alltec lps - barqtron

Grounding Solutions

Surge Protection

Lightning Protection

© 2012 Alltec CorporationAlltec Corporation is an ISO 9001:2008 Registered Company

AL LT E C CO R P O R AT I O N

ALLTEC Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and installation of lightning protection, grounding systems, and Surge Protection Device (SPD) technology. Founded in 1991, we have focused continuously on innovating new technology, improving product quality, and enhancing customer service. As “Solution Providers for an Energized World™,” we offer a comprehensive facility protection approach to solving the world’s most difficult lightning, grounding, and power quality problems.

The foundation of our business is grounding, which is the foundation of any good lightning protection or electrical system. ALLTEC Corporation has the knowledge, experience, and products to provide the optimal solution, from protection against direct lightning strikes to facility-wide electromagnetic, electrostatic, and power quality concerns.

ALLTEC’s TerraEvalSM Advanced Solution Assessment engineering service facilitates the design of grounding systems to meet or exceed any performance specification. Highly trained engineers perform on-site testing to determine soil resistivity and grounding conditions specific to the local circumstances. Our state-of-the-art engineering department creates performance evaluation validation models and generates a fully documented grounding system uniquely suited to the precise parameters of the site and application. Using the highest quality products, ALLTEC’s project managers and engineers work with our customers to implement the best, most cost effective solution.

“ALLTEC Corporation is an international, full service lightning protection and grounding systems company. We place special emphasis on structural charge dissipation and electrolytic grounding technology. Our organization maintains one of the most knowledgeable and experienced engineering departments in the world. We pride ourselves on providing high quality products and customer service. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via e-mail, telephone or fax; and one of our customer service representatives will be happy to assist you.”

Christopher Bean, President

Our mission is to exceed the expectations of our customers, by aspiring to the highest level of excellence in our products and services. We accomplish this by committing our shared resources and knowledge to achieve superior customer satisfaction.

w w w . a l l t e c c o r p . c o m

Our factory manufactures the TerraDyne® Electrolytic Grounding System, which utilizes an environmentally friendly chemical process resulting in an ultra-stable, low-resistance grounding system, with a guarantee for 30 years. An important element of the TerraDyne® system is our TerraFill® Low Resistance Grounding Backfill. TerraFill® is a proprietary blend of natural earth carbons that yields a resistance level unparalleled by any other grounding backfill.

ALLTEC Corporation engineers and manufactures the TerraStat® Charge Dissipation System and the TerraStreamer® Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Terminals. TerraStat® is a patented advanced charge dissipation system that mitigates the opportunity for direct lightning strikes to any structure on which it is installed. TerraStreamer® ESE terminals provide active lightning protection and are particularly suited for large areas and structures. Our engineering department is capable of custom designing the TerraStat® and TerraStreamer® systems for use on any commercial or industrial building, military structure, petrochemical facility, data and telecommunication center, broadcast and wireless tower, storage tank, or any other facility that requires protection from lightning.

Customers can depend on the quality, performance, and durability of ALLTEC Corporation’s products. In addition to its production of TerraDyne®, TerraStat®, and TerraStreamer® product lines, ALLTEC also manufactures TerraWeld® Exothermic Welding Equipment. TerraWeld® is a simple, cost-effective, and permanent exothermically welded connection system. Our PowerTrip® Transient Voltage Surge Suppression products incorporate industry leading proprietary circuit technology. TerraBar® is our line of equipotential Bus Bar bonding plates and may be custom manufactured as required. Also included in our well-stocked inventory and distribution system are electrical and ground resistance testing equipment, lightning strike counters, electrical compression connectors and tools, as well as a full array of traditional lightning protection components.

ALLTEC Corporation continually develops and evaluates leading edge lightning protection, grounding system, and power quality components, as well as other devices and products to best serve its clients. Our worldwide presence guarantees an accurate, appropriate, and truly interactive regional knowledge of applicable technology for diverse real world circumstances. We look forward to working with new customers and providing superlative products and services to meet their needs.

Lightning Protection Institute (LPI)National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA)Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)United Telecom Council (UTC)International Telecommunications Union (ITU)Assoc. of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO)

INDUSTRY AFFILIATIONS:


RE F E R E N C E S

COMMUNICATIONAlltel USAAmerica Online USAAirTel IndiaAT&T Wireless USABaise Mobile Center ChinaBharat Electronics Limited IndiaBharti IndiaBechtel USACingular Wireless USAComcast Cellular USACrown Castle-USA USAGeneral Dynamics USAHUTCH IndiaIdea IndiaIusacell MexicoKazakhtelecom KazakhstanLevel 3 Communications USAMCI/WorldCom USAMotorola USANokia IndiaSprint/Nextel USATelmex MexicoT-Mobile USATritel Communications USATriton PCS USATV Azteca MexicoTYCO Electronics Systems IndiaVelocita Wireless USAVerizon Wireless USA

UTILITIESChonggou Power Station ChinaCincinnati Gas & Electric USADominion Power USALadachong Power Station ChinaLuz Y Fuerza MexicoProgress Energy USAScana Utility USAYunnan Dian Dong Power Bureau China

COMMERCIALAmerican Express IndiaBank of America USAFedEx USAMerrill Lynch USANestle IndiaNorfolk Southern Railway USARaytheon USASave-A-Lot Food Stores USATongren Daxing Airport ChinaTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd IndiaWackenhut/Geo Group USA

“As a result of the installation of these nine dissipaters, we have not had any outages on the distribution locations…we have had minimal lightning related problems and to my knowledge our customer complaints were zero.”

Mike TautphaeusReliability Engineer

ILLINOIS POWER COMPANY


INDUSTRIALAlcoa USAFord Motor Company MexicoHanson Aggregates USAHindustan Copper Limited IndiaInland Steel USALafarge - Jordan Cement Factory JordanLockheed/Martin Aerospace USANELCO Ltd (A TATA Enterprise) IndiaNissan Motors MexicoNorthrup Grumman USANuclear Fuel Services USA

“ALLTEC Corporation has made our goal a reality through their personalized customer service and teamwork..”

Director of OperationsWesTower Communications

WESTOWER COMMUNICATION

“ALLTEC technical support has satisfied all of ROHN’s and our customers’ questions. Your designs have shown flexibility in developing the grounding systems suited to the site conditions and supplied according to the specifications and requirements presented to you...”

Daniel L. Czubak, P.E.Projects Manager

ROHN INDUSTRIES, INC.

U.S. Department of Interior USAVeterans Administration USAWorld Health Organization Philippines

Palmetto Lime USAWestinghouse USAPackaging Corporation of America USAVOLTAS Limited (A TATA Enterprise) India

OIL AND GASAGIP KCO KazakhstanChevron NigeriaExxon USAEgyptian Petroleum Council EgyptOxychem USAMarathon Oil WorldwideMobil Oil Corporation USANorthern Borders Pipeline USAPemex MexicoPetroEcuador EcuadorPetroleo de Venezuela VenezuelaPETRONAS Carigali MalaysiaPCSB MalaysiaPGB (Gurum) MalaysiaUnion Gas CanadaUnocal USA

Government/MilitaryBIRO Tatanegra MalaysiaCentral Intelligence Agency USACity of Sunrise, Florida USAFederal Aviation Administration USAFlorida Department of Transportation USAGeorgia Dept. of Transportation USAIndian Air Force IndiaIndian Army IndiaIndiana Department of Transportation USAINTAC/Archaeological Survey of India IndiaKennedy Space Center USAMadhya Pradesh State Police Telecom Dept. IndiaNational Oceanic & Atmospheric Admin. USANorth Carolina Dept. of Transportation USASandia National Laboratories USASouth Carolina Air National Guard USASt. Martin Parish; St. Martinsville, LA USAUnited Nations USAUnited States Air Force USAUnited States Army USAUnited States Marine Corp. USAUnited States Navy USAU.S. Department of Corrections USAU.S. Department of Defense USAU.S. Department of Energy USA


SYS T E M DE S I G N A N D EN G I N E E R I N G SE R V I C E S

Underwriters Laboratories (UL)National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE)American National Standards Institute (ANSI)Lightning Protection Institute (LPI)Certified Master Designers and InstallersInternational Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

STANDARDS SET FORTH BY

TerraEvalSM Advanced Solution Assessment

ALLTEC Corporation has developed the TerraEvalSM Advanced Solution Assessment engineering service, combining any or all of our capabilities, to facilitate the design of grounding systems which meet or exceed any performance specification. ALLTEC provides customized grounding designs and specifications for virtually any application. Design engineers utilize information gathered from pre-installation testing to create a grounding system that is specific to the site parameters and takes into account the soil resistivity of the area, the geographical size of the site, and the typical local atmospheric conditions at the facility throughout the year. With all factors considered, specialized software is utilized to develop a system to meet each client’s specifications, including ground potential rise and fault current distribution. Construction prints created in AutoCAD® are provided for installation.

Solution Reports and Specifications

A detailed, well-documented report describing problems, solutions, and design implementation requirements is essential to all but the most basic scenario. A stand alone report may be all that a client requires, or it may be the basis for further effort. ALLTEC Corporation keeps updated with the latest approved standards and practices in the grounding and lightning protection industries and is an active member of standard writing committees. As the name suggests, “Standards” define the code specifications for the industry or application for which it has been written. One of today’s challenges is site applications. Selecting a single governing standard may not ensure sound practices for grounding and lightning protection because of the diversity found in each application and industry. Different standards will be applicable according to the industry for which the site plan is designed. ALLTEC Corporation’s engineering team works to develop single, customized grounding and lightning protection specifications for people, equipment, and structures using all the associated standards needed.

Soil Resistivity/Ground Testing

ALLTEC Corporation offers complete ground testing services worldwide. Our field technicians and engineers perform 3-point fall of potential tests, 4-point soil resistivity tests, and clamp-on resistance tests of grounding systems, as well as complete facility site survey and consulting services. Our staff is equipped with the latest testing equipment. Extensive experience in ground testing and design enables us to define exactly what grounding systems and improvements will work best for a facility, which effectively eliminates trial and error at the site, and reduces the overall cost of grounding system implementation.

Equipment/System Evaluation

A full review of existing equipment and systems, and recommended changes, compliments and reinforces the design effort. Incorrectly implemented surge suppression devices and grounding systems are worse than ineffective; they may be dangerous. Individual system components, subsystems, and systems should be evaluated from micro-to-macro to ensure everything is working correctly together under normal and worst case conditions.

Systems Integration

ALLTEC Corporation prepares detailed site survey reports and considers all practical aspects of system integration on a site. Choice of products and packaging is executed to enable an integrating team to plan a smooth execution. Documentation of “as built and installed” systems in hard and soft copies is prepared and may be used for any future audits and tests. ALLTEC Corporation products, as well as the system integration services, are insured and under stated warranty. Our system integration process follows the principles of continuous improvements. Through documentation and review, the schedules and performances of integrated systems can be monitored, which eliminates waste in material, labor, and plant or equipment downtime.


Site Inspection and Surveys

The design process for a lightning protection or grounding system may require on-site evaluation of the facility and power distribution system. A survey of relevant site plans, including bonding and grounding methods for electrical services, communications, SPD, UPS, and many other systems operating at the facility, is required to build a picture of where existing or future problems require focus and attention.

Data Analysis

Information gathered from testing, surveys, and evaluations must be correlated, assigned weighted importance, and associated with relevant parameters. This data is analyzed by capable engineers using sophisticated computer modeling techniques, and its reliability established by experience and knowledge. Solutions are recommended by results and needs are addressed by capabilities.

ALLTEC Corporation has provided thousands of lightning protection and grounding designs around the world. From simple traditional systems to comprehensive facility wide solutions, our array of services offers expertise for every need. Prototypes of custom equipment and installation solutions for either unique or recurrent design situations to fully supervised demonstration and evaluation beta site testing of a full installation as well as turnkey design and installation projects are within our purview. Subsequent to design implementation, Alltec Corporation will perform annual on-site inspections and maintenance to assure complete and continued satisfaction. Beginning with a project’s initial conception, and continuing throughout its life cycle, Alltec Corporation stands committed to excellence in service.

Lightning Protection and Grounding

ALLTEC Corporation is accredited with numerous standards authorities and offers complete engineering and installation services of lightning protection and grounding systems in accordance to these agencies. ALLTEC Corporation’s installation crews and field technicians perform all forms of exterior earth grounding and internal equipment bonding and grounding, including comprehensive turnkey installation service. Employees participate in continuing education, advancement courses, and are LPI Certified Master Installers. Furthermore, our field technicians have ample comprehensive experience with installations of Surge Protection Device (SPD) equipment, which Underwriters Laboratories requires any building applying for a UL® Master Label Lightning Protection System to have installed on all AC power, telephone, RF, and data service entrances.

IEEE standards 80 & 81UL® 96AIEC 62305NFPA 780API2003

OFFERING COMPLIANCE TO:

BS6651UNE 21 186NF C 17-102Custom Specifications


PR O J E C T MA N AG E M E N T

ALLTEC Corporation’s project management team provides strong, cost effective, and professional project management services that encompass engineering, architectural, construction as well as technical and testing support. The project management team provides the following services:

provision of facility lightning protection, grounding, and surge protection

and surge protection systems

software modeling of recommended solutions, and specifications for materials and installation

personnel

ALLTEC ensures maximum utilization of resources within a prescribed budget on a scheduled project completion. During the duration of the project, we stand committed to providing adherence to the best practices to assist the customer to complete the project effectively and efficiently.

The international project management experience of ourproject teams allows us to adapt and succeed in other organizations’ cultures, regardless of their size and environment. We are committed to working hand in hand with our clients and their established practices and processes so that we are as non-intrusive as possible while still achieving project goals. We will continue to make constructive recommendations in any area where a practice or process improvement opportunity is identified.

Typical Project Management Procedures:

ALLTEC Corporation’s project team is committed throughout the life of the project to provide the client our full support and undivided attention to their needs in an effective, efficient, responsive and timely manner. We maintain current in-house databases regarding project activities, schedules, responsible task individuals and their contact information, critical path and emergent activities, meeting minutes, and all other pertinent and important information. Our clients depend on us, and we are there for them.


MA N U FAC T U R I N G

Corporation is committed to providing customers with superior quality products. Alltec has implemented rigorous quality systems to ensure total success. Embedded in ALLTEC’s philosophy and corporate culture is total quality management. These internal management systems have been designed to monitor and maintain quality at all levels of service and production.

The design of our manufactured products utilizes a common pool of raw material whenever possible, and each product series is modular, which ensures a lean inventory of raw material and the flexibility to customize products to the client’s requirements. The manufacturing process is assembly focused rather than conveyer type, which allows the company to effectively address diverse product requirements. The process also enables the company to cater to highly customized requirements based upon standard product designs, with very short lead times. Though not the lowest cost of production method available, it ensures ALLTEC Corporation’s industry leadership in customization, highest quality assurance, and shortest lead time.

Customers are the center of our focus and define the quality of our performance, reliability, value, on-time delivery, service, and proper transactional processing. We understand just being good is not enough. We work to exceed our customers’ expectations. Our quality systems and processes are continually being improved to satisfy our clients’ changing needs.

LIGHTNING PROTECTION COMPONENTS

TRANSIENT VOLTAGE SURGE SUPPRESSION

GROUNDING AND BONDING

Monitoring System

EXOTHERMIC WELDING EQUIPMENT:

CERTIFICATIONS

ISO 9001:2008LPI Master Installer & DesignersHazwoper/General Safety/OSHA CertifiedIntegrated Grounding System Design & TestingBOSIET


TH E LI G H T N I N G PH E N O M E N O N

Lightning, an awesome and terrifying natural phenomenon, is really nothing more than an electrical discharge that happens to be at an enormous voltage. Lightning equalizes a difference of electrical potential, whether it is between a cloud and the ground, between two clouds, or between two different areas of the same cloud. Due to various mechanisms in storm cloud formation, such as the rising and falling of air currents carrying moisture and ice particles, the storm cloud generates an electrical charge at its base. Charged regions in a thundercloud create conductive ionization channels through the atmosphere called “stepped leaders,” while an opposite electrical charge or “shadow “accumulates on the ground below. These leaders jump and branch ever downward in a quest to connect with their oppositely charged image or “shadow” on the earth’s surface. As the fiercely charged electrical field builds, streamers rise from objects on the ground. When a stepped leader from the sky chooses to meet the strongest rising streamer from below, a lightning “circuit” is completed. The main lightning stroke erupts up the ionized path. Numerous additional strokes along the same channel are common, creating a mesmerizing strobe light effect. We are most interested in protecting

our clients from the “shadow” and its resulting electrical discharge — a lightning strike.

Whatever lightning protection method is implemented, the importance of the grounding system supporting it cannot be overemphasized. A well designed, correctly installed, low impedance and low resistance connection from the earth to the components of the lightning protection system is essential. With the addition of surge protection devices, a complete facility protection approach addressing all concerns of safety and power quality finally is made possible. Only then may we watch in unflinching wonder as the sky explodes in its timeless electrical display.

The word electricity comes from elektron, the Greek word for amber. Philosophers 2,500 years ago were astounded to note that amber could attract other objects when rubbed. This attraction is the result of induced differences in electrical charges, which Benjamin Franklin postulated in 1747 as being positive and negative. Years later, Dr. Franklin conducted his famous kite-flying experiment proving that lightning, the supernatural thunderbolt from mythology, is actually a form of electricity. There the matter more or less rested for 150 years. However, the modern world’s dependence on power transmission and sophisticated electronic equipment requires a greater understanding of lightning and its potential damages. Even though the chance of a lightning strike cannot be completely avoided, steps may be taken to greatly reduce the likelihood and mitigate the direct and induced effects of a strike.

At any moment, 1,800 thunderstorms are in progress somewhere on Earth. About 100 lightning bolts hit the ground each second.


Safeguard valuable assets, defend critical electronics, and protect homes and businesses using the Alltec Protection Pyramid™. The Protection Pyramid uses Alltec’s proven products and services for grounding, surge suppression, and lightning protection to provide complete facility protection. Alltec Corporation has reinvented the way that companies and homeowners protect themselves from harmful transients and atmospheric phenomena, such as lightning strikes.

The Alltec Protection Pyramid™ is a three-tier system. Each level represents a method utilized to protect facilities from damages caused by harmful electrical currents. Rather than treating these tiers as independent, Alltec regards each layer as an interlocking component. When all three tiers are designed, installed, and maintained together as a total system; comprehensive facility protection can be achieved.

The foundation tier of Alltec’s Protection Pyramid™ begins with the design, installation, and maintenance of a code compliant, single-point, low impedance/low resistance grounding system. Upon this foundation, surge protection devices are staged to dramatically filter voltage, current, and frequency surges. Lastly, a well designed lightning protection system is created to protect against direct lightning strikes.

The Alltec Protection Pyramid™ provides a three-tier comprehensive facility approach for lightning protection, surge suppression and grounding solutions

ALLTEC PROTECTION PYRAMID™

Tier One | Grounding System

The foundation tier of the Alltec Protection Pyramid™ begins with the installation of a stable, low resistance and low impedance grounding system to bond all electrically conductive surfaces together. Harmful electrical currents are safely redirected to earth and away from power lines, telephone lines, or data equipment.

Tier Two | Surge Suppression

Upon the grounding tier, the second tier of protection comes from properly installed surge protective devices, which reduce the magnitude of random, high energy, short duration electrical power anomalies. These occurrences are typically caused by atmospheric phenomena (lightning strikes), utility switching, inductive loads, and internally generated transient voltages. The Protection Pyramid relies on Alltec’s surge suppression devices to meet the demands required for tier two protection.

Tier Three | Lightning Protection

Finally, a well-designed, customized lightning protection system will be installed to safeguard facilities from direct lightning strikes. Traditional lightning protection methods, as well as some of the most advanced technologies, are available from Alltec Corporation.


CH A R G E DI S S I PAT I O N TE R M I N A L S

TerraStat®

Charge Dissipation Terminals (CDT)

TerraStat® is the latest design in lightning dissipation technology. Science and experience show that TerraStat® Charge Dissipation Terminals, and the structures on which they are installed, are much less likely to sustain a direct lightning strike than unprotected structures or structures with traditional lightning protection systems.

Designs utilizing TerraStat® Charge Dissipation Terminals (CDT) should be created to meet or exceed UL96A, NFPA 780, and IEC 62305-3 standards, while providing the enhanced performance offered by CDT technology.

ALLTEC’s clients appreciate that these terminals may be installed under the auspices of UL® 96A “Master Label” lightning protection systems; thus, in the exceptional event of a lightning strike terminating on a CDT, the system meets or exceeds the protection provided by a traditional air terminal.

Whatever your requirements, we have a product to fit the application. For those special applications, we have the capability to design and manufacture a custom system to fit your needs. TerraStat® Charge Dissipation Terminals securely contribute to ALLTEC’s Protection Pyramid™ methodology for comprehensive facility protection.

Features

Applications*: Standard Risk Protection

Office buildings, shelters, industrial facilities, homes, and warehouses

*: Medium Risk Protection Monopoles, high mast lighting, and externally

mounted cameras

Communication towers, bridges, petrochemical storage facilities, and stacks

Communication towers, bridges, petrochemical storage facilities, and stacks

By incorporating electrodes that break down into corona before streamers can form, these terminals lower accumulated static charges, consequently mitigating or delaying upward streamer generation.

*


Mission-critical systems, subjected to even properly terminated lightning strikes, suffer unacceptable damages from secondary and electromagnetic effects. The advancement of electronic technology over the past several decades demands a constant innovation in lightning protection technology as well. Alltec Corporation takes pride in the continual development and improvement of our TerraStat® line of charge dissipation/charge redistribution products.

The old-fashioned lightning rod system may no longer offer adequate protection to the microprocessor-controlled world in which we now live. Today’s technology requires more than just managing the lightning strike by directing it to earth. It is now imperative to do whatever is necessary to mitigate the chances of a direct lightning strike to critical facilities. Alltec’s TerraStat® product line offers the advanced technology required to protect your sensitive equipment.

There are many adjectives used to characterize this advanced technology, but “Charge Dissipation” or “Charge Redistribution” most accurately describes the technology. To understand how TerraStat® products work, one must first develop an understanding of the basic processes involved in a thunderstorm and the development of a lightning strike.

Progressive Lightning Protection for an Advancing World

As a thunderstorm builds (Figure 1), a breakdown point is reached and the cloud begins sending down charges called stepped leaders through ionized paths in the atmosphere. Multiple stepped leaders begin propagating towards the ground in three dimensions looking for the strongest accumulation of ground charge in the area (Figure 2). These charges move in steps of approximately 50 meters, stop and look for the best potential, then move again. These steps and redirections are what gives lightning its jagged appearance.

Figure 1 Figure 2

Once these stepped leaders reach within about 10 to 150 meters of the earth, objects on the surface where the opposite ground charge has accumulated begin to form upward streamers. The energy from the stepped leaders is actually pulling the charge off objects on the earth’s surface in the form of the upward streamers (Figure 3). At this point, the object on the ground that provides the highest concentration of charges and the best formed streamer, becomes the most likely target for the nearest stepped leader, and completes the path of the lightning strike. Once this occurs, charge from other stepped leaders originating from the same source recede and dump their energy through the established ionized path (Figure 4). Figure 3 Figure 4


Point Discharge Theory

A single point, such as on a lightning rod, or as occurs on a corner of a tower or structure, will reach a point of saturation to the extent that it cannot disperse charge at a fast enough rate to keep up with the charge accumulation. These areas then become the points where streamers will form, thereby attracting a lightning strike to themselves.

When the process is magnified with the addition of thousands of points in a charge dissipation terminal, the dissipation of ions is magnified many times over that of a single sharp point. The resulting effect is that the ground charges which develop streamers attracting a lightning strike, no longer have sufficient electrical energy supporting them to initiate this process. Without the formation of an upward streamer, the downward stepped leaders will look for a better target.

Corona/Charge Redistribution

Charge Dissipation, or “Charge Redistribution” Technology uses the principle of point discharge to facilitate the dissipation, or the reduction, of a buildup of static electrical charges. This technology has primarily been applied to the electronics and manufacturing industries to control the buildup of static charges that can interfere with or damage sensitive electronic components, and it has been widely accepted and used with great success. The sole purpose of static dissipation products is to reduce the accumulation of electrical charges and thereby prevent an electrical arc or an electrical current flow that can cause damage.

This same technology has been successfully applied to the lightning protection industry by developing a product line that can be mounted on structures to reduce the accumulation of ground charge. This is accomplished by ionizing surrounding air and neutralizing accumulated charges on the earth’s surface, including the grounding system.

When a pointed, grounded conductor is placed in a high electric field (such as on a structure located in a thunderstorm) voltage effects at the point are increased greatly. Electrons from atmospheric atoms and molecules are stripped away and flow to ground through the grounded conductor, leaving behind positive atmospheric ions around the point. This process is commonly referred to as the “corona” effect.

This corona process begins long before charge accumulation reaches a critical level when step leaders begin forming in a storm cloud. The result is an accumulation of ions around the point. Since like charges repel from each other, this accumulation of ions disperse (or dissipate) in all directions away from the point. Electrons left behind from this dissipation of ions flow to ground and neutralize the positive charges accumulated on the ground and on the structure. This is an ongoing process as the thunderstorm builds and passes over a facility.

ALLTEC Corporation has a full array of TerraStat® models to protect all types of structures or facilities. Our experienced design staff is ready to assist you with technical support in choosing the correct models for your specific application. We also offer site survey and design services to review an entire facility, and can assist you with providing system designs for a complete physical plant or a campus type environment.

Traditional Lightning Rod Charge Dissipation TerminalInstallation of the TS-100


EA R LY ST R E A M E R EM I S S I O N TE R M I N A L S

TerraStreamer®

Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Terminals

Extensive research and development has allowed Alltec Corporation to create a lightweight and low wind loading ESE system to provide a safe and efficient manner of controlling dangerous lightning energy before it damages structures or its important contents, including human occupants. By utilizing advanced technology, TerraStreamer® ESEs provide lightning protection to facilities that would otherwise be difficult or cost prohibitive to protect by conventional means.

The TerraStreamer® ESE Terminals are externally mounted, proactive, structural lightning protection devices and are designed to activate in the moments directly preceding an imminent direct strike. The installation of a TerraStreamer® ESE Terminal combines the best advantages of two systems: the direct path to ground of a conventional lightning protection system, and state-of-the-art ESE technology employed in the TerraStreamer’s internal design. These combined advantages ensure that the TerraStreamer® ESE System provides a secure zone of protection.

TerraStreamer® ESEs are made of non-corrosive materials, utilize advanced and sustainable technologies, maintain a 5-year replacement warranty, and are independently tested and certified to NF C 17-102 and UNE 21 186 standards.

TerraStreamer® products complete the Alltec Protection Pyramid by capturing dangerous lightning discharges and safely channeling them to earth.

Features

A Certificate of Protection Radius and

Fulfillment of standards UNE 21 186 and

NF C 17-102 for each model and level

Alltec has developed the TerraStreamer® product according to internationally recognized standards. However, Alltec does not make any specific performance guarantees as no lightning protection system can be 100% effective.

TerraStreamer® ESE Terminalsare the preferred protection method for mega-structures such as distribution warehouses, industrial plants, amusement parks, shopping malls, sports arenas, golf courses, and other large area structures. ESE Terminals are tested to certify gain in triggering time as per NF C 17-102 and UNE 21 186.


The ESE Principle

The principle of operation for ESE terminals is to create an upward propagating streamer earlier than conventional air terminals or other objects on the earth. TerraStreamer® does this by collecting and storing ground charge during the initial phase of a thunderstorm development.

Once a thunderstorm begins creating downward step leaders, the ambient electric field intensity in the area of the ESE terminal increases. When this electric field intensifies, it triggers the terminal to release the stored ground charge, forming an upward streamer microseconds earlier than other objects in the immediate area.

This development of an upward streamer earlier in time and space ensures that the TerraStreamer® ESE terminal will be the target of the developing lightning strike. The selection of the TerraStreamer® model, placement, and mounting height above the protected area all factor into formulas calculating the dimensions of the protection area.

The standard protection radius RP of the TerraStreamer is linked

(according to NF C 17-102 standard) to �T, to the protection levels I, II, III, or IV and to the height of the TerraStreamer above the protected structure (H, defined by NF C 17-102 as a minimum of 2 m). The NF C 17-102 standard includes four levels of protection.

Additional LevelsLevel 1+: Structure with a roof protected by an ESE air terminal. The whole constituted by ESE, down conductors(s) and earthing system(s), is connected to continuous metal framework or in concrete of the structure which are used as additional natural

down conductors.

Level 1 ++: Structure with roof protected by ESE level 1+ with protection radius reduction by 40% and ensuring a complete protection from the materials on the roof against direct lightning.

Upward Streamer

TerraStreamer®

RpH

PROTECTION AREAS

H(m) TSP 20

(Rp)

TSP 30

(Rp)

TSP 40

(Rp)

TSP 50

(Rp)

TSP 60

(Rp)

Level I

2 15 20 25 30 32

3 23 29 37

31 50 59 65

5 39 50 62 73 80

6 50 62 80

8 51 63 80

10 51 63 80

Level II

2 18 23 28 33 38

3 26 55

36 55

5 58 69 80 89

6 58 69 80 90

8 59 70 81 90

10 60 71 81 91

Level III

2 21 26 32 37

3 31 39 62

52 63 73 82

5 66 80 92 99

6 66 80 92 99

8 56 68 81 93 100

10 57 69 82 100

Level IV

2 29 36

3 35 52 60 65

59 71 80 87

5 61 88 101 108

6 62 89 102 108

8 63 76 90 103 109

10 65 77 91 110


Active Lightning Protection System Model

Higher probability of lightning strike

Wo

rst con

sequ

ences in

case of

ligh

tnin

g strike

Level I Protection for an industrial facility

Protection Areas Using Early Streamer Emission Terminals

TerraStreamer® Terminal

Upward Streamer

Terminal Adaptor

FRP Mast

Down Conductor

Event Counter

Test Joint

Protective Cover(up to 2m)

TerraDyne® ElectrolyticGrounding System

TerraFill® Back Fill

TerraStreamer®

Early Streamer Emission System

These drawings are provided as per the NF C 17-102 standard. Please see the black box to the left of this page for details.

Level I

Level IV

Level III

Level II


SU R G E PR OT E C T I O N DE V I C E S

POWERTRIP ®

Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)

More is required than proper grounding in order to protect today’s sophisticated electronic equipment from transient surge related damage. It takes a combination of grounding and equipment bonding techniques, the implementation of lightning protection equipment, and properly installed PowerTrip® SPDs on all critical circuit conductors to maximize a facility’s surge immunity threshold. Alltec Corporation’s comprehensive “Total Facility Protection Approach” employs all of these principles in a program that we call Alltec’s Protection Pyramid™.

The Protection Pyramid entails a three-step approach to come as close as humanly possible to protect both man and machine from lightning and non-lightning induced transient voltage peril. It depends upon PowerTrip® products to complete our comprehensive facility protection methodology to keep sites and systems operating safely and reliably; even under the most adverse environmental conditions.

PowerTrip® devices are available to protect AC and DC power circuits (< 1000 volts); and every type of telephone and data circuit commonly in use today. Alltec representatives are available to assist you with selecting appropriate SPDs for your needs. We offer professional installation services to ensure your protection success. And, we deliver prompt, courteous and knowledgeable product support.

Features

Problem Indicator

capabilities

Compliance

Transient Voltage Sources

The PowerTrip® product family is available in models that employ either or both Frequency or Voltage Responsive Circuitry (FRC/VRC), along with a Ground Monitor to alert users of inappropriate voltages developing between the electrical distributions’ Neutral and Ground conductors. These features help make PowerTrip® Surge Protection Device (SPD) Products the most advanced SPDs available in today’s marketplace.


What is an Electrical Transient?

A transient surge is a momentary burst of energy whose duration extends into the millisecond range. The typical surge waveform is characterized with rapidly rising voltage and current pulses that reach their peak values in the low microsecond range; and decay to half those levels in under a millisecond. Noise disruptions are differentiated by their continuous and identifiable frequency patterns. High frequency noise spectrums are classified as Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), while low frequency noise patterns are labeled as Electromagnetic Interference (EMI).

Modern equipment loads are under constant attack from various types of power line disturbances; resulting in an estimated $26 billion-per-year cost to U.S. companies in lost time, revenue, and equipment repair and replacement. Compared to noise issues, transient surges present the more serious threat to equipment operation. They are far more likely to damage electronic hardware than noise interference. For example, a lightning induced transient surge is obviously more devastating than a cell phone generated noise event. While most modern electronic devices inherently attenuate much of the noise interference amplitudes to safe levels, surge events can render these same devices useless. The ideal surge suppressor, however, will employ circuitry to resolve both noise and surge related phenomena.

While lightning is the most notorious surge generator, it is not the primary cause of transient surges. Approximately 80% of transient activity at any given facility originates from internally generated sources. Transients are produced by everything from the routine operation of copiers and laser printers, to furnace and air conditioning systems and robotic assembly and welding machines. Ironically, practically every industrial apparatus generates transient activity; while simultaneously being adversely affected by the same anomaly.

The most effective means to combat the transient threat is to employ properly staged, and properly installed, Surge Protection Devices on any circuit utilized by microprocessor based electronic equipment and machinery.

There are two primary entrances into every facility that must be electrically barricaded; to immunize them, as much as is techni-cally possible, and preclude them from providing an entryway to threatening transient forces. They are:

AC/DC Power Source

Telephone/Data

Circuits

(LAN)

Access Points

Sophisticated and highly susceptible microprocessor based electronic and data communication networks are integrated across every sector of today’s fast paced business world. Preserving these mission-critical systems from surge related damage maximizes their efficiency and profitability. PowerTrip® SPD products are engineered to meet the demanding requirements of this type of equipment. They are designed specifically to protect equipment operating in the harshest transient environments. Around the globe, PowerTrip® products are protecting the world’s most sensitive equipment loads employed by the telecommunication, information technology, automation control, oil and gas, and other industries.

Alltec’s PowerTrip® SPD products provide their users solid performance advantages over competing brands. They are constructed with custom suppression components that are designed and manufactured to Alltec Corporation’s proprietary and exacting specifications.

If your requirements call for a high performance product that is manufactured and designed to either IEC or ANSI/UL standards, PowerTrip® has the product. Our KSB series is a comprehensive line for AC/DC power and Data Control applications. The KSB SPD product line is designed to adhere to IEC 61643-1 and IEC 61643-21 specifications, with units available to provide protection from the highest LPZ, to equipment level application. The PowerTrip® PT- series is designed to meet the latest ANSI/UL 1449 3rd Edition standard. Products are available for use from Main Service entrance locations to DIN rail mount control cabinets.

Electrical transients, A $26 billion-a-year problem!


Surge Suppression Technology

PowerTrip® SPDs are offered in Common Mode (CM), Normal Mode (NM), and Combined Common and Normal Mode configurations. CM constructed SPDs better protect against lightning induced surges; while NM configured suppressors more effectively protect against internally generated surge activity.

Contrary to what some people perceive, THERE IS “NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL” Surge Suppressor. SPDs must be configured and sized appropriately for their intended application. For example, an SPD protecting on a Branch Distribution Panel in a facility located in Central Florida will be subjected to far more lightning activity than its counterpart protecting on an identical distribution panal in Southern California. Therefore, a more robust 4-Mode/Common Mode (CM) configured suppressor, designed to shunt the surge energy to the Ground would be recommended for the Florida application.

Phase A

Phase B

Phase C

Neutral

Ground

4-Mode/Common Mode Protection

A-G

B-G

C-G

N-G

And, when protecting at the California location where internally generated, rather than lightning induced surge activity, may be the more threatening anomaly factor; then configuring the SPD with 3-Mode/Normal Mode (NM) suppression components to suppress from line to neutral would be preferred.

Phase A

Phase B

Phase C

Neutral

Ground

3-Mode/Normal Mode Protection

A-N

B-N

C-N

SPDs protecting in the harshest surge environments would better serve their users when equipped with 7-Mode Combined Normal and Common Mode constructed suppression circuits, rather than with just the single mode configured models.

Phase A

Phase B

Phase C

Neutral

Ground

7-Mode Combined

Normal and Common Mode Protection

A-G

B-G

C-G

N-G

A-N

B-N

C-N

Voltage Responsive Circuitry™ (VRC) provides the most effective protection against high energy transient impulses. The suppressor establishes and maintains “voltage limiting” ceilings above and below the peaks of the AC sine wave.

Voltage Responsive Circuitry

ThresholdSuppression Point

200

200

-10%

-10%

+10%

+10%

170

170

Power CompanyTolerance

0

Nominal AC Voltage

Frequency Responsive Circuitry™ (FRC) augments the “fixed” voltage system by tracking the AC sine wave to attenuate the noise voltages that are superimposed throughout all portions of the sine wave. FRC circuitry responds to any transient activity on the sine wave at whatever polarity and phase angle it occurs.

Frequency Responsive Circuitry

Active ResponseEnvelope

200

200

-10%

-10%

+10%

+10%

170

170

Power CompanyTolerance

0

Nominal AC Voltage


Product Selection

The IEEE recommends utilizing multiple SPDs that are coordinated to operate in tandem with each other and cascaded at various locations throughout the electrical distribution system to fully protect critical equipment from surge activity.

ANSI/UL 1449 3rd Edition listed products are certified for use by ‘Type’ designations. “Type 1” SPDs are permanently connected devices intended for installation on either the line or load sides of the electrical distribution’s Main disconnect, i.e. fuse or circuit breaker. These SPDs are intended to be installed without em-ploying an external overcurrent protective component. “Type 2” SPDs are permanently connected devices intended for instal-lation anywhere on the load side of the electrical distribution’s Main disconnect. “Type 2” SPDs are typically installed at branch distribution panels and at individual equipment loads. “Type 3” SPDs are cord connected products designed to protect equip-ment loads at the electrical wall outlet.

Specified Lightning Protection Zones (LPZ) are bolstered to withstand different levels of the lightning strike energy. Lightning protection zones are classified as follows: LPZ 0A – The direct lightning strike is possible and must be capable of carrying the full lightning current.LPZ 0B – The direct strike is not possible, but where the full unattenuated electromagnetic field is present. LPZ 1 – The electromagnetic field is attenuated according to the screening measures applied and the current will be at much lower levels.

PowerTrip® SPD models deliver complete and comprehensive protection throughout the entire electrical distribution from the line side of the Main disconnects, to branch distribution panels, to individual equipment loads. They are available in models to protect on either AC or DC power circuits.

Selection parameters:

and/or total, that an SPD can handle without failure Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage

that a device can withstand. This value should be a minimum of 15% more than the rated voltage of the equipment to be protected.

protect downstream equipment. Remember, the lower the let-through voltage the better.

the SPD that monitors for inappropriate voltage levels developing between the Neutral and Ground conductors.

Location Parameters:

are defined as areas (i.e. Service Entrances) that are routinely subjected to externally generated surge activity. Severe lightning and utility switching surges should be anticipated at these high exposure locations.

locations are subjected to a mixture of externally and internally generated surge events. Facility Branch or Sub Panels are typically defined as category B; or IEC Class II locations.

service locations are typically areas located well within the facility’s electrical distribution. Therefore, they are subjected to lower intensity surge activity than their Category B, and C counterparts. Electrical wall outlets would typically be classified as Category A locations.

Technology + Construction =Performance


EL E C T R O LY T I C GR O U N D I N G SYS T E M S

TerraDyne®

Electrolytic Grounding Systems

TerraDyne® EGS is a multipurpose grounding system. It has been designed to provide long term protection from lightning, electrical transients, static discharges, electromagnetic interference and other electrical hazards. The system may be used for virtually any application where the protection of machinery, electronics, and personnel is important.

TerraDyne® EGS are designed for use in any type of soil condition. Some of the many applications where it is commonly used include cellular, radio and television broadcasting sites, computer facilities, power substations, communication centers, medical facilities and industrial plants.

Protecting your expensive equipment is essential. TerraDyne® EGS enhances the performance of your electronics, stabilizes signal references and reduces the risk of injuries. The end result is a stable grounding system that provides undisturbed long-term performance while maintaining cost efficiency.

One of the most impor-tant investments a com-pany makes is in sensitive electronic equipment. As this equipment becomes more sophisticated and electrically susceptible, the need for an excep-tionally low-resistance grounding system be-comes more crucial. It is in response to this re-quirement that ALLTEC Corporation developed the TerraDyne® Electro-lytic Grounding System.

Principles of Operation

TerraDyne® EGS effectively utilizes a hygroscopic process to acquire moisture from the atmosphere. The moisture and the nontoxic chemicals inside the electrode react and create an electrolytic solution. This electrolytic solution leaches into the surrounding soil through ports that have been positioned in the electrode. This process improves the soil conductivity and dramatically reduces electrical resistance between the electrode and the earth.

TerraDyne® also takes advantage of another benefit: the hole bored for the installation is back-filled with TerraFill® , which also assists in substantially lowering the earth’s resistance by creating a direct, low resistance, electrical connection between the electrode and the earth. The use of TerraFill® will reduce impedance by increasing the effective contact area of the electrode to the soil. TerraFill® is an easily applied product manufactured from environmentally safe and stable products. Each kit includes TerraFill® as the backfill material.


TerraDyne® Innovation Through extensive research and development of the electrolytic chemical grounding concept, our engineers have designed TerraDyne® to enhance the overall performance of any grounding application. TerraDyne® EGS may be utilized on any project with complete confidence that it will meet or exceed any existing grounding specification.

TerraDyne® Electrolytic Grounding Systems are guaranteed for 30 years, with an expected life of at least 50 years. The systems are available in vertical or horizontal models. Vertical electrodes are usually installed using an augur or other drilling equipment. Horizontal electrodes are installed in trenches and utilized where the soil is rocky or excavation conditions are poor. The electrodes vary in length from 8 to 300 feet. Custom lengths, accessories and design options are available.

DERRA

T

YNE

ERRAT

YNED

Vented Cover

Vent Ports

Copper Conductor

20’-0” UpperElectrode Section

Copper Coupler

TerraFill® Deep SeriesBackfill (TF-50DS)

20’ Body Sections(Quantities Vary)

20’-0” LowerElectrode Section

Electrolytic “Routes”and Leach Ports

TerraFill® Backfill

VerticalShaft

Vertical Model“S” Series

Vertical Model“Deep” Series

Vented Cover

Protective Test Well

Horizontal Shaft

Vent Ports

Exothermic Connection

Copper Conductor

TerraFill® Backfill

Electrolytic “Routes”and Leach Ports

Horizontal Model“L” Series

Protective Test Well

Exothermic Connection


LO W-RE S I S T I V I T Y GR O U N D I N G BAC K F I L L

TerraFill®

Low-Resistivity Grounding Backfill

TerraFill® is an easily applied product that produces lower steady state and stable grounding impedance. It produces lower surge impedance resulting in faster transient dissipation. Manufactured from environmentally safe and stable products, TerraFill® has an excellent shelf life and long term storage has no performance effects.

TerraFill® creates a reliable, low resistance, electrical connection between the grounding system and the earth. It is manufactured to be compatible with copper grounding systems and standard field application methods. It can be used in connection with grounding grids to minimize step and touch potentials. In high resistivity soils, TerraFill® can be used to produce acceptable grounding impedance within a reasonably sized area.

The versatility and ease of applying TerraFill® to lower ground resistance of grounding equipment allows for a variety of earthing designs to be used which would otherwise be impractical. It requires only minimal instruction for application. TerraFill® is self compacting , comes in easily transportable 50 lb (22.68 kg) bags, and can be easily installed by a single person.

TerraFill® provides a simple method to substantially lower the earth resistance of grounding systems. When used with copper grounding equipment, this advanced backfill lowers the contact resistance to earth by up to 63%.

Effective

Permanent

Environmentally Friendly

USE TERRAFILL® BACKFILL WITH TERRADYNE® ELECTROLYTIC

GROUNDING SYSTEMS FOR 30 YEARS OF ULTRA STABLE,

MAINTENANCE FREE EARTHING.

R56


Trench Width TerraFill® Thickness

2.5cm (1”) 5.1cm (2”) 7.6cm (3”) 10. 2cm (4”)

10.2cm (4”) 8.5m (28.0’) 4.2m (14.0’) 2.8m (9.4’) 2.1m (7’)

15.2cm (6”) 5.6m (18.6’) 2.8m (9.4’) 1.8m (6.2’) 1.4m (4.6’)

20.3cm (8”) 4.2m (14.0’) 2.1m (7.0’) 1.4m (4.6’) 1.0m (3.6’)

25.4cm (10”) 3.4m (11.2’) 1.7m (5.6’) 1.2m (3.8’) 0.8m (2.8’)

30.5cm (12”) 2.8m (9.4’) 1.4m (4.6’) 1.0m (3.2’) 0.7m (2.4’)

Refer to installation instructions and local electrical codes for proper trench size in your area.

Vertical Installation (Hole)Estimated bags of TerraFill® backfill around ground rods 1/2” to 3/4”

Hole Dia. Depth of Hole

1.8m (6’) 2.4m (8’) 3.0m (10’) 3.6m (12’) 5.2m (17’) 6.1m (20’)

7.5cm (3”) 1 1 1 2 2 2

10.0cm (4”) 1 2 2 2 3 3

12.5cm (5”) 2 2 3 4 5 5

15.0cm (6”) 2 3 4 4 7 8

17.5cm (7”) 3 4 5 6 9 10

20.0cm (8”) 4 6 7 8 11 13

22.5cm (9”) 5 7 8 10 14 16

25.0cm (10”) 6 8 9 12 17 20

Refer to installation instructions and local electrical codes for proper hole size in your area.

TerraFill® Horizontal and Vertical Installations

Horizontal Installation (Trench)Estimated length of ground connector covered with each bag of TerraFill®


EXOT H E R M I C WE L D I N G SYS T E M S

TerraWeld®

Exothermic Welding Systems

The TerraWeld® Exothermic Welding System provides the ultimate in permanent molecular bonding. The process of exothermic welding, in which no external source of heat or power is required, is the universally preferred method of making electrical connections of copper-to-copper or copper-to-steel. Lightning protection and grounding systems require connections that maintain current carrying capacity exceeding that of the conductors used in the system. TerraWeld® connections provide higher fusing capacity than the conductors to which they are bonded. System resistance, impedance, and ampacity relate directly to functionality, safety, and regulatory compliance. TerraWeld® meets these challenges and delivers assurance.

TerraWeld® connections provide performance superior to all existing surface-to-surface mechanical retention connectors. Pressure type connections are susceptible to variation, aging, corrosion, and failure--not TerraWeld®. One click of the starter forges a visually inspectable, uniformly conductive, corrosion resistant, continuous solid metal bonding at the molecular level resulting in the only connection which will not loosen or increase in resistance over the lifetime of the installation.

ALLTEC’s hermetically sealed metallized pouch design is unique in the industry. Containing premeasured granular metallic particles with a separate sealed tube of starting powder, the materials are not in contact and may be safely handled, stored, and transported. Users may confidently and comfortably drop a few packages in their pocket before heading to a site, and rely on its capability even after prolonged exposure to the elements. TerraWeld® works when others won’t.

The TerraWeld® Exothermic Welding System uses a light-weight, clamp-on graphite mold to safely position and contains any weld required. The exothermic reaction creates an intense miniature furnace with temperatures exceeding 2,500 °F, instantly producing molten metal which flows into the weld cavity, filling any available space. Moments later the mold may be removed in preparation for the next weld.

TerraWeld® provides permanent welded connections for lightning protection and grounding systems. Using no external heat source, it is the preferred portable, easy to use, and dependable exothermic weld recommended by IEEE and IEC regulations.


Features

Using Any of These Materials

Range of Mold Designs for Wire/Cable Combinations

Typical Applications

pipes, and rod to rod splices

or plate

surface, or plate

lug connections.


W O R L D H E A D Q U A R T E R S

64 CATALYST DRIVE

CANTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28716 USAPHONE: +1.828.646.9290TOLL FREE: +1.800.203.2658 (U.S. & CANADA)FAX: +1.828.646.9527EMAIL: [email protected]

A S I A R E G I O N A L H E A D Q U A R T E R S

NO 4-1A, JALAN MEDAN BUKIT INDAH 3TAMAN BUKIT INDAH 68000 AMPANG

SELANGOR MALAYSIA

PHONE : +603.4294.0187FAX: +603.4217.1187E-MAIL : [email protected]

URL: WWW.ALLTEC.COM.MY

I N D I A R E G I O N A L O F F I C E

UDAY PLAZA BUILDING,16-A, UDAY PARK,NEW DELHI-110 049, INDIA

PHONE : +91.11.26267632E-MAIL: [email protected]

alltec lps - barqtron

Documents