The difference between a surge arrester and a lightning arrester is important when it comes to protecting electrical systems. Both devices are crucial in using surge arresters to protect your costly equipment and infrastructure. However, how they perform, their purpose, and effectiveness can vary a great deal from each other.
What is a Surge Arrester?
Electrical devices are protected against transient over-voltage spikes by using surge arresters. Transient over-voltage spikes can happen throughout the normal use of electrical devices, such as when electrical equipment operates, when power system switches are turned on and also, when there is sometimes an unintentional human touch with a high voltage object. Surge arresters are utilized in buildings, substations and in other electrical installations to help maintain the safety and reliability of the electrical system.
What is a Lightning Arrester?
Lightning arresters are designed to specifically protect buildings against lightning strikes. They are installed on rooftops or at locations along the power lines to give the electricity a safe pathway from the lightning to the earth reducing the chance of fire or damage to the internal systems of the building.
Key Differences Between Surge Arrester and Lightning Arrester
To appropriately provide electrical protection, it is crucial to understand the differences between a surge arrestor and a lightning arrestor. Below are the main differences.
- Purpose: Surge arresters protect against transient overvoltages from internal sources, whereas lightning arresters protect against direct lightning strikes.
- The installation location for surge arresters generally occurs inside electrical panels or at important areas of an electrical network. Lightning arresters are usually located on roofs or above ground, often at very high elevations, to prevent lightning from hitting those locations.
- Response Speed: Surge arresters act in the nanosecond range as protection against rapid surges of energy, while lightning arresters respond to the slower moving energy pulse from a lightning strike.
Applications of Surge and Lightning Arresters
Surge arresters and lighting arresters are essential devices used in different types of industries. Surge arresters are typically used in hospitals, data centers, utility companies and communications systems because they help with damage caused by power surges due to fluctuations in electricity supply. Lightning arresters are typically used in public buildings, stadiums and tall buildings to help protect people from lightning strikes by providing a path for lightning to travel to the ground safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a surge arrester replace a lightning arrester?
Yes, you cannot interchange a lightning protection system (LPS) with a surge protective device (SPD). While both LPS and SPD’s are designed for very different applications thus it is imperative that both are utilized properly to ensure complete electrical protection.
How do I determine the need for these devices in my facility?
Conducting a risk assessment and consulting an electrical professional is a good idea. The following factors will affect your need for surge protectors and lightning arresters; geographic location, overall height of the building, type of electrical loads being used.
Are surge arresters and lightning arresters maintenance-free?
Periodic inspections are necessary for both types of arresters to achieve optimum performance. Inspect the arresters for any signs of wear/tear or electrical faults. It is strongly suggested that you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines to help prevent premature failures.
What are the different types of surge arresters?
Surge arrestors are available in several varieties depending on the application for which they’re used (station-class, intermediate-class, and distribution-class). The correct choice of surge arrester is based on the system voltage and location.
Do lightning arresters only protect buildings?
Lightning arresters are also commonly used for protection of electrical power systems, substations and transmission lines from lightning strikes. In particular, lightning arresters are necessary in regions of the world that experience a high frequency of lightning activity’s to prevent significant damage to the electrical system as a result of the lightning strikes.
What materials are used in the construction of these arresters?
Typically, lightning arresters have spark gaps or metal oxide varistor blocks to control very high voltage surges (lightning) and to dissipate them before they reach your electrical equipment. Surge arresters, on the other hand, typically contain devices such as the zinc oxide (ZnO) that is used with the surge arrester and other electrical equipment to absorb short-term voltage surges.
How do I choose the right arrester for my system?
When selecting a surge arrester, there are many factors to consider including: your area’s history of lightning strikes; how often your area has power surges; the level of voltage you operate at; what types of equipment you want to protect; and, any additional requirements specific to your industry. It would be advisable to work with an experienced electrical engineer who can guide you in order to make sure that you have chosen the correct arrester.
Can I install a surge arrester or lightning arrester myself?
Although it may be tempting to try and do the installation yourself, it is best to hire certified professionals to ensure that your system is installed correctly and will function as intended. Incorrectly installed devices can create additional damage to your equipment and reduce the effectiveness of the equipment itself.
To sum up, understanding surge protectors versus lightning protectors is very important when it comes to protecting both electric systems and infrastructure from electricity-related hazards. Both types of devices have the same objective of providing protection against potentially damaging electrical phenomena; however, they perform their tasks differently. When used correctly, both types of devices can contribute positively to extending the life of electrical systems and increasing the dependability of all types of buildings. Regular maintenance to keep each unit in good working order is critical; therefore, if you need a surge or lightning protection device, select one that meets your needs to provide maximum protection and reduce the potential for equipment failure.