A TECHNICAL BASIS FOR GUIDANCE ON LIGHTNING PROTECTION FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

This paper describes the underlying basis for guidance on the protection of nuclear power systems from direct lightning strikes to facilities and resulting transient effects. Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been engaged by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research to develop a technical basis for guidance to address design and implementation practices for lightning protection systems in nuclear power plants (NPPs). Lightning protection is becoming increasingly important given the use of digital and low-voltage-analog systems in NPPs. Although these modern systems have advantages and useful features, they have the potential to be more vulnerable than older, analog systems to the power surges and electromagnetic interference that result when lightning strikes facilities or power lines