What is a Lightning arrester?

A lightning arrester is a device which is connected to transmission line or distribution system to protect the equipment from being damaged by high voltage surges caused by lightning strikes and other system disturbances like switching. Arresters are designed to limit surge voltage to a safe value by discharging the surge current to ground. The surge arrester is of single phase design, suitable for outdoor service. Three arresters are required for 3 phase installations. Each arrester unit contains no. of ZnO disc elements permanently sealed in porcelain housing fitted with metal cap at both ends. The arrester is located as near as to the apparatus being protected. Under normal operation the LA is off the line i.e. it does not conduct any current to earth. On the occurrence of lightning/ switching impulse, the resistance of LA becomes very low, providing a low resistance path for the surge to the ground and thus protects equipment from the surge.

Line Terminal

Porcelain housing

Arc pressure relief chamber

39 kV Lightning Arrester