grounding, and careful installation of tubular busbars, lightning currents can be safely diverted, protecting both equipment and personnel while ensuring system reliability.