Strong thunderstorms have become a regular sight in Dubai. Lightning strikes often occur in high-rise buildings and can be fatal. This is where the ESE lightning protection system can provide you with the needed protection.

An Early Streamer Emission (ESE) lightning protection system is an external lightning protection system based on cutting-edge technology. Also known as the ionizing lightning rod or arrestor, it is designed to become the point of discharge of the lightning bolt to control the impact and prevent damage.  

The ESE lightning protection system continuously emits the upward leader with a time of advance to anticipate the lightning strike and capture and redirect it before any other objects within its area of protection.

The time of advance (ΔT) factor determines the protection radius of the ESE arrester and which must be greater than 10µs.

In cases of strong thunderstorms, an ESE arrestor can be the first and foremost step to be taken. It is widely used in industrial sites, administrative or public buildings, monuments, and open-air sites, such as sports grounds and stadiums.

Do I need an ESE lightning protection system?

An ESE lightning protection system can be installed in any type of structure, where a desired and controlled point of impact for a lightning strike is needed.

This type of lightning protection system allows you to protect open areas, as well as the objects on the building rooftop and in the surroundings because the time of advance provides a greater protection volume.

However, the precise answer to what type of lightning protection system is best for your building is to conduct a risk assessment. It must be performed prior to the installation of any type of lightning protection system by assessing the following and taking the necessary action:

1. Lightning strike density in that specific area
2. Potential loss of human life
3. Relative location of the site
4. Fire risk
5. Associated services
6. Power lines
7. Lightning protection level
8. Surge arrestor
9. Dimensions of installation
10. Occupancy coefficient of the building

Here, lightning strike density refers to the measure of lightning strikes per kilometer square per year in a particular area.

The relative location of the site refers to the risk reduction factor with respect to the location and surroundings of the building.

The occupancy coefficient denotes the risk reduction factor with respect to the occupancy of the building or structure. In other words, it is the factor that determines if a building is unoccupied, normally occupied, or difficult to evacuate.

By doing a proper risk assessment, professionals can establish which type of lighting protection system is right for a building.

You’ve found the right place if you reside in the UAE and are worried about the frequent thunderstorms and lightning strikes in your area. Please get in touch with us to install the best lightning protection system in your building.