Lightning protection for radio systems: DARC and VDE expand cooperation

Protecting people and technology from the consequences of lightning strikes is becoming increasingly important in the wake of growing networking and increasing self-initiative in radio technology. Against this background, the German Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (VDE) and the German Amateur Radio Club (DARC) are intensifying their cooperation.

(Frankfurt a. M., 13.05.2025) Lightning protection plays a special role in amateur radio. For example, lightning strikes in radio systems must not cause more damage to buildings than would have occurred without these systems. Above all, people must be safe from harm. This applies in particular to people who use radio systems. Against this background, the VDE standardization organization DKE invited the DARC four years ago to participate in updating the standard "DIN VDE 0800-300:2008 - Radio transmitting/receiving systems for transmitter output powers up to 1 kW", which is relevant for transmitting systems. The technical and long-standing expertise of the radio amateurs proved to be a valuable support for the DKE. The working group founded by the DARC contributed further comprehensive know-how and acted as a multiplier for the dissemination of the contents of the standards in the professional world of radio amateurs. In early 2025, the DKE was finally able to publish the draft of the new standard "E DIN VDE 0855-300:2025". The revised version takes into account current safety requirements for the operation of radio equipment - particularly with regard to earthing, equipotential bonding and protection against the effects of lightning.

VDE and DARC have now decided to continue the cooperation under the joint umbrella. The existing working group will remain as a group of experts and is organizationally assigned to the VDE Committee for Lightning Protection and Lightning Research (VDE ABB). This means that radio amateurs will continue to receive practical information on safety requirements and solutions in lightning protection in order to minimize the risk in their own constructions and system operation.

Further information on lightning protection can be found at: www.vde.com/en/lightning-protection

About DARC

As the largest association of radio amateurs in Germany, DARC e.V. has around 30,000 members. This makes it the third largest amateur radio association in the world. The DARC represents the interests of radio amateurs nationwide and is committed to promoting amateur radio at all levels - including internationally as a member of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). You can find information about the DARC on the Internet at www.darc.de.

About DKE

The DKE German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (DKE) is the national platform for about 10,000 experts from industry, science and public administration to elaborate standards and safety specifications for electrical engineering, electronics and information technology. Standards support global trade and, among other things, the safety, interoperability and functionality of products and systems. As a competence centre for electrotechnical standardization, the DKE represents the interests of German industry in European (CENELEC, ETSI) and international standardization organizations (IEC). In addition, the DKE provides comprehensive services in the field of standardization and VDE specifications.

For more information, visit www.dke.de

About VDE

VDE, one of the largest technology organizations in Europe, has been regarded as a synonym for innovation and technological progress for more than 130 years. VDE is the only organization in the world that combines science, standardization, testing, certification, and application consulting under one umbrella. The VDE mark has been synonymous with the highest safety standards and consumer protection for more than 100 years.

Our passion is the advancement of technology, the next generation of engineers and technologists, and lifelong learning and career development “on the job”. Within the VDE network more than 2,000 employees at over 60 locations worldwide, more than 100,000 honorary experts, and around 1,500 companies are dedicated to ensuring a future worth living: networked, digital, electrical.
Shaping the e-dialistic future.

The VDE (VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. For more information, visit www.vde.com