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Infrastructure

Energy supply systems, railways, airports, port facilities, waterworks, towers, and bridges are all vital parts of Danish infrastructure. Damage to these facilities can be extensive, resulting in direct loss of value and at the same time causing damage to other associated installations

A lightning strike in an electrical supply network can propagate to connected consumers, potentially causing extensive damage.

Electricon has experience with all of these types of facilities. Within railway infrastructure, for example, we are well acquainted with SAB guidelines. At transformer stations, we handle the specific requirements for earthing systems and lightning air-termination masts.

Biogas and oil facilities

A risk analysis will identify the requirements that must be met by an effective lightning protection system, while also complying with the requirements of an ATEX environment with a high risk of explosion.

Electricon offers comprehensive solutions to effectively and reliably prevent potential damage and hazards caused by lightning strikes.

Electric power supply

Lightning protection is usually associated with distribution networks or transmission lines and transformer stations. Lightning protection should also be established at smaller, local facilities that are either part of a distributed supply network or supply an industrial building locally.

Lightning protection must protect the installation itself, but to a large extent also mitigate overvoltages that can propagate to connected consumers.

Structures for production, transmission, and distribution in high-, medium-, and low-voltage systems are becoming increasingly complex and flexible. Smart grids, smart metering, and smart homes require innovative solutions. The interconnection of traditional generation facilities with renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and solar power also means that the overall supply network is becoming more and more complex. As a result, the likelihood of damage to electronic equipment caused by lightning strikes and overvoltages is also increasing significantly. This is due to the widespread introduction of electronic devices and systems, decreasing signal levels and the resulting increased sensitivity, as well as expanded large-area networking.

Lightning protection is implemented using air-termination masts strategically placed in the area surrounding a transformer or distribution station. These are connected to what is often an extensive earthing system.

Because the earthing system is extensive, it is important that Electricon is involved in the project from the very beginning, ensuring both sufficient access to the work site and optimal planning of the work.

Railways

Electrified railways involve many specific challenges. In addition to the general considerations related to lightning protection and personal safety, such as through equipotential bonding, railways also include aspects related to traction power systems and the necessary routing paths for this purpose.

For this reason, special guidelines for electrical work have been developed, known as SAB guidelines.

Electricon has experience with these guidelines, including requirements for special cable marking, placement of cable wells and terminals, and not least the extensive documentation of the work.

Once again, it is important that Electricon is involved at an early stage of the project, ensuring that all prerequisites are in place for an efficient and cost-effective planning and execution process.

Cranes and port areas

Cranes pose an increased risk of lightning strikes. They must therefore be protected against lightning, both for the safety of personnel, the protection of the crane itself, and to prevent the possible transfer of current to cargo and surrounding areas.

Such an installation requires an individual risk assessment and professional consulting.

Airports

Airports require special safety measures. Lightning can strike anywhere – in hangars, terminals, and of course in control towers and safety equipment.

Once again, lightning protection concerns both protecting people and buildings against direct damage and, to a great extent, preventing consequential damage caused by transient overvoltages.

Electricon has experience with these special types of installations and working conditions.