The OPR 30 early streamer emission (ESE) air terminals are especially effective for lightning protection of industrial sites, administrative or public buildings, monuments and open-air sites such as sports grounds.
During a storm, when propagation field conditions are favourable, an OPR ESE air terminal will generate an upward leader. This upward leader from the OPR tip propagates towards the downward leader from the cloud at an average speed of 1 m/µs.
The emission of an early streamer during a lightning event provides a beneficial triggering time compared with a single-rod air terminal under the same conditions. The beneficial triggering time is determined as the average time gained at the moment of sparkover, with efficiency confirmed by high-voltage laboratory testing. All ESE tests are defined in Annex C of the French standard NF C 17-102 (2011 Version).
Benefits
- Protects infrastructure and people against direct lightning impacts.
- Large radius of protection up to 107m in a level 4 of protection.
- Patented technology.
OPR: the high pulse voltage, early streamer lightning air terminal
In ongoing collaboration with the CNRS (French National Research Organisation), ABB continues to innovate and has developed a new generation of lightning protection devices – the OPR early streamer emission (ESE system).
This OPR range delivers improved performance in early streamer initiation and propagation and represents further progress in lightning protection, operating autonomy, and ease of maintenance.
These advancements reinforce ABB’s leading position in active lightning protection, with over 200000 installations worldwide.
OPR manufacturing quality
The enviable reputation of ABB OPR is earned by consistently maintaining high manufacturing quality.
Before leaving the factory, each OPR’s electronics is tested using a high voltage generator to ensure its performance and ability to conduct lightning discharges. The high-voltage output pulses from the OPR are also examined to verify the correct amplitude and frequency.
The OPR is built to withstand the arduous conditions encountered in service, and its ongoing performance can be monitored and quickly assessed using the OPR test set.
OPRs are made from stainless steel to ensure robust, long-lasting performance when handling lightning current.
Order Information
2CTB899800R7000 OPR 30

