Lightning protection metal mesh mainly has the following functions:

1. lightning interception and conduction

1. Lightning

   • When lightning activity occurs in the sky, the lightning protection metal mesh can be used as a lightning receptor to attract lightning discharge first. Since the metal mesh is usually installed on the top of a building or above other facilities that need to be protected, it has a large surface area and a high height, and can generate a strong electric field when the lightning cloud approaches, and guide the lightning to discharge to the metal mesh.
   • Compared with other flash devices, such as lightning rods, lightning protection metal mesh covers a wider area and can provide protection for a wider area. For example, in large factories, warehouses or open yards, the installation of lightning protection metal mesh can effectively protect the equipment and buildings in the entire site from lightning.

2. conduction current

   • Once the lightning strikes the lightning protection metal mesh, the metal mesh can quickly conduct the lightning current to the grounding system. Because metal has good conductivity, lightning protection metal mesh made of metals such as copper and aluminum can lead a huge lightning current to the earth in a very short time, so as to avoid direct damage to the protected object by lightning.
   • The electrical conductivity of lightning protection metal mesh directly affects its lightning protection effect. In order to ensure good electrical conductivity, the connection parts of the metal mesh should be reliably welded, crimped, etc., and the grounding resistance of the grounding system should be as small as possible. This can ensure that the lightning current can flow into the earth smoothly, and reduce the residual time and voltage rise of lightning on the metal network.

2. protection of buildings and equipment

1. Prevent direct lightning damage

   • Direct lightning strike refers to the direct impact of lightning on buildings, equipment or other objects. Lightning protection metal mesh can effectively intercept direct lightning and guide lightning current to the grounding system, thus avoiding direct lightning damage to buildings and equipment.
   • For some important buildings, such as high-rise buildings, ancient buildings, flammable and explosive places, etc., the installation of lightning protection metal mesh is an important lightning protection measure. It can protect the structure of the building, electrical equipment, communication facilities, etc. from lightning damage, to ensure the safety and normal use of the building.

2. Reduce the impact of induced lightning

   • Induction lightning refers to the overvoltage and overcurrent generated in electrical equipment and lines through electromagnetic induction when lightning is discharged nearby. Lightning protection metal mesh can reduce the impact of induced lightning to a certain extent, and reduce the risk of electrical equipment and lines being damaged by induced lightning.
   • When lightning strikes the ground or other objects near the lightning protection metal mesh, the metal mesh can reduce the intensity of electromagnetic induction by shielding. At the same time, the good connection between the metal mesh and the grounding system can also provide a low impedance discharge channel for the induced lightning current, so as to avoid the excessive voltage and current generated by the induced lightning current in the electrical equipment and lines.

3. to ensure the safety of personnel

1. Reduce step voltage and touch voltage

   • In the process of lightning striking the lightning protection metal mesh and conducting the current to the grounding system, step voltage and touch voltage may be generated on the ground. Step voltage refers to the voltage difference between the two feet when people walk on the ground; contact voltage refers to the voltage difference between the body and the ground when people come into contact with charged objects.
   • The reasonable arrangement of lightning protection metal mesh and the good design of grounding system can reduce the step voltage and contact voltage, so as to ensure the safety of personnel. For example, by increasing the number of grounding electrodes, reducing grounding resistance, and adopting voltage equalization measures, the potential distribution on the ground can be made more uniform, and the harm of the voltage difference to the human body can be reduced.

2. Provide a safe working environment

   • In some special places, such as petrochemical, electric power, communication and other industries, the installation of lightning protection metal mesh can provide a relatively safe working environment for the staff. It can prevent the damage of electrical equipment and lines caused by lightning, reduce the probability of fire, explosion and other accidents caused by lightning, and ensure the life safety and health of the staff.

In short, as an important lightning protection facility, lightning protection metal mesh has many functions, such as intercepting lightning, conducting current, protecting buildings and equipment, and ensuring personnel safety. In practical application, the type, specification and installation method of lightning protection metal mesh should be reasonably selected according to different places and needs to ensure its lightning protection effect and safety.