Lightning protection, earthing and surge protection of base transmission stations

An effective lightning protection design for a telecommunication facility requires an integrated approach to a number of key factors: Protection against direct lightning strikes; Effective earth termination network for discharge of lightning current; Integration of power supply and lightning protection earthing systems; Extensive equipotential bonding to prevent electric shock; Mitigation for ground potential rise; Prevention of conducted surges to equipment cabin; Mitigation of LEMP. This paper examines the challenges and solutions in the integration of lightning protection, earthing and surge protection for a base transmission station comprising a telecom tower and an equipment cabin, taking into consideration external power source via overhead lines.