Storm-related lightning strikes can be dangerous to both your safety and your property. An electrical fire or significant damage can both result from a high-voltage current surge. You can install a lightning arrester to lessen or completely remove that risk. Specific places call for particular sorts of arresters. Class 1 arresters have a substantially higher current dissipation capacity than class 2 arresters. As a result, installing a class 2 arrester in a class 1 region is not advised because doing so will result in severe harm.
What Is a Lightning Arrester
A lightning arrester is a piece of equipment that is used along electricity lines that run outside of a house, typically close to transformers. The arrester is distinguished by a metal spiral that is positioned on the line to safeguard the neighbouring electrical system.
A high-voltage current surges into the electrical wire during a lightning strike during a storm and is reduced. As soon as possible, the arrester directs the surge away from the house and into the ground or dirt.
According to their roles, arresters are likewise divided into categories. There are various classes available, depending on whether you need to safeguard a single-phase or three-phase supply.
How Does a Lightning Arrester Work?
A lightning arrester cannot stop lightning from striking a building or a structure. Between the electricity line and the house, substation, or circuit breakers is normally where it is installed.
Lightning rods are passive rods that absorb lightning strikes and transmit them through a cable to the ground, unlike arresters. When employing a lightning rod alone, the electrical circuits still run the risk of being impacted by the rapid surge in power.
A lightning arrester has a ground terminal as well as a high voltage terminal. The electrical components are where the current surge naturally wants to go. The lightning arrester is useful in this situation. It directs extra current to a certain place.
What Are the Key Features of a Surge (Lightning) Arrester?
The characteristics and purposes of surge/lightning arresters are as follows:
- When subjected to an anomalous voltage above the rated breakdown value, a properly functioning lightning arrester immediately fails. A “breakdown” is when the lightning arrester temporarily loses its insulating properties, allowing the ground to receive the voltage spike.
- When the transient voltage hits the rated breakdown threshold, it need to start diverting the current at that particular moment.
- For the device to function, the spark-over voltage must be greater than the system’s typical power frequency. Under usual circumstances, it shouldn’t be electrically conductive.
- Finally, when these breaks occur, the lightning arrester should channel the electrical energy that has been discharged without losing its durability.
Ideal Location for a Surge (Lightning) Arrester
Anywhere near whatever has to be protected is the optimum location for an arrester. Typically, it will shield the electrical panel from surges while connecting the phase or electrical supply to it. With some power supply, a surge diverter might also be necessary. Give us a call so that we can clarify your electrical demands for you.
Dependable Surge (Lightning) Arrester Installation
Appliances and electrical equipment are essential, especially for people who work from home. The finest investment you can make for yourself is to get a lightning protection system for your property. For a reliable, professional installation performed by one of our licenced electricians, contact U.S. Electric right away. To fulfil your demands, we also provide a wide range of other electrical services.
Read more: Fire Safety Tips