Early Streamer Emission
ESE (Early Streamer Emission)
Lightning is created by the convergence of a downward leader that reaches down from a thundercloud to the ground and an upward streamer created by a conductive surface on the ground that reaches up.
An early streamer emission (ESE) terminal monitors the surrounding voltage in the air, since thunderclouds create an electric field directly beneath them. When sensing a high electrostatic field, early streamer emission lightning conductors generate controlled magnitude and frequency pulses to create upward streamers.
These upward streamers reach up toward downward leaders to form lightning. As part of a total lightning protection system, the electrical charge is then captured and directed around and away from vulnerable points and into the ground. ESE terminals are externally mounted and self-activating, with electronic circuitry housed in stainless steel. They are ideal for lightning protection systems deployed on large structures or in open areas.
