The lightning threat to humankind is well known because, in a second, there are at least eight lightning strikes globally. India adopted IS/IEC 62305 as its national standard in December 2015, replacing IS 2309.

IS/IEC 62305 – Protection Against Lightning has 4 Parts

IS/IEC 62305-1: Basic Principles
IS/IEC 62305-2: Risk Assessment
IS/IEC 62305-3: Protection of structures & Life Hazards
IS/IEC 62305-4: Protection of electrical & electronic systems within the structure

4 Sources of Damage

S1: Lightning striking the structure
S2: Lightning striking near the structure
S3: Lightning striking a service
S4: Lightning striking near the service

3 Types of Damages

D1: Injury/death to the living beings
D2: Physical damage to the structure
D3: Failure of electrical & electronic equipment

These damages must be controlled within tolerable levels to minimize 4 types of losses: Loss of Human life, Loss of essential public services, Loss of cultural damage, and Economic loss.

JEF has created Risk Assessment Software based on IS/IEC 62305-2, validated using the four worked-out examples provided in the standard. The software includes thunderstorm data for around 158 places across India from NBC 2016.

If the calculated risk is higher than the acceptable level, a cost-effective preventive strategy can be implemented. If building steel is used as part of the Lightning Protection System, you not only have the most economical solution but also the most reliable system.