Lightning Detection Systems and Lightning Warning Systems: Similarities, Differences and Applications

A critical aspect of lightning protection is the protection of the public and workers, particularly. people are in open, exposed situations, especially in higher-lightning areas of the world. Examples of exposed situations include sporting events, golf courses, schools, mine sites, and industrial facilities, and it is at these locations that a high percentage of people are struck by lightning. The importance of implementing lightning hazard education and preventive measures has resulted in the development of a dedicated IEC standard, namely IEC 62793:2020, and incorporation of additional material in AS 1768.

This paper has several aims, namely to:

• Discuss the key requirements for a lightning safety plan for a site,
• Compare and contrast ’lightning detection systems‘ (LDS) or networks (LDN) and ’lightning warning systems‘ (LWS).
• Highlight the most important features of any system with regard to implementing lightning hazard preventive measures for people,
• Describe the operating principles and features in a comparative analysis of various types of LWS,
• Present a case study of an Australian industrial site with specific reference to recorded lightning statistics and the impact on a lightning safety policy,
• Present a case study in Brunei where the performance of the LWS is compared with the national LDN data.