INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

In this age of rapidly evolving technology, the devastating potential of a single lightning strike or an earthing system failure cannot be underestimated. It has the power to dismantle businesses, institutions, and crucial infrastructures that form the bedrock of our society.

 

At Direct Strike, we are fully aware of these threats and have built a formidable defense mechanism in response. Our comprehensive Annual Test and Inspection service has been engineered to protect your assets and ensure that your Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) and Earthing Systems are always battle-ready.

 

Both the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the ISEN 62305 'Protection Against Lightning' mandate regular testing and maintenance of your LPS. At Direct Strike, we subscribe wholeheartedly to this regulation, recognizing that consistent maintenance and testing form the linchpin of any effective protection system. Our skilled engineers employ the gold-standard testing protocol, offering an unparalleled service that spans a wide range of sectors.

 

The testing and inspection procedure is meticulous, designed to confirm your LPS and earthing system's resilience in mechanical and electrical terms. Any defects or possible weak spots are painstakingly recorded and the necessary remedial measures are proposed in a comprehensive inspection report. From a routine visual inspection of the system to performing earth resistance tests, our team ensures every potential issue is investigated and rectified.

 

We take immense pride in our adherence to the standard procedures for the maintenance and inspection of LPS and earthing system, ensuring your systems are in complete alignment with international standards and national regulations. We follow a rigorous process, which includes checking technical documentation, conducting visual inspections, carrying out testing, and recording all findings in an inspection report.

 

Our visual inspection process is exhaustive, designed to confirm that the LPS aligns with the standard, is in prime condition, and free from loose connections or corrosion-related damage. We diligently look for any damage to the LPS, confirm the appropriate equipotential bonding for any new services or additions, and ascertain that continuity tests have been conducted for these new additions.

 

Equally important is our testing phase, which involves conducting continuity tests, and performing earth resistance tests on the earth-termination system. All these tests are meticulously documented in an LPS inspection report, providing a valuable resource for understanding the overall condition of your lightning protection measures and any necessary actions.

 

We also recognize that LPS components can deteriorate over time due to factors such as corrosion, weather-related damage, mechanical damage, and lightning-induced damage. Therefore, routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your LPS remains consistent with its original design requirements and can adapt to your facilities' evolving needs. Our team will coordinate maintenance and inspection programs, establishing definitive procedures for accurate comparisons of current and past results. Any necessary repairs will be actioned promptly, ensuring your LPS remains in peak condition.

 

By choosing Direct Strike, you are opting for a service committed to the highest industry standards, ensuring your LPS is prepared to protect against the unpredictable force of lightning. Regardless of the facility, be it a University, Power Plant, Shopping Centre, or Hospital, our Annual Test and Inspection service offers unmatched levels of protection, ensuring the continuity of your operations and the security of your investment. With Direct Strike, you're always protected.

 

As per the Earthing Standards such as IEEE 80, BS EN 50522 or ENA TS 41-24 and many others, earthing systems should be inspected, maintained, and repaired so they can operate effectively on an ongoing basis. Inspection falls into two main categories: Visual Inspection and Detailed Physical Examination and Testing.

 

The frequency of inspection and testing should be set based on risk assessments related to theft, damage, and deterioration, and may need to be revised if circumstances change. If an extraordinary event occurs, such as delayed fault clearance could be a serious issue when it comes to your infrastructure. If a fault is not cleared in a timely manner, it can cause extended damage, potentially leading to the shutdown of an entire system or, in worst-case scenarios, a catastrophic event. The process of identifying and rectifying the fault could also potentially expose people to the risk of electric shock or burns.