How does CMCE Lightning Suppression Technology work?

CMCE technology prevents lightning formation by neutralizing the electrical conditions that cause strikes, rather than attracting them. The system continuously dissipates atmospheric charge buildup before lightning can form within the protected area.

How is the CMCE different from a traditional lightning rod?

Traditional lightning rods are designed to attract and redirect lightning strikes. CMCE technology takes a proactive approach by removing the conditions that cause lightning formation within its zone of protection.

What certifications does the CMCE Lightning Suppressor have?

The CMCE Lightning Suppressor is UL Certified and complies with IEC, EN, UNE-EN, and BS-EN 62305 lightning protection standards. The system also complies with RoHS regulations, carries UKCA marking, and maintains ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications.

Has the CMCE been independently tested and environmentally evaluated?

Yes. The CMCE has undergone independent high-voltage, impulse, ignition, and environmental testing under IEC standards, including salt fog, sulfurous atmosphere, electrical current, and mechanical durability evaluations. Testing recorded voltage levels up to 840 kV at one meter without tracer formation.

Is the CMCE internationally recognized?

Yes. The CMCE has received NATO Codification System approval, Lloyd’s Register Type Approval Certification, and RINA Type Approval Certification for use in commercial, industrial, marine, and critical infrastructure applications. The system has also been evaluated by accredited laboratories operating under ENAC-ILAC and ISO 17025 standards.

Which properties benefit most from CMCE technology?

CMCE systems are commonly used to protect commercial buildings, industrial facilities, residential properties, marine vessels, and critical infrastructure where lightning-related downtime or equipment damage can be costly.

How high does the CMCE need to be mounted?

For land installations, the CMCE is typically mounted approximately 6 feet above the highest point of the structure. For marine installations, the CMCE is generally mounted 1 foot above the highest point, excluding outriggers and antennas.

What is involved in the installation process?

Our team performs a site assessment to design a tailored installation plan for your property or vessel. Most installations are completed with minimal disruption and can often be completed within one day depending on project scope.

Common-Cause Failure: The Risk Redundancy Can’t Eliminate

Modern industrial facilities are designed with redundancy to maximize uptime and reliability.

Dual utility feeds. N+1 UPS systems. Backup generators. Redundant cooling. Multiple network paths.

These systems are built to prevent a single equipment failure from disrupting operations. But redundancy has one important limitation—it cannot eliminate common-cause failures.

When one external event impacts multiple systems at the same time, even the most robust backup strategy can be compromised.

Redundancy Has Limits

Reliability engineers distinguish between component failures and common-cause failures.

A component failure affects one piece of equipment. A common-cause failure occurs when a single event simultaneously impacts multiple independent systems.

Common examples include:

Flooding
Fire
Earthquakes
Cyberattacks
Lightning

This is why resilient facility design considers not only equipment reliability, but also the external events that could affect every layer of redundancy.

Why Lightning is Different

Lightning isn't just an electrical event—it's an operational risk. The National Weather Service Lightning Safety resources explain why lightning remains one of the most dangerous natural hazards affecting infrastructure.

A single lightning event can affect electrical distribution, PLCs, instrumentation, communications, SCADA systems, and automation equipment simultaneously. The result may include unplanned downtime, equipment damage, process interruptions, and safety concerns.

For facilities that rely on continuous operations, lightning represents one of the most significant common-cause failure risks.

The real question isn't: “Do we have redundant equipment?”

It’s: “Have we reduced the likelihood of one event affecting all of it?”

Eliminate the Likelihood of Lightning

Traditional lightning rods are designed to manage the high voltages after lightning strikes, as outlined in NFPA 780 Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems. While they remain an important part of many protection systems, they don't prevent the lightning event itself.

The CMCE Lightning Suppressor takes an advanced approach. Using a scientifically proven process called deionization, the system balances the surrounding atmospheric electric field, eradicating the conditions that lead to lightning formation. The result is a dome of strike-free protection over critical operational areas, eliminating exposure to one of the most disruptive common-cause threats facing industrial facilities.

Build Greater Operational Resilience

Improving resilience isn't simply about adding more backup equipment—it's about reducing the chance that one event can impact all of it.

By addressing lightning as a common-cause failure risk, facilities can help:

Improve operational reliability
Reduce unplanned downtime
Protect critical electrical and automation systems
Increase confidence during severe weather
Strengthen overall business continuity

Protecting critical infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach to power system reliability, a topic extensively covered by the IEEE Power & Energy Society.

Evaluate Your Facility’s Exposure

If your operation depends on continuous uptime, consider these questions: