Question 1

When is an ESE (early streamer emission) air terminal preferable to a conventional Franklin rod?

Accepted Answer

ESE terminals claim a larger protection radius and are useful where roof access for multiple Franklin rods is impractical (heritage buildings, telecom rooftops). However ESE has been challenged in international standards — IEC 62305 recognises only conventional rolling-sphere protection. For most new builds, the Franklin/rolling-sphere approach is the auditable choice.

Question 2

Which IEC standard governs the LPS earth termination network?

Accepted Answer

IEC 62305-3 governs the LPS earth termination (Type A and Type B), and IEC 62561-2 governs the components (rods, conductors, clamps). The down-conductor terminates in the LPS earth which is bonded into the plant earth grid for equipotential bonding. We supply per both standards.

Question 3

What's the right down-conductor material — copper or GI?

Accepted Answer

Copper down-conductor tape (25×3 mm bare or tinned) has lower inductance and resistance; HDG GI tape (25×3 mm) is cheaper and sufficient for most industrial applications. For tall buildings and heritage roofs where aesthetics matter, tinned copper is the choice. For solar farms, GI is standard.

Question 4

How are down-conductors fixed to a roof or wall?

Accepted Answer

Stand-off saddle clips at 1 m spacing for vertical runs, 1.5 m for horizontal. The clips are stainless steel for tinned copper conductor, HDG steel for GI conductor. The conductor is held off the surface by ~25 mm to avoid trapping water and chemicals against the wall.

Question 5

Are test clamps mandatory on every down-conductor?

Accepted Answer

Yes — IEC 62305 requires a test joint near ground level on every down-conductor so the LPS earth resistance can be measured during commissioning and maintenance. Without test clamps the LPS audit fails. Our package includes them as standard.

Question 6

How is a solar farm LPS configured?

Accepted Answer

A perimeter LPS earth conductor with multiple driven rods (typically every 30–50 m) is bonded to the array's earth grid. Modules and inverter cabinets are bonded to that grid. The whole forms a Type-B foundation earth that meets IEC 62305 and IEC 61730 (PV-specific). We design the configuration on request.

Question 7

Are LPS components the same in India and the GCC?

Accepted Answer

Materials and standards are the same; what differs is procurement preference. India typically tenders GI tape with copper-bonded driven rods; GCC tenders copper conductor with GEM-backfill rod electrodes. We supply both schemes from the same factory and adjust the kit list to the regional spec.

Question 8

What's the typical resistance target for an LPS earth?

Accepted Answer

IEC 62305 recommends ≤10 Ω for a Type-A earth, lower (<1 Ω) where structure houses sensitive electronics or hazardous processes. Site soil resistivity sets the design — the rod count and length are scaled to hit the target.

Question 9

Are surge protection devices (SPDs) part of the LPS supply package?

Accepted Answer

SPDs are a specialist line we source through partner brands rather than manufacture. We do however supply the down-conductor, earth termination, bonding bars and the SPD enclosure as part of the LPS package — and coordinate with the SPD supplier on the BOQ.

Question 10

Can the LPS bond into the building's structural rebar for foundation earthing?

Accepted Answer

Yes — foundation earthing (Type B) bonds the down-conductors into the rebar at piling level. This requires coordination with the civil contractor at the foundation stage. We supply the rebar-bonding clamps and the connection drawings. It's the most reliable and lowest-resistance LPS earth available.

Length tolerance	±3 mm on standard lengths
Width tolerance	±1 mm
Thickness tolerance	±0.15 mm (IS 1079)
Straightness	≤ 1 mm per 1 m
Galvanizing coat	85 µm min (ASTM A123)
Squareness	≤ 1 mm per 100 mm

Air Terminals & Down Conductors

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