Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Lightning Arrester

An Early Streamer Emission (ESE) lightning arrester is a type of lightning protection device designed to provide a controlled and enhanced initiation of upward leaders to capture lightning discharges effectively. It offers protection to buildings and structures by directing the lightning current safely to the ground, thereby preventing damage and ensuring safety.

How ESE Lightning Arresters Work

ESE lightning arresters function by emitting an early streamer before the natural formation of a lightning strike. This is achieved through the following process:

1. **Charge Accumulation**: The arrester's tip accumulates charge from the ambient electric field during thunderstorm conditions.

2. **Streamer Emission**: When the electric field strength exceeds a certain threshold, the arrester emits an upward streamer earlier than a conventional lightning rod.

3. **Lightning Interception**: The early streamer increases the effective capture area of the arrester, improving the probability of intercepting a downward leader.

4. **Safe Discharge**: Once the lightning is captured, the arrester safely channels the current to the ground via a low-resistance path, protecting the structure.

Key Features and Benefits

1. **Extended Protection Radius**: ESE lightning arresters provide a larger protection area compared to conventional lightning rods, due to their ability to initiate streamers early.

2. **Higher Efficiency**: The early streamer emission mechanism increases the likelihood of intercepting lightning, thus offering more reliable protection.

3. **Versatile Applications**: Suitable for various structures, including high-rise buildings, industrial facilities, telecommunication towers, and critical infrastructure.

4. **Compliance with Standards**: Many ESE lightning arresters comply with international standards such as NFC 17-102, ensuring reliability and safety.

Components of an ESE Lightning Protection System

1. **ESE Air Terminal**: The main component that emits the early streamer.
2. **Down Conductors**: Conductive paths that carry the lightning current from the air terminal to the ground.
3. **Earthing System**: Grounding network that dissipates the lightning current into the earth.

Installation Considerations

1. **Height and Placement**: The ESE air terminal should be installed at a height and location that ensures maximum coverage and effectiveness.
2. **Down Conductors**: Proper installation of down conductors is crucial to ensure low impedance paths for the lightning current.
3. **Earthing**: An effective earthing system is essential to safely dissipate the current into the ground without causing hazards.

Maintenance

Regular inspection and maintenance are vital to ensure the continued effectiveness of the ESE lightning protection system. This includes checking the integrity of the air terminal, down conductors, and earthing system.