IEC 62561-3 Lightning Protection System Components (LPSC) - Part 3: Requirements for Isolating Spark Gaps (ISG)

EUROLAB laboratory provides testing and compliance services within the scope of IEC 62561-3 standard. This part of the IEC 62561 standard specifies requirements and tests for insulating spark gaps (ISG) for lightning protection systems. ISGs can be used to indirectly connect a lightning protection system to other nearby metalwork where a direct connection is not permitted for functional reasons.

This part of IEC 62561 deals with the requirements and tests for lightning protection system components (LPSC), in particular isolating spark gaps (ISG), used for the installation of a lightning protection system (LPS) designed and implemented according to the IEC 62305 series.

Typical applications include linking to:

• Earth termination systems of power installations,
• Earth termination systems of telecommunication systems,
• Auxiliary earth electrodes of voltage-operated earth-fault circuit breakers,
• Rail ground electrode of power and DC railways,
• Measuring ground electrodes for laboratories,
• Installations with cathodic protection and leakage current systems,
• Service entrance poles for low voltage overhead cables,
• Bypassing insulated flanges and insulated connections of pipelines.

This does not cover applications where follow currents occur. Lightning protection system components (LPSC) may also be suitable for use in hazardous conditions such as fire and explosive atmosphere. Extra requirements for components to be installed in such conditions will be considered.

ISGs shall be designed to be reliable, stable in performance and safe for persons and surrounding equipment when installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

ISGs shall be designed to operate satisfactorily in the environmental conditions given by normal service conditions. Outdoor ISGs shall be contained within an air shield of glass-glazed ceramic or other acceptable material that is resistant to UV (ultraviolet) light, corrosion and erosion.

The manufacturer of the ISG will provide adequate instructions in their literature to ensure that the person installing the ISG can select and install them appropriately and safely. ISGs shall be capable of carrying sufficient lightning current. The ISG will always spark at this value during tests.

The ISG may experience some changes in spark characteristics before and after the lightning current test. This should be included in the rated impulse spark voltage defined by the manufacturer.

EUROLAB, with its more than 25 years of experience, state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, helps you get precise and fast results. Do not hesitate to contact our laboratory for your testing and certification requests.