Lightning is one of nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. Yet it is the most underrated weather hazard. This enormous electrical energy, measured up to 200,000A, wreaks havoc along and about its trail.

Lightning strikes have two effects, direct, indirect, or a combination of both. The indirect strike affects mainly critical equipment or electronics systems inside the structure and is addressed here by performance earthing (grounding), and reliable surge (electronic systems) protectors, while the direct or structural lightning protection affects the structure itself.

Today, we discuss direct (structural) lightning. The consequences are obvious and apparent in buildings damaged, trees blown apart, human injuries, or even loss of life. They also disrupt power, telecoms, and critical utilities and at times causing fire outbreaks, explosions, chemical releases, and mechanical damage, etc.

In Nigeria and the West African region, the vulnerability is about the highest in the world, with an annual average of 160 thunderstorm days. An index of lightning flash density, indeed lightning solution is a serious matter business and should be handled professionally.

An effective lightning protection system has become a major critical HSE and financial concern to many organizations globally impacting their very existence, survival, and profitability, in a region like ours with a very high lightning risk of exposure.

Lightning protection is a scientific and complex process involving interception, dispensing, and conducting safely this awesome lightning energy to the ground without affecting the structure and the electronic systems within.

It is a serious business, requiring due diligence and meticulous best practices in Engineering (design), Procurement (proper selection of materials), construction, commissioning and maintenance, complying with relevant industry standards.

With over 25 years of hands-on industry experience, expertise, and partnering with ABB Furse, we have been successfully protecting, powering, and maintaining numerous facilities, meeting stringent standards across all sectors in Nigeria and West Africa.

You can rely on FULLSPECTRUM ENERGY for everything about earthing and lightning solutions from Design, Procurement, Construction, Commissioning, Maintenance, and Integrity Tests and Surveys to international standards.

We are only a click or call away.

Victor Oyedu, FNSE, FNIEEE, CPQ.
Power Quality and Energy Management Specialist.
Publisher at Afrienergyonline.com & 
CEO, FullSpectrum Energy Solutions Limited, Nigeria.