When lightning is no longer a theory: Dai Nam University students learn lightning protection from real construction projects

Every year, around 6,000 to 24,000 people worldwide die and hundreds of thousands are affected by lightning, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This is not a random phenomenon. Lightning is formed when the electrical charge between clouds and the ground reaches a threshold of huge sparks, creating atmospheric overvoltage, endangering people and destroying many structures and electrical equipment.

For engineers in the field of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology , understanding the physical nature of lightning, the mechanism of lightning current propagation, and lightning protection design rules according to international standards is a mandatory requirement. Because only when mastering the theory and understanding the reality, can engineers ensure the safety of the electrical system - where every small error can lead to big consequences. From this practical requirement, the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology - Dai Nam University organized a professional seminar with the theme "Atmospheric overvoltage - Theory and practice", bringing students closer to the engineering profession right from the lecture hall.

Academic space closely linked to electrical industry practice

The workshop was designed as a “big class” where lecturers, experts, businesses and students discussed a series of problems that any electrical engineer must face in real construction. Instead of just reading IEC standards in books, students had direct access to relevant content:

- Dangers and risks of lightning in civil and industrial works.

- Design lightning protection and grounding systems according to international standards.

- Solution to reduce overvoltage, touch voltage and step voltage.

- Compare IEC 62305 and TCVN 9888:2013 standards to understand how to apply them correctly.

- Application of surge protection devices according to IEC 61643-11/21.

Associate Professor Dr. Do Anh Tuan – Head of the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology shared: “The workshop not only provides professional knowledge but also helps students clearly visualize the work of an engineer. Our training always aims at international standards and the practical needs of businesses.”

Domestic and foreign experts gather at Dai Nam University

The workshop was attended by experienced experts: Mr. ChiSheng Tan - Director of DEHN Asia Pacific; Representative of Vietnam Standards and Quality Institute; Expert from Hoang Ngoc Uyen Industrial Equipment Company; Lecturers from schools: University of Electricity, East Asia University of Technology, Hanoi College of Industrial Economics

Experts from DEHN – the world's leading corporation in lightning protection technology – have comprehensively analyzed how to design lightning protection systems according to IEC 62305 standard, from determining the protection zone, calculating safe distances, to selecting surge protection equipment suitable for each protection level.

This knowledge is inherently complex if only learned from books, but is illustrated visually through models, simulation videos and examples from projects that DEHN has implemented in many countries.  

Students experience engineering right in the hall

One of the things that makes the conference so attractive is the way it is organized for students to "touch" the profession. Students can ask questions directly to the experts:

- “Why is the lightning protection system of a factory different from that of a school?”

- “If the ground has high resistance, how can we ensure effective grounding?”

- “How are step voltages and touch voltages formed and handled?”

Those questions are not in the textbook, but are the problems engineers face when working.

Dong Van Manh – a student of KTĐT class 19-01 shared: “Previous IEC standards were only in books. At the workshop, we got to see real equipment, real models, and had each parameter explained. I understand my future job better.”

Many students said the workshop sparked their interest in further research in the field of lightning protection – an industry with a great demand for human resources in the context of Vietnam's rapidly developing infrastructure.

Schools and businesses together create a practical learning environment

According to the faculty representative, this is an annual activity to strengthen the connection between the school and businesses, helping students: Update new knowledge in the electrical and electronics industry; Access practical technology right in the classroom; Have opportunities for internships and jobs at partner businesses...

Associate Professor Dr. Do Anh Tuan emphasized: “The support of businesses helps the training program not to fall behind reality. We aim to train engineers who can work immediately after graduation.”

An academic highlight of the 2025-2026 school year

The workshop “Atmospheric Overvoltage – Theory and Practice” is not only a professional activity, but also a demonstration of the training model that combines theory with application, connects schools with businesses, and brings students closer to the engineering profession – the core training philosophy of Dai Nam University.

Through lessons like this, students majoring in Electricity and Electronics not only grasp basic knowledge, but also understand how to apply international standards to construction projects, improving their professional capacity in the context of rapidly changing Industry 4.0.