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Lightning Protection

 

QPP specialises in commercial and industrial lightning protection systems throughout Brisbane, Queensland and Australia. We provide lightning protection design, installation, testing, certification, recertification and maintenance for commercial buildings, industrial facilities and critical infrastructure.

We have done earthing and lightning protection installations for:-

  • Universities
  • Australian Defence Force Facilities
  • Hospitals
  • Mining Sites
  • Shopping Centres & Department Stores
  • Prisons
  • Heritage Buildings
  • Water Treatment Plants
  • Warehousing Facilities
  • High Rise Hotels
  • Apartment Blocks
  • Data Centres
  • Resorts, etc

 

 

average storm days australia

 

You can see some of our past projects, or check out our project map

 

Commercial & Industrial Lightning Protection Systems

QPP provides specialist lightning protection services for commercial, industrial and critical infrastructure throughout Queensland and Australia. Our services include lightning protection system design, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, certification and recertification.

A lightning strike can cause significant damage to buildings, electrical systems, communications equipment, control systems and other critical infrastructure. An appropriately designed lightning protection system provides a controlled path for lightning current to travel towards earth, helping to reduce the risk of physical damage caused by a direct lightning strike.

QPP works with building owners, facility managers, engineers, electrical contractors, government organisations and businesses requiring specialist lightning protection expertise.

 

Lightning Protection Services

Our lightning protection capabilities include:

 

What Is a Lightning Protection System?

A lightning protection system is designed to intercept a lightning strike and provide a controlled path for the resulting electrical current to travel towards earth.

Depending on the building, application and system design, a lightning protection system may incorporate strike interception components, down conductors, bonding and an appropriately designed earthing system.

The purpose of lightning protection is not to prevent lightning from occurring. Instead, the system is designed to manage the enormous electrical energy associated with a lightning strike and reduce the risk of damage to the structure and its occupants.

 

Does My Building Need Lightning Protection?

Not every building has the same lightning risk. The need for lightning protection depends on factors including the structure, location, height, construction, occupancy, surrounding environment, electrical systems and the consequences of a lightning-related failure.

Lightning protection can be particularly important for facilities containing critical electrical or electronic systems, providing essential services, experiencing a high consequence of downtime or located in areas with significant lightning exposure.

A professional lightning risk assessment can help determine the level of risk and the appropriate lightning protection strategy for a particular building or facility.

 

Lightning Protection Risk Assessments

A lightning risk assessment considers the likelihood and potential consequences of a lightning strike and helps determine whether a lightning protection system is required and what level of protection may be appropriate.

QPP can assess existing buildings, proposed developments and critical infrastructure to help building owners, engineers and facility managers understand their lightning exposure and protection requirements.

The assessment can also consider the relationship between direct strike protection, earthing and surge protection, allowing the facility to be considered as a complete protection system rather than as a collection of individual components.

 

Lightning Protection System Design & Installation

Effective lightning protection begins with the correct design. QPP designs and installs lightning protection solutions according to the requirements of the structure, its use, electrical infrastructure and assessed lightning risk.

A complete lightning protection design may consider:

For new developments, early consideration of lightning protection allows the system requirements to be incorporated into the building design rather than added after construction.

 

Direct Strike Lightning Protection

Direct strike lightning protection is designed to manage the energy associated with lightning directly striking a structure.

The system provides designated strike interception points and conductive paths intended to transfer lightning current towards the earthing system while reducing the risk of uncontrolled discharge through the building.

Direct strike protection should also be considered alongside surge protection. While structural lightning protection helps manage a direct lightning strike, surge protection is used to help protect electrical and electronic equipment from transient overvoltages.

 

Lightning Protection Testing & Inspection

Installing a lightning protection system is not the end of the process. Existing systems require inspection and testing to assess their condition and identify faults, deterioration or changes that may affect their performance.

Lightning protection systems can be affected over time by:

QPP can inspect and test existing lightning protection installations and identify areas requiring maintenance, repair, upgrading or further investigation.

 

Lightning Protection Certification & Recertification

QPP provides lightning protection inspection, testing, certification and recertification services for existing systems.

Certification provides building owners and facility managers with documented information about the lightning protection system and its condition at the time of inspection.

Where an existing installation requires attention, QPP can identify faults and provide recommendations for rectification before the system is retested.

Recertification can be particularly important for older installations and buildings that have undergone alterations since the lightning protection system was originally installed.

 

Lightning Protection System Maintenance

Lightning protection systems are exposed to weather, corrosion, building works and other environmental conditions throughout their operating life.

Regular inspection and maintenance can identify deterioration, damaged components and changes to the building that may affect the integrity of the overall system.

QPP can provide ongoing lightning protection maintenance incorporating inspection, testing, fault identification, repairs and recertification where required.

 

Lightning Protection & AS 1768

AS 1768 provides guidance relating to lightning protection in Australia and is an important reference when assessing lightning risk and designing, installing and reviewing lightning protection systems.

QPP works with clients to assess lightning protection requirements and existing installations with consideration of the relevant Australian requirements and the specific characteristics of the site.

 

Lightning Protection vs Surge Protection

Lightning protection and surge protection are related, but they perform different functions.

Lightning protection is primarily concerned with managing the effects of a direct lightning strike to a structure and providing a controlled path for lightning current towards earth.

Surge protection helps protect electrical and electronic equipment against transient overvoltages that can enter or develop within an electrical system.

A commercial or industrial facility may therefore require both structural lightning protection and correctly selected surge protection devices as part of its overall protection strategy.

QPP provides both lightning protection and surge protection services, allowing the interaction between the two systems to be considered as part of an integrated solution.

 

Lightning Protection in Brisbane & Queensland

QPP provides lightning protection services throughout Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and regional Queensland, as well as servicing projects elsewhere in Australia.

Our work includes new lightning protection installations, existing system inspections, testing, certification, recertification, maintenance and specialist lightning protection advice for commercial, industrial and infrastructure sites.

For organisations operating across multiple sites, QPP can also assist with assessing and managing lightning protection requirements across a broader property or infrastructure portfolio.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Lightning Protection

What does a lightning protection system do?

A lightning protection system provides a controlled conductive path intended to carry lightning current towards earth, reducing the risk of uncontrolled discharge and physical damage to a structure.

Does lightning protection stop lightning from striking a building?

No. A lightning protection system does not stop lightning from occurring. It is designed to intercept and manage a strike and provide a controlled path for lightning current.

Does lightning protection protect electrical equipment?

Structural lightning protection and electrical surge protection perform different functions. Sensitive electrical and electronic equipment may require appropriate surge protection in addition to structural lightning protection.

How often should a lightning protection system be inspected?

Lightning protection systems should be inspected periodically and may also require inspection following building alterations, roofing works, equipment installation, system damage or other changes that could affect the installation. The appropriate inspection and testing schedule depends on the site and applicable requirements.

Can an existing lightning protection system be recertified?

Yes. QPP can inspect and test existing lightning protection systems and identify faults or deterioration that may require rectification before recertification.

What is the difference between lightning protection and surge protection?

Lightning protection primarily protects the structure by providing a controlled path for lightning current, while surge protection helps protect electrical and electronic equipment from transient overvoltages. Many commercial and industrial facilities benefit from considering both systems together.

Does QPP provide lightning protection in Brisbane and regional Queensland?

Yes. QPP provides lightning protection services in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and regional Queensland, as well as services for projects elsewhere in Australia.

 

Talk to a Lightning Protection Specialist

If you are planning a new lightning protection system, need an existing installation inspected or require lightning protection testing, maintenance, certification or recertification, contact QPP to discuss your site.

Our team can help determine the appropriate next step based on your building, existing system and lightning protection requirements.

 

 

 

 

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