Lightning Current Arresters: Protection Against Lightning Strikes

Lightning strikes are a common cause of damage to electrical equipment and systems. Lightning current arresters are devices that protect against the damaging effects of lightning strikes by diverting the lightning current away from sensitive equipment and into the ground. In this blog, we will discuss what lightning current arresters are, how they work, and their applications.

What are Lightning Current Arresters?

Lightning current arresters, also known as lightning surge arresters or lightning suppressors, are devices that protect electrical systems and equipment from lightning strikes. They are installed in power distribution systems, telecommunications systems, and other electrical systems where lightning strikes are a potential hazard.

How Do Lightning Current Arresters Work?

When lightning strikes an electrical system, it generates a large surge of electrical current. This surge can damage or destroy sensitive electrical equipment, leading to costly downtime and repairs. Lightning current arresters protect against this surge by diverting the lightning current away from the equipment and into the ground.

Lightning current arresters work by using a metal oxide varistor (MOV) to shunt the surge current to ground. The MOV is a type of resistor that has a nonlinear voltage-current characteristic. When the voltage across the MOV exceeds a certain threshold, it conducts current to ground, effectively shunting the surge current away from the protected equipment.

Applications of Lightning Current Arresters

Lightning current arresters are used in a variety of applications where lightning strikes are a potential hazard. Some of the most common applications include:

1. Power Distribution: Lightning current arresters are used in power distribution systems to protect transformers, switchgear, and other equipment from lightning strikes.

2. Telecommunications: Lightning current arresters are used in telecommunications systems to protect phone lines, modems, and other equipment from lightning strikes.

3. Renewable Energy: Lightning current arresters are used in renewable energy systems such as wind turbines and solar arrays to protect the equipment from lightning strikes.

4. Industrial Automation: Lightning current arresters are used in industrial automation systems to protect PLCs, sensors, and other equipment from lightning strikes.

Conclusion

Lightning strikes can cause significant damage to electrical systems and equipment. Lightning current arresters are an essential component of any electrical system that is at risk of lightning strikes. They work by diverting the lightning current away from sensitive equipment and into the ground, preventing damage and downtime. With their wide range of applications, lightning current arresters are an important tool in protecting critical electrical systems.