To the electric utility engineer, the parameters of the flash that are of
primary interest are the crest current for the first and subsequent strokes,
the waveshape of these currents, correlation between the parameters, the
number of strokes per flash and flash incidence rates where the ground flash
density, denoted as flashes per square km-year and symbolized by Ng. The
first three parameters, as we know them today, are to a very large extent
based on the measurements of Berger. Berger's masts, 70 and 80 meters high,
were mounted atop Mt. San Salvatore (Switzerland), which is 650 meters above
Lake Lugano, where it can be readily noted that these 125 records represent
one of the best and most extensive set of data available to the industry to
date. This paper focuses on the lightning severity scenario in Malaysia,
which could also applicable to other tropic countries, and some of the
useful parameters for lightning protection system design and forensic study.
Some specific engineering applications have also been summarised, taking
into account various lightning parameters, available from past and current
measurements available.