BEST Services design and install structural lightning protection system at the highest building in England and Wales

(07/01/2010)

BEST Services Ltd, lightning protection specialists and ATLAS (Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists) member, have designed and installed a structural lightning protection system to protect the highest building in England and Wales.

This important multi-million pound, three year project involved the demolition of the existing café at the summit of Mt Snowdon and construction of the brand new Hafod Eryri Visitors Centre and Café, 3560ft above sea level.

At design stage, the first hurdle to overcome was how to adequately earth a structure that was built on solid rock. Then they had to provide a design to take into account the architectural constraints of the structure and its component parts, which would be able to withstand the harshest of weather conditions.

BEST Services had the expert technical designers and engineers required for the full design and installation of a compliant lightning protection system with a combined earth resistance of less than 1 ohm. Working at the top of a mountain had certain logistical problems. Every morning, plant, materials and men would be transported to the summit using the Snowdon Mountain Railway. The breathtaking scenery on either side meant it certainly was not your average commute.

During the course of the works, the engineers had to cope with 100mph winds, freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, not to mention torrential rain! Nevertheless, all the lightning protection works came in on time and on budget.

Related categories:  Surge and lightning protection