SYNOPSIS

In the past, lightning protection system was never given much attention in designing the electrical services for buildings. The design was normally very brief and only meant to protect the buildings and its occupants. In the mid-eighties, the use of electronic equipment in premises has drastically increased, coupled with the use of computers. Today most of the building services controls are electronics. Some of the systems that are now using electronic controls are fire-fighting control panels, lift control panels, air-conditioning control panels, CCTVs, security systems and many others.

As the electronic technology advances, the equipment size is getting smaller which means the components size are reduced. As the component size gets smaller, its electrical strength reduces. When the electrical strength reduces, it can easily be damaged by lightning surges. This is the main problem faced by all electronic systems. Malaysia experiences 200 to 300 thunderstorm days annually, compared to Europe, Australia or America which have only about 20 thunderstorm days per year. Most electronic equipment comes from countries experiencing lesser lightning activities and the equipment is not designed to our lightning conditions. Hence, it is of utmost importance to design lightning protection system that can protect electronic equipment in our climatic condition.


SPEAKER BIODATA

Ir. Abd. Mokhti b. Salleh has a Master Degree in Lightning Protection System. He is currently a Principle of Mega Jati Consult Sdn Bhd, as an M&E Consultant. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the field of Lightning and Surge Protection System. Ir Abd. Mokhti was appointed by JKR Elektrik, Malaysia as a Specialist in Lightning and Surge Protection System for a period between May 2008 to April 2009. One of the scope of work, is to train JKR Elektrik engineers on the design of Lightning and Surge Protection System.

He has given many talks and seminars on Lightning and Surge Protection System. For example, Cable Car Langkawi has experienced the worst lightning problem before it was resolved by Ir. Abd. Mokhti. In 2016, he was appointed by CH2M a system consultant to prepare the system lightning and surge protection for MRT2. He was also appointed by Apex - L&G JV to design the lightning and surge protection system for MRT1.