NTC vs IEC: Comparative analysis between the lightning protection standards: NTC 4552 and IEC 62305, using a practical Example

Colombia is located in the Intertropical Confluence Zone where a significant lightning activity is observed. Therefore, it is extremely important to select the Integral Protection System Lightning SIPRA increases the chances of ensuring effective protection against lightning. Not only because it is in between the security of being human, also of other living beings, but their impact on infrastructure and electrical and electronic equipment. The current situation in Colombia on the choice of methodology for the lightning risk assessment is supported by national and international regulations and standards binding. The Technical Regulations for Electrical Installations RETIE force since 2006 requires the use of standards or NTC 4552 IEC 62305, enabling the application of other rules of international recognition. Essentially the silver methodologies in standards IEC 62305 and NTC4552 are similar. However, when the results are decisive differences are observed. This paper aims to present the most representative differences between the developments raised on lightning protection set forth in IEC 62305 and 4552 standards NTC, through a comparative analysis of these standards through its application in a case study. To perform this analysis engineering design where the lightning risk is analyzed in a building that houses equipment distribution, protection and control of a power system that feeds into a petrochemical process loads the standard NTC 4552 and located in the chosen building in the city of Barrancabermeja, Santander. Using these rules in the same case study, comparing and evaluating its results are expected to provide tools to determine the most appropriate standard to apply in Colombia.