Client/Project

Australian Army base in New South Wales

Holsworthy Barracks is a major Australian Army base in New South Wales.

It is a very active military base where exercises and activities are conducted frequently to maintain world-class response capabilities.

Task/Scope/Problem Statement

Military personnel often work outdoors, making them vulnerable to lightning strikes. Bases often store munitions and explosives, which are highly sensitive to lightning-induced sparks. Lightning can damage communication networks, radar systems, and other essential equipment, disrupting operations.  

This base was installing two new radar systems on the roof of a building making them a primary target for lightning to strike. Installing proper protection minimises damage to essential equipment and prevents injuries.

Solution

QPP completed installation of both horizontal and vertical elements (Air Termination System) on the military base which consisted of vertical finials and smooth weave cable to meet Australian Standard AS 1768 2021. Two corona minimising air terminals (Guardian GPlus-1), each of height 7 m were utilised as part of the air termination system to protect the new radar systems being installed. Surge Protection was also installed on the main switchboard for a holistic approach to lightning protection.

Result

The installation of the conventional Lightning Protection System at the base played a crucial role in safeguarding not only the vital infrastructure but also the lives of the personnel within this high-risk facility. By effectively mitigating the potentially devastating impact of lightning strikes, this system ensured the continuity and security of operations, minimising the risk of damage to critical components and the accompanying operational downtime.