Designing Lightning Protection, Earthing and Bonding System for Railways

There are a number of relevant standards which are widely used in designing lightning protection, earthing and bonding systems for railway facilities. However, since each railway is unique due to the use of different traction power supply systems, earthing arrangements and wayside equipment bonding strategies, hence, a holistic design must take into consideration all relevant system features in order to come up with an effectiveness lightning protection, earthing and bonding system design. This paper highlights some of the issues experienced, which shall be assessed carefully in the design of an integrated lightning protection, earthing and bonding system. This paper aims to raise awareness of the importance of a fully integrated lightning protection, earthing and bonding design for the protection of railway facilities.