Technical information for planners and users (as of December 2001) The VDE regulations VDE 0185 - DIN 57 185 part 1 and 2 and VDE V0185 part 100 (ENV 61024-1) apply to the installation, planning and extension of lightning protection systems. VDE 0185 section 4.1.2. specifies that lightning protection components must be at least equivalent to the relevant DIN standards, i.e. their cross-section, corrosion resistance, electrical connection and mechanical strength must comply with these standards. Today’s program of DIN lightning protection components is totally insufficient for the requirements of modern lightning protection. Some of the parts are technically outdated and their corrosion resistance can no longer withstand today’s environmental conditions. Galvanized wire, for example, used either as conductor wire or as earth connection, may severely corrode and be no longer fully functional after only a short time. Our long years of experience with lightning protection technology motivated us to develop a totally new product range, that is technically and qualitatively superior to many DIN components. Many of our inventions and new designs have proved themselves repeatedly. Through our work with official agencies and users, we currently feature a complete program of materials made in stainless steel, aluminum, copper and hot-galvanized steel. Thanks to the more than 25 years of experience of the company’s founder in construction and manufacturing, we can expediently carry out special orders. Benefit from our expert know-how; contact us any time with your lightning protection problem. Important note: Many lightning protection systems, e.g. on church towers, or high-rise buildings, are difficult to access. The system components are subjected to great mechanical stress and should therefore be made of high-quality and stable materials. Components made of plastic should not be used for industrial sites with extreme snowloads and/or a highly-polluted atmosphere. The information about possible application areas for our products is intended as product-specific information only. The application technology examples supplied by us in writing and diagrams are the result of many years of experience and are made to the best of our knowledge. This information is, however, non-binding, since the different possibilities of application and installation conditions that our products may be subjected to, lie outside our sphere of influence. We therefore recommend to inform yourself if the products in question are suitable for the application intended by you. Use and installation of the products are outside our control and are therefore the sole responsibility of the user. For additional information, you can enroll in our training courses and refer to the VDB installation manual. 6 Concerning the legal validity of standards and VDE regulations The regulation for the implementation of the Law on the energy industry (Energiewirtschaftsgesetz) determines that electrical plants and equipment must be installed and maintained in compliance with the generally accepted rules of electrical engineering. “The regulations of the Association of German Electrical Engineers (VDE) are the accepted rules of electrical engineering.” The definition of “generally accepted rules of technology” was legally specified by the decision of the German “Reichsgericht” from 10/11/1910. This decision still remains in force today: “The rules of technology are considered generally accepted, when the experts who are applying the rules are convinced that the said rules are in compliance with the safety requirements. It is not sufficient that technical journals or technical schools support the opinion that a specific rule complies with the technical requirements. The technical rule must be well-proven and accepted in praxis. It is insignificant, if individual experts or a small group of experts do not accept or know the rule in question. The most decisive factor is the general opinion that has formed among experts.” The term of accepted rules of technology surpasses the DIN standards; the DIN standards are subordinate to the accepted rules of technology. The Trade Control Board has the right and responsibility to require the elimination of defects for equipment that poses a safety risk and to prohibit the distribution of such equipment if the precisely defined deficiencies are not repaired. There does not, however, exist any legal foundation that requires a certain type of construction. The regulations for the creation of VDE rules and standards define that rules for construction are to be avoided as well as “statements that give the impression that legal powers are to be exercised”. Technical development is the result of private initiative and research. Commissions can define but not establish the current state of development and safety standards for the general benefit. It must be possible at all times to achieve and, if possible, surpass the defined technological standards and safety requirements.
Conductions, Lightning protections 7 Conductions; Lightning protections
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