We’re doing Lightning Protection Assessments

At Cyntech, we believe that high-priority assets require high-priority protection. And as industry leaders in Lightning Protection, Power Earthing and Surge Protection Systems, we are always innovating and researching ways to broaden our knowledge base and improve our designs. We want you to be able to continue working with peace of mind regardless of lightning storms and electronic surges.

Electronic assets and their uses are only growing as more and more companies shift the heart of their operations with Industry 4.0 and embark on a digital transformation journey. This also means that protecting these assets are becoming more and more essential. That is why, when the IEC 62305-4 lightning protection standard was introduced in 2006, it introduced an entirely new section of lightning protection standards that focus exclusively on Electronic Systems Protection.

Because high-priority Process control equipment, such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), contain sensitive electronics that are at high risk during electronic surges, the protection of the equipment is vital to continuous sustainable processes. But field equipment and control systems are not the only risk areas. Risk to human life is also present as potential lightning strikes in fuel facilities can result in explosions and fire, should hazardous vapours be present. Furthermore, resultant step potential can also expose a person to the risk of injury just by them standing next to an object which is connected to the induced voltage.

In areas with high ground flash density, strategically placed Surge Protection Devices (SPD) or signal line protectors act as an interface between your field equipment and your main control circuits. Damage to the field equipment and/or primary control system can be extremely costly and leave your entire control system vulnerable. Mitigation measures can however be implemented to reduce risk exposure.

View the Ground Flash Density Map below to see how big the risk-factor is at your location:

At Cyntech, we are committed to ensuring that we make the right decisions so that the reliability of your process plants and production lines are not compromised. This is why we offer a specialised and focused Lightning Protection Assessment service that evaluates a terminals current risk exposure and recommends the corrective measures that can be implemented in order to reduce that risk. The ‘DEHN Support Toolbox’ software, which we have recently acquired, will allow us to do just that.

This software gives us the necessary tools to assess the following, in accordance with SANS 62305:

• Your level of risk
• The optimal separation distance for safety installations
• The optimal length of lightning rods for your solution
• The optimal length of your earth electrodes
• The best type and size of surge protection for your safety and process needs

We are currently conducting comprehensive lightning protection assessments at numerous fuel storage terminals throughout the country, guided by the IEC 62305 Lightning protection standard. Farryn Stuck, the latest addition to our team, has undergone comprehensive training in the use of the DEHN software to assist her with carrying out these assessments. Not only is she driving the process with an excited determination, under the supervision of our chief technical expert and mentor, Willem de Villiers, but she is also exceeding client expectations on all fronts. If you want the best expertise and are concerned that your plant may be at risk, be sure to contact us so that we can do an assessment at your location, advise you on reasonable measures to reduce your risk, and ultimately give you peace of mind.