CLC/TC 81X - Lightning protection

IEC 62561-7:2024 is available as IEC 62561-7:2024 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 62561-7:2024 specifies the requirements and tests for earthing enhancing compounds producing low resistance of an earth termination system. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2018. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) Figure A.1 has been replaced with a simpler one that clearly shows the high and low corrosion load limits of the earth enhancing compounds without the need for special knowledge; b) pH measurement has been introduced.

IEC 62561-5:2023 is available as IEC 62561-5:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 62561-5:2023 specifies the requirements and tests for earth electrode inspection housings (earth housings) installed in the earth and for earth electrode seals. Lightning protection system components (LPSC) can also be suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres. For this reason, there are additional requirements when installing the components under such conditions. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) A classification of earth electrode seals has been added.

IEC 62561-4:2023 is available as IEC 62561-4:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 62561-4:2023 deals with the requirements and tests for metallic and non-metallic conductor fasteners that are used to retain and support the air-termination, down-conductor and earth-termination systems. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) alignment with the latest edition of ISO IEC 60068-2-52:2017 relating to salt mist atmosphere treatment; b) alignment with the new edition of ISO 22479:2019 relating to humid sulphurous atmosphere treatment; c) new normative annex for the applicability of previous tests.

IEC 62561-3:2023 is available as IEC 62561-3:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 62561-3:2023 specifies the requirements and tests for isolating spark gaps (ISGs) for lightning protection systems. ISGs can be used to indirectly bond a lightning protection system to other nearby metalwork where a direct bond is not permissible for functional reasons. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition. a) alignment with the latest edition of ISO 22479 relating to humid sulphurous atmosphere treatment; b) addition of a new normative Annex D for the applicability of previous tests.

This part of IEC 62561 specifies the requirements and tests for devices intended to count the number of lightning strikes based on the current flowing in a conductor. This conductor may be part of a lightning protection system (LPS) or connected to an SPD installation or other conductors, which are not intended to conduct a significant portion of lightning currents. LSCs for use in hazardous atmospheres, extra requirements for the components may be necessary to be taken. NOTE In CENELEC countries, testing requirements of components for explosive atmosphere are specified in CLC/TS 50703-2.

IEC 62561-1:2023 is available as IEC 62561-1:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 62561-1:2023 specifies the requirements and tests for metallic connection components that form part of a lightning protection system (LPS). Typically, these can be connectors, clamps, bonding and bridging components, expansion pieces and test joints. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) definitions of connection types mentioned in the scope have been added; b) location classification has been expanded in detail; c) the document has been updated in line with the new edition of ISO 22479:2019 on humid sulphurous atmosphere treatment; d) a new normative Annex E for reduced test procedures has been introduced.

IEC 62858:2019 is available as IEC 62858:2019 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition. IEC 62858:2019 introduces and discusses all necessary measures to make reliable and homogeneous the values of ground flash density, NG and ground strike point density, NSG, obtained from lightning location systems (LLSs) in various countries. Only parameters that are relevant to risk assessment are considered. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - Two informative annexes are introduced dealing with the determination of lightning density for risk calculation (Annex A) and ground strike point calculation methods (Annex B).

This document defines the requirements and testing for joints of metal sheets, with or without insulating coatings, used as natural components in roofs, facades or walls of buildings, suitable to conduct lightning current in LPS where the interconnection of these metal sheets does not ensure durable electrical connection. NOTE This document does not deal with the lightning interception capabilities of these components. The connection clamps for connecting the metallic sheet with the down conductor to the earth termination system are LPSC, tested according to EN 62561 1.

IEC 62561-7:2018 specifies the requirements and tests for earthing enhancing compounds producing low resistance of an earth termination system. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) information concerning the execution of the test for the determination of the resistivity in 5.4.3; b) addition of Annex A for the assessment of the corrosion load.

IEC 62561-2:2018 specifies the requirements and tests for:  
metallic conductors (other than "natural" conductors) that form part of the air-termination and down-conductor systems,
metallic earth electrodes that form part of the earth-termination system.  This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical change with respect to the previous edition:
Tables 2 and 4 have been merged into one Table (Table 2).
Figure 2 showing the coating measurement of a plate conductor has been added.

IEC 62561-6:2018 specifies the requirements and tests for devices intended to count the number of lightning strikes based on the current flowing in a conductor. This conductor may be part of a lightning protection system (LPS) or connected to an SPD installation or other conductors, which are not intended to conduct a significant portion of lightning currents. LSCs may also be suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres and there are therefore extra requirements necessary for the components to be installed in such conditions. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) removal of previous classification and introduction of a simple division into Type I for impulses (direct lightning current detection) and Type II for lightning surge current detection, with appropriate testing for each type; b) modification and addition of terms and definitions; c) addition of a new Annex C (tests flow chart).

This document defines the requirements and tests relevant to Lightning Protection System Components suitable for explosive atmospheres (Ex-LPSC). NOTE This document does not consider EX-LPS Components certified according to EN 60079 series. If a product has already been tested according to ATEX, it does not have to be tested again according to CLC/TS 50703-2.

IEC 62561-4:2017 deals with the requirements and tests for metallic and non-metallic conductor fasteners that are used to retain and support the air-termination, down-conductor and earth-termination systems. This document does not cover the fixing of conductor fasteners to the fabric of structures due to the vast number and types used in modern day construction. LPSC can also be suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres. There are therefore additional requirements when installing the components in such conditions. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - new detailed flow chart of the tests; - in Annexes A and B, composite fasteners have been added.

IEC 62561-5:2017 specifies the requirements and tests for earth electrode inspection housings (earth housing) installed in the earth and for earth electrode seals. Lightning protection system components (LPSC) can also be suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres. There are therefore additional requirements when installing the components under such conditions. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following major technical changes with respect to the previous edition. - Testing requirements have been added for the sealing of earth electrode installed in or through watertight concrete.

IEC 62793:2020(E) describes the characteristics of thunderstorm warning systems (TWSs) in order to implement lightning hazard preventive measures. Single sensors and/or a network of sensors (e.g. lightning location system) can be used as a TWS. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2016. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - portable devices are no longer covered by this standard; - in Clause 5, classes of TWS have been deleted; - in Clause 6, updated figures and more detailed text are provided to better illustrate the alarm timeline; - in Clause 9, the text has been summarized and refers now to the application guide given in Annex F; - annexes have been reorganized; - Annex E is normative.

IEC 62561-3:2017(E) specifies the requirements and tests for isolating spark gaps (ISG) for lightning protection systems. ISGs can be used to indirectly bond a lightning protection system to other nearby metalwork where a direct bond is not permissible for functional reasons. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2012. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition. - a new classification has been added related to ISGs location installation; - an updated flow chart of tests has been developed.

NEW!IEC 62561-1:2017 is available as IEC 62561-1:2017 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition. IEC 62561-1:2017 specifies the requirements and tests for metallic connection components that form part of a lightning protection system (LPS). Typically, these can be connectors, clamps, bonding and bridging components, expansion pieces and test joints. For the purposes of this document the following connection types are considered as connection components: exothermic, brazing, welding, clamping, crimping, seaming, screwing or bolting. Testing of components for an explosive atmosphere is not covered by this document. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2012. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a. classification of connection components in permanent and non-permanent connection; b. requirements and corresponding tests for permanent connection components such as exothermic, brazing, welding, crimping, seaming; c. flow chart of tests for connection components.

Part 2 of IEC 62561 specifies the requirements and tests for:
– metallic conductors (other than "natural" conductors) that form part of the air-termination
and down-conductor systems,
– metallic earth electrodes that form part of the earth-termination system.

IEC 62305-2:2024 is applicable to the risk management of a structure due to lightning flashes to earth. Its purpose is to provide a procedure for the evaluation of such a risk. Once an upper tolerable limit for the risk has been selected, this procedure provides a means for the selection of appropriate protection measures to be adopted to reduce the risk to or below the tolerable limit. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) The concept of a single risk, to combine loss of human life and loss due to fire, has been introduced. b) The concept of frequency of damage that can impair the availability of the internal systems within the structure has been introduced. c) The lightning ground strike-point density NSG has been introduced replacing the lightning flash density NG in the evaluation of expected average annual number of dangerous events. d) Reduction of a few risk components can be achieved by the use of preventive temporary measures activated by means of a thunderstorm warning system (TWS) compliant with IEC 62793. The risk of direct strike to people in open areas has been introduced, considering the reduction of that risk using a TWS.

IEC 62305-3:2024 provides the requirements for protection of a structure against physical damage by means of a lightning protection system (LPS), and for protection against injury to human beings due to touch and step voltages in the vicinity of an LPS (see IEC 62305-1). This document is applicable to the: a) design, installation, inspection and maintenance of an LPS for structures without limitation of their height, b) establishment of measures for protection against injury to human beings primarily due to touch and step voltages. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) Minimum thicknesses of metal sheets or metal pipes are given in Table 4 for air-termination systems where it is necessary to prevent hot-spot problems. Maximum temperature rises ΔT (K) and time duration t50 (s) for different thicknesses and long strokes are also given. b) Cross-reference to the IEC 62561 series is made for the use of reliable, stable, safe and appropriate LPS components. c) The application of two methods – general and simplified – for separation distance calculation is clarified. d) Some changes to the requirements for continuity of steel reinforcement are made. e) Annex C is revised to address comments from IEC subcommittee 31J. f) Revision of positioning of air-termination conductors are modified according to the three accepted methods. A more precise description of the methods for positioning of the air-termination systems are made according to the complexity of structures to be protected. The main text has been simplified, Annex A has been deleted and all detailed information has been moved to Annex D. g) Information on the protection of green roofs is introduced in Annex D. h) Information on the protection of protruding parts on facades of tall buildings is introduced in Annex D. i) a new definition of “electrically insulated LPS” has been introduced to distinguish it from an LPS both electrically and physically isolated from the structure, with a slight modification of the other LPS definitions.

IEC 62305-4:2024 provides requirements for the design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and testing of surge protection measures (SPM) for electrical and electronic systems to reduce the risk of permanent failures due to lightning electromagnetic impulse (LEMP) within a structure. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) addition of new informative Annex E and Annex F on the determination of current sharing using modelling and current sharing in PV installations respectively; b) addition of a new informative Annex G on methods of testing of system level behaviour; c) addition of a new informative Annex H on induced voltages in SPD-protected installations.

This part of IEC 62305 provides general principles for the protection of structures against lightning, including their installations and contents, as well as persons. The following cases are outside the scope of this document: - railway systems; - vehicles, ships, aircraft, offshore installations; - underground high-pressure pipelines; − pipe, power and telecommunication lines placed outside the structure; − nuclear power plants. NOTE 1 In these cases, structures usually fall under special regulations produced by various specialized authorities. The IEC 62305 series is generally considered as a minimum requirement for these structures. For structures (subsidiary or others) not falling under such special regulations, IEC 62305 still applies. NOTE 2 Lightning protection of wind turbines is also covered by IEC 61400-24 [14]. NOTE 3 Until any further information by CIGRE is available the lightning current parameters described in this standard may be applied also for offshore installations.

CCMC origin. Incorrect implementation date.

Corrigendum to delete the mention of "modified" from IEC reference document and to add a correction in Annex ZA

Corrigendum to delete the mention of "modified" from IEC reference document in the title page

IEC 62305-2:2010(E) is applicable to risk assessment for a structure due to lightning flashes to earth. Its purpose is to provide a procedure for the evaluation of such a risk. Once an upper tolerable limit for the risk has been selected, this procedure allows the selection of appropriate protection measures to be adopted to reduce the risk to or below the tolerable limit. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2006, and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: 1) Risk assessment for services connected to structures is excluded from the scope. 2) Injuries of living beings caused by electric shock inside the structure are considered. 3) Tolerable risk of loss of cultural heritage is lowered from 10-3 to 10-4. The value of tolerable risk of loss of economic value (RT = 10-3) is introduced, to be used when data for cost/benefit analysis are not available. 4) Extended damage to surroundings structures or to the environment is considered. 5) Improved equations are provided for evaluation of: - collection areas relevant to flashes nearby a structure, - collection areas relevant to flashes to and nearby a line, - probabilities that a flash can cause damage, - loss factors even in structures with risk of explosion, - risk relevant to a zone of a structure, - cost of loss. 6) Tables are provided to select the relative amount of loss in all cases. 7) Impulse withstand voltage level of equipments was extended down to 1 kV.

IEC 62305-4:2010(E) provides information for the design, installation, inspection, maintenance and testing of electrical and electronic system protection (LPM) to reduce the risk of permanent failures due to lightning electromagnetic impulse (LEMP) within a structure. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2006, and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: 1) Isolating interfaces capable of reducing conducted surges on lines entering the structure are introduced. 2) Minimum cross-sections for bonding components are slightly modified. 3) First negative impulse current is introduced for calculation purposes as electromagnetic source of harm to the internal systems. 4) Selection of SPD with regard to voltage protection level is improved to take into account oscillation and induction phenomena in the circuit downstream of SPD. 5) Annex C dealing with SPD coordination is withdrawn and referred back to SC 37A. 6) A new informative Annex D is introduced giving information on factors to be considered in the selection of SPDs.

IEC 62305-1:2010(E) provides general principles to be followed for protection of structures against lightning, including their installations and contents, as well as persons. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2006, and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: 1) It no longer covers protection of services connected to structures. 2) Isolated interfaces are introduced as protection measures to reduce failure of electric and electronic systems. 3) First negative impulse current is introduced as a new lightning parameter for calculation purposes. 4) Expected surge overcurrents due to lightning flashes have been more accurately specified for low voltage power systems and for telecommunication systems.

IEC 62305-3:2010(E) provides the requirements for protection of a structure against physical damage by means of a lightning protection system (LPS), and for protection against injury to living beings due to touch and step voltages in the vicinity of an LPS (see IEC 62305-1). This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2006, and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: 1) Minimum thicknesses of metal sheets or metal pipes given in Table 3 for air-termination systems are assumed as not able to prevent hot-spot problems. 2) Steel with electro-deposited copper is introduced as material suitable for LPS. 3) Some cross-sectional areas of LPS conductors were slightly modified. 4) For bonding purposes, isolating spark gaps are used for metal installations and SPD for internal systems. 5) Two methods - simplified and detailed - are provided for evaluation of separation distance. 6) Protection measures against injuries of living beings due to electric shock are considered also inside the structure. 7) Improved information for LPS in the case of structures with a risk of explosion are given in Annex D (normative).

This standard defines graphical symbols to be used for graphical presentations of lightning protection systems

Questionnaire CLC/TC 81X(Secretariat)0154/Q: decision to stop project

IEC 62793:2016(E) describes the characteristics of thunderstorm warning systems and evaluation of the usefulness of lightning real time data and/or storm electrification data in order to implement lightning hazard preventive measures. This standard provides the basic requirements for sensors and networks collecting accurate data of the relevant parameters, giving real-time information of lightning tracks and range. It describes the application of the data collected by these sensors and networks in the form of warnings and historical data. This standard applies to the use of information from thunderstorm warning systems (systems or equipment providing real-time information) on atmospheric electric activity in order to monitor preventive measures.

This document defines the requirements and testing for joints of metal sheets, with or without insulating coatings, used as natural components in roofs, facades or walls of buildings, suitable to conduct lightning current in LPS where the interconnection of these metal sheets does not ensure durable electrical connection. NOTE This document does not deal with the lightning interception capabilities of these components. The connection clamps for connecting the metallic sheet with the down conductor to the earth termination system are LPSC, tested according to EN 62561-1.

IEC 62858:2015 introduces and discusses all necessary measures to make reliable and homogeneous the values of NG obtained from LLS in various countries. Only parameters that are relevant to risk assessment are considered.

IEC 62561-3:2012(E) specifies the requirements and tests for isolating spark gaps (ISG) for lightning protection systems. ISGs can be used to indirectly bond a lightning protection system to other nearby metalwork where a direct bond is not permissible for functional reasons.

IEC 62561-2:2012(E) specifies the requirements and tests for: - metallic conductors (other than 'natural' conductors) that form part of the air termination system and down conductors; - metallic earth electrodes that form part of the earth termination system.

IEC 62561-1:2012(E) specifies the requirements and tests for metallic connection components that form part of a lightning protection system (LPS). Typically, these can be connectors, bonding and bridging components, expansion pieces and test joints. Testing of components for an explosive atmosphere is not covered by this standard.

IEC 62561-7:2011 specifies the requirements and tests for earthing enhancing compounds producing low resistance of an earth termination system.

IEC 62561-6:2011 specifies the requirements and tests for devices intended to count the number of lightning strike pulses flowing in a conductor. This conductor may be part of a lightning protection system (LPS) or connected to an SPD installation (or other conductors which are not intended to conduct a significant portion of lightning currents).

IEC 62561-5:2011 specifies the requirements and tests for - earth electrode inspection housings (earth pit), - earth electrode seals. Lightning protection system components (LPSC) may also be suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres. Regard should then be taken of the extra requirements necessary for the components to be installed in such conditions.

IEC 62561-4:2010 deals with the requirements and tests for metallic and non-metallic conductor fasteners that are used in conjunction with the air termination, down conductor and earth termination system. This standard does not cover the fixing of conductor fasteners to the fabric/membrane/gravel roofing of structures due to the vast number and types used in modern day construction. LPSC may also be suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres. Regard should then be taken of the extra requirements necessary for the components to be installed in such conditions.

Publication editing allocated to cpalagi@cencenelec.eu

Superseded by EN 62305-3:2011

This European Standard specifies the requirements and tests for - earth electrode inspection housings (earth pit), - earth electrode seals. Lightning protection components (LPC) may also be suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres. Regard should then be taken of the extra requirements necessary for the components to be installed in such conditions.

Superseded by EN 62561-6:2011

Superseded by EN 62561-3:2012

This European Standard provides the basic requirements of sensors and networks collecting accurate data of the relevant parameters informing in real-time about lightning tracking and range. It describes the application of the data collected by these sensors and networks in the form of warnings and historical data. This European Standard applies to the use of information from thunderstorm warning systems (which are systems or equipment which provide real-time information) on atmospheric electrical activity in order to monitor for preventive means. The scope of this document is providing: - a general description of the available lightning and storm electrification hazard warning systems; - a classification of thunderstorm detection devices and properties; - guidelines for alarming methods; - a procedure to determine the thunderstorm information usefulness; - some examples of possible preventive actions (only for information).

This European Standard provides the basic requirements of sensors and networks collecting accurate data of the relevant parameters informing in real-time about lightning tracking and range. It describes the application of the data collected by these sensors and networks in the form of warnings and historical data. This European Standard applies to the use of information from thunderstorm warning systems (which are systems or equipment which provide real-time information) on atmospheric electrical activity in order to monitor for preventive means. The scope of this document is providing: – a general description of the available lightning and storm electrification hazard warning systems; – a classification of thunderstorm detection devices and properties; – guidelines for alarming methods; – a procedure to determine the thunderstorm information necessity; – some examples of possible preventive actions (only for information). A non-exhaustive list of activities to which this European Standard might apply is given below: – people in open areas: maintenance people, labour, sports or other open-air activities, competitions, crowded events, agricultural activities, farms and fisheries; – wind farms, larger solar power systems, power lines, etc.; – occupational health and safety prevention; – safeguard sensitive equipment: computer systems, electric or electronic systems, emergency systems, alarms and safety; – prevention of losses in operations and industrial processes; – prevention of serious accidents involving dangerous substances (e.g. flammable, radioactive, toxic, and explosive); – prevention in determined environments or activities with special danger of electrostatic discharges (e.g. space and flight vehicle operations); – operations in which the continuity of the basic services is needed to be guaranteed (e.g. telecommunications, the generation, transport and distribution of energy, sanitary services and emergency services); – infrastructures: ports, airports, railroads, motorways and cableways; – civil defence of the environment: forest fires, land slide and floods; – managing traffic (e.g. airplanes.) or wide networks (e.g. power lines, telecommunication lines) may also benefits from having early detection of thunderstorms. The following enumerated aspects are outside of this European Standard: a) lightning protection which is covered in their corresponding European and National standards and regulations; b) other thunderstorm related phenomena such as rain, hail, wind, etc.; c) satellite and radar thunderstorm detection techniques; d) this European Standard does not address any details on lightning and/or storm electrification hazard preventive actions.

This European Standard specifies the requirements and tests for metallic connection components that form part of a Lightning Protection System (LPS). Typically these can be connectors, bonding and bridging components, expansion pieces and test joints.