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Lightning Protection Systems (LPS)

Eddie Currents
Q1 - Anyone heard of Nimbus Rods used as a LPS - I believe they are commonly known as Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Lightning Protection Systems. They use a type of device known by a few names such as a lightning conductor or Franklin rod. ... An ESE system apparently provides a greater protection radius than that afforded by a passive lightning conductor. I cannot find out whether they are acceptable in the UK and cannot find a BS EN  affiliated to this type of system. 

Q2 - In an high rise apartment block - assuming there is an existing LPS which currently complies with BS 6651 and will need to to upgraded to achieve the new standard of BS EN 62305, (without going through both technical  documents with a fine tooth comb) I wondered what are the fundamental changes between both documents and if any changes exist then what we would need to consider as part of a future upgrade of any said LPS ?
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    Not sure about that model, but the theory is explained in this link from ABB,  here that suggests you can calculate the spacing for the things using the same Risk assessment methods as IEC 62305-2, but the protection range is greater than passive.

    The basic idea is that when a large field is detected, i.e. there is a storm brewing or in progress already nearby, then a high voltage pulse generator in the head is activated, (imagine something between an electric fence pulser and a gas lighter type 'clicker' on steroids) to encourage the lightning to go to that electrode. I suggest that getting the makers to do the design calculations for you is the way forward if you are looking at the wisdom using them to soup up an existing system - I don't think they are  common in the UK, and there is rather more to maintain than a pure passive system- not least a need to check the electronics is still operational after each operation - it is designed to survive a typical induced currents of course, but it is  possible for it to be damaged during a storm. 

    In the good ones there are strike counters and systems where you can download a self test report with a special test box, but unless the building owners maintenance is very on the ball, and there is someone nearby prepared to do this, a passive system has much to recommend it,  I'm not sure if all LPS companies would know what to inspect.There can are also be EMC implications - we would not recommend them them near antennas (not least because (like the electronic gas lighter), they are a source of spark like interference.)
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    Not sure about that model, but the theory is explained in this link from ABB,  here that suggests you can calculate the spacing for the things using the same Risk assessment methods as IEC 62305-2, but the protection range is greater than passive.

    The basic idea is that when a large field is detected, i.e. there is a storm brewing or in progress already nearby, then a high voltage pulse generator in the head is activated, (imagine something between an electric fence pulser and a gas lighter type 'clicker' on steroids) to encourage the lightning to go to that electrode. I suggest that getting the makers to do the design calculations for you is the way forward if you are looking at the wisdom using them to soup up an existing system - I don't think they are  common in the UK, and there is rather more to maintain than a pure passive system- not least a need to check the electronics is still operational after each operation - it is designed to survive a typical induced currents of course, but it is  possible for it to be damaged during a storm. 

    In the good ones there are strike counters and systems where you can download a self test report with a special test box, but unless the building owners maintenance is very on the ball, and there is someone nearby prepared to do this, a passive system has much to recommend it,  I'm not sure if all LPS companies would know what to inspect.There can are also be EMC implications - we would not recommend them them near antennas (not least because (like the electronic gas lighter), they are a source of spark like interference.)
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