Lightning damage to underground sprinkler system

[sdtech]

We have had several incidents of damage to our controllers and wiring for an underground sprinkler system (golf course). As it occurs during storms, we assume it is lightning that is causing the problem. As the damage is underground it is time consuming and difficult to repair/troubleshoot.
Any suggestions on how to prevent the damage ?
sdtech

 

[analogkid2digitalman]

sdtech:

Surge protection (MOV's) or optical/galvanic isolation modules between the controllers and the valves may help.
Not very knowledgable about lightning protection though, just general practices. Could you explain in more detail about what wires are getting damage and the type of damage incurred to them?

 

[dpc]

As mentioned, transient surge suppression devices should be installed as close as possible to the devices you are trying to protect, AND be properly grounded.

But there are limits to the energy these devices can handle. With lightning, you are dealing with an arc that travelled maybe 20,000 feet **through the air**, so it is not always possible to prevent all damage.

 

[wilber]

Heavily shielded cables are use for airport lighting applications. The shielding is thought to help with failures due to lightning.

check out

http://www.mysouthwire.com

This is advertised as "resistant", but not "proof"

 

[dspDad]

I can believe you might take out a controller, but it seems less likely to fry the cables running underground. Have you checked for gophers?

DspDad