ABC Book

Natural corona effect phenomenon on the top of the ship masts, named Saint Elmo fires by the XVth and XVth centuries sailors.

Distance between two conductive parts at which no dangerous sparking can occur. (NF C 17 102 : 2011).

Generator delivering very high intensity electrical shocks with a specific intensity and waveform. These generators are required to test Early Streamer Emission Lightning Rods (100kA minimum with 10/350µs waveform).

Traditional lightning protection system, made of metallic rods (usually copper) of different heights : from several meters high for Single Rods to 30 – 50cm for Meshed Cage rods.

Early Streamer Emission air terminals are tested and installed according to standrds (French NF C 17 102, Spanish UNE 21 186, Portuguese NP4426 etc…).

The flow of lightning in the ground causes earth potential increases that vary according to the current intensity and the local earth impedance. It generate a voltage between two points on the ground (two earth pits or two feet for a person).

First phase of a lightning discharge, it’s a pre-discharge that progress upward from the Ground to the downward leader.

Point where a lightning stroke contacts the earth, a structure or a lightning protection system. (NF C 17 102 : 2011).

Structures containing solid explosive materials or hazardous zones (NF C 17 102 : 2011).

Transient wave appearing as overvoltage and/or overcurrents caused by the electromagnetic effects of lightning discharges (NF C 17 102 : 2011).

Device intended to limit transient overvoltages and drain away surge currents. It contains at least one non-linear component.