IEC 62793:2016

Overview

IEC 62793:2016 - Protection against lightning - Thunderstorm warning systems - defines the characteristics, capabilities and application of thunderstorm warning systems (TWS) that supply real‑time lightning and storm electrification data. The standard sets basic requirements for lightning sensors, sensor networks and data products used to implement lightning hazard preventive measures, including real‑time warnings and archived lightning tracks and range information. This bilingual version (2018‑11) corresponds to the monolingual English edition published in 2016‑05.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Sensor and network requirements: minimum characteristics for sensors and networks that collect accurate lightning‑relevant parameters and provide real‑time data.
• Detection classes and techniques: classification of detector types (multiple detection techniques and location methods) and their measurable properties.
• Thunderstorm phases & detectable phenomena: identification of cloud stages (cumulus, growth, mature, dissipation) and related electrical signatures useful for alarms.
• Alarm method & areas: definitions of Target Area (TA), Surrounding Area (SA), Monitoring Area (MA) and Coverage Area (CA), plus rules for alarm triggering and message delivery.
• Installation, maintenance & testing: guidance on siting, commissioning, maintenance and laboratory/field tests for detectors and systems.
• Alarm evaluation & tuning: methods to evaluate system usefulness using real‑time and archived lightning location data, contingency analysis and parameter fine‑tuning.
• Application guidance: a practical three‑step procedure for identifying hazardous situations, determining types of loss (people, goods, services, environment) and selecting risk controls.
• Informative annexes: technical background on lightning phenomena, detector evaluation, application examples (telecom towers, golf courses, wind turbines) and recommended preventive actions.

Practical applications and users

IEC 62793 is intended for organizations that design, procure, operate or rely on thunderstorm warning systems:

• Infrastructure operators: power utilities, telecom and broadcasting towers, wind farms, and airports.
• Public safety & event managers: parks, sports facilities, outdoor events and construction sites.
• Meteorological and lightning service providers: developers of lightning detection networks and real‑time warning platforms.
• System integrators & manufacturers: sensor vendors, control system designers and maintenance teams. Practical uses include automated work stoppage protocols, early evacuation alerts, protective switching for sensitive equipment, and post‑event forensic analysis using archived lightning tracks.

Related standards

For comprehensive lightning protection programs, IEC 62793 should be used alongside other IEC and national standards covering lightning protection design, lightning location systems, and surge protection to ensure coordinated hazard mitigation and conformity with regulatory requirements.

Keywords: IEC 62793, thunderstorm warning systems, lightning detection, real‑time lightning data, lightning sensors, lightning hazard prevention, lightning warning systems.