LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
GENERAL PREPARATORY WORKS
- All grounding rods, air terminals, cables, connectors, copper tape and other miscellaneous materials shall be as required in SAES-P-111 para-5 and complies with Aramco standard and specification.
- All electrical materials shall be traceable from the manufacturer and supplier through delivery, storage, fabrication, erection, installation, repair modifications and used.
- Electrical materials shall be identified by using tags, stamps, colour coding, stencils or labels. All the materials are check in the presence of QC with proper communication.
- Before transporting to the work area check the materials for damage. All materials of doubtful condition or quality shall be immediately segregated from the job site. An NCR must be raised and the material shall not be use.
- Safety Barriers and signage are erected at designated work areas before start of the work.
- Check and confirm actual proposed routing against Issued for construction (IFC) drawings.
- For above ground installation, ensure adequate scaffold ladders and access ways are available at the work location.
Installation Procedures of Lighting protection system
- Obtain/ensure the work permits are in place before/prior to start of work.
- Install grounding and lightning protection system cables, rods and accessories as depicted on IFC drawings. Installation shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction, Issued for Construction (IFC) drawings and Job Specifications, including Saudi Aramco Electrical Installation drawings.
- Check and confirm the actual routing of copper tape and grounding wires for installation against approved construction drawings.
- Following completion of installation, submit “Request For Inspection” (RFI) to site QC Section, indicating scheduled time / date for inspection.
- Metal objects on the top or sides of a structure shall be bonded to the lightning protection system.
- Conductor Bend – No bend of a conductor shall form an included angle of less than 90 degrees, nor shall it have a radius of bend less than 203 mm (8 in.), as shown in figure below.
- Each down-comer conductor must terminate at a ground rod dedicated to lightning protection.
- The lightning protection ground loop shall be bonded to the electrical system grounding.
Air Terminal Lightning Protection
- Review the location layout & detail for each air terminal as per IFC Drawings.
- Air terminal shall be not less than 254 mm (10 in.) above the object or area it is to protect.
- An air terminal exceeding 600 mm (24 in.) in height above the area or object they are to protect shall be supported at a point not less than one-half their height.
- Air terminals shall be secured against overturning or displacement. Install saddle support for each air terminals as per detail.
SAFETY PRECAUTION
- Obtain necessary work permits from the concerned company Representative intended for the area before starting any work.
- Conduct proper preparation to include required safety equipment and tools for the commencement of the work.
- Activities shall be executed in accordance with this procedure and related Saudi Aramco Standards and project specifications.
- Conduct safety briefing to all working crew and remind all basic safety requirements to ensure a safe and healthy work flow.
- Continuous monitoring and inspection shall be implemented by the site supervisor/foreman together with the assigned safety engineer in the area. Any unsafe practices while performing the work activities shall be corrected immediately to avoid stoppage of the work.
- Good housekeeping shall be maintained in the duration of works. The site at all work activities shall be kept clean and tidy.
- Safety Engineer shall monitor the work activities to help and protect all assigned workers against exposure to safety hazards. He shall ensure that Personal Protective Equipments (PPE’s) are supplied and worn at all times.
Industry Codes and Standards for lighting protection system
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- NFPA 780 Lightning Protection Code
- UL 96 Lightning Protection Components
- UL 96A Installation Requirements for Lightning Protection System
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- NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
- IEEE 80 Guide for Safety in Alternating-Current Substation Grounding
- ANSI C2 National Electrical Safety Code
- IEC 61662 Assessment of Risk of Damage Due to Lightning
- IEC 61024-1 Protection of Structures against Lightning
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT FOR LIGHTING PROTECTION SYSTEM
Tools and equipment needed should be in good condition and must be checked by Instrument Supervisor prior to use in the construction area. These includes but not limited to:
- Hydraulic Tool Type Y35 Hypress
- Crimping Tools
- Cable Cutter
- Forklift
- Skid Loader Bobcat
- Stake Bed Truck
- Close & Open Wrench
- Common Hand Tools
- Termite Weld Mold & Accessories
- Handle Clamp
- Cable Cleaning/Card Cloth Brush
- Flint Ignitor/Gun
- Weld Powder (Weld Metal)
- Mould Cleaner
- Flat File (8″)
- Electric Power Tools (i.e. Electric drill, etc.)
- Ground Tester (with valid calibration certificate as per Sch. “Q”)
- Digital Multi-meter (with valid calibration certificate as per Sch. “Q”)
- Torque Wrench (with valid calibration certificate as per Sch. “Q”)
- Other Relevant Tools