What are different types of Lightening Arrestors?

 Types of Lightning Arresters

Description:

A lightning arrester is a device that protects electrical equipment from lightning surges. It diverts the high voltage current from the lightning strike to the ground, preventing damage to the equipment and ensuring safety. There are different types of lightning arresters based on their construction, operation, and application. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common types of lightning arresters and their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Rod Gap Arrester

This is one of the simplest and cheapest types of lightning arresters. It consists of two rods with a small air gap between them. One rod is connected to the line and the other rod is connected to the ground. The air gap is set to withstand the normal operating voltage but breaks down when a lightning surge occurs. The arc formed by the breakdown of the air gap diverts the surge current to the ground. A current-limiting reactor is usually connected in series with the rod gap arrester to limit the arc current and extinguish it quickly.

The main disadvantage of this type of arrester is that it may cause power interruptions due to false tripping or arc maintenance at low voltages. It may also damage the rods due to high temperature and erosion.

2. Sphere Gap Arrester

This type of arrester consists of two metal spheres with a small air gap between them. One sphere is connected to the line and the other sphere is connected to the ground. The air gap is adjusted according to the desired breakdown voltage. When a lightning surge occurs, the air gap sparks and diverts the surge current to the ground. A choking coil is usually inserted between the line and the sphere to limit the arc current and prevent power frequency follow-through.

The main advantage of this type of arrester is that it has a low voltage impulse ratio, which means it can break down at a lower voltage than its power frequency rating. This makes it suitable for high-voltage applications. The main disadvantage is that it has a large size and weight, and requires precise alignment and maintenance.

3. Horn Gap Arrester

This type of arrester consists of two horn-shaped electrodes separated by a small air gap and connected in parallel between each conductor and ground. The air gap is set to withstand the normal operating voltage but breaks down when a lightning surge occurs. The arc formed by the breakdown of the air gap travels up along the horns due to thermal effects, increasing its length and resistance until it is interrupted.

The main advantage of this type of arrester is that it has a self-extinguishing property, which reduces the risk of power frequency follow-through and arc damage. The main disadvantage is that it has a high voltage impulse ratio, which means that it requires a higher breakdown voltage than its power frequency rating. This makes it unsuitable for high-voltage applications.

4. Valve Type Arrester

This type of arrester consists of a series of non-linear resistors or valve elements made of metal oxide or silicon carbide materials. These resistors have a high resistance at normal operating voltage, but a low resistance at high voltage. When a lightning surge occurs, the resistors conduct the surge current to the ground, limiting the voltage across them. A spark gap or an expulsion chamber is usually connected in parallel with the resistors to provide an initial path for the surge current.

The main advantage of this type of arrester is that it has a low voltage impulse ratio, which means it can break down at a lower voltage than its power frequency rating. This makes it suitable for high-voltage applications. It also has a fast response time and a long service life. The main disadvantage is that it may cause power losses due to leakage currents at normal operating conditions.

5. Metal Oxide Arrester

This type of arrester is similar to the valve type arrester but uses metal oxide varistors (MOVs) as resistors instead of silicon carbide or metal oxide materials. MOVs are semiconductors that have a non-linear voltage-current characteristic, which means that their resistance decreases as their voltage increases. When a lightning surge occurs, MOVs conduct

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