What is a surge arrester?

A surge arrester is a device that is used to protect electrical equipment and systems from damage caused by transient overvoltages, also known as surges or voltage spikes. Surge arresters are typically used in electrical transmission and distribution systems, as well as in industrial and commercial facilities, to protect against lightning strikes and other sources of overvoltage.

Surge arresters are designed to divert excess voltage to ground, providing a path for the current to follow and protecting the electrical system from damage. They consist of a series of nonlinear resistors, known as varistors, which have a high resistance under normal conditions but allow current to flow freely when the voltage exceeds a certain level.

Surge arresters are typically installed at key points in the electrical system, such as at the point of common coupling (PCC) or at the service entrance, to protect against overvoltages that could potentially damage equipment or cause a power outage. They are an important component of any electrical system, as they help to ensure the reliability and safety of the system.

Lightning Arresters Uses

Lightning arresters, also known as lightning protectors or surge protectors, are devices that are used to protect electrical and electronic equipment from damage caused by lightning strikes and other forms of electrical surge. They are often used to protect buildings, homes, and other structures from lightning damage, as well as to protect electronic devices such as computers, TVs, and appliances from electrical surges.

There are several types of lightning arresters, including air gap arresters, which use air as an insulator to protect against lightning strikes, and resistor arresters, which use a resistor to dissipate the excess energy caused by a lightning strike.

Lightning arresters are typically installed on the roof or other high points of a building, and they work by intercepting the electrical current from a lightning strike and directing it to the ground, where it can be safely dissipated. They may also be installed at the point of entry for an electrical service, such as at a meter box or main panel, to protect against surges that may enter the building through the electrical system.

In addition to protecting against lightning strikes, lightning arresters can also be used to protect against other types of electrical surge, such as those caused by power outages or faulty electrical wiring. They are an important part of any electrical system, and can help to prevent costly damage to equipment and structures.