Lightning Protection Solution for
Weather Radar Station
WeatherI. General Instructions for Scheme Preparation
(a) Implementation Standards
1. National Standards
•
Code for Lightning Protection Design of Buildings GB 50057-2010 (2016
Edition)
•
Technical Specification for Lightning Protection of New Generation Weather
Radar Stations (QX/T 2-2016)
•
Technical Specification for Lightning Protection of Radar Stations GB/T
46477-2025
•
Standard for Construction and Quality Acceptance of Lightning Protection
Engineering for Buildings (GB 50601-2010)
•
GB 16895.12-2021 “Electrical Installations in Buildings – Part 5: Selection
and Installation of Electrical Equipment – Section 53: Isolating, Switching and
Controlling Equipment – Chapter 534: Overvoltage Protection Devices”
2. International Standards
•
IEC 62305-1:2010 “Protection against lightning – Part 1: General principles”
•
IEC 62305-3:2010 “Protection against lightning – Part 3: Physical damage to
structures and life hazard”
•
IEC 61312-1:2021 “Protection against lightning electromagnetic impulse –
Part 1: General principles”
•
ITU-T K.27 “Lightning protection for telecommunication installations
located at high altitudes”
(II) Core Features of the Solution
1.
Specifically designed for weather radar stations , it is compatible with
high-precision radar electronic equipment, high wave transmission, low
electromagnetic interference, and high lightning strike risk (highmountain/coastal/open field) operating conditions;
2.
The entire down conductor uses 50mm² imported super-insulated down
conductors , whose insulation performance, weather resistance, and conductivity
meet IEC international standards, eliminating lightning current leakage, ground
potential backflash, and electromagnetic coupling interference;
(III) Scope and Target of Protection
Protection Scope: Weather radar antenna and radome, radar room, power distribution
system, signal transmission system, monitoring system, and auxiliary facilities;
Protection Objectives: To prevent direct lightning strikes, lightning electromagnetic
pulse interference, ground potential backflash, and inadequate lightning current
discharge, ensuring accurate transmission of weather radar data, uninterrupted 24-hour
operation of equipment, and eliminating the risk of electric shock to personnel.
II. Design of Direct Lightning Protection System
(a) Configuration of lightning rod lightning arrestor for direct
lightning strikes
Conventional fixed lightning protection
uses early discharge lightning rods (compliant with IEC 62305-3 and GB/T 46477-2025
standards), with a leader discharge time ≤60μs. The protection range is calculated based
on a rolling sphere radius of 30m (Class I lightning protection). The lightning rod base is
fixed to the load-bearing structure of the radar antenna platform, avoiding the direction
of the radar’s main detection beam and not obstructing the antenna scanning. The rod
body is made of materials that are resistant to strong winds, corrosion, and have low
electromagnetic interference.
Top-mounted lightning arresters can effectively increase the protection radius. Suitable
options include: Yangbo non-lightning arrester, passive electric field surge arrester, and
active ionization arrester.
Fiberglass support rod (main technical parameters)
3.1) Utilizing high-transparency resin-glass fiber composite materials, it possesses
excellent electrical insulation, withstands high-voltage breakdown, exhibits extremely
low dielectric constant and loss, and boasts a wave transmittance exceeding 85%. It
provides virtually no obstruction or reflection of electromagnetic waves from radar, 5G
signals, and meteorological monitoring equipment. This is crucial for locations such as
airport meteorological stations and military radar stations, effectively ensuring data
accuracy.
Although its density is only 1/4 to 1/5 that of steel, its strength is close to or evenexceeds that of ordinary steel, and it is lightweight.
It has excellent corrosion resistance, aging resistance, and weather resistance. In coastal
high salt spray environments, its corrosion resistance is more prominent than other
traditional materials.
Yangbo lightning protection can be set with different colors and heights from 2 meters
to 50 meters according to different application scenarios , with a maximum wind
resistance of level 17 .
3.2) Main technical parameters of fiberglass support rods
Specific
gravity (g/cm3)
1.9-2.1
2.
Tensile strength (MPa)
518
3.
Tensile modulus (GPa):
longitudinal 20, transverse 5.5
4.
Bending strength (MPa) 870
5.
Flexural modulus (GPa)
38
6.
Compressive strength (MPa): Longitudinal 430-450, Transverse 150-170
7. Operating temperature: -50℃ to 60℃
8. Product materials have third-party testing reports and certificates.4. Yangbo Lightning Protection’s Lightning Protection Recommendations for
Special Scenarios : For scenarios where antennas need to rotate over a wide range,
space is limited, and signal obstruction needs to be avoided, we recommend configuring
fiberglass lifting lightning rods . The fiberglass lifting tower is made of high-
transmittance fiberglass composite material with a transmittance of ≥95%, no
electromagnetic reflection, and manual/electric lifting controllable. The top is also
equipped with an early discharge lightning arrester, which combines protection and
radar compatibility.5. Mobile and rapid deployment of lifting lightning protection devices
Yangbo Lightning Protection has focused on lightning protection and disaster reduction
for 20 years. For special scenarios such as airports, military, training scenarios, and
emergency rescue, it has launched integrated lightning protection devices, including
vehicle-mounted mobile lifting towers, equipped with lightning warning, lightning
location, and lightning monitoring.
Each lightning rod down conductor of the radar station’s lightning strike monitoring
device is connected to a Yangbo mechanical lightning counter (no power supply,
maintenance-free) or a Yangbo intelligent lightning current peak monitoring box to
record surge count, polarity, peak value, wavefront time, half-peak time, Q value, energy,
current steepness, and date/time of occurrence in real time. The maximum count is
9999 times , and the data is stored locally and uploaded remotely, meeting the
requirements for lightning protection monitoring and traceability.(II) Design of Super Insulated Down Leads
1.
The down conductor
uses imported 50mm² super-insulated down conductors . The conductor is
oxygen-free pure copper with a conductivity ≥98% IACS. The insulation layer uses
imported weather-resistant super-insulating material with a breakdown voltage ≥15kV,
temperature resistance of -40℃ to 120℃, UV resistance, salt spray resistance, acid and
alkali corrosion resistance, and insulation resistance ≥1000MΩ. It meets the insulation
and conductivity performance requirements of IEC 60245 and GB 50057-2010 for down
conductors.
2.
Layout specifications
Each lightning rod is equipped with ≥2 super-insulated down conductors, which are
symmetrically and vertically arranged along the building structure, with a down
conductor spacing of ≤12m (National Standard Class I Lightning Protection
Requirements).
The down conductor should be run through insulating sleeves or concealed throughout
to avoid exposure, and large-radius elbows should be used at bends to avoid sharp-angle
bends.
The connection between the down conductor and the lightning arrester and grounding
device adopts zero-ohm composite grounding body crimping/hot-melt welding to
ensure zero contact resistance, and the connection parts are treated with double-layer
insulation and sealing.
The distance between the down conductor and radar cables, metal cable trays, and
equipment cabinets shall be ≥1.5m to avoid electromagnetic coupling interference with
radar signals from lightning, and shall comply with the requirements of IEC 61312-1
lightning electromagnetic pulse protection.
Installation requires
a fixed spacing of ≤1.5m for the down conductors. The fasteners should be made of
insulating and corrosion-resistant materials. Direct contact with building metal
structures and equipment metal casings is strictly prohibited. Full insulation and
isolation should be maintained throughout the process to completely prevent
lateral discharge of lightning current and ground potential backflash, thus protecting the
surrounding precision electronic equipment.
III. Design of Intelligent Lightning Protection
Monitoring System
(I) System Composition
It consists of a lightning current peak monitoring box, an online grounding resistance
monitoring box, an intelligent lightning protection host, a remote monitoring platform,and an alarm module, and meets the requirements of QX/T 2-2016 Intelligent
Monitoring Requirements for Meteorological Radar Stations.
(II) Core Monitoring Functions
1.
Online lightning strike monitoring : Lightning current parameters are collected
in real time through the peak monitoring box, and the data is synchronously uploaded to
the intelligent host to generate lightning strike statistical reports;
2.
Online grounding resistance monitoring : The online grounding resistance
monitoring box monitors the grounding grid resistance value in real time, sets a
threshold (≤4Ω), and immediately alarms if the value exceeds the threshold;
3.
Down conductor status monitoring : Real-time monitoring of the conduction
status and insulation performance of the super-insulated down conductor, and
immediate alarm upon detection of damage, breakage, or insulation failure;
4.
Remote intelligent management and control : Supports remote data viewing,
historical traceability, and fault location via computer and mobile phone, and features
multi-level alarms including sound and light, SMS, and telephone, enabling unattended
intelligent operation and maintenance.
(iii) Standard compliance
The system’s data acquisition, transmission, and alarm logic comply with IEC 62305-2
and GB 50057-2010 requirements for lightning protection monitoring and early
warning, and are suitable for the high-reliability operation and maintenance needs of
meteorological radar stations.
IV. Design of a New Long-Term Grounding System
(a) Grounding standard requirements
A shared grounding system is adopted , combining lightning protection grounding,
equipment working grounding, shielding grounding, and power supply grounding. The
grounding resistance is ≤4Ω , and ≤10Ω in areas with high soil resistivity, which meets
the grounding requirements of GB 50057-2010 and IEC 62305-3.
(II) Grounding Materials and Construction
1.
Main grounding material : Stainless steel titanium composite grounding
material is used , with a corrosion resistance life of ≥50 years, stable conductivity, no
electrochemical corrosion, and suitable for harsh geological conditions such as high
mountains, coastal areas, and saline-alkali land;
2.
Node connection : All nodes use zero-ohm composite grounding bodies to
achieve zero contact resistance connection, avoid resistance loss of traditional
connection methods, and improve lightning current discharge efficiency;3.
Resistance reduction device : In high resistivity areas , a hollow ion
grounding device is configured with a built-in long-lasting ion slow-release agent to
continuously improve soil resistivity, with stable resistance reduction effect and no need
for subsequent maintenance.
4.
Grounding grid structure : A closed ring three-dimensional grounding grid is
adopted, which combines horizontal grounding body and vertical grounding electrode,
and is reliably connected at multiple points with 50mm² imported super-insulated down
conductor to form a complete discharge channel.
V. Lightning Electromagnetic Pulse (LEMP) Protection
Design
(a) Shielding and protection
a Faraday cage made of steel mesh and metal shielding plate . The shielding mesh is ≤
600mm×600mm, which complies with the IEC 61312-1 standard. The antenna feeder
and signal cable are double-shielded cables, which are laid through metal shielding
channels throughout, and the shielding layer is grounded at both ends.
(ii) Multi-stage surge protection
Power system: Three-level surge protectors (SPDs) are used for protection. The main
distribution cabinet is equipped with a Class I SPD, the computer room distribution box
is equipped with a Class II SPD, and the radar equipment front end is equipped with a
Class III SPD, which complies with GB 16895.12 and IEC 61643-1 standards.
Signal/Antenna Feeder System: Corresponding antenna feeder SPD and signal SPD are
installed. The insertion loss is low and does not affect the transmission of weather radar
signals.
(iii) Equipotential bonding
The computer room is equipped with an M-type equipotential grounding grid. All
equipment cabinets, anti-static floors, metal cable trays, shielding bodies, and cable
shielding layers are connected to the equipotential grid via the shortest path to
eliminate potential differences and prevent ground potential backflash, in accordance
with the equipotential requirements of GB 50057-2010.
VI. Construction Technical Requirements
1.
Before installing 50mm² imported super-insulated down conductors, the integrity
of the insulation layer and the conductor resistance must be checked, and construction
can only proceed after they pass the inspection.
2.
Twisting or loose connection of the down conductor is strictly prohibited. Hot meltwelding or special crimping parts must be used. The insulation layer must be restored
after connection.
3.
The construction of the grounding device shall be carried out in strict accordance
with GB 50601-2010. The backfill soil shall be free of stones and debris, and shall be
compacted in layers. The resistance reduction area shall be constructed in accordance
with the process requirements.
4.
Wiring of intelligent monitoring equipment should be standardized, and
waterproofing and electromagnetic interference protection should be carried out.
Monitoring accuracy should be calibrated.
5.
Throughout the construction process, protective measures should be taken to
avoid damage to radar equipment, cables, and the insulation layer of the super-insulated
down conductors.
VII. Acceptance Standards
1.
Lightning arrester protection range: Tested and found to fully cover all protected
objects of the radar station, in compliance with the requirements of GB 50057-2010
rolling sphere method;
2.
Down conductor: 50mm² imported super-insulated down conductor with good
conductivity and insulation performance meets the standards. The installation spacing
and fixing method comply with the specifications.
3.
Grounding resistance: The measured grounding resistance is ≤4Ω, meeting both
national and international standards.
4.
Intelligent monitoring system: accurate monitoring data, timely alarm response,
and normal remote transmission;
5.
Surge protection, equipotential bonding, and shielding systems: Compliant with
lightning electromagnetic pulse protection standards, with no risk of electromagnetic
interference.
VIII. Operation and Maintenance Management
Requirements
1.
The status of the super-insulated down conductor, grounding resistance, and
lightning strike count data are checked quarterly through the intelligent lightning
protection system.
2.
The lightning protection system is fully inspected annually, monitoring equipment
is calibrated, and the corrosion of the down conductor insulation and grounding device
is checked.3.
Establish operation and maintenance files to record lightning strike data, test
results, and maintenance content, in accordance with the lightning protection operation
and maintenance specifications for meteorological radar stations;
4.
If any issues are found, such as damaged down conductor insulation, excessive
grounding resistance, or monitoring equipment malfunction, immediate rectification is
required to ensure the continuous effectiveness of the lightning protection system. Radar Stations