Introducing a Total Solution for Earthing, Lightning & Surge Protection
An extensive range of high quality products & services from ABB Furse, now available in NZ exclusively
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FAQ's
“My building has stood for 100 years, and has never been hit. So there's no chance of it being struck now!”
"While your building may have been fortunate so far, lightning strikes are unpredictable, and past performance is not an indicator of future risk. Even relatively new structures can be vulnerable. Carrying out a risk assessment will help determine the probability of a strike and whether protection should be fitted. Remember, a direct strike to the structure is not even necessary for lightning to cause damage through fire, electric shock, or electronic systems failure. Feel free to contact us and we will connect you with the ABB Furse Engineering team for assistance in carrying out this essential assessment to ensure that your building is adequately protected, regardless of its age or history."
“I have an air finial on the tallest part of the building and a down conductor, so that should be adequate?”
"While having an air finial and down conductor is a step in the right direction, it may not provide complete protection in accordance with the AS/NZS 1768:2007 standard used in New Zealand. This standard often requires a more comprehensive approach, similar to a full Faraday Cage, with multiple conductors on and around the building. Feel free to contact us and we will connect you with the ABB Furse Engineering team for assistance to ensure that your lightning protection system meets the specific requirements for New Zealand."
“How do I know if my building needs lightning protection and, if so, what level of lightning protection system (LPS) is required?”
- "Determining the need and level of lightning protection for your building isn't something that can be done intuitively. It requires a thorough risk assessment in accordance with the AS/NZS 1768:2007 standard. This assessment considers various factors and parameters to ensure the right protection level is identified. Furse has developed a bespoke risk assessment software package called StrikeRisk to simplify and speed up the process. Feel free to contact us and we will connect you with the ABB Furse Engineering team for assistance in carrying out this essential assessment."
- Revise the link to StrikeRisk software - https://new.abb.com/low-
voltage/products/earthing- lightning-protection/furse/ strikerisk-management-software
"Can I get a site survey to plan a surge protection system?"
"Yes, we can certainly assist with site surveys for surge protection. However, for checking an existing structural lightning protection system or conducting a survey for one, we recommend that the inquiry comes from the in-house electricians or maintenance contractor with the site/building details. We will then work closely with them and advise on the next steps. Feel free to contact us to discuss your specific needs, and we'll be happy to guide you through the process."
"I have a lightning conductor system on my building - will this protect my electronics within the building?"
"No, a lightning conductor system will protect the structure itself but not the electronics within it. In NZ, you'll need specialist surge protection to prevent equipment damage from Lightning Electromagnetic Impulses (LEMP). The AS/NZS 1768:2007 standard emphasizes coordinated SPDs (Surge Protection Devices), where the locations and LEMP handling attributes of a series of SPDs are coordinated to nullify the conducted LEMP effects, thereby protecting equipment within their environment. Feel free to contact us for guidance on implementing the right surge protection for your building."