Lightning storms are a huge risk to the electrical system in your house. They can severely damage the wiring and even cause a fire. As a result, many homes feature a lightning arrester to help avoid this unpleasant scenario. But what’s the purpose of this element?

What is a lightning arrester?

Lightning arresters are devices installed to shield power lines, homes, and structures from dangerous power surges. As the name suggests, they’re primarily designed to safeguard against damage caused by lightning strikes. However, they can also protect the structure from various other sources.

Lightning arresters are cylindrical objects, one- to two feet long, consisting of a series inductor and a spark gap.

How do lightning arresters work?

Lightning arresters are typically installed near a critical entry point or appliance, including generators and electrical panels. When a bolt of lightning strikes, the arrester activates and deflects the lightning to the ground, where it disperses harmlessly.

Bear in mind that these components don’t actually stop lightning strikes, as that would be too dangerous. Instead, they limit the electrical charge and divert it, giving it a safe route to pass through the ground instead of essential electrical devices.

What are the key characteristics of lightning arresters?

Here are the main features of a fully functional lightning arrester:

The spark-over voltage must exceed the abnormal or normal power frequency occurring in the system. Additionally, it shouldn’t draw any electricity in regular operating conditions.
It must break down rapidly due to any abnormal voltage above its breakdown value, providing a safe path to the ground.
When breakdowns take place, the arrester should carry the discharged electricity without sustaining damage. Also, the voltage across the element shouldn’t surpass the breakdown threshold.
It must interrupt the current after the breakdown the moment the transient voltage falls below the breakdown threshold.

What is the ideal location of a lightning arrester?

The lightning arrester should be placed near the equipment it protects. It’s generally linked between ground and phase in an AC arrangement and ground and pole in a DC system. Furthermore, AC systems contain a separate arrester in each phase.

Surge diverters are installed in extra-voltage AC arrangements to shield the generator, bus bars, circuit breakers, lines, transformers, and other components. Likewise, HVDC structures include an arrestor to safeguard against filters, reactors, valve converter units, and similar elements.

Moreover, there are various types of lightning arresters that protect different power systems. The choice largely depends on several common factors. The list includes the line frequency, voltage, weather conditions, reliability, and cost.

To determine the perfect arrester for your household, reach out to a seasoned electrician. They can also install the component efficiently without any safety risks.

Kennedy Electric is a reliable full-service electrical company serving residential and commercial customers in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties. We offer electrical repairs, boat lift wiring, remodels, low voltage lighting, generator hookups, RV power, electrical inspections, fan installation, home lighting, new circuits, panels, and more. Call today at 352-251-2795.

WHAT IS A LIGHTNING ARRESTER AND HOW DOES IT WORK?