MANAGEMENT SYSTEM McBRIDE WCE

Code : MS-MCB-RIS/PR08.FO05, Version : 1, Date emitted : 29/01/2010

Lightning Risk Calculator for Initial Screening

The Lightning Risk Calculator for Initial Screening is based on the Lightning Risk Assessment methodology of the NFPA 780
American Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems.
The risk assessment assists you in determining the need of a Lightning Protection System (LPS) and the risk of damage due

* Remark 1 : The methodology considers only the damage caused by direct strike to the building or structure.
* Remark 2 : The following risk evaluation should be considered as initial screening method. If the method indicates that a
System (LPS) is needed, it is advisable take contact with an external party and ask for an expert opinion.

Legend:
=> Parameter to be filled out / selected

I. Lightning Flash Density (Ng)

= the yearly number of flashes to ground per km²

=> Ng = 1.691794 # flashes/km²/yr Flash density map

II. Equivalent Collective Area (Ae)

a) Rectangular shape
= Calculation of the Equivalent Collective Area for a Rectangular Structure

=> Length (L) = 195 m

=> Width (W) = 75 m

=> Height (H) = 15 m

Ae = 45286.72512352 m²

b) Structure with protrusions

= Calculation of the Equivalent Collective Area for a structure where a prominent part encompasses all portions of the lower part

= For parts of the building / structure encompassing the portions of the

main structure / building (= protrusion), it fulfils to determine the
collective area of the protrusion.

e.g. chimneys, towers, etc.

=> Height Protrusion (Hp) = 0 m

=> Leave 0 if not applicable

Ae' = 0 m²

Ae = 45286.725 m²
= For further calculation, the maximum value of the Ae will be taken into account (Ae or Ae').
 MANAGEMENT SYSTEM McBRIDE WCE
Code : MS-MCB-RIS/PR08.FO05, Version : 1, Date emitted : 29/01/2010

III. Lighning Strike Frequency (Nd)

=> C1 = Isolated structure, with no other structures located within a distance of 3H

C1 = Aggravitating/facilitating environmental coefficient depending on the location of structure and the objects within the dis
from the structure that can affect the Ae.

Nd = 0.076616
 MANAGEMENT SYSTEM McBRIDE WCE
Code : MS-MCB-RIS/PR08.FO05, Version : 1, Date emitted : 29/01/2010

IV. Tolerable Lightning Frequency (Nc)

=> C2 = Non-Metallic Structure, Metal Roof

C2 = Structural coefficient

=> C3 = High value, moderate flammability

C3 = Structure Contents Coefficient

=> C4 = Normally Occupied

C4 = Structure Occupancy Coefficient

=> C5 = Consequences to the environment

C5 = Lightning Strike Consequence Coefficient

Nc = 0.000075

V. Conclusion

Result = LPS NEEDED*

* The following risk evaluation should be considered as initial screening method. If the method indicates that a Lightning Protection Syste
needed, it is advisable take contact with an external party and ask for an expert opinion.

Comparison Nd <=> Nc Nd <= Nc LPS OPTIONAL

Nd > Nc LPS NEEDED

 MANAGEMENT SYSTEM McBRIDE WCE
Code : MS-MCB-RIS/PR08.FO05, Version : 1, Date emitted : 29/01/2010

nt methodology of the NFPA 780 version 2011, the

LPS) and the risk of damage due to lightning.

ilding or structure.
d. If the method indicates that a Lightning Protection
pert opinion.

Belgium

s all portions of the lower part

 MANAGEMENT SYSTEM McBRIDE WCE
Code : MS-MCB-RIS/PR08.FO05, Version : 1, Date emitted : 29/01/2010

1.00
on of structure and the objects within the distance 3H
 MANAGEMENT SYSTEM McBRIDE WCE
Code : MS-MCB-RIS/PR08.FO05, Version : 1, Date emitted : 29/01/2010

1.00

2.00

1.00

10.00

dicates that a Lightning Protection System (LPS) is

Return

Map of the mean values of ground flash density in Belgium

Map of the Belgian ground flash density in 2005 (squares of 3.1 times 3
squares of 3.1 times 3.1 km 2)
C1

Structure surrounded by taller structures or trees within a distance of 3H

Structure surrounded by structures of equal or lesser height within a distance of 3H
Isolated structure, with no other structures located within a distance of 3H
Isolated structure on a hilltop
 C2

0.25 Metal Structure, Metal Roof 0.5

0.5 Metal Structure, Non-Metallic Roof 1
1 Metal Structure, Flammable Roof 2
2
Non-Metallic Structure, Metal Roof 1
Non-Metallic Structure, Non-Metallic Roof 1
Non-Metallic Structure, Flammable Roof 2.5
Flammable Structure, Metal Roof 2
Flammable Structure, Non-Metallic Roof 2.5
Flammable Structure, Flammable Roof 3
C3

Low value and nonflammable 0.5

Standard value and nonflammable 1
High value, moderate flammability 2

Exceptional value, flammable liquids, computer or electronics 3

Exceptional value, irreplacable cultural items 4
C4

Unoccupied 0.5
Normally Occupied 1
Difficult to evacuate or risk of panic 3
C4

Continuity of facility services not required, no environmental impact 1

Continuity of facility services required, no environmental impact 5
Consequences to the environment 10