Performance of metallic cable management systems for lightning protection and their contribution to improve the electromagnetic compatibility of cable installations in buildings

Cable management systems (CMS) are widely used for cable routing of different kinds. Cables vary from power line cables to communication cables with different EMC requirements. With increasing installations of PV generators on roofs of buildings, cable management systems are also used for cable routing of DC-cables. Such cable management systems are also exposed to direct lightning strokes. In such case the requirements of IEC 62305-3 have to be fulfilled. The impulse current of a lightning discharge will stress the cable management system including its connection components. In order to provide reliable operation, connecting components of such cable management systems shall be tested according to EN 50164-1.