Surge Arrester vs Lightning Arrester: What’s the Real Difference?
To prevent the malfunctioning of equipment and their breakdowns, expensive downtimes, and the risk of safety, overvoltages in the electrical systems should be taken into consideration. Surge arresters and lighting arrester are commonly used interchangeably, yet of different types of electrical disturbances there is a difference in the functions of these devices and the purpose of their use, even though their purposes closely resemble each other.
In this article, we will explain how the devices differ, how each works, and discuss the importance of surge arrester testing in ensuring reliability in the long term, particularly in the industrial and renewable sectors in and around Vadodara and Gujarat.
Understanding the Basics
Before getting down to the differences, it would be convenient to know what each of the devices is and why the two are significant to the existing electrical systems.
What is a Lightning Arrester?
The primary purpose of a lightning arrester is to protect the electrical devices and also transmission lines directly struck by lightning.
The arrester, in case of lightning strike, will harmlessly burst out to the ground and not come in contact with the electric circuit. As soon as releasing the surge, the arrester is self-cleared and normal voltage is again delivered without discontinuity.
Key features of lightning arresters:
- Placed outside the power systems at access points.
- Guarantees protection against extraordinarily high-voltage transient (lightning).
- Required in substations, high-voltage lines, and transmitter networks.
What is a Surge Arrester?
A surge arrester, on the other hand, is constructed to guard electrical and electronic devices against switching surges and transient overvoltages due to internal disturbances like capacitor switching, motor operations, or system faults.
It is commonly fitted within supply systems or close to the sensitive electrical devices, such as transformers, inverters, or control systems, particularly in industrial plants and renewable energy sites.
Considerable peculiarities of surge arresters:
- Placed near the sensitive equipment.
- Powers against switching and transient over voltages.
- Provides the durability of equipment and system reliability.
Surge Arrester vs Lightning Arrester:Differences of Importance.
Despite the fact that both of the devices are used to insulate electrical systems against high-voltages, the mode of operation and installation is dissimilar.
Here’s a clear comparison:
Therefore, although both prevent damage to equipment in case of overvoltage, the difference between the surge arrester and lightning arrester is in the source of surge and the location of protection in the electrical network.
The importance of Surge Arrester Testing.
Surge arrester testing is not only advisable to industrial plants, renewable energy plants, and EPC companies, but it is also a requirement. Arresters may degrade over time through thermal stress, entry of fluid or through frequent exposure to surges. A failed arrester has the potential to silently endanger the safety of a system without regular testing.
Types of Surge Arrester Testing
Insulation Resistance Testing (IR Test)
Checks the leakage current carrying capacity of the insulation, which is necessary so that the arrester has not worn out.
Leakage Current Measurement
Monitors little currents that are present with regular operation; an increase in leakage current may be an indication of internal damage.
Power Frequency Voltage Test
Test of the ability of the arrester to resist the operating voltage without failure.
Discharge Voltage Test
Mimics the surging conditions to ensure that the arrester responds in a proper and timely manner.
Visual Inspection
Detects any physical damage, contamination or cracks that can disrupt performance.
Surge arrester- maintain your equipment- ensure that your equipment is operating to international standards like IEC 60099-5 by continually testing it.
Applications Across Industries
1. Industrial Facilities
Machinery, motors and automation systems are very sensitive to variation in voltage. Surge arresters guard such elements, so that there are no interruptions in the operation and the maintenance costs are minimized.
2. Renewable Energy Companies
Solar and wind installations have electronic inverters and control systems which are susceptible to transient surges. Appropriately investigated surge arresters protect such internal upheavals.
3. Electrical Contractors & EPC Companies
Regarding the case of contractors dealing with power distribution and large-scale projects, the selection and upkeep of the correct type of arrester type is the guarantee of long-lasting reliability and customer satisfaction.
4. Testing & Calibration Labs
Periodic testing confirms the performance of the arrester and assists in achieving the compliance of the safety to the clients in Gujarat and India.
Best Practices of Maintenance
In order to ensure high system reliability:
- Perform periodic testing after 6-12 months time.
- Maintain comprehensive records of maintenance of all test results.
- Immediately replace arresters which are in a state of deterioration.
- Accuracy is guaranteed by using calibrated testing instruments.
- Train maintenance workers: train testing and safety.
Conclusion
The actual distinction between a surge arrester and a lightning arrester is crucial in the development of a solid electricity protection system design. Lightning arresters are used to counter external hazards such as lightning strikes, whereas the surge arresters counter internal switching surges and transients.
Surge testing of surge arresters is necessary to maintain uninterrupted operation, minimize downtime, and increase the life of equipment. To have a reliable partner in terms of power safety and performance, trust Lax Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd. in regard to the professional arrester testing and maintenance provision in Vadodara and Gujarat.