SURGE ARRESTORS TESTIN – Lax Energy Solution

SURGE ARRESTORS TESTING

Voltage surges can enormously damage electrical systems and sensitive equipment that are central to our daily lives. That’s why safeguarding them from such surges is essential in today’s globalised world. Voltage surges, sparked by lightning strikes or another transient event, can cause severe destruction to electronic equipment. To mitigate these issues, surge arrestors are employed to prevent excessive damage, downtime and safety issues. Choosing the right surge arrestor is essential for protecting our electrical infrastructure and equipment. To make an informed choice, it is important to understand the different kinds of surge arrestors available, as each one has been designed to handle specific scenarios and cater to distinct applications. This article aims to uncover the world of surge arrestors and analyse various types in terms of their characteristics and applications, including Road Gap Arresters, Sphere Gap Arrester, Horn Gap Arrester, Multiple-Gap Arrester, Impulse Protective Gap, Electrolytic Arrester, Expulsion Type Lightning Arrester, and Valve Type Lightning Arresters.

Surge Arrester Types

What Is Surge Arrester ?

Surge Arresters, popularly known as Lightning Arresters or Surge Protectors, are meant to safeguard electrical systems and equipment when voltage surges happen due to lightning strikes or any other transient voltage instability. In the event of a surge, an arrester directs the additional electricity away from vulnerable components, safeguarding the system and avoiding destruction. This helps maintain safety and security. Voltage spikes can be detrimental to power distribution systems, telecommunication networks, and electronic devices- surge arresters provide a layer of protection against them. These handy components are becoming increasingly popular to ensure the safety and reliability of these systems.This post is sponsored by our partners Wigs

Voltage spikes can be detrimental to power distribution systems, telecommunication networks, and electronic devices- surge arresters provide a layer of protection against them. These handy components are becoming increasingly popular to ensure the safety and reliability of these systems.This post is sponsored by our partners Wigs

Know the various types of lightning arresters:

Road Gap Arrester: A special type of lightning arrester uses a set of spark gaps arranged in a particular pattern to guard against lightning strikes. This low-impedance path allows the lightning current to pass safely into the ground, providing effective protection.
Sphere Gap Arrester: An arrester with two close-by spheres is a reliable protection system against lightning surges. Due to the breakdown of air between them when a surge occurs, it provides an effective passage for current, thereby safeguarding the electrical system.
Horn Gap Arrester: This protective device utilises horn-shaped conductors to create an electrical spark gap. These horns help spread the voltage evenly and safely direct the lightning wave towards the ground, ultimately safeguarding your equipment from harm.
Multiple-Gap Arrester: Lightning arresters with multiple spark gaps in series are frequently used for better protection from surges. This arrangement helps reduce the voltage across the arrester, providing enhanced protection against extreme energy lightning strikes.
Impulse Protective Gap: The protective impulse gap is designed to divert and absorb high-voltage surges caused by lightning strikes. It can handle vast amounts of electrical energy without causing any damage to the system’s components.
Electrolytic Arrester: This arrester is designed to protect equipment from lightning surges. It features an electrolyte-filled chamber with good conductivity during normal conditions, yet its resistance rapidly increases when a surge happens, thus safeguarding the system.
Expulsion Type Lightning Arrester: This surge arrester functions through a valve, which opens during an electrical surge and releases the lightning energy. This ensures a reliable and prompt reaction to lightning strikes, thus transferring the current away from vulnerable devices.
Valve Type Lightning Arresters: Surge arresters have a valve element to regulate the current during an electrical surge. Generally, the valve is kept closed except when a surge happens, allowing the energy to be released without harming any equipment.

Conclusion:

It’s important to understand the different types of Road Gap and Valve Type Lightning Arresters available regarding surge protection. Each product provides unique features and benefits suited for various applications and situations. Knowing about these options enables us to make more enlightened decisions in this area.

FAQs:

Q1:What are the standards for surge arrester testing?

The role of a surge gap tester is to test any type of coil from tiny sensors to the biggest electric motors and generators to identify the weaknesses and problems in the system. The arrestor is governed by Industrial standards that include specific routine tests like IEC 60099-4, IEEE C62.11, Indian standard guidelines( IS), IS 3070 and IS 12063 ensuring the device’s performance under high voltage surge conditions.

Q2:What is the routine test of surge arrester?

A routine test for multiple surge testers involves visual inspection and operational checks ensuring that there are no faults and external mechanical damage. Surge arrestors also called lightning arresters, protect the electrical system from lightning strikes, switching operations, and equipment faults. These routine tests include leakage current tests, documenting anomalies, dielectric material breakdown, etc.

Q3:What is the use of single and multi-unit surge arresters tested?

High Voltage Surges can significantly damage the electrical systems often resulting in substantial equipment damage and beyond.There are two main types, namely single and multi-unit arresters, designed to handle prolonged exposure to electrical surges without damage.
Hence, these are essential tools used for minimizing these hazards and preventing potential damage.