Had a query about the location of a new radar tower adjacent, say 30m away, from an existing concrete/ brick enclosed 11kV substation...

My view was that the tower, suitably connected to general mass of earth via the foundation piles and dedicated copper/ steel earth rods to BS EN 62305 would not cause a problem for the substation, rather the tower would help 'divert' any potential strike away from the substation and mitigate the effects.....

Provided the substation had its own surge suppression devices to cover an incoming strike (from outside the substation) everything should be fine.... any comments to the contrary....

For a more certain response you'd have to provide some more information; there's no simple answer with this one; although I agree with properly installed surge devices and a low enough ground resistance you would at least protect the equipment if not the structure.

What class of lightning protection system is required?
How high is the substation compared to the tower? Is it within the 'rolling sphere'?
What lightning protection does the substation have? Where would the surge arresters be installed?
Are overhead lines being used?
What is the type of earthing system?
Are the radar tower and substation earthing systems interconnected?
Are the HV and LV earths in the substation interconnected or separated?
What is the combined resistance of the HV, LV and radar tower earthing electrodes/pile foundations (measured as isolated systems)?

Depending on the details it could be a yes or a no.

Regards, Tim

-------------------------
Everyone loves a fireman - but hates the fire inspector.