2000 – Nov – Edwards – Lightning & Surge Protection for Railway Signalling Systems

David Edwards BE(Hons) FREE MlEAust CPEng ERICO Lightning Technologies Pty Ltd, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Lightning and over-current/over-voltage surges cause millions of dollars damage each year. Whilst there is no single technology that can prevent damage, a Six Point Protection Plan is the best "Check-list" to cover all damage mechanisms. The plan takes account of surge protection devices (SPDs) and their placement according to the type of power distribution used by the facility. Communications, signal and data lines are also subject to failure. Innovative grounding practices and techniques are discussed.