There are many voices calling for KS product certification for lightning protection systems to be introduced as soon as possible. It is pointed out that the longer the introduction of certification is delayed, the more there are concerns about the quality of domestic lightning protection systems deteriorating, and the slower technology development is inevitable.
According to the industry, the KS standard (KS C IEC 62561) for lightning protection system components was established in May 2014, but has not resulted in product certification and has been at a standstill for over two years. KS 62561 specifies performance requirements for seven lightning protection system components, including connectors, conductors, ground electrodes, and insulation discharge gaps, to ensure minimum quality.
Product certification is necessary to confirm whether the manufacturer produces products with equipment and facilities in accordance with KS standards. By obtaining certification, companies increase their competitiveness and consumers gain trust in quality. The KS certification system acts as a kind of quality protection shield.
However, experts are pointing out that since there is currently no KS certification for lightning protection systems, it is difficult to ensure the quality of products sold on the market. This is a problem that arises because the reliability of the product must be left entirely to the conscience of the manufacturer.
Eom Ju-hong, director of the Chuncheon Testing and Certification Center of the Korea Basic Power Research Institute, said, “In the case of external lightning protection, such as lightning rods, down-conductors, and ground electrodes among lightning protection system components, as a result of a sampling test based on products sold on the market, only 30% satisfied the KS standard. “It turns out that if you install a product that doesn’t meet the standards, you won’t be able to avoid damage from lightning,” he said.
Some companies are conducting their own quality control by requesting test reports from testing agencies, but most are not able to do so.
Given this situation, the argument that the introduction of KS product certification should lead to overall upward standardization of quality levels is gaining persuasiveness.
KS product certification is optional, but if introduced, it is highly likely that most companies will seek certification. This is because priority purchasing benefits are provided during public bidding, and consumer preference for KS products increases.
A representative of a lightning protection company said, “If KS product certification is introduced to lightning protection systems, companies will begin investing in research and development and facilities to secure quality.” He added, “The resulting development of the domestic lightning protection industry will not only help strengthen international competitiveness, but also help upgrade the industry.” He said, “Lightning safety accidents will also be reduced through the use of approved products.”
Reporter Seokhee Lee xixi@electimes.com
Source: Electric Newspaper (https://www.electimes.com)
According to the industry, the KS standard (KS C IEC 62561) for lightning protection system components was established in May 2014, but has not resulted in product certification and has been at a standstill for over two years. KS 62561 specifies performance requirements for seven lightning protection system components, including connectors, conductors, ground electrodes, and insulation discharge gaps, to ensure minimum quality.
Product certification is necessary to confirm whether the manufacturer produces products with equipment and facilities in accordance with KS standards. By obtaining certification, companies increase their competitiveness and consumers gain trust in quality. The KS certification system acts as a kind of quality protection shield.
However, experts are pointing out that since there is currently no KS certification for lightning protection systems, it is difficult to ensure the quality of products sold on the market. This is a problem that arises because the reliability of the product must be left entirely to the conscience of the manufacturer.
Eom Ju-hong, director of the Chuncheon Testing and Certification Center of the Korea Basic Power Research Institute, said, “In the case of external lightning protection, such as lightning rods, down-conductors, and ground electrodes among lightning protection system components, as a result of a sampling test based on products sold on the market, only 30% satisfied the KS standard. “It turns out that if you install a product that doesn’t meet the standards, you won’t be able to avoid damage from lightning,” he said.
Some companies are conducting their own quality control by requesting test reports from testing agencies, but most are not able to do so.
Given this situation, the argument that the introduction of KS product certification should lead to overall upward standardization of quality levels is gaining persuasiveness.
KS product certification is optional, but if introduced, it is highly likely that most companies will seek certification. This is because priority purchasing benefits are provided during public bidding, and consumer preference for KS products increases.
A representative of a lightning protection company said, “If KS product certification is introduced to lightning protection systems, companies will begin investing in research and development and facilities to secure quality.” He added, “The resulting development of the domestic lightning protection industry will not only help strengthen international competitiveness, but also help upgrade the industry.” He said, “Lightning safety accidents will also be reduced through the use of approved products.”
Reporter Seokhee Lee xixi@electimes.com
Source: Electric Newspaper (https://www.electimes.com)