Discontinued-Sep17

West Australian Power Protection (WAPP) was proud to present our annual open day event. Dubbed the PROTExpo, we had a series of live demonstrations lined up showcasing products in Lightning Protection installation, Earthing, CADWELDing, Soil Testing and innovative products in Surge Protection.

The main objective of the event was to provide our customers a better understanding of multiple solutions that WAPP and ERICO can offer, and also to encourage our customers to use us as a solutions provider resource for technical support, design, estimating, installation, testing and commissioning.

It was a great turn out with over 40 attendees from various industries and blue-chip companies which made for a great networking opportunity.

The feedback we received from everyone was that they thoroughly enjoyed the event and found benefit in attending, drawing from the experience from our experts. Despite standing for over an hour during the demonstrations, many stayed till the very end, still riveted. There were numerous requests for follow up visits from those who attended which we shall be doing so in the coming weeks.

Once again, thank you to all those who attended and to our partner companies, ERICO and Aptus Power for their time today.

Essential Things to Know For Earthing Design and Testing

Why Is Earthing Important?

The fundamental purpose of an earthing system is to provide a safe return path for fault currents. When an earth fault strikes on a high voltage system, the fault current generates a voltage at the source of the fault. This voltage can reach dangerous levels, which can pose a hazard to personnel as well as to members of the public in the vicinity of the asset.

Earthing System Design

Earthing system designs require careful consideration and a thorough understanding of factors that can influence the performance of an earthing system under fault conditions.

Considerations for a performance based design requires understanding of project geographical constraints and restrictions, as well as local and international safety standards (IEEE 80 and AS 2067).

Initial requirements are:

• Conduct soil resistivity testing, modelling and analysis
• Review fault data and protection documentation
• Review civil and site layout
• Analyse multilayer soil structure
• Review client specific design specifications
• Review equipment, system configuration and documentation

Earthing System Testing

The earthing system is designed and engineered to perform safely during earth fault conditions. However, it is also critical that commissioning and routine earthing testing is undertaken to validate and ensure that the earthing system performs safely.

The following activities should be conducted as part of an earthing and lightning protection review:

• Touch, step and transferred voltage hazard measurements
• Determination of individual and overall earthing system impedance
• Determination of lightning protection earthing impedance and physical integrity
• Determination of earth potential rise (EPR) contours
• Soil resistivity testing
• Continuity of equipment earth connections
• Visual inspections
• Current distribution measurements
• Determination of earth grid conductor sizing suitability Assessment of switchyard surfacing
• Testing Methods Injection Testing

The concept of injection testing is to simulate a system earth fault at a much smaller scale. This is performed by injecting an off-frequency current into the earth grid which in turn causes the earthing system to rise in voltage. The purpose of injecting an off-frequency current (typically 58 Hz), is to ensure that the earthing system is isolated from any interference, including the 50 Hz system frequency and harmonics.

The following parameters are able to be measured during an injection test:

1. Earthing system impedance
2. Touch, step and transferred voltages
3. Location of Earth Potential Rise (EPR) contours d) Earth Grid Voltage Rise (EGVR)

Soil Resistivity Testing

The soil resistivity structure is the biggest contributing factor in the performance of the earth grid. The soil structure governs the way the voltage dissipates from the earthing system during an earth fault event and the susceptibility of the change in earth resistance in relation to the amount of earth grid conductor added.

The most accepted and accurate method in measuring the average resistivity of large volumes of undisturbed earth is the Wenner Array method. The Wenner Array method uses four electrodes spaced at equal distances apart to create the test circuit. The two outer electrodes create the current circuit and the two inner electrodes measure the voltage on the earth’s surface in relation to the current electrodes.

Fall of Potential (FOP) Testing

The fall of potential (FOP) method is used to determine the resistance of a small earthing system. This test is typically used to measure the earthing resistance of lightning protection systems and small kiosk/pole mounted substations. This test only gives a resistance value and does not confirm safety with respect to touch and step voltages.

Continuity Testing

Continuity tests are conducted to check the connections of primary pieces of plant are adequately bonded to the earth grid. The resistance between a primary piece of plant and reference point is measured using a micro-ohmmeter. This method allows the user to determine the resistance between a path and to identify defects which otherwise cannot be visually inspected.

Design and Management

Electrical systems comprise of various individual components that need to work effectively with each other in order to achieve the system objective. A design process involves selecting such components according to technical, regulatory and safety requirements. A proper design methodology ensures that the design outcome achieves the desired technical objectives as well as regulatory and safety compliance.

It is also crucial to correctly configure the individual components such as protection relays according to the design outcome as well as assess and manage the system to ensure that objectives are met. Design solutions include:

• Earthing System Design
• Lightning Protection Design
• System Configuration and Assessment
• Commissioning Management
• Protection, Control and Metering
• Testing and Commissioning

Electrical systems are designed to fulfil specified functions as well as comply with technical and regulatory standards. Before any electrical installation is put into service, it is vital to verify that the specified functions are being fulfilled, that the installation complies with relevant technical & regulatory standards and that the installation is safe for use.

Effective verification can only be achieved through a well planned and executed testing and commissioning regime.

For more information on West Australian Power Protections Earthing and Lightning Protection Design, Audit and Maintenance Services please call us on (08) 9451 2199 or email wapp1@wapp.com.au

The prospect loves the product and is convinced of its advantages. They are excited to work with your team on execution. Everything’s going along just as it should, until … you give them a quote.

“The price is what?!“

Most people in sales agree that overcoming price objections is about conveying value. If a prospect is balking at the cost, it is likely we did not sufficiently sell the advantage of their product or service.

Here are 24 suggestions sourced from top salespeople, along with an explanation of why they work. 

How to Respond to the Sales Objection “Price or It’s too Expensive”

1) “Is there something you are comparing it to?”

“Expensive” is a broad term. If you can find out what the client is comparing your product or service to, you can more targeted differentiate your value.

2) “Can you please explain why you think this is so?”

This prompts the prospect to break down their reasoning. When a salesperson have a better understanding of the specific concerns , they are more likely to address them easier.

3) “How much will it cost you if you don’t go ahead?”

Get the client to think about the bigger picture. Show the hidden costs in the status quo. 

4) “What did you budget for?”

This question is really whether they are asking for a discount (budget) or payment terms (cash flow). When the salesperson categorises the objection, they can negotiate more effectively. 

5) ” If we pretend that money was not an object. Would this product/service help to solve your problem?”

A fast track back to value. 

6) “Is price the only thing that is keeping us from moving forward?”

This will allow you to draw out any other objections the salesperson needs to address and well as re-evaluate the client’s understanding of the benefits of your proposition.

7) “Okay. So which part do you want to leave out?”

What you are telling the client is that price is linked to value, obviously. So if a buyer does not want to pay the full price, they will not be able to get the full value of the product. This question might prompt them to reconsider. 

8) “Will the price keep you away from getting what you need?”

You are not supposed to call them cheap outright, but you are making them reconsider the question in their minds. And no one likes to be cheap, especially when their business is on the line. Or actually, this will reveal if your product or service is not the ideal solution for their problem.

9) “Setting price aside, do we have the product/service you want to buy?”

If the client respond with a yes, then you can follow up on #8. If they respond with a no, then consider if it will make sense to go back to value or abandon the deal.

10) “What is the ROI (return on investment) you are looking for?”

This steers them away from thinking in terms of “expensive” or “cheap,” and make them think about the long-term value for their business and this product.

11) “So you say that our prices are high in relation to our competitors’?”

So, if our price actually is higher than the competition’s, this question opens the door for the salesperson to differentiate the product by value.

12) Did you have a figure in mind?

This will tell you what their expected spend was; if they have approached a competitor, or if their expectations are real for you to then resell value.

13) “Did you ever purchase a similar product or service before?”

Another possible thing is that the client has an imprecise idea of what this type of product or service actually is worth and costs — maybe because they have never purchased it before. With this question, you can clear up their misconception.

The objection of price can be a buying signal or hides other objections. Use this opportunity to draw out hidden objections; add value to your proposition that is relevant to your prospect; and to trial close.

The most important way of overcoming this objection is to prevent it from occurring throughout your presentation by adding value to you, your business and the product or service in how it is going to benefit your prospect.

If the return on investment (benefits and advantages) is much greater than the initial cost then it is worth paying for!

How to Design Lightning Protection to a Budget 

Lightning protection systems are the outcome of the innovation pioneered by Benjamin Franklin: the lightning rod. Lightning protection systems are used today on many buildings such as, homes, communication towers, high rise buildings, and mobile structures.

We will look into why lightning protection is essential and what the systems are able to do, that include:
– Components of a lightning protection system
– Lightning protection systems
– What they do and do not do
– How a lightning protection system works
– Lightning and Surge Protectors / UPS Devices
– Lightning dissipation / elimination myths

Components of a lightning protection system

Lightning rods or ‘air terminals’ are only a tiny part of a complete lightning protection system. Actually, the rods may play the minor role in a system installation. A lightning protection system is collected of three main components:

1. Rods or ‘Air Terminals’ – The small, vertical rods are made to behave as the ‘terminal’ for a lightning discharge. Rods are designed in different shapes, sizes from long poles to Erico’s Dynaspheres.

2. Conductor Cables – Cables carry the lightning from the rods to the ground. Interconnected cables are set along the tops and around the edges of roofs, then down the building to the ground rod(s) that form the earthing part of the system.

3. Ground Rods – Long, thick, heavy rods are buried down into the ground around a protected structure. The conductor cables are connected to these rods to finish a safe path for a lightning discharge around a structure.

The conductor cables and ground rods are the most consequential components of a lightning protection system, completing the main objective of diverting lightning current safely past a structure.

What does Lightning protection systems do?

The purpose of a lightning protection is to improve and ensure the safety to a building, equipment and its occupants if lightning happens to strike.

A well-designed system will:

• Attract lightning to a planned point (Lightning rod)
• Dissipate or prevent lightning by ‘draining’ a storm of its charge
• Offer surge protection for sensitive electronics
• Offer fire and structural damage protection by preventing a hot, explosive lightning channel from passing through building materials

Without a designed path to reach ground, a lightning strike is able to utilize any conductor available inside any type of building. This may include the phone, cable, or other electrical lines, the water and gas pipes, or if a steel-framed building, the structure itself.

It is normal that lightning follows one of these paths to the ground, sometimes jumping through the air via a side flash to reach a better-grounded conductor. Therefore, lightning presents several hazards to any type of building:

• Fire can start anywhere the exposed lightning channel contacts, penetrates or comes near flammable material (wood, paper, gas pipes, etc) in a building. When lightning follows electrical conduits, it will often overheat or even vaporize the wires, creating a fire hazard anywhere along affected circuits.
• Side flashes – Side flashes jump across rooms, and can also ignite materials.
• Damage to building materials – The explosive shock wave that comes from a lightning discharge is able to blow out sections of walls, fragment concrete, plaster and make nearby glass shatter.
• Damage to appliances – Computers, mechanical, electrical equipment, in general anything plugged are vulnerable to be damaged beyond repair.

Adding a protection system does not prevent a strike, but gives it a better, safer path to ground. The air terminals, cables and ground rods work together to hold the immense currents away from the structure, avoiding fire and most appliance damage:

Lightning and Surge Protectors / UPS Devices

Surge protectors and UPS units are not decent lightning protection devices. These appliances offer protection from voltage spikes from everyday power surges and distant lightning strikes.

A normal surge protector cannot have any effect on the violent burst of current from a very close or direct lightning strike. Direct lightning current is simply too big to protect.

Even ‘disconnects’, or devices that physically switch off power to a device by activating a set of contacts, will not guarantee protection. A small air gap will not stop a lightning bolt that has already jumped across miles of air.

For any lightning protection system to provide protection, it must divert the lightning current from a direct strike.

Ohm’s Law states that for a set of resistances connected in parallel, the current will be distributed across ALL resistances, at levels inversely proportional to the different values of resistance.

A structure or building is nothing more than a set of resistors ‘connected’ in parallel- the electrical wiring, plumbing, phone lines, steel framework, etc. (Even though plumbing and electrical wiring, for instance, may not be physically connected, lightning will use side flashes across air gaps to effectively connect them). In a direct lightning strike, the current will not follow only one path- it will distribute itself across all paths to ground depending on each path’s resistance.

Lightning current often peaks at 100,000 or more Amperes. With that in mind, consider if you have a lightning protection system installed, and your building is hit directly by lightning. If the protection system takes even 99.9% of the current, then your electrical wiring may take the remaining 0.1%. 0.1% of 100,000 Amperes is a 100 Amp surge through your lines- which may be enough to take out your computer or other equipment.

It is common for ‘side flashes’ to occur, where all or a part of the lightning will jump across an entire room to reach ground- such as from the electrical wiring system to well-grounded water pipes.

All this means, you should use a surge protector or a full-fledged lightning rod system.

Lightning protection facts

• An effective lightning protection systems can intercept a lightning strike.
• Protection systems prevent lightning damage and electrical discharge to earth
• Lightning protection systems (including placement of rods, cables, and groundings) are custom-designed for individual structures and require complex engineering to function properly. They should only be installed by qualified contractors using quality products such as the Erico range from West Australian Power Protection (WAPP).

For more information please contact us on Ph: (08) 9451 2199

Regardless of the location of your business natural disasters are real. And when your hard-earned business investment is smack bang in the middle of it, then keeping your assets and staff safe is paramount. Despite most business owners insulating themselves from the everyday corporate risks (both internal and external); natural risks like hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding and lightning are often overlooked. Even more frequently these class of risks are uninsured too – but they’re possible in nearly every corner of the continent.

Causing billions of dollars in related losses for businesses each year, the effects of nature can be devastating. And if you’re unprepared as a business owner, the level of vulnerability won’t be apparent until disaster has hit. Don’t get left picking up the financial pieces after nature strikes – protect your business with these tips:

1. Invest in Business Interruption Insurance

Every smart business owner will have a high level of insurance on their business, but how much of it covers against natural disasters? Insurance policies should be reviewed on a yearly basis and it’s essential you know you’re protected from the risks in your specific location. Whilst you want to have direct coverage for physical loss and property damage, investing in business interruption insurance will give you better support during downtime.

BII is designed to cover the income loss due to a disaster-related incident after the business is closed down due to rebuilding. This period of restoration can be costly for businesses and generally won’t be covered under a standard business insurance policy. To get BII underway you’ll need to add it to your existing insurance policy. In addition to loss of income, it’ll also cover operating expenses like electricity, that will keep continuing despite business being on halt.

2. Consider Lightning Protection

Lightning is one of the most common natural disasters. And with up to 100 million volts of electricity coming down, its power has the potential to rip through roofs, ignite deadly and out-of-control fires and explode even the toughest of walls. Without a reliable protection system in place, the cost of damages to businesses from lightning storms can be extreme.

Lightning protection systems are the most effective way to eliminate the nasty impact of these natural occurrences.  When a lighting protection strategy is in place, a new discharge means is provided for the lightening to enter and leave through without passing into any damaging non-conductive parts of a structure. Whist the strategy won’t prevent the lightning strike from happening, it will ensure its better controlled and prevent damage to structures around it.

3. Create a Contingency Plan

Having an established contingency plan in place will help to determine the best outcome in the event of an emergency. This should be created well in advance of a potential natural disaster and include an evacuation plan, employee contacts, document backups if required and any additional office or business preparation. The blueprint should include a clear communication plan to avoid a chaotic mess during the disaster too.

To create a plan that’s effective, all your business operations will need to be reviewed with potential risks clearly identified. Assign managers within the corporation to set tasks and determine ways to minimise panic as much as possible. All staff should have a disaster training session at least once a year to be aware of what to do should nature strike.

4. Know the Risks in Your Location and Weather Trends

Creating a contingency plan will help to determine what risks are apparent in your business location. Knowledge is power when it comes to providing adequate protection so check weather updates and risks prone to the area. Flood maps are on offer which shows locations and whether you’re in a high-risk, moderate-risk or low-risk area and there’s Smartphone apps to offer immediate updates and advice.

Consider the highest risks for your area – whether they be hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornados or potentially harmful lightning storms. Once you’re familiar with the risks it’s up to you as the owner to manage and keep your finger on the pulse with weather changes to act accordingly.

5. Have Backup Power with UPS

Implementing a UPS is a vital part of any organisation’s data centre. When power becomes interrupted from a natural disaster, UPS systems will offer a window of opportunity – a pocket of time – to get systems back into working order. Opt for a higher efficiency USP to really reap the rewards. Whilst it can be more expensive to fork out initially, higher efficiency UPS’s will save costs and energy in the long run and provide assurance against loosing critical data which can jeopardise the business.

Preventing the devastating effects of natural disasters is imperative. And with the right tools, business insurance and systems in place; you can put your business investment, staff and hard work in a safer position to survive.

Three purposes of soil resistivity testing

Soil resistivity is a measure of how much the soil resists the flow of electricity. The resulting soil resistivity is expressed in ohm-meter or ohm-centimeter.

Soil resistivity was conducted mainly for the following purposes:

• Sub-survey geophysical surveys: use to identify ore locations, depth of bedrock and other geological phenomena
• Level of Corrosion: soil resistivity has a high impact on the degree of corrosion in underground pipelines. A lower soil resistively means increase of corrosion activity. The soil corrosiveness is classified based on soil electrical resistivity by the British Standard BS-1377
• Designing a grounding system: It is advisable to locate the area of lowest soil resistivity in order to achieve the most economical grounding installation

Conditions influencing soil resistivity

Several factors, such as soil composition, temperature, moisture content, and salts level determine soil resistivity.

• Soil composition: soil with a high organic contents are usually good conductors in comparison with sandy soils which drain fasters because of higher moisture levels and have a higher electrolyte level
• Moisture contents: Moisture content has the largest influence on soil resistivity. Moisture retention can be influenced by local climate conditions and electrolytic mechanisms such as mineral content, soil ionization, consistent grain size, even distribution and packing density
• Temperature: High temperatures and drought, or temperatures below freezing and deep frosts, can cause high resistivity in soils that have much lower values in the preceding months

Source: U.S. Bureau of Standards Technical Report 108

In Western Australia, soil type was typically dry and lacking of moisture contents resulting to a high soil resistivity. However, there are products such as Ground Enhancement Material (GEM) which dramatically reduces earth resistance and impedance measurements. It is the ideal material to use in areas of poor conductivity, such as rocky ground, mountain tops and sandy soil.

Conducting a Wenner 4-point soil resistivity test

There are two test methods, the Wenner and the Schlumberger. The Wenner method is more popular and easier to use for testing soil resistivity for a grounding electrode system. Below are the steps to conduct the test:

1. Four test stakes are positioned in a straight line an equal distance apart and are hammered into the ground to be surveyed to a depth of not more than 1/20 the distance between the adjacent stakes
2. An earth resistance tester is connected to these four stakes as shown in Figure 1
3. The DC test option on the tester is then selected and performed, and the resistance figure “R” recorded
4. The soil resistivity level “r” (in ohms/cm) is then calculated using the formula: r = 2 ρaR where:

R = the resistance figure (in ohms)

a = the separation of the test stakes, in meters

ρ =

Where:

A = distance between the electrodes in centimeters

B = electrode depth in centimeters

If A > 20 B, the formula becomes:

Ρ =  (with A in cm)

Ρ = 191.5 AR (with A in feet)

Ρ = Soil resistivity (ohm-cm)

This value is average resistivity of the ground at a depth equivalent to the distance “A” between two electrodes

Want more information on grounding and bonding products which suits Australian conditions? Want to learn about how our products and services can benefit you? Get in touch with our team today on (08) 9451 2199 or send us an enquiry.

We’ve all heard the saying ‘lightning never strikes the same place twice,’ right? This age old saying, along with other myths and old wives tales surrounding lightning, is not only misleading but could be dangerous as well. Let’s have a look at the top 10 myths about lightning and dispel those that are incorrect so you are best placed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

1. Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

Truth: This is probably the most well-known myth, and it is not true! Lightning can strike the same place twice. The Empire State Building can vouch for that – it is struck by lightning around 25 times a year – some say it’s more like 100 times a year.

2. Myth: If you touch someone who has been struck by lightning, you will get an electric shock.

Truth: This is false – the human body does not store electricity and it is perfectly safe – and essential – to give first aid to someone who has been struck by lightning.

3. Myth: You’re safe in a car because it has rubber tyres.

Truth: In fact, it’s the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, not the rubber tyres. For this reason, you are not safe in a convertible car, a farm or construction vehicle with an open cockpit, or a bicycle.

4. Myth: Jewellery attracts lightning.

Truth: Metal does not attract lightning, but it does conduct it. Don’t worry too much about your watch or smartphone in the event of a lightning storm, but do not touch or take shelter next to long metal objects such as railings, fences, or vehicles. The metal can conduct the electricity and electrocute you.

5. Myth: A train is made of metal; therefore it can conduct electricity and the passengers will be electrocuted by a lightning strike.

Truth: No need to worry – trains are extremely well grounded in the electrical sense, so a large current of electricity from lightning will usually flow through the train to the tracks and into the earth below. In addition, there are products such as rail transient barriers (RTB) and Triggered Spark Gap Surge Reduction Filters (TSG-SRF) which divert surges of high-energy to protect electrical systems and equipment.

6. Myth: If lightning strikes a train’s signal line, it could be dangerous for passengers.

Truth: Again, you are safe. Rail transient barrier products protect signalling equipment from surges and they are designed to ensure they do not pose a safety threat in the event of failure.

7. Myth: If there are no clouds, you won’t be hit by lightning.

Truth: Even if the rain clouds haven’t reached you, the lightning still can. Lightning can strike more than three miles away from the centre of the thunderstorm, so if there is lightning about, then seek shelter immediately.

8. Myth: You can shelter under a tree for protection in a storm.

Truth: Never shelter from lightning underneath a tree, no matter how wet you get from the rain. Tall, isolated objects are more likely to be struck by lightning. You can still be struck by lightning when you are beneath a tree. Also, the electricity can spread along the surface of the ground and reach you even if you are some distance away from it. You are much safer indoors.

9. Myth: You are completely safe if you are inside a house.

Truth: Being indoors is good when there is lightning, but you must also stay in an inside room, away from windows, and avoid touching anything that could conduct electricity. This includes electrical appliances, telephones with cords, plumbing, and window frames.

10. Myth: If you are caught in a lightning storm and have no way to find shelter, lie flat on the ground.

Truth: Remember that you are never safe outside in a thunderstorm. As a last resort, some say it is best to crouch on the ground rather than lie flat. Squat down as low as you can and tuck your head in – you are aiming to make yourself as low to the ground as possible and have the minimum amount of your body touching the ground.

Crucially though, remember distance from objects and proper shelter inside a house are the best things in a lightning storm.

TSF – Surge filters with replaceable surge modules.

The ERICO CRITEC Transient Surge Filter (TSF) product family is a UL registered, IEC compliant, compact, serviceable solution for protection of PLC controllers, SCADA systems, motor control centers and other process control systems.

FEATURES

• Compact, space saving design
• Replaceable surge module reduces down time and unprotected time during maintenance
• Compliance to the latest UL 1449 Edition 4 and IEC 61643-11 surge standards and UL 1283 Electromagnetic Interference Filters (EMI) standard
• Low let-through voltages on the critical line to neutral mode
• Transient Discriminating (TD) Technology provides increased service life

SES40P – Surge protection in a waterproof enclosure

The ERICO SES40P Series of Surge Protective Devices (SPD) provide economical protection against damaging transients and surge events. These Type 1 devices are UL® Listed to UL 1449 Edition 4 and cUL® Listed to CAN/CSA C233.1. This allows installations on the line or load side (Type 1 or Type 2) of the service panel in accordance with the NEC® 2014 or CAN/CSA C233.1 without the requirement for additional circuit breakers or fuses.

Primary applications are service entrance, branch, commercial, industrial, and residential. Other applications include OEM panels, solar combiner boxes, UL 96A lightning protection installations and light pole applications. The housing is constructed of UV-stabilized thermoplastic and meets the UL 50 Type 4x rating (IP 65 rated), making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. All of the models have a 20kA nominal discharge current rating, the highest level recognized under the UL 1449 Edition 4 standard.

FEATURES

• Compact design can be directly mounted to panel or installed in a small space
• Front-facing design eases installation and performance monitoring
• 40 kA 8/20 μs maximum surge rating per mode
• UL 50 Type 4X (IP 65 rated)
• Optional Flush Mounting Plate

Cloud to Ground Lightning can happen anywhere at any time. It is important to note that lighting does not need to directly strike a power line for such damage to occur; a strike several hundred meters away can induce large damaging transients, even to underground cable. Recently, Google says data has been wiped from discs at one of its data centres in Belgium – after the local power grid was struck by lightning four times.

Cost from inadequate lighting protection system can range for degradation of electrical or electronic systems to data loss, equipment destruction or injury. Some of these costs can appear relatively minor but the loss of an essential service or revenues associated with a facility or plant shut down can be enormous.

So, what can be done to minimize the damage cause by lightning strike? Below is the six point plan of lightning protection:

Step 1: Capture the lightning strike

Capture the lighting strike to a known and preferred attachment point using a purpose-designed air terminal system

Step 2: Convey this energy to ground

Conduct the energy to the ground via a purpose-designed down conductor

Step 3: Dissipate the energy into the grounding system

Dissipate the energy into a low impedance grounding system

Step 4: Bond all ground points together

Bond all ground points to eliminate ground loops and create an equipotential plane

Step 5: Protect incoming AC power feeders

Protect equipment from surges and transients on incoming power lines to prevent equipment damage and costly operational downtime

Step 6: Protect low voltage data/telecommunication circuits

Protect equipment from surges and transients on incoming telecommunications and signal lines to prevent equipment damage and costly operational downtime

As a guide, the cost of protection should be approximately 10% of the cost of facility’s economic risk. Modern industry which highly reliant on electronic equipment and automation as well as data centres requires more lightning protection than most other buildings.

See how WAPP can assist you in designing and implementing coordinated lightning protection.

WAPP Newsletter February 2016

A US study in 2014 forecasts that global warming will significantly increase the frequency of lightning strikes. “For every two lightning strikes in 2000, there will be three lightning strikes in 2100,” said David Romps, at the University of California, Berkeley.

By now, the consensus is that Climate Change is accepted to be real. If that is true, then this study should make everyone pay attention even more.

The study shows a new method of working out the relationship between temperature and lightning storms, by estimating the heat energy available to “fuel” storm clouds.

“As the planet warms, there will be more of this fuel around, so when thunderstorms get triggered, they will be more energetic,” said Prof Romps. It is calculated that every 1 degree Celsius rise in global temperature would lead to an increase in the frequency of lightning strikes by 12%.

If the study is accurate, it certainly is alarming and it makes it even more critical to protect your assets as lightning strikes increase in number and intensity due to climate change.

Close to home in very recent times, we have seen the devastating effects on nature as well as man-made structures which supports the study:
1) Supercell thunderstorm threatens to batter Queensland/Eastern States
2) Yarloop fire was sparked by lightning
3)  WA homes struck by lightning 

The cost of installing an effective Lightning Protection System with quality and tested products is very small relative to the cost of potential damage without one for businesses, or even homes.

See how WAPP can assist you to protect your asset effectively.

You’ve probably heard it all before when it comes to power surges. They’re highly dangerous to you and all your valuable electronic devices in your business. You need to protect yourself to ensure no damage occurs to your equipment.

While you probably know the basics, there’s much more to power surges than you might realise. Have a look at our guide to learn all about power surges (including how they work and how to best protect your place of work). You’ll definitely be glad you get protected should your business ever experience any type of voltage transient.

The Basics of Power Surges

To put it simply, power surges are the sudden occurrence of voltage transients – rapid changes or spikes in voltage within your buildings power. These types of changes in power can have serious effects on the wiring in your property – all the way up to the electronic devices themselves. Even worse, an incident like a lightning strike could lead to an electrocution if you, or a staff member, is touching something which is connected to the power!

Power surges can come from a variety of sources:

Problems with the buildings wiring: If your wiring isn’t up-to-par, you may have issues that could cause power surges to specific outlets. Be careful in these scenarios – issues within your wiring could quickly become a highly dangerous fire hazard.

Lightning Storms: One of the more common sources of surges, a lightning strike can cause a dangerous spike in electricity. If a strike hits a building and makes contact with wiring or other sources of electricity, you could face both an electrocution and a fire hazard if you’re unprotected.

Equipment Protector Options

Fortunately, there are all sorts of devices designed to prevent voltage transients in your electronics. A few of the most popular include the following:

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors are typically what we all see as power strips. They’re grounded plugs that allow you to connect multiple electronic devices. And they’re built to better withstand sudden voltage transients to keep all the devices plugged into them protected.

Remember, not all power strips and protectors are created equal. There’s a reason why the prices can range from a few dollars to several hundred (or more) for protection. Generally you’ll want to look for the following characteristics when choosing the right power strip for your business:

Check Warranty Information: Many protectors will offer you a significant financial guarantee for equipment plugged into them. In most cases, better electronics protection will offer you a higher financial warranty (and usually a higher buying price).

Lifespan: The protection offered by these installations is not permanent, so make sure that your choice offers an indicator as to when you lose protection. In most cases, an indicator light will alert you as to when you’re protected or unprotected.

Surge Arrestors

Surge arrestors work similarly to surge protectors – they put a stop to the transmission of voltage spikes. Arrestors are typically used for more major installations, businesses and other purposes.

You may need an arrestor if your business uses lots of expensive electronic equipment.

Surge Diverters

Surge diverters do exactly what the claim: they divert excess voltages from spikes back to earth and away from your electronics. These are typically installed on a primary switchboard to provide protection to your place of work.

While these devices may not offer full protection against something like lightning, they’ll give a good amount of general protection for everything you have plugged in. It’s generally recommended to still use surge protectors even with a diverter installed.

Keep You & Your Electronics Safe

As you can see, the dangers and risks associated with lightning and other electrical problems can prove very serious for your business. Even installing a few safety precautions could mitigate this risk from major financial loss to a simple tripped switch on your circuit breaker.

Take the time to ensure that your equipment is protected. That way, you won’t have to worry even when a lightning storm passes through your area.

WAPP Newsletter November 2015

CADWELD

Connections are the weak point of all electrical circuits especially earthing circuits subjected to aging and corrosion. The capacity of an earthing circuit to protect personnel safety depends on the quality of the connections made.

WAPP is proud to recommend ERICO CADWELD, a revolutionary system that simplifies the process for exothermically welded connections. ERICO is the recognized leader in grounding and bonding and its CADWELD system consistently performs the best in independent IEE 837 tests.

CADWELD – Technical Advantages

• ERICO CADWELD exothermically welded connections are engineered to create a permanent bond that withstands repeated fault currents and will not loosen, deteriorate or increase in resistance. The connections are designed to maintain for the life of the conductor and/or installation
• It also has a high current – carrying capacity equal to that of the conductor. The melting temperature of CADWELD connection is higher than the melting temperature of copper (1082°C). For this reason, in the event of abnormal heating due to a high fault current, the conductor is destroyed before the connection
• Very reliable as molecular bond eliminates the concept of surface contact, and electrolyte cannot penetrate between the conductors and cause oxidation and deterioration in the course of time. This is especially important when CADWELD application is on humid or chemical environments or for bonds directly buried in the ground
• Easy to use – four simple steps to permanently welded electrical connections. All you need is a CADWELD mould and a CADWELD control unit
• Once completed, installers can clearly ensure quality assurance by visual inspection of the new connection
• Consistently performs the best in independent IEE 837 2014 EMF test

CADWELD – The Molecular Bond

• The CADWELD process can create permanent bond between copper/copper, copper/galvanized or plain steel, copper/copper clad steel, copper/bronze/brass/stainless steel, steel/steel, molecular bonds with no external or heat source
• The shape of the mould, its dimension, and the size of the welding material, are all dependent on the items to be welded

WAPP offers CADWELD training to ensure that they are used correctly, safely and effectively. For more information about CADWELD, please do not hesitate to send us an email at wapp1@wapp.com.au or call us on (08) 9451 2199.

WAPP is seeking a highly motivated Business Development Manager. We are hungry to grow the business with new products, services and new markets, hence there will be a huge opportunity to contribute with a big impact.

You will need to have a strong background in sales development coupled with strong technical skills in the electrical sector to undertake this role effectively.

Full training will be provided. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and will include a car allowance.

** Please send us your CV by 24th October 2015 **

For more information, please go to SEEK

We were privileged to have John Henry, ERICO Regional Rail Manager from Sydney (2^nd from right) conduct the CADWELD training last week. John has over 25 years of ERICO rail experience behind him.

Among the attendees were senior signalling personnel from Brookfield Rail who has been a long-time customer of West Australian Power Protection (WAPP). Brookfield Rail is the manager and operator of West Australia’s 5,500 kilometre open access, multi-user rail freight network extending throughout the southern half of WA. With managing such critical infrastructure, Brookfield Rail can only rely on top quality products and a very reliable supplier which is why WAPP is proud to be supporting Brookfield Rail.

Insights and knowledge that John was able to share from his wealth of experience with the participants were invaluable.

WAPP Newsletter May 2015

We had another full house for our quarterly CADWELD training. This time, we welcomed staff from ANSALDO who are the rail specialists on the major mining projects in WA, namely Rio Tinto and Roy Hill.

Various moulds, handle clamps and CADWELD connections were demonstrated and practised on. As the participants were from the rail industry, we simulated the CADWELD rail bonding welds on a piece of rail. This enabled participants to apply it to a real-life situation.

Safety and basic procedures for CADWELDING

Cleaning the rail surface for a good weld

Bonding Stud Connections with CADWELD

Once again, the participants were impressed by the ease and effectiveness of CADWELD. There are a number of good ERICO CADWELD videos that you can view on YouTube. For future WAPP Training, please click here.

WAPP Newsletter February 2015

Perth has been experiencing unseasonal lightning thunderstorms this past week. When I first checked the weather forecast last week, it showed an entire week of “Possible Thunderstorms”. I thought to myself, either the weather bureau is going to be rather inaccurate, or we are in fact going to get some wild weather. The latter was true.  There has been some spectacular photos captured (courtesy of the West Australian).

Unfortunately, the lightning we have been experiencing has also caused widespread destruction, notably sparking a damaging bushfire in Northcliffe, South of Perth (for more information: bushfire-threatens-was-Northcliffe).

Four people have also been struck in the past week, although fortunately, no serious injuries were reported (lightning-strikes-four-in-perth-storm). However, just this morning, unfortunately, tragedy struck in a local shopping mall where 2 people were killed and 2 others were seriously injured reportedly from a transformer explosion thought to be caused by a lightning strike (explosion-near-morley-galleria).

Trains and power to homes were also affected throughout Perth. This goes to show how severe lightning thunderstorms can be, and if no proper lightning protection systems are in place, it could be devastating. For some safety tips on severe thunderstorms and lightning protection, please refer to bom.gov.au-safety_tips. Stay safe.

Products List Jan2015

Download our products list to request a quote. Simply follow the instructions at the top of the Excel file.

WAPP Newsletter Dec 2014

WAPP Newsletter Oct 2014