Lack of lightning protection expensive
25 September 2002
Circuit & System Protection
The lack of protection against lightning and installation of incorrect lightning protection equipment is proving expensive in terms of breakdown and replacement costs for the local telecommunications industry.
According to Webb Industries, one of the country's largest suppliers of peripheral telecommunication equipment, the use of incorrect protection equipment costs the telecommunications industry several hundred thousand rand every year.
Lightning protection of telecommunications equipment is a growing market and Webb Industries is taking advantage of the increased demand to offer its specialist service and product range to the industry at large. The protection equipment is used on high sites which are vulnerable to the devastating effects of lightning as well as on towers and other structures throughout the country. The technology required to overcome this problem is becoming more sophisticated and many engineers have difficulty in selecting the right equipment for a particular application.
"There is unfortunately a great deal of ignorance when it comes to choosing the right equipment as there are several different theories in providing the best protection to telecommunications equipment against lightning," said a spokesman from Webb.
"The range of products from PolyPhaser has proved to be one of the most successful and comprehensive in protecting sensitive equipment against lightning surges. PolyPhaser's research showed that the most effective way to protect sensitive equipment is by protecting the lightning surge from entering the facility where the equipment is housed. Various products have been developed for this purpose like earthed entry panels, coaxial surge protectors, mains power protectors, landline protectors and many more."
According to Webb, the PolyPhaser earthed entrance panels are ideal for the high incidence of lightning experienced in South Africa and although they are high-tech by nature, they are nevertheless easy to assemble and fit to high sites.
Webb also offers an advisory service to clients on the best protection equipment to meet their needs and can also supply and install equipment best suited for the application.
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