The gap between knowing what protection you need and actually building it is where projects stall. Generic specs leave contractors guessing, coordination gaps emerge between trades, and SPD schemes fail to protect the equipment they're meant to serve. The result: cost overruns, delays, and protection that underperforms.
Aetheric's design services close that gap. We translate risk assessment findings, audit recommendations, and project requirements into detailed, constructible systems, complete packages that support bidding, procurement, installation, and commissioning. Every design is code-compliant, integrated with the wider facility, and documented to leave nothing to interpretation.
What We Design
Our approach treats lightning protection, surge protection, and earthing as one integrated system, not isolated components.
Lightning Protection Systems
External and internal protection integrated as one cohesive system, matched to facility risk and operational requirements. External design covers air termination (rods, mesh, catenary wires), down conductors (routing, sizing, separation distances), and earth termination; internal design covers equipotential bonding, SPD specifications, and cable shielding. Designs account for architectural and structural constraints alongside maintenance access.
XGSLab electromagnetic modelling validates performance, ground potential rise, step and touch voltages, EMF levels, and RSM modelling integrates where coverage verification is needed.
Surge Protection Coordination
Proper surge protection requires coordinated SPD installation across multiple protection stages. We design complete coordination schemes following IEC 61643 series and AS/NZS 61643 standards:
- Type 1 SPDs at service entrance, protection against direct lightning current and high-energy surges
- Type 2 SPDs at distribution panels, protection for branch circuits and connected equipment
- Type 3 SPDs at point of use, protection for sensitive electronic devices
SPD coordination analysis ensures proper energy sharing between stages and prevents cascading failures across the distribution system. Designs specify Imax, voltage protection level (Up), response time, failure mode, maximum lead lengths, connection methods, and disconnection provisions, leaving nothing ambiguous for the installing contractor.
Earthing System Design
Earthing design is the foundation for lightning protection, electrical safety, and SPD operation. Designs specify electrode configurations (ground grids, foundation earthing, vertical electrodes, horizontal conductors) based on soil resistivity measurements, site constraints, and performance requirements. Conductor sizing follows fault-current and temperature-rise criteria, with connection acceptance per IEEE 837 and AS/NZS 1768:2021.
For facilities in high soil resistivity environments, we design resistivity-reducing enhancements including chemical ground rods, bentonite clay treatment, or expanded electrode grids. Seasonal variations in soil moisture and temperature are considered for locations experiencing significant atmospheric changes.
Earthing designs integrate with cathodic protection where present, addressing conflicts and implementing mitigation. Connections to metallic infrastructure (pipelines, structural steel, buried utilities) follow AS/NZS 1768:2021, preventing unintended current paths while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Standards-Based Design Approach
All Aetheric designs comply with internationally recognised standards. We accommodate regional variations and local authority requirements based on project location across New Zealand, APAC, the Middle East and West Africa:
Core Standards
Industry-Specific Standards
Design calculations and analysis documentation demonstrate compliance with all applicable requirements. For projects spanning multiple jurisdictions, we apply the most stringent applicable standard while ensuring local compliance in each region.
Construction-Ready Documentation
Documentation contractors can build from and procurement teams can price against:
Design Drawings
Complete drawing packages including plans, elevations, details, and connection diagrams produced using industry-standard platforms. Drawings show conductor routing, connection points, component locations, and integration with architectural and structural elements at appropriate scales.
Software: AutoCAD (native) with Revit, Navisworks, Civil 3D, MicroStation, and EPLAN import/export. We coordinate directly with architectural and structural teams in standard BIM formats.
Technical Specifications
Materials, installation methods, testing requirements, quality standards. Manufacturer-specific where it matters; alternatives noted to support competitive procurement. Workmanship covers joint types (exothermic welding, compression connectors), SPD installation, and verification testing per AS/NZS 1768:2021.
Bill of Quantities
Complete material schedules including SPDs, with item descriptions, quantities, and units to facilitate cost estimating and procurement.
Design Calculations & Analysis
Conductor sizing, electrode design, SPD coordination, and performance verification using XGSLab analysis, compiled for permitting and client records.
Integration with Facility Systems
Lightning, surge, and earthing designs interface with multiple facility systems. Our designs address each explicitly:
- Electrical power distribution: SPD coordination across switchboards, distribution panels, and sub-distribution
- Telecommunications: Protection for entrance facilities, data networks, and communications equipment
- Instrumentation & control: Surge protection for SCADA, PLC, and sensitive monitoring systems
- Mechanical services: Bonding interfaces with HVAC, piping, and structural steel
New construction: coordination with the wider design team during initial construction. Retrofit: designs that accommodate existing constraints while delivering required performance.
Industry Applications
Our design services span every sector where lightning protection and earthing are critical. The technical scope and regulatory framework vary by industry, here's how we tailor our approach.
Data Centres
Complete protection design across power systems, IT infrastructure, and comms equipment, with SPD coordination tuned to high-density loads and continuous uptime.
Learn more about our data centre solutions →Energy & Renewables
Wind farm protection (turbine earthing, collection bonding, substation integration) and solar PV designs (inverter protection, DC earthing, SPDs for sensitive power electronics).
Explore our energy sector experience →Oil & Gas
Protection design for offshore platforms, refineries, storage, and pipelines, addressing classified area requirements, explosion hazards, and cathodic protection integration.
See our oil & gas capabilities →Critical Infrastructure
Transportation, telecommunications, water treatment, and government installations, comprehensive protection compliant with AS/NZS 1768:2021, often shaped by lightning resiliency planning programmes.
View critical infrastructure solutions →What You'll Receive
From Assessment to Construction
Design services sit at the centre of Aetheric's service offering, turning findings and recommendations into built solutions. Here's how our services connect: