Lightning & Surge Technologies Home

LPI LWS
 
L&S Home | Lightning Warning Systems

LPI Lightning Warning System
LPI LWS
 

This Lightning Warning System is a non-directional local warning instrument designed to provide early warning of an approaching storm front that contains lightning discharges. It has been designed to provide protection for personnel and equipment. The Lightning Warning System is microprocessor controlled which provides an alarm, when monitored conditions indicate the presence of remote lightning or the changes in the local electromagnetic fields that lead to the development of lightning.

An early warning of active lightning, or the monitoring of the measurable conditions that lead to the development and onset of lightning, allows for appropriate safety precautions to be considered and implemented by those involved in outdoor activities including :
• mining
• resources processing
• construction
• surveying
• resource exploration,
• resources production
• ship loading
• explosives handling
• recreational activities such as football, golf or soccer

The LWS system antenna senses alterations in the local ambient electric fields, and also detects the unique radio frequency bursts of near and far lightning discharges. An alarm is triggered once either the static Electromagnetic field breaches predetermined thresholds, or when far or nearby lightning discharges are detected.

Two levels of alarm status are provided by the warning system.

Warning Alert Status
Alert status is given when the system detects the presence of lightning within a 10-15 kilometre radius, or where the local electric field strength approaches 4kV/m.

The Warning Alert is the first indication that a storm may be approaching, and that worsening conditions could arrive in the area being monitored within approximately 20-30 minutes.

No action need be taken at the 1st Alert stage, as this level of alarm is to alert the user of lightning activity, or the changing conditions which may lead to lightning, however one must always be mindful that even on alert status, storm conditions may completely bypass the monitored area.

This first alarm level will trigger an internal buzzer within the console, which may be manually silenced. The Warning LED on the front of the console electronics will remain illuminated until the ALARM OK button is acknowledged.

Alert Alarm Status
The Alert Alarm is given when the system detects lightning discharges within an 8-10 kilometre radius, or where the local electric field strength has risen to 7kV/m. The Alert Alarm indicates that the storm front is approaching the monitored area, and is likely to arrive in 10-15 minutes. In the event of a storm cell forming directly overhead, the system will detect the increased change in the e fields and trigger the Alert Alarm.

When the Alert Alarm status is announced it will activate an external alarm (beacon/siren) to warn of the impending danger. At this stage safety precautions should be implemented whenever the Alert Alarm is indicated.

Those personnel who are working exposed or in open, should make safe any work activities, and then proceed to designated safe area’s until the all clear is given..

For those working with explosives and detonation circuits in mining, quarrying and construction sites, should be isolated to avoid pre-detonation, and sensitive electronic equipment that is not adequately protected by transient protection devices, should be disconnected.

LED displays will remain illuminated whilst an Alarm condition prevails. An internal timing device is initiated every time the system receives an updated signal that the atmospheric conditions remain above normal.
 

Back To Top

 
All Clear
 
Once e fields have reduced to safe levels and no lightning strikes have been recorded within a period of time, an ALL CLEAR signal is sounded for a period of 5 seconds, prompting a return back to normal duties and operations.
 
LPI Lightning Warning System Components:
  Main console
Antenna assembly with 50m cable
Electronic siren with 20m cable
Software package for PC based event logging
Grounding kit
DC Power adaptor
Optional Items: Motor Siren, Relay kits for remote alert with motor siren
 

LED Displays:

 
  Electric Field Level
Far Strike
Near Strike
Normal
Warning
Alert
System Fail
Power On
 

web design - www.greenehouseproductions.com