Surge protection for street lighting

Street lighting plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of our communities by illuminating roads, paths and public areas. However, without proper surge protection measures, the reliability and lifetime of street lighting systems can be significantly compromised. In our previous article, we focused on street lighting. In this article, we take a closer look at a very important area: surge protection.

Surge protection protects electrical installations from burning down during lightning strikes, power surges or switching operations. Surge protection is most commonly seen in larger buildings, outdoor lighting and private homes with electrical components of higher economic value. There are several different types of products for street lighting, residential and industrial applications.

Standards Surge protection

As technology evolves and standards change, it becomes increasingly important to comply with regulations such as DS/HD 60364-4-443:2016 and DS/HD 60364-7-714:2012 to ensure the safety and efficiency of these systems.

DS/HD 60364-4-443:2016 specifically addresses surge protection in electrical installations and emphasizes the need to protect against transient overvoltages caused by lightning strikes, current fluctuations or switching operations. Without adequate surge protection, street lighting systems are vulnerable to damage, which can lead to costly repairs, downtime and safety risks.

Similarly, DS/HD 60364-7-714:2012 outlines requirements for external lighting installations, including street lighting. This standard highlights the importance of proper grounding to reduce the risk of electric shock to both people and animals. Grounding of metal parts in streetlights is essential to safely dissipate excess electrical energy to ground and prevent potential electrical accidents. To increase pedestrian safety in these cases, a residual current device (RCD) can also be used.

Older lighting systems often lack built-in surge protection measures, making them vulnerable to damage from transient voltage spikes. Modern street lighting solutions, on the other hand, incorporate advanced surge protection devices (SPDs) to protect against such events, extend infrastructure lifespan and reduce maintenance costs. Some types of surge protection devices are shown below. There are products for large industrial buildings as well as small residential installations.

The difference between SPD and RCD

The difference between SPD (surge protection device) and RCD (residual current device) is that SPD protects electrical systems against voltage spikes and surges, while RCD protects against electric shocks caused by faults in the electrical system.

All SPDs are designed to divert excess voltage away from sensitive equipment and components, protecting against transient surges and ensuring system longevity. The RCD works by continuously monitoring the balance of current flowing in and out of a circuit. If it detects an imbalance in current, indicating a fault such as a ground fault or human contact with live parts, it quickly disconnects the circuit to prevent damage. RCDs typically trip at a threshold of 30 milliamps or higher, providing fast protection.

SPDs and RCDs are essential safety components in electrical systems that ensure quick action to reduce risks and protect individuals and property. They can be used together in a system to provide comprehensive protection against electrical hazards. However, it is important to ensure that they are properly coordinated to avoid conflicts in their operation.

Modernization of Class II (double insulated wiring) street lighting systems should be carried out in accordance with DS/CLC/TR 50565:2016. SPDs should be placed at key points in the electrical network, such as near the entry point of supply lines or distribution panels. Implementing grounding measures becomes essential to effectively increase equipment safety and protect against electric shock.

By integrating protective measures into street lighting systems, service companies can effectively increase safety, reduce electrical hazards and extend the life of their infrastructure. This proactive approach to system updates not only ensures regulatory compliance, but also contributes to the overall resilience and reliability of the public lighting network. By investing in modern street lighting system solutions, communities can reduce maintenance costs and improve the efficiency of their street lighting infrastructure.