Lightning Protection Systems

Ensuring Uptime and Asset Integrity for Critical Telecom Infrastructure

Communication towers are, by definition, lightning magnets. Their height and isolated locations make them the primary target for strikes in any vicinity. At WaveTeam, we provide specialized Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) and Surge Protection measures designed explicitly for the telecommunications sector. We protect not just the steel structure, but the sensitive Radio Frequency (RF) equipment, Baseband Units (BBU), and power systems that keep your network live.

We strictly adhere to global telecommunication standards, including IEC 62305, ITU-T K Series, and local regulatory guidelines.

1. Site-Specific Risk Assessment & Design

Telecom sites vary wildly—from rooftop monopoles in cities to greenfield towers in rocky terrain. One size does not fit all.

• Tower Exposure Analysis: We calculate the “collection area” of your specific tower height and structure type (Lattice, Monopole, or Guyed Mast) to determine the probability of strikes.

• Soil Resistivity Profiling: We conduct detailed soil testing to design an earthing system that meets the stringent requirements of telecom operators (often <5 Ohms or <10 Ohms depending on the operator).

• Custom Design: We use CAD software to design the optimal placement of air terminals and down conductors, ensuring no interference with antenna radiation patterns.

2. External Lightning Protection (LPS) Implementation

The first line of defense is intercepting the strike before it touches your equipment.

• Air Termination Systems: Installation of high-conductivity Franklin Rods or Early Streamer Emission (ESE) terminals at the tower apex to capture direct hits.

• Down Conductor Routing: Strategic routing of down conductors (using copper or GI) to safely channel the massive current to the ground without causing side-flashes to feeder cables.

• Tower Leg Bonding: For lattice towers, we ensure electrical continuity across tower joints to utilize the structure itself as a safe path to the ground where applicable.

3. Internal Surge Protection (SPD) for Active Equipment

A strike near the tower—or even kilometers away on the power grid—can send voltage spikes that fry sensitive electronics. We implement a multi-tiered defense.

• RF/Coaxial Surge Protection: Installing specialized SPDs on feeder cables to protect Remote Radio Units (RRUs) and the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) from surges traveling down the antenna lines.

• AC/DC Power Protection: Implementation of Class I and Class II Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) at the main distribution board (AC) and DC power plants (Rectifiers) to stop surges from the utility grid.

• Data Line Protection: Safeguarding microwave links (IDU/ODU) and Ethernet cables with dedicated data-line surge arrestors.

4. Advanced Earthing Systems

The “ground” is the foundation of all protection. Without low resistance, the lightning energy has nowhere to go.

• Ring Earth Installation: Establishing a perimeter ring earth around the tower base to equalize potential.

• Chemical Earthing: For rocky or dry soil conditions (common in remote tower sites), we use maintenance-free chemical earthing electrodes to achieve and maintain low resistance permanently.

• Equipotential Bonding: We bond the tower legs, cable trays, equipment shelter, and generator neutral to a Single Point Ground (SPG) to prevent dangerous potential differences between equipment.

5. Maintenance, Audits & Rehabilitation

Telecom sites are exposed to harsh elements. A disconnected wire means zero protection.

• Scheduled Audits: We perform annual measurements of earth resistance and continuity tests on down conductors.

• Corrosion Management: Towers vibrate, and connections loosen. We inspect and retighten all clamps and treat corroded joints with anti-oxidative conductive compounds.

• SPD Status Checks: We verify the health indicators on surge arrestors and replace “sacrificed” modules that have already absorbed a surge.

Why Partner With Us?

• Telecom-Ready Teams: Our technicians are certified for working at heights and understand the delicate nature of RF equipment and fiber optics.

• Compliance Guaranteed: We ensure your sites pass the rigorous acceptance tests (AT) of major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Tower Cos.

• Rapid Response: Lightning damage equals downtime. We offer emergency support to restore earthing integrity after major storm events.

Don’t let a millisecond surge cause days of downtime. Contact WaveTeam today to fortify your towers against the sky’s most powerful force.