Arresters, Its Types, and Differences

| Updated on March 27, 2024

You must be aware of the different types of arresters, notably, surge arresters and lightning arresters. Over here in this article, we will be going through the working process of the two arresters and what sets them apart. Read the article until the end to get a clear idea of it.

Surge Arrester

This first type of arrester known as surge arrester is an outer bit shielding device installed to keep the voltage on equipment in check. This is done by bypassing or letting out surge current. This seems to be helpful when it comes down to staving off the continued flow and moving down to the ground. 

What you need to note down is that these arresters do not thwart lightning or soak them up. All it does is change the direction and decrease the voltage passing through them. As a result, the arrester protects the equipment and one can find the same around their house, for innumerable purposes.

Also, these arresters are placed on the inside of pad-mounted transformers and various other places like on the circuit breakers inside homes, on substations, and pole-mounted riser poles. 

The power line which is the most prone to voltage surges including lightning is the main one. And there is precisely no other way to tackle this random and unprecedented event of lightning, followed by other voltage surges such as temporary overvoltage and switching ones. 

Lightning arrester

Next up we have lightning arresters. The generation of voltage surges entirely hinges on lightning. The power circuit that successfully guards itself against lightning strokes can do so with the help of a lightning arrester(s).

Pursuing the same line, these lightning arresters surges are the surges boasting high voltage, surge currents owing to lightning, sparks, arcs of isolation, and others. The arresters come to play a remarkable role in diverting the high voltage surges onto the ground to prune the chances of mishaps. Furthermore, these systems are shielded and much of the credit goes to earthing and ground wiring. If we touch upon the installation of such arrestees, they are instated on transmission poles, towers, and buildings so that there is a secure discharge. 

Also, you may want to know the principle at play that testifies to such lightning arresters. Once the voltage surges gush through the conductor, it reaches the arrester where it has been set up. It causes the insulation to be stultified for a moment so that the surge could make its way onto the ground. Once the voltage has been stabilized by itself to a fixed value, the insulation comes back up, causing the current gushing towards the ground to stop.

You will find such arresters anywhere bearing a device that needs to be fortified from any spontaneous surges. These arresters could be installed among the phase and ground within the current system and pole having a direct system of current. 

What are the Main Differences Between These Two Arresters?

So far you have seen how these surges perform the job and why the circuit needs this extra fortification. We have discussed some of the main differences between the two types of arresters to help you have a clear idea.

  1. While the CHINT surge arrestor takes care of the installation from the inside, the lightning arrester looks after the equipment from the outside. 
  1. The former one i.e., surge arrester guards the system against unfortunate events like switching lighting, electrical mishaps, and other surges on the same lines, the latter is used in case of lightning strikes and surges thereof.
  1. The surge arrester keeps the surges within bounds and keeps off the superfluous energy, making it flow to the ground wire. The lightning arrester, on the other hand, diverts the energy rush onto the ground. 

Final Words

In this article, we have talked about the two different types of arresters namely surge arresters and lightning arresters. Further, we saw how these two differently carry out their job and how they function.  Once you go through the article, you will get to know the places where the surge arrester or lightning arrester is used and how it can massively affect the current flow. 


L. Dias William

L. Dias William is an established writer who specializes in Apple goods, iOS, and other technology. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has years of hands-on experience in the IT business. William has a sharp eye for detail and an enthusiasm for innovation, and he has written countless articles and reviews that are popular among computer fans throughout the world. His distinct combination of technical understanding and creative flare makes him a desirable voice in the consumer electronics industry.

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