Lightning Protection International Lightning Warning System MKIII Installation And Operating Manual

LIGHTNING PROTECTION INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD

ABN 11 099 190 897

www.lpi.com.au

Installation and Operating Manual

Lightning Warning System MKIII

Lightning Warning System

LWS-MKIII

Installation and Operating Manual

Contents

...................................................................................................2-3

System Overview

................................................................................4

What is it?

..........................................................................................................4

What does it do?

.............................................................................................4

Console ...............................................................................................................5

LWS Sensor Assembly .................................................................................. 5

Event Indication Levels ................................................................................5

Warning Indication ..................................................................................6

Alarm Indication ....................................................................................... 7

All Clear Indication .................................................................................. 8

Optional Range Extenders .......................................................................... 8

Installation

.................................................................................................9

Console Installation ......................................................................................9

Sensor Installation .........................................................................................9

Installation of Console / Console Antenna ........................................18

Approved Sensor Locations .................................................................... 20

Range Extender Installation .....................................................................21

Operation

.................................................................................................. 22

Accessing the Interface homepage ...................................................... 22

Event Log ........................................................................................................ 23

Saving in Internet Explorer ...................................................................... 24

Saving in Firefox ........................................................................................... 25

Saving in Google Chrome ......................................................................... 26

Changing the Settings

................................................................. 27

IP Address ....................................................................................................... 28

Update Status ............................................................................................... 29

System Time .................................................................................................. 30

System Status ................................................................................................31

Alarm Reassert ............................................................................................. 32

All Clear Time Out ........................................................................................ 32

Indication Duration ..................................................................................... 33

Alarm Enable Times .................................................................................... 34

All Clear Mode ............................................................................................... 35

User Name and Password ........................................................................ 36

Restoring Console Factory Default Values.........................................37

Contents

Establishing a LAN Connection to the LWS

.......... 38

Introduction ................................................................................................... 38

Setting up a Direct Connection Network for the LWS using

Windows 7 ...................................................................................................... 38

How to put LWS onto a Network

.................................... 45

Initially ............................................................................................................. 45

If using DHCP follow these steps .......................................................... 45

If using a Static IP follow these steps ................................................. 47

General Browser Settings ........................................................................ 47

Relay / Alarm Output and Power Connectors

..... 49

Maintenance Check Recommendations

................... 49

Sensors and Range Extenders ............................................................... 49

Console ............................................................................................................ 49

Supporting Documents

............................................................... 50

Optional Extras

................................................................................... 50

Troubleshooting

..................................................................................51

Checking Power .............................................................................................51

Checking Network ........................................................................................51

Checking Communications to Sensor ..................................................51

Checking Siren Functionality .................................................................. 52

Error Messages............................................................................................. 52

Speciﬁcations

.......................................................Inside Back Cover

System Overview

What is it?

The LPI Lightning Warning System is a non-directional lightning detection instrument, designed to provide indication of nearby lightning strikes and signiﬁcant changes in the local electrostatic ﬁeld. The LPI Lightning Warning System MKIII provides the user with the ability to manage the lightning risk and to fulﬁl a duty of care to employees, customers and all related personnel. As occupational health and safety laws strengthen globally, senior management across a wide variety of industries and recreational pursuits are now faced with a realisation that they have a duty to warn individuals of the pending risks associated from lightning. Recent court cases have shown a dramatic change from the once acceptable “Act of God” defence, to a realisation that management now has a duty to warn.

What does it do?

On detection of a nearby lightning event or signiﬁcant increase in the electrostatic ﬁeld, the system will provide a Warning or Alarm to personnel that an event has occurred or is likely to occur. Detection and Alarm Indication (via a siren) is performed by the sensor unit, with results being sent wirelessly to the console for more detailed event Indication and logging.

Whip antenna detects electric discharges due to lightning activi

Storm Cell

Corona point detects increase in electric ﬁeld strength as a result of:

• approaching storm

• storm cell overhead

LPI Sensor Assembly

How the LWS works

Console

The LWS MkIII Console provides the user interface to the LWS via its Webserver. It communicates with the sensor providing the user access to current lightning information.

This information includes details such as the current Lightning Warning Level, and recent lightning related activity such as Lightning Strikes and Electric Field Levels.

The Console is typically sited in a secure location where it can either be connected directly to a computer by cross-over Ethernet cable, or by straight-through Ethernet cable to a local network, allowing the user to access the relevant data and system settings. The Console has relay outputs for Alarm, Warning and All Clear indications suitable for switching contacts (Note: Only a small amount of current can be supplied by the Console alarm relay outputs, and therefore a siren or other indicator cannot be driven directly from the outputs).

LWS Sensor Assembly

The LWS Sensor Assembly (Microprocessor, Sensing Antenna, Alarm/Warning/All Clear Indicator and Earth Rod) is the integral component of the LWS system, it provides all decision making in regards to recorded lightning events and subsequent alerts.

The LWS Sensor Assembly is typically mounted at a suitable location at site and the monitoring of all lightning activity is controlled by an on board microprocessor. This works in conjunction with the sensing antenna to detect changes in the electric ﬁeld and approaching lightning discharges. Depending on the intensity of the electric ﬁeld or proximity of the lightning, the sensor provides an event indication via wireless communication to a receiving antenna and console unit which is positioned within 1 km line of sight of the sensor.

Each sensor also contains an Alarm/Warning/All Clear Indication device. Depending on customer preference this is provided by a siren, which allows the user to communicate situation events to all personnel in accordance with site safety policies and procedures. In the event of temporary communication loss between the Console and Sensor, indication of event detection still occurs at the sensor despite the communications loss.

Depending on the layout of the site and the area to be monitored, LPI can customize a solution.

LPI can also provide a suitable Mounting Pole (OD 70mm, ID 61.5mm) to mount the LWS Sensor Assembly to. If the Mounting Pole option is included, suitable locking bolts are also provided to keep the LWS Sensor Assembly secure.

Event Indication Levels

As the LWS MkIII sensor detects lightning activity or increases in the electric ﬁeld, event indications are made at the Sensor and are communicated to the Console for processing. If the event falls within a predetermined level, the following indications are provided to the user.

LPI Sensor Assembly

Established storm front

• LWS activates warning when lightning is within 10 -25 km

• Typically 20-30 minutes warning

• External siren can be sounded if required

10 - 25 km

Warning Status

Warning Indication

A Warning Indication occurs when either a far lightning strike or a low electric ﬁeld is detected. Far lightning strikes are deﬁned as lightning events that occur within a radius of approximately 10 to 25km of the sensor. Low electric-ﬁeld events are deﬁned as being when the local electric ﬁeld rises above a level of 3kV/m. A Warning status provides the user with an indication that a storm is within a relatively close range and may move towards the area where the sensors are stationed. When a storm is within 25km it may arrive in the area in approximately 20-40 minutes.

LPI Sensor Assembly

• LWS activates alarm when lightning is within 8 -10 km

• Storm 10 -15 minutes away

• External alarm (siren) sounds warning of impending danger

8 -10 km

Alarm Status

Established storm front

Alarm Indication

An Alarm Indication occurs when a near lightning strike or high electric ﬁeld is detected. Near lightning strikes are deﬁned as those being within a radius of approximately 8 to 10km of the sensor and could be close enough to pose a signiﬁcant risk within approximately 10-15 minutes. High electric ﬁeld events are deﬁned as being when the local electric ﬁeld rises above 7kV/m. An Alarm status provides to the user an indication that current activities at site should be suspended and shelter taken in accordance with established safety procedures.

All Clear Indication

An All Clear Indication is given when no activity (far strikes, near strikes, low electric ﬁeld or high electric ﬁeld) has occurred within 10-30 minutes (programmable). After this period of no activity it is deemed safe to resume all activities.

*There is also a Quick All Clear version of the LWS, which will behave slightly differently, this will give an all clear indication after 10-30 minutes with no Near Strikes or High E ﬁelds.

Optional Range Extenders

In a standard LWS MkIII system, the Sensor must be within 1km and have direct line of sight to the Console Communication Antenna. If this is not possible, then important information about settings and recorded lightning events will not be transmitted.

However it is possible to use one or more Range Extenders to increase the distance between the Sensor location and the Console, allowing settings and lightning event information to be passed between the Sensor and Console.

Range Extenders work by being placed in positions that give <1km line of sight to both the Console Communication Antenna and the Sensor (or to another interim Range Extender).

Range Extenders can also be conﬁgured to act as alarm repeaters, turning on alarms at the same time as the Main Sensor and Console. This allows a greater area to receive warnings about lightning events. Range Extenders have no individual capability for detecting lightning events.

Up to 10 Range Extenders can be included as part of a system. These can be arranged in a mesh or line conﬁguration. It is possible to have more than 1 Range Extender within <1km line of sight of another Range Extender, Sensor or Console without interference.

Range Extenders are available in either Package A (power supply) or Package B (solar panel) conﬁguration.

Installation

Console Installation

The console should be situated in a secure location close to either the primary computer used to access the user interface, or to a router/network switch to allow for easy connection. This location should allow for a co-axial antenna cable to be connected to an “out-door” wireless antenna. The length of co-axial cable supplied is 2.5m long. The out-door antenna must also have line of sight to a sensor within a range of 1km. For multiple sensor systems the console antenna only requires line of sight to the nearest sensor less than 1km away.

A recent web browser, such as Firefox, Chrome or Internet Explorer, must be installed on a connected computer to view the web based user interface. Elements of the user interface may not work correctly using an old browser.

The console requires a 6Vdc power supply, the power supply is included and comes with an Australian 3pin to IEC C7. mains lead.

If required the customer is to supply an IEC C7 mains lead to suit their local mains power socket outlet type.

Corona Point Needle

Grub Screw

Upper Sensor Antenna

Sensor Installation

The Sensor Assembly will be provided in three separate parts; the upper sensor antenna, the sensor housing and copper earth rod. In an approved location (see section on Approved Sensor Locations), the procedure for Assembly of the Sensor Assembly is as follows:

i) Insert the Corona Point Needle into the top of the upper sensor antenna and secure in place with the provided grub screw and hex key.

ii) Screw the upper sensor antenna into the antenna base on the top of the sensor housing.

iii) Ensure cabling for Alarm relay outputs (siren/ LED display), power input (12Vdc plug pack Solar Panel and Battery) and earth cable have been installed correctly, either up the centre of the mounting pole or through a hole in the side of the mounting pole.

Cabling for Alarm

Relay Outputs

(Siren/LED Display),

Power Input

(12Vdc plug pack/

Solar Panel, Battery) and

Earth Rod

Sensor

Housing

To Earth Rod

40 mm ø

minimum

Corona Point Needle

Upper Sensor Antenna

Antenna Base

Sensor Housing

Mounting

Pole

iv) Connect Alarm relay plug and socket and power input plug and socket. Note: Ensure the supplied dust cap remains ﬁtted to the remaining 7 pin plug (if not being used).

7 Pin Socket (Female) To Alarm

4 Pin Plug (Male) From Sensor

4 Pin Socket (Female) From Power Supply

7 Pin Socket (Female) Warning output from Sensor (supplied with fitted dust cap)

7 Pin Plug (Male) Alarm output from Sensor

v) Attach sensor housing to the mounting pole.

LPI Mounting Pole

Securing Bolt

Sensor Housing

Holes are provided in the LPI supplied Mounting Mast. Fit two securing bolts to lock the Sensor to the mast.

LPI Mounting Pole

Concrete and gravel fill

Sensor Housing

600 mm

LPI Mounting Mast

600 mm

Minimum Height 2 m

vi) Securely place a mounting pole in the ground (recommended depth of at least 600mm with concrete and gravel ﬁll).

Earth Wire from Sensor Assembly

Rod Clamp

LPI Mounting Pole

Earth Rod

Concrete and gravel fill

vii) Drive the earth rod into the ground beside the Sensor Assembly and clamp the grounding cable (from the Sensor Assembly or from the 4 pin connector, see “Relay/Alarm Output and Power Connectors” section for details, page 44) to the rod using the rod clamp provided.

LWS Sensor

Mounting Pole

4 Pin Female Plug

from Power Supply

4 Pin Male Plug

from Sensor

110 - 240V AC Mains Power

Power Supply

Customer supplied and fitted Mains cable

Weatherproof

Enclosure

viii) Ensure that the selected power supply and Alarm Indication device is connected correctly.

ix) If supplied, mount the solar panel assembly (with battery) on the mounting pole. To achieve maximum battery charging, the solar panel should be aligned so that it faces towards the sun. For locations in the Southern hemisphere the panel should face North, in the Northern hemisphere the panel should face South. Ensure that the solar panel is not in the shadow of the mast at any time during the day.

+ 39 hidden pages

Lightning Protection International Lightning Warning System MKIII Installation And Operating Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual