Thatched roofs are extremely popular in South Africa. Constructed of material such as straw, reed, grass or coconut leaves, a thatched roof is more susceptible to catching alight as a result of a lightning strike than any other roof type, according to the South African National Standard (SANS). Thatch is particularly prone to ignition because it becomes ‘fluffy’ at the surface and, if moist, methane and other flammable gases can be formed.
If recommended protective measures are not considered, the effects of lightning can cause serious damage. However, prior to providing these protective measures, it is important to analyse the risk effects described in standards guide, such as SABS 0313: 1999, SABS IEC 61662-1: 1995 and IEC 62305-2.
When a thatch roof is constructed, wire mesh is used to reinforce and secure the bundles of thatch. Should lightning strike, then current flows through the wire mesh and thermal effects (generated heat) may occur, and set the roof alight.
Dehn Africa can assist in the avoidance of lightning related disasters, and ultimately extend the lifespan of these structures, through the provision of lightning protection system components for use specifically on thatched roofs. The company has recently introduced new methods of protecting thatched roofed structures in South Africa, and it is no longer necessary to have a 30 metre long mast installed. The latest preferred external protection system for installation on thatched buildings is the high-voltage-resistant insulated lightning protection system that is compact, neat and approved by leading insurance companies and SANS.
For protection measures to be successful, air-termination conductors on thatched roofs must be installed as elevated traverses, for example: on isolating supports, with certain distances also to be kept for the eaves. Systems should be designed to provide sufficiently low impedance so that the lightning energy can follow the required route. For protection measures to be successful, air-termination conductors on thatched roofs must be installed as elevated traverses, for example: on isolating supports, with certain distances also to be kept for the eaves.
Half brick second generation converter Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The Supreme series half brick second generation converter from Vepac is composed of isolated, board-mountable, fixed switching frequency DC-DC converters that use synchronous rectification to achieve extremely high power conversion efficiency.
Read more...Multimeters: the perfect entry-level choice Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Experience the precision, durability and safety of professional-grade test tools with the entry level Fluke 15B+ and 17B+ digital multimeters.
Read more...South Africa can become an important EV manufacturer
Electrical Power & Protection
A year ago, South Africa was mired in loadshedding, with the importance and relevance of electric vehicles (EVs) far from the public imagination. Fast forward a year and much has changed
Read more...Self-contained standalone lightning warning system Senseca
Electrical Power & Protection
Biral, now part of the Senseca Group, and a specialist in environmental and meteorological measurement instrumentation, has launched its BTD-200 lightning warning system, which is a complete detection and warning system.
Read more...Taking the pain out of panel building Omron Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
Panel building stands as a cornerstone of industrial automation, shaping the efficiency and reliability of automated systems across different and diverse industries, from manufacturing to infrastructure. Omron leverages over 80 years of experience to furnish OEMs and builders with cutting-edge control panel solutions.
Read more...Powerless is not an option
Electrical Power & Protection
When the power goes out it is important for commercial and tertiary facilities to be able to keep essential electrical equipment running. UPS systems are critical for transitioning and emergency backup power.
Read more...Securing the power supply
Electrical Power & Protection
Grid management systems are the linchpin of modern transmission and distribution networks. To understand the intricacies of grid management, it is necessary to unpack its core components: scada systems, energy management systems, outage management systems and wide area management systems.
Read more...Powering sustainable mining operations in Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s mining sector is at a crossroads and, as the industry grapples with mounting pressure to drive operational efficiency within the boundaries of sustainability, natural gas is emerging as a compelling solution.
printer friendly version