In the NFPC (Fire Safety Performance Standard) and NFTC (Fire Safety Technology Standard), explicit references to external abnormal voltages such as “lightning” and “surge” are handled in some auxiliary form according to the standards for each technology.

 

1. Effects of lightning and surges on firefighting equipment

• Lightning and other surges (overvoltages) can damage or cause malfunctions in electronic components of firefighting equipment (fire alarms, receivers, detectors, etc.).

• Lightning can also cause problems such as malfunctions in gas fire suppression systems , data loss, and system downtime . This is related to grounding system instability and surge protection.

 

2. Protective measures mentioned in NFPC/NFTC

• Direct surge protection regulations have not yet been explicitly introduced in fire-related laws (especially NFPC and NFTC), but electrical installation standards (e.g., 『Judgment Criteria for Electrical Installation Technical Standards』, KS C IEC 60364-5-53 and 61643 series) stipulate protection measures through surge protective devices (SPDs) and grounding.

• Although the need for research and introduction of lightning protection equipment, grounding equipment, and surge protection devices (SPDs) has been raised, the fire safety standards themselves (NFPC/NFTC documents) do not clearly specify them as mandatory requirements .

• In the case of automatic fire detection equipment, there have been reports of malfunctions and damage caused by lightning surges, and accordingly, the application of electrical equipment and building standards is being reviewed.

 

3. General prevention and response measures

• SPD Installation (Surge Protection Device): It is necessary to install SPD or lightning protection devices on the power lines, communication lines, and signal lines of major firefighting equipment such as automatic fire detection equipment, fire receivers, and detectors.

• Strengthening the grounding system : Securing the integration and equipotentialization of grounding between firefighting equipment and electrical equipment, and the adequacy of common grounding.

• Surge Monitoring System : Monitors surge inflow records (inflow time, surge size, surge inflow direction, frequency, and leakage current of the fire system) to enable systematic preventive measures and monitor the health of the fire system online.

• Regular inspections and special management of lightning-prone areas are recommended.

 

4. System/Standard Notes

• Lightning surge related standards: KS C IEC 60364-5-53 (overvoltage protection device), KS C IEC 61643 (surge protection device), KS C IEC 62305 (lightning protection system).

• NFPC and NFTC were previously managed as separate documents focusing on fire safety performance (operation standards) and detailed technical standards (products, installation methods).

 

summation

• The NFPC/NFTC does not clearly specify the prevention of lightning or surge damage , and electrical equipment standards (lightning protection, SPD, etc.) are applied as supplementary standards in the field.

• The importance of technical measures such as introducing SPDs (surge protection devices) to prevent damage from surges and lightning, introducing surge monitoring systems, and strengthening grounding systems is being emphasized. However, the clear reflection of relevant standards in laws and performance criteria needs to be strengthened in the future.

 

In particular, for automatic fire detection equipment and important firefighting equipment, basic safety devices such as SPD, surge monitoring, and grounding are recommended to prevent damage from surges/lightning, and reference to the standards (electrical equipment technology standards, KS C IEC 60364/61643/62305) is required.