Electrical Safety for Energetic & High-Risk Facilities (NFPA 780)

TCI is partnered with the industry-leader in commercial Lightning Protection Systems design and installation, Lyncole.  Collectively, we are developing the content for this four-day course -- three days of interactive lecture and field tests in the park solidifying procedures learned in class.

​

Course Objectives:  Understand NFPA-780, NFPA-495, UFC Codes, and other applicable standards. The course will investigate how and why damage can occur and outline those approved defenses, when properly employed, for maximum lightning protection and electrical safety for energetic and high-risk facilities. 

​

Targeted Topics:

• Fundamental Concepts of Lightning Protection including: Lightning Physics 101;  Lightning Characteristics; Lightning Safety Overview. 

• Risk Assessment. Probabilities and Realities.

• The Grounding & Bonding Imperative: Definition & Guidelines; Electro-Geological Model; Design Options; Solutions for Difficult Grounding Situations; Shielding & Bonding Examples; Case Studies.

• Management of electrostatic discharge; risks associated with ESD

• Exterior Lightning Protection for a Complex Facility: Air Terminals; Approved Designs – Franklin/Masts/Overhead/Faraday-Like Shield; Geometric and Rolling Ball Theories. Selection of Approved Air Terminal Options; Down Conductors; Overview of Grounding and Ground Measurements.

• Interior Lightning Protection for the Electrical System of a Complex Facility including families of surge protection devices: Locations; Technologies; Performance; Specifications; Installation; Codes & Standards; Recommended Vendors. 

• Lightning Protection for High Risk Facilities including Explosives & Weapons Storage, Chemical, Electronics, Communications Operations. Going Beyond the Codes. Case Studies. 

• Relevant Codes & Standards., described in detail according to class composition. Examples: NFPA-780; UFC 3-575-01; US Army PAM 385-64; NFPA-70; OSHA.

• Lightning Detection:  USA Lightning Distribution; Available Detector Technologies – Pros & Cons; Recommendations. 

• Inspection, Maintenance and Testing: Checklists for Facilities; Review Failures; In-Field Measuring (where available) w/ Fall of Potential and Clamp-On Test Meters with participation by class attendees. 

• References & Resources. Glossary of Terms.