BS EN IEC 62561-5:2024
Lightning protection system components (LPSC) - Requirements for earth electrode inspection housings and earth electrode seals

Standard No.

BS EN IEC 62561-5:2024

Release Date

2024

Published By

British Standards Institution (BSI)  GB  /  BSI

Latest

BS EN IEC 62561-5:2024

Introduction

Interpretation of the core content of the standard

BS EN IEC 62561-5:2024 is the UK's national implementation standard for EN IEC 62561-5:2024. It is completely equivalent to the IEC 62561-5:2023 international standard and replaces the 2017 version of BS EN 62561-5.

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Key Update Highlights

Technical Changes	2017 Edition	2024 Edition
Classification of Grounding Electrode Seals	Unclarified classification	Two new categories added: • Grounding electrodes in waterproof enclosures • Grounding electrodes passing through waterproof concrete
Test sample requirements	Unclarified differences in testing between new and old products	New Annex A clarifies the recognition rules for products that have passed historical version tests
Concrete test parameters	No detailed regulations	Added Table 1 to clarify specific indicators such as water-cement ratio and cement content

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Component classification system

Grounding electrode inspection well

• Grade H: Heavy duty (for slow multi-axle vehicles)
• Grade M: Medium duty (for slow cars)
• Grade L: Light duty (for sidewalks)

Grounding electrode seal

• Waterproof shell type: Need to pass the 0.5MPa/24h air tightness test
• Waterproof concrete type: Need to meet the 100kPa/72h water pressure penetration test

15kN Φ130mm ≤3mm L Grade 15kN Φ130mm ≤3mm H Grade 30kN Φ170mm ≤3mm M Grade 15kN Φ130mm ≤3mm L Grade 4kN Φ62mm ≤3mm

Sealing performance test

Waterproof concrete seals require the production of 150mm cubic test blocks, using C25/30 and above grade concrete, and a 72-hour water pressure test after 28 days of curing. The penetration depth must not exceed the design defense line of the sealing structure.

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Implementation recommendations

Key points for design and selection

1. Accurately select component grades according to application scenarios. H/M grade inspection wells must be used in traffic areas
2. In areas with high groundwater levels, waterproof shell type seals are preferred
3. The internal space of the inspection well should ensure that the grounding clamp removal operation space is ≥150mm

Testing precautions

• Concrete test blocks must be strictly maintained in an environment of (20±2)°C/≥95%RH
• Load should be loaded slowly (60±10 seconds) and the load should be maintained for 120 seconds
• Historical test reports can be used for 2017 certified products (subject to Annex A conditions)

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Technical Evolution Analysis

The development of this standard reflects the transformation of lightning protection system components from general requirements to scenario-based segmentation:

• 2011 Edition: Establishing a basic test framework
• 2017 Edition: Improving mechanical performance test methods
• 2024 Edition: Adding a seal classification system to strengthen synergy with the IEC 62305 series

It is worth noting that the standard clearly states that components must meet additional specific requirements when used in hazardous environments, which forms a technical connection with explosion-proof specifications such as the ATEX directive.

BS EN IEC 62561-5:2024 history

• 2024 BS EN IEC 62561-5:2024 Lightning protection system components (LPSC) - Requirements for earth electrode inspection housings and earth electrode seals

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