As part of a complex lightning protection project, a custom-made, high-voltage-resistant lightning protection mast made of glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) with aluminium components was installed at Nuremberg Central Station. The component replaces the existing flagpole on the dome roof of the historic reception building, which is over 40 metres high, and integrates a fully insulated lightning protection system in accordance with the requirements of lightning protection class II.
The technical implementation had to meet several key restrictions:
- Static requirements for continued use of the original mast mounting on the listed building
- No internal conductors due to underground railway infrastructure running directly beneath the building
- Compliance with protection requirements for critical railway infrastructure, particularly with regard to digital signal box technology and building-side electronics
The dynamic lightning ball method according to Enhanced Dynamic Ground Mapping (EDGM) was used to plan the interception system. This method enables a simulation-based analysis of possible strike points, taking into account variable lightning parameters (e.g. steepness, current strength, angle of incidence) and complex roof geometries. This resulted in an optimised arrangement of the interception systems with reduced system complexity.
The installed mast has a high-voltage-resistant insulated discharge system in accordance with DIN EN 62305-3, which ensures that lightning currents are safely conducted along the mast structure even in the event of a direct strike, without dangerous flashovers to building parts or technical infrastructure. Electrical separation from the existing roof cladding is achieved by a coordinated spacing concept in accordance with the specifications for insulated lightning protection.
The installation was carried out while rail services were running, in coordination with building management, monument protection authorities and rail infrastructure operators.
