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Surge Protection in apartment blocks

GHEC

Hi everybody

I've been asked a question regarding surge protection in an apartment block and was hoping for some input.

The question is regarding surge protection devices to apartments. 

I know that SPDs are required where there may be serious injury to, or loss of, human life. Typically this means life safety systems such as fire alarms and emergency lighting.

If we have surge protection on the incoming supply, are SPDs required in the consumer units of each apartment?

Any thoughts would be welcomed.

  • 0

    There are a few things that might affect this, meaning there is no straightforward answer.

    Does the building have a lightning protection system?

    How are TV, telephone, broadband etc. services distributed and connected to each apartment?

    What Types of SPDs are in the distribution system already?

  • 0 in reply to gkenyon

    I believe there will be a lightning protection system installed.

    Telecoms will be via FTTP in each apartment. TV/Satellite to be mounted on the roof.

    And I don't know about SDPs in the distribution system. I'm waiting on the LV schematic.

  • 0 in reply to GHEC

    Because the building has a lightning protection system (LPS), BS EN 62305 applies, not BS 7671.

    Therefore, the requirement for SPDs in the electrical, TV/satellite distribution system, and telecomms (if required, although probably not for FTTP) should have formed part of the overall LPS design.

    It's possible that all apartments are considered "within the same zone" being inside the building, but there may well be other SPDs required throughout the installation, for example to roof mounted antennas etc.

  • 0

    I'm currently working on a large block of flats.

    No SPD in the communal areas, or, on the feed to the flats, but, each flat has one, or two SPDs inside the dual level CU. They also have AFDD on most of the circuits.

    As far as I am aware, there are no SPDs on the life safety panel board, it has its own, separate, supply, and is independent of the other DBs/circuits in the building.

    Lots of lightning conductors on the roof, as well as buried earthing around the outside.

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