IEC 62561-6:2011

IEC 62561-6


®


Edition 1.0 2011-06



INTERNATIONAL



STANDARD



NORME
INTERNATIONALE


Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –
Part 6: Requirements for lightning strike counters (LSC)

Composants de système de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –
Partie 6: Exigences pour les compteurs de coups de foudre (LSC)

IEC 62561-6:2011

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IEC 62561-6


®


Edition 1.0 2011-06



INTERNATIONAL



STANDARD



NORME
INTERNATIONALE


Lightning protection system components (LPSC) –
Part 6: Requirements for lightning strike counters (LSC)

Composants de système de protection contre la foudre (CSPF) –
Partie 6: Exigences pour les compteurs de coups de foudre (LSC)


INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX R
ICS 29.020; 91.120.40 ISBN 978-2-88912-557-9

® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission
Marque déposée de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale

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– 2 – 62561-6 © IEC:2011



CONTENTS

FOREWORD . 3


INTRODUCTION . 5

1 Scope . 6

2 Normative references. 6


3 Terms and definitions . 7

4 Requirements . 7

4.1 General . 7

4.2 Documentation . 7
4.3 Marking . 8
4.4 Design . 8
5 Classification . 8
6 Tests . 9
6.1 General test conditions . 9
6.2 Resistance to UV radiation tests . 10
6.3 Resistance tests to corrosion (for metallic parts) . 10
6.4 Mechanical tests . 10
6.5 Index of protection confirmation (IP Code) . 12
6.6 Electrical tests . 12
6.6.1 General conditions for test . 12
6.6.2 Minimum threshold current (I ) . 12
tc
6.6.3 Checking of non detection with I /2 . 12
tc
6.6.4 Withstand and counting at I current . 12
mcw
6.6.5 Multi pulse test . 12
6.7 Marking test. 12
7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 13
7.1 Electromagnetic immunity . 13
7.2 Electromagnetic emission . 13
8 Structure and content of the test report . 13
8.1 General . 13
8.2 Report identification . 13
8.3 Specimen description . 14
8.4 Standards and references . 14

8.5 Test procedure . 14
8.6 Testing equipment description . 14
8.7 Measuring instruments description . 14
8.8 Results and parameters recorded . 14
8.9 Statement of pass/fail . 15
Annex A (normative) Resistance to ultraviolet light . 16
Annex B (normative) Conditioning/ageing for lightning strike counters . 17
Bibliography . 18

Figure 1 – Pendulum hammer test apparatus . 11

Table 1 – Typical values for I and I . 9
tc mcw

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62561-6 © IEC:2011 – 3 –


INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________



LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –



Part 6: Requirements for lightning strike counters (LSC)





FOREWORD


1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising all
national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international co-
operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and in
addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
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entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may participate in
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accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all interested
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
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out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62561-6 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 81: Lightning
protection.

The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
81/392/FDIS 81/400/RVD

Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on voting
indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 62561 series, published under the general title Lightning protection
system components (LPSC), can be found on the IEC website.

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– 4 – 62561-6 © IEC:2011


The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the

specific publication. At this date, the publication will be


• reconfirmed,

• withdrawn,

• replaced by a revised edition, or

• amended.

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62561-6 © IEC:2011 – 5 –


INTRODUCTION


This Part 6 of IEC 62561 deals with the requirements and tests for lightning protection system

components (LPSC) used for the installation of a lightning protection system (LPS) designed and

implemented according to the IEC 62305 series of standards.

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LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS (LPSC) –




Part 6: Requirements for lightning strike counters (LSC)








1 Scope


This Part 6 of IEC 62561 specifies the requirements and tests for devices intended to count the

number of lightning strike pulses flowing in a conductor. This conductor may be part of a lightning
protection system (LPS) or connected to an SPD installation (or other conductors which are not
intended to conduct a significant portion of lightning currents).
NOTE Lightning strike counters may also be suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres. Regard should then be taken of
the extra requirements necessary for the components to be installed in such conditions.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60060-1, High-voltage test techniques – Part 1: General definitions and test requirements
IEC 60068-2-52:1996, Environmental testing – Part 2-52: Tests – Test Kb: Salt mist, cyclic (sodium
chloride solution)
IEC 60068-2-75:1997, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 61000-6-4, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-4: Generic standards – Emission
standard for industrial environments
IEC 61180-1, High-voltage test techniques for low-voltage equipment – Part 1: Definitions, test and
procedure requirements
IEC 62305-1:2010, Protection against lightning – Part 1: General principles

ISO 4892-2:2006, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon-arc
lamps
ISO 4892-3:2006, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3: Fluorescent
UV lamps
ISO 4892-4, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 4: Open-flame
carbon-arc lamps
ISO 6957:1988, Copper alloys – Ammonia test for stress corrosion resistance
ISO 6988:1985, Metallic and other non-organic coatings – Sulfur dioxide test with general
condensation of moisture

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62561-6 © IEC:2011 – 7 –


3 Terms and definitions


For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.


3.1

lightning strike counter

device intended to count the number of lightning strikes based on current flowing in a conductor


3.2

threshold current

I
tc

peak value of the discharge current with an 8/20 waveform that the lightning strike counter will
count in 100 % of the cases
3.3
maximum counting discharge current
I
mcw, 8/20
peak value of a current through the conductor having an 8/20 waveform and magnitude according
to the counting and withstand current test
NOTE 8/20 waveform can be used only for lightning strike counters connected to SPDs Type 2.
3.4
maximum withstand discharge current
I
mcw, 10/350
peak value of a current through the conductor having an 10/350 waveform and magnitude
according to the counting and withstand current test
3.5
degree of protection of enclosure
IP
numerical classification according to IEC 60529, preceded by the symbol IP, applied to the
enclosure of electrical apparatus to provide:
– protection of persons against contact with, or approach to, live parts and against contact with
moving parts (other than smooth rotating shafts and the like) inside the enclosure,
– protection of the electrical apparatus against ingress of solid foreign objects, and
– where indicated by the classification, protection of the electrical apparatus against harmful
ingress of water
[IEC 60050:2008, 426-04-02]

4 Requirements
4.1 General
The lightning strike counter shall be designed in such a way that in normal use their performance is
reliable and without danger to persons and the surrounding.
The choice of a material depends on its ability to match the particular application requirements.
4.2 Documentation
The manufacturer or supplier of the lightning strike counter shall provide adequate information in
his literature to ensure that the installer can select and install the counter in a suitable and safe
manner.
Compliance is checked by inspection.

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4.3 Marking


All products complying with this standard shall be marked at least with the following:

a) the name of the manufacturer or his trademark;

b) the reference of the type or the serial number;

c) the position of the assembly if necessary;

d) the degree of protection (IP) if applicable;


e) conformity to the present standard (of which in particular I and I if applicable).
tc mcw

For small devices, if the place available is not sufficient for all the indications to appear, the

indications cited in a) and b) above shall at least be reproduced on the apparatus and visible once
installed. The indications cited in c), d) and e), can be carried on the packaging and/or in
installation data sheet and/or the catalogue of the manufacturer.
Compliance is checked in accordance with 6.7.
NOTE Marking may be applied, for example, by moulding, pressing, engraving, printing adhesive labels, or water slide
transfers.
4.4 Design
The design of the lightning counter shall be such that it carries out its function of counting the
number of lightning strikes flowing in a conductor.
These devices shall detect and record lightning strikes regardless of the polarity of the discharge
current.
Lightning strike counters intended to be used outdoors shall be able to withstand environmental
conditions including temperature, dust and humidity. The minimum degree of protection is IP 43
obtained by itself or in combination with a box in accordance with IEC 60529.
The manufacturer shall provide the operation environmental conditions such as temperature and
humidity
The threshold current I , the maximum counting discharge current (I ) and the maximum
tc mcw,8/20
discharge withstand current (I ) are declared by the manufacturer. At I /2, the surge
mcw,10/350 tc
lightning strike counter shall not operate. Compliance is checked in accordance with 6.6.2, 6.6.3
and 6.6.4.
The size of display if any, shall allow a normal reading of the number of lightning strikes recorded,

when it is installed in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.
The fixing system of the lightning strike counter should not apply an unacceptable stress to the
conductor.
Its material shall be compatible with that of the conductor (galvanic coupling).
5 Classification
Lightning strike counters are classified according to their application, threshold currents and
maximum counting and withstand current.
Application: for connection on LPS conductors, for connection on SPD conductors and for
connection on both conductors.

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62561-6 © IEC:2011 – 9 –


NOTE This standard is applicable to those lightning strike counters that may be mounted in SPD enclosures but may not

be required for those lightning strike counters which are integral to an SPD.

The values I and I should comply with Table 1.

tc mcw

Table 1 – Typical values for I and I

tc mcw

Application Values for I Values for I

tc mcw

Connection on LPS 1 kA 100 kA
– – – – –
b a
conductors 8/20 10/350

Connection on SPD 500 A 20 kA 40 kA 60 kA 80 kA 100 kA
–
b b b b b b
conductors 8/20 8/20 8/20 8/20 8/20 8/20

Connection on LPS and 1 kA 100 kA
– – – – –
b a
SPD conductors 8/20 10/350
a
The 10/350 impulse is defined by three parameters, a peak current value I , a charge Q and a
peak
specific energy W/R (see IEC 62305-1).
b
The 8/20 impulse is defined according to IEC 60060-1.

6 Tests
6.1 General test conditions
The tests in accordance with this standard are type tests.
Unless otherwise specified, tests are carried out with the specimens assembled and installed as in
normal use according to the manufacturer’s or supplier’s instructions.
All tests are carried out on new specimens.
Unless otherwise specified, three specimens are subjected to the tests and the requirements are
satisfied if all the tests are met. If only one of the specimens does not satisfy a test due to an
assembly or a manufacturing fault, that test and any preceding one which may have influenced the
results of the test shall be repeated and also the tests which follow shall be carried out in the
required sequence on another full set of specimens, all of which shall comply with the
requirements.
NOTE The applicant, may also submit an additional set of specimens which may be used should one specimen fail. The
testing laboratory will then, without further request, test the additional set of specimens and will reject only if a further
failure occurs. If the additional set of specimens is not submitted at the same time, the failure of one specimen will entail
rejection.

The lightning strike counters submitted for testing shall be identified by means of the following
elements:
– marks and indications specified in 4.3;
– assembly instructions with reference and date.
The lightning strike counters shall be mounted in accordance with the instructions specified by the
manufacturer in his assembly instructions.
The number of samples is 3 for the electric tests and 1 for the other tests.
NOTE The use of the same sample for several tests is possible after agreement of the manufacturer.
Unless otherwise specified, the tests are carried out at an ambient temperature ranging between
5 °C and 35 °C and shall not vary during the duration of test by more than 3 K. The lightning strike
counters shall be protected from excessive heating or excessive external cooling.

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6.2 Resistance to UV radiation tests


This test is necessary for lightning strike counters designed to be installed outdoors or in specific

environments.


Non-metallic lightning strike counter housings for outdoor application shall withstand UV effects.


In order that a lightning strike counter meets the requirements of this standard, environmental

tests shall be carried out as per Annex A.


One counter shall be assembled and mounted rigidly on an insulating plate (e.g. brick,

polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
The specimen shall be subjected to an environmental test consisting of an ultra violet light test as
specified in Annex A .
The specimen is deemed to have passed this part of the test if there are no signs of disintegration
and no cracks visible to normal or corrected vision.
NOTE Ensure that the surface of the mounting plate is suitable to resist UV radiation.
6.3 Resistance tests to corrosion (for metallic parts)
This test is necessary for lightning strike counters designed to be installed outdoors or in specific
environments.
The specimen used and complied with 6.2 test, shall be subjected to corrosion tests as per
Annex B, consisting of a salt mist treatment, as specified in Clause B.1, followed by a humid
sulphurous atmosphere treatment, as specified in Clause B.2, and an additional ammonia
atmosphere treatment for specimens made of copper alloy with a copper content less than 80 % as
specified in Clause B.3.
After the parts have been dried during 10 min in a drying oven at a temperature of 100 °C ± 5 °C,
they shall not present any trace of rust on surfaces.
One does not take into account traces of rust on the edges, nor a yellowish veil, disappearing by
simple friction. White rust is not considered as corrosive deterioration.
6.4 Mechanical tests
A used specimen complying with 6.2 and 6.3 shall be stressed three times by a mechanical test.

The lightning strike counter is subjected to a mechanical test by applying mechanical impacts.
The impacts are carried out on the accessible parts of the lightning strike counter, which may be
mechanically stressed accidentally.
The specimen is assembled under its normal operating conditions specified in the manufacturer’s
documentation.
The lightning strike counter is mounted on a pendulum hammer test apparatus according to
Clause 4 of IEC 60068-2-75:1997 as shown in Figure 1. The striking element material shall be
polyamide as per Table 1 of IEC 60068-2-75:1997 and its mass shall be 200 g as per Table 2 of
IEC 60068-2-75:1997.

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62561-6 © IEC:2011 – 11 –




1








2


3
4
5
IEC  1401/11

Key
1 pendulum
2 frame
3 height of fall
4 arrangement of specimens
5 mounting fixture
Figure 1 – Pendulum hammer test apparatus
The hammer is allowed to fall from a height of 200 mm so that one impact on each side is applied,
as far as possible perpendicular to the length of the arrangement. The drop height is the vertical
distance between the position of the point of control, when the pendulum is released, and the
position of this point at the time of the impact.

The point of control is located on the surface of the striking part where the line passing by the point
of intersection of the axes of the steel tube of the pendulum and the part of striking, perpendicular
to the plan crossing the two axes, comes into contact with surface.
The impacts are not applied to the display window or to the connectors.
NOTE In theory, the centre of gravity of the striking part should be the point of control. As, in practice, it is difficult to
determine the centre of gravity, the point of control has been chosen as described above.
After the test, the lightning strike counter shall show no cracks or similar damage visible to normal
or corrected vision without magnification and shall not pr
...