Why you need to use FATECH Lightning Strike Counter

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Why you need to use FATECH Lightning Strike Counter

Lightning strike data is the black box of your LPS. FATECH Lightning strike counter (in compliance with IEC 62561-2:2018) is a dedicated monitoring device for lightning protection systems, helpful for surge protection monitoring and lightning protection system maintenance. It is mainly used to record the number of lightning strikes on lighting protection devices (lightning rods, down conductors, surge protective device), providing key data for the evaluation of lightning protection effectiveness, traceability and maintenance. It is an essential supporting component of a Lightning Protection System (LPS).

1.Core Functions of FATECH Lighting strike counter
1) Lightning Strike Counting: Records each lightning strike / surge impulse. Counting range: 0–9999 for the digital display surge counter FLRC-D and re-settable mechanical lightning counter (FLRC-R); 0–999999 for non-resettable mechanical lightning strike counter FLRC-S/II.

2) Data Traceability and Analysis: The FLRC-D model can record the time of lightning strikes, supporting thunderstorm pattern analysis and accident investigation.

2. FATECH Lightning Strike Counter – Product Classification & Comparison
1). Mechanical Lightning Strike Counter (Passive)
Models: FLRC-S/II (non-resettable), FLRC-S/R (re-settable)
Principle: No power supply required; self-driven by lightning current impulses.
Features: Simple structure, low cost, maintenance-free; manual on-site reading only, no time stamping, no remote transmission.
Parameters: Minimum operating current ≥350A, maximum discharge capacity 100kA (8/20μs). Protection rating: IP66 for FLRC-S/II, IP55 for FLRC-S/R.

2). Digital Display Surge Counter (Active)
Model: FLRC-D
Principle: Induction coil sampling + electronic counting module; powered by battery or external power supply.
Features: LCD display, high accuracy, time stamping, local reset function; requires periodic battery replacement.
Parameters: Minimum operating current ≥1kA (8/20μs), counting range 0–9999. Protection rating: IP20.

3. FATECH Lightning Strike Counter Technical Specifications

Model No. FLRC-S/II FLRC-S/R FLRC-D
Test standard IEC62561-2:2018 IEC62561-2:2018 IEC62561-2:2018
Minimum Current Sensitivity (rise time ≥8μs) In min 350A 350A 100A
Maximum Detectable Current (In max) 100kA 100kA 100kA
Sequence of impulse > 1s > 1s > 1s
Display Model mechanical Counter mechanical Counter LCD
Indicator 0~999999 0~9999 0~9999
Reset function Without reset function, counter initial number is not “0” With reset botton Short-circuit the “Reset” terminals
Current Sample Mode Inductive Probe (Built-in) Inductive Probe (Built-in) Inductive Probe (Built-in)
Working mode No battery / No power supply needed No battery / No power supply needed Un 220V~ (back up power:6~12VAC)
IP level IP66 IP55 IP20
Operation temperature (℃) -20~+70℃ -20~+70℃ -20~+70℃
Dimension of installation window (mm) 30mm 30mm 17.8mm
Dimension of counter (mm) 110x33x82 110x33x82 90x36x66
Enclosure material Metal plate Metal plate Plastic shell
Net Weight 0.46kg 0.46kg 0.20kg

 

4. Installation Requirements
Mounting Location: Install on down conductors, main grounding conductors or SPD grounding terminals, at a height of 1.5–2m above ground for easy reading, in compliance with IEC 62561-2:2018.
Installation Method: Feedthrough type – the down conductor passes through the counter coil without disconnection.
Environmental Requirements: Keep away from strong electromagnetic fields, moisture and corrosive environments.
FLRC-S/R and FLRC-S/II: Suitable for outdoor use.
FLRC-D: Generally used indoors. For outdoor installation, a waterproof enclosure is recommended.

5. Typical Applications
Power Systems: Substations, transmission towers, distribution rooms – monitor lightning frequency and evaluate line lightning protection reliability.
Telecom Base Stations: 5G/4G towers, equipment rooms – record lightning strikes and optimize lightning protection design.
Buildings & Industry: Highrise buildings, petrochemical plants, fuel stations, airports – ensure personnel and equipment safety.
Transportation Infrastructure: Highspeed rail, highway toll stations, bridges – monitor lightning impact on infrastructure.

6. FATECH lightning strike counter Selection Guidelines
By functional requirement: Choose mechanical FLRC-S/R or FLRC-S/II for strike count only; choose FLRC-D for time-stamped recording.
By installation space: FLRC-D for confined spaces; FLRC-S/R or FLRC-S/II for outdoor use.
By compliance: All models comply with IEC 62561-2:2018 and are compatible with standard lightning protection systems.

Fast selection:
Outdoor + Budget-friendly? -> FLRC-S/II (TUV certified according to
IEC62561-2:2018)Need to Reset? -> FLRC-S/R
Indoor + Precise Timing + Fault Traceability? -> FLRC-D

FATECH

Blog Author

Fatech has gathered authority technical experts and professionals as technical advisers, including 1 senior engineer, 1 Doctor and several excellent technicians. 50% production workers have more than 5 years working experience.

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