Implementation of an optimized earthing system to minimize step and touch voltage of telecommunication sites in rocky and high-altitude environments (Case Study: Bamo site)

The purpose of passive defense plans is to reduce the vulnerability of human resources and critical equipment in the country. Therefore, compliance with non-operating defense principles is essential to prevent and reduce the risks of natural disasters such as lightning. Direct and indirect lightning strikes on buildings and transmitting current through incoming service lines can cause step-and-contact voltages that are harmful and dangerous to the humans and, the buildings and their valuable contents. In general, the step voltage is scattered to a radius of several meters around the location of the lightning stroke, causing injury to the people nearby. Therefore, from the passive defense perspective, the present study aims to minimize the damage of lightning strikes on sensitive centers placed at high altitudes and located in rocky areas. Since telecommunications and data stations are generally positioned in highlands or open areas, lightning protection is very important. Observing the compliance with international standards and recommendations in such environments, this paper uses the CDEGS Software to present the best and most optimal way to implement the ground system in order to minimize the step-and-contact voltages of telecommunication sites.