Lightning strikes are not just spectacular displays of nature; they pose a severe and unpredictable threat to critical infrastructure, especially in water and wastewater management where equipment must run continuously. A single strike can cause catastrophic equipment failure, leading to costly downtime, loss of service, and safety hazards.
Fortunately, modern technology offers a solution. The WxLine Lightning Protection System is designed to address this challenge head-on, offering a comprehensive, intelligent, and highly reliable defense against the unpredictable power of nature.
The WxLine Advantage: Reliability in Any Weather
The fundamental promise of WxLine is simple: continuous, error-free protection when you need it most. Unlike systems that rely on external infrastructure, WxLine is built for critical applications. Its innovative design ensures that it remains operational even during system outages, operating completely independent of power grids, internet, or cell phone service. This independence is paramount, as a lightning event is precisely when those external systems are most likely to fail.
How It Works: The Smart Components
The WxLine System is an integrated suite of advanced components that work together to detect, analyze, and mitigate lightning threats:
- Strike Guard (Lightning Detection System): This is the core of the system. It constantly monitors for cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning and provides automatic contact-closure signaling when activity reaches user-set thresholds. Crucially, it uses patented technology to eliminate false alarms, ensuring your operations are only paused when there is a genuine threat.
- Strike View Software: This management tool gives operators a clear picture of the threat. It allows users to analyze storm progression, categorize lightning information, and, most importantly, accurately estimate the time to safely resume operations after a storm has passed.
- WAVE Sequencer: The brains of the automated response. It receives signals from Strike Guard and provides outputs to control relays and contactors. This allows the system to automatically manage sensitive loads—such as pumps, irrigation systems, and other critical equipment—by powering them down or isolating them the moment a threat is detected.
Why This Protection is Critical
Choosing WxLine is a proactive investment in operational continuity and safety. The system offers several unique benefits that set it apart:
- Ultimate Electrical Isolation: The sensor communicates with the system via Fiber-Optic cable. This is a game-changer, as it means no electrical conductors enter the protected structure. This complete electrical isolation is the highest standard of safety, preventing surges from traveling through communication lines.
- Self-Testing and Battery Power: To guarantee readiness, the system includes continuous sensor and communication self-test capabilities. Furthermore, the sensor is battery-powered with a minimum 5-year lifespan, ensuring it remains active and isolated without external power during an electrical storm.
- Simplified Integration: Components like the WxEIB (Wxline Equipment Indoor Bulkhead) and CAPB (Critical Asset Protection Bulkhead) protect your equipment and streamline installations, making the system easy to deploy into existing or new infrastructure.
The WxLine Lightning Protection System is more than just a detection device; it is a comprehensive, intelligent safety barrier that ensures your most critical assets and operations are protected from nature’s most violent electrical events.
