FAQ – Installation & Operation

Is installation “out of the box” or is specific expertise required?

The Lightning Shield system is supplied with a thorough I&O Manual that addresses all aspects of the installation process. Typical installation requires a licensed commercial electrician.


How is the Lightning Shield system mounted?

Cabinets: The Controller and Detector are mounted outside the cabinet on the a pole, frame or the power pedestal. The Detector can be positioned within 150’ of the Controller. The Detector is powered off the Controller. The Detector sense wire must be located more than 8’ from any grounding system. The Controller must be connected in series as follows: the power disconnect switch > AC surge suppression device > Lightning Shield > protected equipment.

Shelters: The Controller is typically mounted inside near the transfer switch; the Detector is mounted on the roof line with an unobstructed 360o view.  The Lightning Shield may be installed on the line or load side of the transfer switch - refer to the installation detail.


How does the Detector communicate with the Controller ?

The Detector and Controller communicate over a "plastic" fiber optic cable. The ends of the cable must only be razor cut and clean.


How is the Detector sensitivity established?

Sensitivity varies depending upon soil conditions, grounding infrastructure and desired detection distance. The I&O Manual provides initial settings for various conditions. The setting is selected by a rotary switch in the Detector or is software selectable from the Remote Manager.


How is the system integrity verified?

The Detector houses test buttons to separately test the continuity of the Upper and Lower Field Couplers with the Controller.  Alternatively, the system continuity test may be remotely tested from the Remote Manager utilities menu.


Why does the Lightning Shield system have separate timers for GPR and commercial power faults?

Lightning ground strikes typically reoccur over several minutes of time as the storm cell moves through the area. Accordingly the GPR timer is calibrated in minutes and refreshes upon the detection of subsequent events during the isolation period until the threat has passed.
By contrast, transients, surges and sags are measured in seconds, or fractions thereof. The power timer is calibrated in seconds to minimize unnecessary battery cycling, but also refreshes upon detection of subsequent events during the isolation period.


What are the alarm capabilities of Lightning Shield?

  • AC power status
  • Isolation status
  • Transient detection
  • GPR detection


What are the maintenance requirements of the Lightning Shield system?

The Lightning Shield does not require scheduled maintenance.


What happens if the Lightning Shield system fails?

TheLightning Shield is designed to fail in the circuit isolation mode to protect the equipment from power-up transients. The remote terminal will continue operation on battery power.


Your solution relies on the battery plant for continuous duty requirements. What are the implications for battery life? What happens if the battery fails?

Battery amp-hour capacities for remote terminals are 4 or more hours. Battery discharge during protected isolation will normally be measured in seconds or minutes.  This limited battery cycling does not deep discharge the battery. Battery manufacturers recommend periodic discharge cycling to extend battery life.

Should the battery fail during a protected isolation period, the terminal would be off-line.


Is Lightning Shield approved by UL? Telcordia/NEBS? RUS?

Lightning Shield is UL and CSA approved and listed by RUS.