Lightning rod

Product Details

Franklin France Lightning Rod (Saint-Elme Active 1D/2D)

Saint-Elme Active 1D

Active 1D Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Lightning Rod

Principle of Active 1D Lightning Rod

The ACTIVE 1D Lightning Rod triggers an upward leader through a "pulse device." This device stores the energy of the electric field between the thundercloud and the ground when a thundercloud approaches. At the appropriate moment, it triggers an upward leader to capture the downward leader from the thundercloud. The device operates when a thundercloud approaches, testing the surrounding electric field strength via its built-in sensor. At the moment of interception, the polarity at the tip of the lightning rod reverses, suddenly amplifying the electric field intensity at the top, and the upward leader discharges until it captures the downward leader from the thundercloud.

Active 1D Features

Equipped with an energy storage component, enabling the triggering of upward leaders
Autonomous and clean energy source: energy from the thundercloud’s electric field
Operates in all weather conditions
Optimized tip radius to reduce corona effect and ensure proper functioning of the pulse device
Made of 304L stainless steel, corrosion-resistant
Ideal for protecting small structures, offering excellent cost-effectiveness

Active 1D Protection Radius

The ACTIVE 1D Early Streamer Emission Lightning Rod has been laboratory-certified and fully complies with the NFC17-102 standard, with a 12 µs early streamer emission time. Actual test values demonstrate superior early streamer emission performance compared to nominal values.

Lightning Strike Counter


Recording range: 00-99 strikes
Test current waveform: 8/20µs
Operating temperature range: -30℃ to 80℃
Protection rating: IP53
Model: AFV 0907 CF

Saint-Elme Active 2D Early Streamer Emission Lightning Rod

Traditionally, methods to enhance the protection radius of ESE lightning rods focused on improving the timing of upward leader initiation. However, more importantly, ESE lightning rods must possess the ability to extend the upward leader to capture the downward leader of the lightning.

Based on years of research, laboratory testing, and field trials, Franklin France has introduced the next-generation lightning rod, Saint-Elme Active 2D, maintaining its technological leadership.
Saint-Elme Active 2D not only triggers upward leaders but, more crucially, provides sufficient energy to extend the upward leader until it captures the downward leader from the thundercloud.
Saint-Elme Active 2D sets the reference standard for double-stimulation lightning rods with its advanced technology.

Product Features

Dual-pulse triggering for stable and sustained upward leaders
Three energy storage modes: solar, wind, and thundercloud-ground electric field energy—a globally exclusive technology
Stored energy can trigger up to 100 upward leaders, with a recharge time of no more than 7 minutes
Accurate judgment of discharge timing for precise lightning strikes, reducing the probability of strikes on non-rod structures
Electronic components fully encapsulated in epoxy resin to protect against lightning damage
Remote testing capability with a range of 90m, accurately indicating the status of electronic and polarization components
Resistance <2 mΩ; wind resistance: 210 km/h; current capacity: 500 kA
Free of radioactive elements, safe and reliable; stainless steel material, corrosion-resistant, aesthetically pleasing
Fully compliant with NFC 17-102 standard
Made in France, patented product

Working Principle

The first device, called the pulse device, absorbs energy from the electric field between the thundercloud and the ground when a thundercloud approaches and triggers an upward leader at the appropriate time.
The second device, called the power supply device, collects and stores wind and solar energy via several high-capacity capacitors. Thus, the Saint-Elme Active 2D Lightning Rod is always pre-loaded with energy, enabling it to extend upward leaders.
When a thundercloud approaches, a sensor on the lightning rod measures the surrounding electric field strength. When a certain threshold is reached, the pulse device triggers, similar to most ESE systems.

The innovation of the Saint-Elme Active 2D Lightning Rod lies in its second sensor, located at the tip, which measures the strength of the upward leader. When the downward leader enters the protection zone of the lightning rod, the measured current intensifies significantly. Upon reaching a specific threshold, the capacitors discharge, extending the upward leader to capture the downward leader from the thundercloud.

Remote Tester

Using the remote tester (optional), on-site testing of the Saint-Elme Active 2D Lightning Rod can be performed to check the status of internal electronic components.
The testing range is 90 meters, the longest distance achievable in the current market.
Models: AFV 0100 TT (one-to-one testing);
AFV 1000 TT (one-to-many testing).