In this note, we are going to learn about a topic called “What is Lightning Arresters?“, also types of lightning arresters, working, advantages, and applications as well. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for engineering students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
What is Lightning Arresters?
Lightning arresters are devices that protect electrical systems and equipment from damage caused by lightning strikes or power surges. They are intended to deflect high-voltage electricity generated by lightning away from sensitive equipment and safely dissipate it into the ground. Lightning arresters are typically made of metal rods or conductors that are coupled to a grounding system.
When lightning hits, the surge of energy is routed through the lightning arrester and securely dissipated into the ground, avoiding harm to connected equipment. Lightning arresters are commonly employed in a variety of applications, including power distribution systems, telecommunications networks, and electronic devices, to reduce the risks associated with lightning and electrical surges.
Types of Lightning Arresters
Several lightning arrester types are frequently used to protect electrical networks and equipment –
- Rod or Franklin Lightning Arresters: These are the most classic lightning arresters, consisting of a metal rod set at a structure’s highest point. When lightning hits, the rod creates a conduit for the electrical current to safely reach the ground.
- Surge Protective Devices (SPDs): SPDs are intended to defend against both lightning-induced surges and transient voltage spikes caused by switching operations or electrical failures. They can be put at numerous locations across an electrical system to give complete protection.
- Gas Discharge Tubes (GDTs): In the case of a lightning strike or surge, GDTs are devices that use a gas-filled chamber to give a high-impedance path to ground. The gas ionizes when the voltage rises above a predetermined point, enabling the surge current to be safely deflected.
- Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs): MOVs are semiconductor devices that quickly clamp voltage spikes beyond a predetermined threshold to guard against surges. They are frequently seen in surge protection systems and electrical equipment.
- Hybrid Lightning Arresters: These lightning arresters use a combination of surge protection technologies, including gas discharge tubes and metal oxide varistors, to provide superior protection against lightning-induced surges.
Working Principle of Lightning Arresters
A lightning arrester works by providing a low-impedance conduit for the high-voltage current generated by a lightning strike to safely travel to the ground, thereby protecting electrical systems and equipment. Lightning strikes generate an incredibly high voltage and current. The lightning arrester is intended to intercept this burst of energy and direct it away from the equipment it is supposed to safeguard.
A lightning arrester is often made up of a conductive metal rod or other components that are coupled to a grounding system. When lightning hits, it attracts the electrical current to the lightning arrester, which provides the current with the least resistance path. This channel takes the current down to the grounding system, where it is safely dissipated into the earth.
The lightning arrester avoids damage caused by lightning strikes by diverting the energy away from sensitive electronics. A lightning arrester’s efficiency is determined by several factors, including its design, installation, and maintenance, as well as the characteristics of the lightning strike.
Advantages of Lightning Arresters
Here we listed some Lightning Arresters Advantages –
- Lightning protection for electrical systems and equipment.
- Improved dependability by lowering the likelihood of equipment failure and downtime.
- Improved safety by reducing the risk of electrical dangers and fires.
- Cost savings are achieved by preventing equipment damage and productivity losses.
- Versatile use in a variety of industries and locations to provide comprehensive protection.
Applications of Lightning Arresters
Here are the applications of lightning arresters –
- Power distribution systems
- Telecommunications networks
- Industrial facilities
- Commercial buildings
- Residential properties
- Transportation infrastructure
- Renewable energy systems