FEATURE
adopt them as a national benchmark. In the process of adopting these standards, minimum changes are permitted. In-country clauses (exceptions or changes) can only be made under very strict circumstances. When such standards are adopted at the national level, any conflicting national standard must be withdrawn.
The manufacturers of the components used on LP systems, whilst having to adhere to the recommendations laid out in BS EN 62305 (Installation Standard), work to BS EN 62561 (Product Manufacturing Standard).
Our industry has never taken a ‘Benjamin Franklin stick your finger in the air and hope for the best’ approach, but from those early pioneers we have evolved into a highly specialised sector. The latest access, working at height, design, install, testing and maintenance procedures are ATLAS members’ skillset.
The materials used by ATLAS members underlines the commitment to ‘best practice policy’ at all times. ATLAS members are the vanguard of the industry, pushing boundaries and setting standards for the sector.
Even the most basic of materials, being copper conductor (99.9% copper), has a test criterion to ensure the material is fit for purpose. Tests to establish Tensile Strength or Electrical Resistivity would appear a fairly basic requirement.
Where: R= Resistance in (µΩ) = Cross sectional area in (m2) = Unit length in (m). The dimensions of sample measured at three equally distributed points along one metre and the cross-sectional area is within a (±5%) tolerance.
Environmental testing consists of two main tests, the Salt Mist Test and the Humid Sulphurous Atmosphere Test. The specimens are placed in a salt mist chamber and sprayed for a period of two hours at a temperature of 250ºC. At the end of the spraying period the specimens are transferred to the humidity chamber and stored at a temperature of 400ºC and a relative humidity of 95% for 22 hours. After that, the specimens complying with salt mist treatment are subjected to humid sulphurous atmosphere treatment. The demineralized water entrains into a cabinet and the specimens are placed in position and the cabinet is closed. The sulphur dioxide entrains into the cabinet through an inlet pipe.
The test machine is programmed to raise the temperature in the cabinet at 400ºC gradually over a period of 1.5 hours. The test duration is seven cycles. Each cycle lasts 24 hours and consists of eight hours in the cabinet and 16 hours in the ambient atmosphere at a temperature of 240ºC and relative humidity 58%.
This is why when choosing to partner with a Lightning Protection Specialist Contractor, choosing an ATLAS member ensures you of best practice and the highest industry standards. They are annually audited to ensure they meet the stringent compliance criteria of ATLAS membership, which demand members to work safely, design accordingly, install correctly and use materials that stand up to vigorous test procedures. If the materials do not comply, then the overall Test Certificate is invalid.
The electrical resistance for example is measured over a one-metre (±1 mm) distance and then the reading is corrected to 200ºC using the appropriate correction factor. Then each specimen is weighted, and the electrical resistivity is calculated using the following formula: (µΩm)
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ATLAS was founded in 1946 and is celebrating its 75th year representing the leading lightning protection experts in the country. With all ATLAS members accredited to BS EN 62305, there is no-one better qualified to protect your structure from lightning strikes. Ensure you are fully protected and contact an ATLAS member today.
https://atlas.org.uk TOMORROW’S FM | 45
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