Lightning and surge protection for mobile communication systems
Securing maximum uptime and safe operation
The planning and realisation of new mobile communications sites as well as the conversion and expansion of existing network infrastructure are important steps to meet the increasing demand for transmission capacities and network availability.
Protective measures against lightning and surge damage should be an integral part of these steps, as they ensure safe operation, maximum availability and minimum maintenance at any mobile communications site.
Our solutions for lightning and surge protection in the telecommunications sector not only protect equipment, power and data supply, but also – critically – your employees. And with the broad range of DEHN Engineering Services, we support as early as during the planning phase of your mobile communications site.



DEHN applications
Rooftop sites
Integration of a radio system into the existing lightning protection system or separate structure, depending on user requirements.
Mast sites
Comprehensive protection for trouble-free operation reduces service costs.
Protection for AC systems
Effective protection against power-supply-side surges.
Protection for DC systems
Optimal protection of active radio technology.
Lightning protection zone concept
Whether it is earthing, equipotential bonding or lightning and surge protection: DEHN supports mobile radio operators, tower companies, OEMs, general contractors, planning engineers and lightning protection installers as an all-in-one supplier. We use a lightning protection zone concept to determine which specific measures are necessary for your systems.
This is based on the IEC 62305 standard and defines the selection and arrangement of protection measures. The majority of cell sites are implemented to protection class 3; sites with an increased risk potential are implemented to protection class 2 or higher.
To plan the protection measures, the mobile communications system is divided into lightning protection zones (LPZs).
FAQs
Not normally. If there is no lightning protection system and you do not introduce lightning currents / partial currents into the building, then erect an antenna earthing system in accordance with DIN EN 60728-6 and -11 as well as DIN EN 50083-2 to -10. Important: The implementation guidelines of the grid operator must be followed.
The HVI Conductor must only be fixed with the material designated for this purpose. If this is the case, cable routing right next to the power cable is permitted. However, you must bear in mind that an electromagnetic field will still arise, which inductively couples currents into the power cable and can cause a large voltage drop. For this reason, the power cable must be fitted with surge protective devices at the start and end (e.g. DEHN DSE M2P 60 FM [for -48 V] and DEHN DVA CSP 3P 100 FM [for mains voltage]).
No. Grandfathering remains in place.
You must ensure the entire length of the conductor routed through the building maintains the separation distance, or more specifically "the prevention of flashovers". Since you are usually unable to maintain this, you should check if routing outside is possible instead. Otherwise, you must set up a separated (isolated) lightning protection system.
NO! None of the conductor types from the HVI product range that are currently available on the market may be extended. A new conductor might have to be routed here. You can, however, check if it is possible to "shift" the entire sealing end range using 8mm aluminium round wire in order to get back the "missing metre".
No. The HVI Conductor can only ensure that the high voltage of the conductor is isolated and no flashovers occur when used correctly. The physical law dictating that any conductor through which current is flowing generates a magnetic field, thus inductively influencing its surroundings, also applies here. For this reason, nearby conductor systems must be protected against overvoltage with Type 2 arresters.
We will be happy to clear these up in person.
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Protection of mobile communication systems
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