Conventional vs ESE lightning protection: what's the difference?
A clear breakdown of conventional Franklin rods and Early Streamer Emission arresters — when to use each and how protection radius is calculated.
Conventional lightning protection — Franklin rod systems — relies on the rolling sphere method defined in IEC 62305. Each rod offers a small zone of protection and structures often need multiple rods plus a mesh.
Early Streamer Emission (ESE) arresters, governed by NFC 17-102, emit an upward leader earlier than a passive rod, theoretically increasing the protection radius. A single ESE rod can cover large industrial premises with proper down-conductor and earthing design.
The choice depends on the structure's risk profile, applicable standards and local code. Sprexo supplies both technologies with full design assistance.
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