Choosing the Right Arrester System for Your Property
Introduction
When selecting an Arrester System in Bangladesh, choosing the right one is essential for protecting your home or business. Companies like RKW GROUP guide property owners toward safe and effective solutions. Understanding different arrester types helps you make a smarter, long-lasting decision.
Choosing the Right Arrester System for Your Property
Choosing the right arrester system can feel confusing, right? Don’t worry, my friend—you're not alone. Many homeowners, business owners, and even engineers struggle to understand which arrester fits their property best. But when it comes to safety, especially in a country like Bangladesh where lightning strikes are extremely frequent, choosing wisely is a must.
If you’re thinking about installing an Arrester System in Bangladesh, this guide will make the process much clearer. With the help of professionals like RKW GROUP, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure your building stays fully protected.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know.
1. Why Choosing the Right Arrester System Really Matters
People often ask, “Can’t I just buy any lightning arrester and install it?” Well, not exactly. The wrong choice can leave your property exposed or cause damage during storms.
Choosing the correct arrester ensures:
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Maximum protection from lightning
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Safety for your family or employees
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Reduced electrical surge damage
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Longer lifespan of electronics
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Better building value
So yes, it truly matters.
2. Understand the Lightning Risks in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of the world’s top lightning-prone countries. During the peak season, hundreds of lightning strikes occur daily in many districts.
Factors that increase lightning risks:
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Flat land areas
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High humidity
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Tall buildings
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Dense electrical lines
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Open fields
Because of this, a strong protection system isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for every property.
3. Types of Arrester Systems Available in The Market
Before you make a choice, you must understand your options. Different buildings need different types of arresters.
A. Conventional Lightning Arrester (Rod Type)
This is the classic lightning rod installed on rooftops. It attracts lightning and safely redirects it to the ground.
B. ESE (Early Streamer Emission) Arrester
This is an advanced lightning arrester with wider coverage. It offers better protection for large buildings, industries, and open areas.
C. Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)
These protect electrical circuits from voltage spikes. They don’t stop lightning but protect your appliances, computers, CCTV, and machinery.
D. MOV Arresters
These are used for individual electronic devices and small electrical systems.
Picking the right combination is the secret to full protection.
4. Understand Your Property Type
Not all buildings are the same, so not all arresters fit everywhere. Before choosing, analyze your property:
For Residential Homes:
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Simple rod-type arrester
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Basic SPD for electrical panel
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Ideal for small/medium rooftops
For Commercial Buildings:
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ESE arrester for wide-area coverage
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Type 1 and Type 2 SPDs
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Metal roof bonding
For Industrial Areas:
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Multiple arresters
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Stronger grounding
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Surge protection for heavy equipment
For Rural Houses:
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Rod-type arrester
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Additional poles in open spaces
A professional team like RKW GROUP can assess your building and recommend the perfect protection system.
5. Building Height Matters More Than You Think
Lightning usually targets the tallest point in an area. So, your building height directly affects which arrester you need.
Short buildings:
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Rod-type arrester is enough
Medium-height buildings (4–8 stories):
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ESE arrester ensures better coverage
Tall buildings:
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Multiple arresters + additional grounding
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Strong SPD protection
Height directly determines how far lightning can be intercepted.
6. Calculate the Protection Radius
Every arrester has a “protection radius,” meaning how far it can shield surrounding areas.
Rod arrester radius:
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Limited
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Best for small buildings
ESE arrester radius:
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Wide-area coverage
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Suitable for industries, malls, apartment complexes
Choosing the correct radius ensures every corner of your property is protected.
7. Choose Reliable Materials for Long-Term Safety
Even the best arrester won’t work if low-quality materials are used.
Best materials include:
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Copper rod or copper-bonded steel
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GI strips for down conductor
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High-quality clamps
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Copper earthing rod
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Heavy-duty SPDs
Avoid cheap zinc or aluminum components—they corrode quickly in Bangladesh's humid climate.
8. Don’t Forget the Grounding System
Your arrester system is only as good as its grounding. In Bangladesh, improper grounding is the #1 reason arrester systems fail.
A good grounding system should:
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Have resistance below 1 ohm
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Use 2–3 earthing pits
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Include chemical earthing for long-term stability
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Be connected directly to the arrester
Many property owners forget grounding, but companies like RKW GROUP never compromise on this part.
9. Importance of Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)
Lightning doesn’t just strike buildings—it travels through electrical lines too. That’s where SPDs come in.
Use SPDs to protect:
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Fridges
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TVs
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Computers
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CCTV systems
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Data centers
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Lift panels
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Industrial machines
They protect your equipment from a surge that might enter through wires.
10. Check Compliance With Standards
Make sure the system you choose meets:
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BNBC standards
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IEC 62305
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NFPA 780
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Proper safety certifications
A compliant arrester system offers reliable, long-term protection.
11. Consider Maintenance Requirements
Different arresters require different levels of maintenance.
Rod arrester:
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Occasional inspection
ESE arrester:
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Annual testing
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Monitoring grounding condition
SPDs:
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Replace when worn out
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Check indicator lights
Maintenance ensures your system never fails when needed most.
12. Consult a Professional Before You Buy
Lightning protection is not a DIY project. A professional assessment will save you time, money, and later repair costs.
Experts like RKW GROUP help with:
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Site survey
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Arrester selection
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Grounding design
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Installation
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Testing
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Maintenance
This ensures you choose the right protection system from the start.
13. Common Mistakes People Make (Avoid These!)
Here are mistakes you must avoid:
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Choosing the cheapest arrester
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Ignoring grounding
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Installing at a low height
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Using poor materials
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Skipping SPD installation
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Not bonding metal parts
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No maintenance plan
Avoiding these mistakes keeps your building safe.
14. Cost vs. Protection: What You Should Know
Cheaper options may look attractive, but lightning damage can cost much more.
Think of it this way:
A quality arrester = One-time investment
Lightning damage = Thousands in losses
The right arrester system protects your building for 20+ years.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Arrester System in Bangladesh ensures complete protection for your property. With expert guidance from RKW GROUP, selecting the perfect arrester becomes simple and stress-free. A reliable system, proper grounding, and regular maintenance guarantee long-term safety for your building and electrical equipment.