9.

10 Lightning and surge protection for KNX systems

standardised in IEC 62305-4 (EN 62305-4) and
describes the protective measures against lightning electromagnetic impulses. An important part
is the classification of the infrastructure to be protected in lightning protection zones. The higher
the ordinal number of the lightning protection
zones, the smaller must be the electromagnetic
threat parameters. Electrical and electronic systems like the KNX system have to be classified in
accordance with their electromagnetic immunity
into lightning protection zones, which also offer
an electromagnetic environment in case of a direct
lightning strike to ensure that the equipment continues to function without getting disturbed or
even destroyed.

Fig. 9.10.1

Application of the BUStector (Part No. 925 001)

In modern office buildings and public utilities, like

schools, KNX bus systems are used for the automation of sequences of operations of the building
control system. KNX offers the possibility to realise
complex processes with a single, upwards compatible system. However, this future-proof investment
can be quickly destroyed by lightning discharges.
Then, the building automation is not available and
further costs are caused by replacement and reconfiguration of the system. Therefore, measures shall
be taken against the direct and indirect effects
of a lightning discharge when designing and
installing such complex systems (Figure 9.10.1).
Lightning protection or surge protection?
Basic conditions must be considered when choosing the surge arresters correctly. This does not only
include the system-specific electric data, like nominal voltage, nominal current, frequency, but also
the threat parameters, which must be controlled.
It makes a difference, if the risk of direct lightning
strikes into buildings, where the KNX is installed,
must be considered when designing the protective
measures, or if safety against surges is desired only.
If direct lightning strikes and the high destruction
potential involved should be handled properly, the
infrastructure of the KNX system must be designed
according to the lightning protection zones concept. The lightning protection zones concept is

268 LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE

If an external lightning protection system is

installed in accordance with IEC 62305-3 (EN
62305-3), an effective lightning and surge protection is necessary and is to be implemented for the
KNX according to the lightning protection zones
concept. Within the context of KNX systems, the
measures taken are often called primary and secondary protective measures.
If the aim of the protective measures is only the
protection against surges (secondary protection),
the hazard potential of a direct lightning strike is
not taken into account. In the case of a direct or
very near lightning strike into buildings with builtin KNX, damage must be expected there. Only
interferences resulting from inductive or capacitive coupling, as they occur during lightning discharges some kilometres away or during switching
operations, can be controlled. Lightning discharges create electromagnetic interference fields,
which can cause dangerously high voltages and
currents in installation loops.

Cabling between buildings

In an extended building complex, which is
equipped with a lightning protection system, a
KNX installation shall be integrated and protected
against transient surges. A gatehouse is approximately 50 m away from a main building. Both
buildings are equipped with a lightning protection
system. Since the gatehouse is connected to the
KNX installation of the main building via a bus
line, measures for internal lightning protection
must be taken both for the 230/400 V line as well
as for the bus line.

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General conditions 1:
Connecting the two buildings with a buried cable
(copper cable).
Solution 1: Figure 9.10.2, Table 9.10.1
General conditions 2:
Connection of the two buildings with cable and
lines in a supply duct, the reinforcement of which
is integrated into the equipotential bonding at
both ends. This condition is also fulfilled by an
earthing strip steel 50 mm2 laid upon the buried
cables and connected to the equipotential bonding bar at both ends.
Solution 2: Figure 9.10.3, Table 9.10.1

No.
1

For the design and implementation of an KNX system, it is absolutely necessary that designers and
contractors take appropriate measures for the correct operation of such a system. Of particular con-

Protection for ...

SPDs

Part No.

3-phase TN-C system

3-phase TN-S system
3-phase TT system

DEHNventil DV M TNC 255

DEHNventil DV M TNS 255
DEHNventil DV M TT 255

951 300
951 400
951 310

BLITZDUCTOR XT, Typ BXT ML4 BD 180

+ BXT BAS

920 347
920 300

DEHNguard DG M TNC 275

DEHNguard DG M TNS 275
DEHNguard DG M TT 275

952 300
952 400
952 310

BUStector BT 24

925 001

General conditions 3:
The KNX connection between both buildings is
achieved via an optical fibre connection (OFC). If
the fibre-optic cable has a metal braid inside the
cable (protection against rodents), this braid has to
be connected to the equipotential bonding at the
point where it enters the building.
Solution 3: Figure 9.10.4, Table 9.10.1

3-phase TN-C system

3-phase TN-S system
3-phase TT system

4
Table 9.10.1

Short description of the SPDs

main building complex

gatehouse

KNX distribution board

KNX distribution board

3

power cable

EBB

Fig. 9.10.2

EBB

bus cable

EBB

Lightning and surge protection for cabling systems installed between buildings without interconnection of the foundation earth
electrodes

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LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 269

main building complex

gatehouse

KNX distribution board

KNX distribution board

3

cable duct
or 50 mm2 steel
power cable

bus cable
EBB

EBB

EBB

Fig. 9.10.3 Lightning and surge protection for cabling systems installed between buildings with interconnection of the foundation earth
electrodes
main building complex

gatehouse

KNX distribution board

KNX distribution board

3

power cable

optical fibre cable

EBB

EBB

EBB

Optical fibre / KNX converter

Fig. 9.10.4

Lightning and surge protection for cabling systems installed between buildings without interconnection of the foundation earth
electrodes, with KNX optical fibre cabling

cern should be into which surroundings the KNX

system is integrated and installed. Interfaces to
other infrastructures, like low-voltage systems,
telecommunications and data systems have to be
protected against interferences or even destruction as the KNX itself.

270 LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE

Proper lightning protection systems and surge protection systems and the corresponding surge protective devices are available for protection against
the effects of interferences. These can protect the
future-proof KNX building installation cost-effectively due to technical and economic considerations during the design and by expert installation.

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