Training in lightning and surge protection

The seminar provides in-depth knowledge of external and internal lightning protection and surge protection, which is necessary for the planning, installation, testing and maintenance of lightning protection systems based on the IEC 62305 lightning protection series of standards.

The fundamentals of IEC 62305-4 Lightning Protection of Electrical and Electronic Systems in Structural Installations are also covered. The standards are explained using practical examples.

The topics in detail

Overview of standards, thunderstorm origins and lightning data, air-termination systems and down conductors, grounding systems, causes of lightning damage, equipotential bonding, protective measures in power engineering and information technology networks, installation faults, lightning protection zone concept, electrical insulation of external lightning protection (separation distances), planning, testing and maintenance of lightning protection systems, materials

• Qualified electricians, e.g., electronics technicians specializing in power engineering, building services engineering, automation technology, system electronics technicians, electronics technicians for machines and drive technology, as well as persons with comparable craft or industrial training, persons with a degree in electrical engineering (bachelor's, master's), state-certified technicians, industrial foremen, master craftsmen, electrical experts or persons with another electrical engineering qualification sufficient for the intended task.
• Planners and installers of lightning protection systems
• Employees in approval authorities, building supervisory authorities and in industry

five days (including exam)

• Certificate of attendance after completion of the seminar
• Certificate upon registration as "VDE certified lightning protection specialist"

Written exam at the end of the seminar

The following persons are admitted to the examination:

1. the persons mentioned in the section "Target group", provided that they have completed professional training in electrical engineering (suitable professional qualification).
2. after consultation with the instructor, other persons with a completed professional training that includes external lightning protection (limited professional qualification). The contents of the examination are adapted to the contents of the basic seminar on external lightning protection.
3. after consultation with the instructor, other persons without completed professional training in electrical engineering.

Participation in the examination without prior participation in the basic seminar is not possible.

• With suitable professional qualification, participation in the basic seminar and passed examination: Registration as "VDE certified lightning protection specialist" possible. 
• In case of limited professional qualification, participation in the basic seminar and passed examination: Registration as "VDE certified lightning protection specialist (external lightning protection)" possible.

In case of participation in the basic seminar and passing the examination, but without suitable or limited professional qualification: Registration as "VDE certified lightning protection specialist" or "VDE certified lightning protection specialist (external lightning protection)" not possible.

The VDE acreditaded training academies are responsible for the implementation. Dates and prices can be found on the respective homepage.

The seminar was developed by the VDE subcommittee on traing. Its members act as speakers.

This seminar is conducted in accordance with the VDE training guidelines for lightning protection (german).

The topics in detail

Depending on the seminar provider or speaker, a selection of the following topics will be covered:

• Current status of standardization for lightning and surge protection
• New developments in air-termination systems, down-conductors, earthing systems
• Separate air-termination systems and down-conductors
• Partial lightning currents in lines of buildings
• Risk management according to IEC 62305-2
• Differentiation of protective measures according to IEC 62305-3 and -4
• Testing of lightning protection systems
• Special protective measures for people
• Equipotential bonding and lightning protection of curtain walls
• Topics relating to explosion protection are covered in the advanced seminar on lightning protection for systems with potentially explosive atmospheres.

• Lightning protection specialists
• EMC experts

In addition, persons interested in lightning and surge protection with appropriate prior knowledge can participate. If possible, they should have attended the basic seminar "Lightning and Surge Protection" in advance.

usually two days

Yes, after completion of the seminar.

It serves as proof of further training for lightning protection specialists and can be used when renewing registration as a VDE-certified lightning protection specialist.

The VDE acreditaded training academies are responsible for the implementation. Dates and prices can be found on the respective homepage.

The seminar was developed by the VDE subcommittee on traing. Its members act as speakers.

This seminar is conducted in accordance with the VDE training guidelines for lightning protection (german).