How Biral’s Thunderstorm Warning Systems Lead the Way in Lightning Risk Management
The 2024 release of IEC 62305-2 marks a significant step forward in protecting structures and people from lightning-related risks. This updated standard, “Protection Against Lightning – Part 2: Risk Management,” builds on previous versions, introducing new methodologies that improve the accuracy of lightning risk assessment and enhance safety measures. With Biral’s advanced Thunderstorm Warning Systems (TWS), companies can achieve compliance with the new standard and significantly enhance their risk management strategy.
Key Updates in IEC 62305-2:2024
The IEC 62305-2:2024 standard offers a comprehensive approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risks posed by lightning strikes. The latest version introduces four major updates that align with the evolving needs of modern lightning protection:
- Updated Risk Assessment: The standard now consolidates the risks of loss of human life and fire damage into a single risk category, simplifying the risk assessment process. This makes it easier for facilities managers and safety officers to determine the necessary protective measures for both people and property.
- Damage Frequency Consideration: A new concept of “damage frequency” has been introduced, focusing on the likelihood that internal systems’ availability may be compromised by lightning events. This ensures that critical infrastructure, such as data centres and hospital facilities, are evaluated based on potential service disruptions.
- Revised Lightning Density Metric: The previous lightning flash density (NG) has been replaced with lightning ground strike-point density (NSG), providing a more accurate representation of potential lightning strikes. This change enables a finer level of detail when calculating the expected annual number of dangerous lightning events.
- Integration of Thunderstorm Warning Systems (TWS): In a critical development, IEC 62305-2:2024 acknowledges that certain risks can be actively mitigated by employing Thunderstorm Warning Systems compliant with IEC 62793. TWS now play a vital role in preventing direct strikes to individuals in open areas, offering advance warnings that significantly reduce lightning-related risks.
How Biral’s Thunderstorm Warning Systems (TWS) Can Support Compliance
Biral’s Thunderstorm Warning Systems, including the renowned BTD-200, BTD-300 and the BTD-350 Lightning Warning System, are uniquely positioned to help companies comply with IEC 62305-2:2024. Both the BTD-200 and BTD-300, for example, detect all forms of lightning within a 35 km range and provide early warnings even before the first overhead discharge, thanks to its real-time detection capabilities and the BTD-350 ensures even in harsh environments (like heavy corrosive sea salt) these capabilities are maintained.
Here’s how Biral’s TWS can align with and enhance the implementation of the new standard:
- Proactive Risk Mitigation: The updated IEC standard encourages proactive preventive measures, which Biral’s TWS enable by alerting personnel of impending lightning risks. With advanced warning, companies can safeguard individuals and critical systems by activating precautionary measures.
- Enhanced Accuracy with Real-time Detection: By switching to the NSG metric, IEC 62305-2:2024 requires more accurate data on lightning activity. Biral’s TWS provides real-time, precise information on lightning density, allowing companies to fulfil this requirement and optimise their risk management strategies.
- Compliance with IEC 62793: IEC 62305-2:2024 emphasises the role of Thunderstorm Warning Systems that are IEC 62793-compliant, which applies to Biral’s products. This ensures that companies using Biral’s TWS can confidently claim alignment with both IEC standards, reinforcing their commitment to safety.
- Customised Protection Plans: With insights from Biral’s TWS, safety officers can create tailored protection plans specific to the risks at their site, be it a sports stadium, golf course, or industrial facility. This adaptability is essential under the new standard, which promotes personalised lightning risk assessments.
Why Choose Biral for Lightning Protection
Biral’s Thunderstorm Warning Systems provide reliable, comprehensive solutions for lightning risk management. The 2024 update to IEC 62305-2 underscores the importance of a modern approach to lightning protection, and Biral’s TWS solutions meet these needs effectively. From real-time storm detection to early warning capabilities and compliance with IEC 62793, Biral’s systems stand out as ideal tools for meeting and exceeding the new standard’s requirements.
By choosing Biral, companies can confidently safeguard people and assets, ensuring compliance with the latest industry standards. If you’re ready to take your lightning protection strategy to the next level, Biral’s team is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact our sales team on +44 (0)1275 847787 or email us at enquiries@biral.com