TECHNICAL NOTE

Comparison between LPI Stormaster ESE System and

Conventional Lightning Protection System
Introduction

Recent research and findings in the field of lightning protection has confirmed several key points which
need to be considered when making a comparison between enhanced lightning protection technologies
and conventional lightning protection methods.

The most significant finding has revolved around the efficiency and performance of sharp-tipped
lightning rods such as a typical Franklin Rod.

Sharp-tipped Franklin rods result in:

1. Considerable pre-stroke corona emission and space charge.

2. Reduced upward leader initiation ability.
3. Smaller downward leader striking distance.
4. Erratic performance in windy conditions.
5. Unnecessary number of bypasses.

* It is important to note that it is development of excessive pre-stroke corona and space charge on the
approach of a downward leader that reduces the ability of an air terminal to successfully release an
upward leader. In layman’s terms, the early creation of corona and space charge creates a masking
effect above the air terminal which affects the ability of the air terminal to successfully launch an upward
leader.

Characteristics of an Optimum Air Terminal

 Minimal pre-stroke corona / space charge.

 Streamers released only when the ambient field can sustain leader propagation.

Both of the above characteristics require a sufficiently blunt configuration.

Design Characteristics of Stormaster ESE Lightning Terminal

 Round or blunt geometry reduces or prevents corona effects as the downward leader approaches.
 Electrically floating dome – capacitive coupling to the electric field causes rise in potential as
downward leader approaches.
 Stormaster ESE terminal geometry is designed to minimise pre-corona as well as enhancing leader
initiation.
 Triggering gap is determined so that streamers are not launched until the electric field conditions are
at an optimum magnitude for conversion to a stable, propagating upward leader.
 Stormaster ESE terminal is an enhanced Franklin Rod which utilises recent advances in technology
to further develop the findings of Benjamin Franklin from the early 1750’s.

Commercial in Confidence Document ID: LPIDOC-26-2513 Version: 2.0 28/05/2016 Page 1

Copyright © 2015 LPI
 TECHNICAL NOTE
Stormaster ESE System
Typically only one terminal required
One terminal provides enhanced area of protection
Aesthetically pleasing as there is usually only one terminal
required
Fully Tested and in compliance to NF C 17 – 102 (2011)
Uses latest technology from most recent research and
development from within the industry
Cost effective solution
Straightforward installation procedure
Two downconductors for each installed ESE air terminal,
with one downconductor permitted to use electrically
continuous natural components of the structure
No special bonding required, as noted above
HVSC Plus downconductor (Premium Option) provides a
customised, insulated downconductor designed to reduce
the risk of side flashing and thus not electrifying the structure all, or insufficient / incorrect bonding practices.
and putting personnel and equipment at risk. Permitted for
use under NF C 17-102 (2011)
HVSC Plus downconductor can be installed externally or
internally to a structure
Minimal maintenance required
Lightning Strike Recorder included as part of the system
Stormaster Design minimises corona build up
Terminal has enhanced area protection radius
Stormaster ESE System based on the latest
technology and advances in the industry
Stormaster ESE system is technically supported by qualified Conventional systems are very difficult to design and require
engineers. Efficient and economical design is provided by
software design program
All key Stormaster ESE products within the system are
manufactured and supplied by LPI
Experienced engineers, technical sales staff and an
extensive distribution network allow LPI to carry out final
inspection and certification of the installation once
completed
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Copyright © 2015 LPI
Conventional LP System
Numerous finials to be installed on each building
Only buildings are protected. Public and surrounding areas are
unprotected
Aesthetically questionable due to each building or structure
requiring a network of air terminals and down conductors
Varying standards compliance
Technology dates back to 1752 invention and has not
changed or advanced in 250 years
Conventional systems can be expensive in comparison to
Stormaster ESE
Complicated and labour intensive to install. Installation is error
prone.
Numerous downconductors required on each building. One
downconductor required per 30 m of perimeter for each
structure
All metallic parts of the structure must be bonded to
downconductor network
Conventional downconductors are prone to the risk of side
flashing occurring due to lack of insulation or no insulation at
Conventional downconductors to be installed externally to the
structure
High maintenance system which is prone to disconnection due
to there been some many connection points. Highly
susceptible to physical damage and prone to oxidisation wear
Lightning Strike Recorder not typically installed as a
component of a conventional system
Franklin rod creates corona effect that inhibits upward-leader
launch
Small area protection radius
Lack of research and positive findings on the efficiency of
conventional system
trained engineer to carry out the same. Due to the complicated
design rules for conventional systems, it is not uncommon for
proposed designs to be excessively over-designed or under-
designed for respective projects
Conventional lightning protection products are provided in
various grades of quality allowing contractors to take short
cuts on material costs and installation practices in order to
save money
Uncommon for final inspection to be completed in compliance
to original design
 TECHNICAL NOTE

Additional Comments

Roof Top Gardens

Conventional methods usually encounter difficulties in providing adequate protection coverage

for roof top gardens or open areas where people use the roof for their daily operations. When
applying conventional lightning protection design methodology, one option is to hang multiple
catenary wires above the garden area, this however is almost always considered impractical.
The Stormaster system typically provides a more practical and acceptable lightning protection
solution in such cases.
Buildings above 60 metres
In the IEC 62305 standard, many designers are unaware that the air termination system is
required to protect the upper 20% lateral part of the structure. The use of the Stormaster ESE
resolves this issue regardless of the height of the building.
Glass/ Fabric Roof
Many designers have difficulties when the roof is not of concrete construction. The ability to
apply and install conventional methodology and hardware is limited. The Stormaster ESE
system often provides a more practical solution under such circumstances.
Cantilevered Structures
One of the disadvantages when installing multiple downconductors where the structure
includes cantilevered upper floors, is the limitation for designers to ensure proper separation
distance between the conductors and people standing below the cantilever.
Periodic Inspection
Maintenance personnel have great difficulties undertaking inspection and testing of down
conductors (resistance) especially when conductors are encased behind wall plaster or run in
between reinforcing bar.
Distance of Downconductors
As per conventional lightning protection methods, having a consistent distance between
downconductors presents designers with challenges as building shapes become more
complicated. The reduced downconductor requirements as per the NF C 17-102 standard
provides designers with flexibility in design.

Commercial in Confidence Document ID: LPIDOC-26-2513 Version: 2.0 28/05/2016 Page 3

Copyright © 2015 LPI