What is Lightning Arrester? Their Types, Uses and Benefits

A system designed to protect structures from the effects of lightning Day lightning - this is a natural phenomenon which, though it is nice to observe from a distance, can bring catastrophe to buildings, electrical systems and humans. Within the structure of the building, lightning can ignite and widely damage electrical systems. To prevent such hazards, a protective contraption known as a lightning arrester is fitted. In this blog, we will go over what is a lightning arrester, its various sorts, its process, and the wide degree of its application.

What is a Lightning Arrester?

lightning arrester is an important component that protects the building structures from damage as it channels all the excess electrical energy safely into the ground. As lightning surges, this electrical energy zips through the arrester then safely travels down into the earth and prevents lightning from damaging any electrical items in a structure. Lightning arresters, which can be mounted on buildings, power lines, and other tall structures, protect by blocking high voltages from entering a facility’s electrical system.

Types of Lightning Arresters

Different types of lightning arresters are manufactured to provide varying degrees of protection against lightning strikes. Some of the common types include:

• Rod Gap Arrester: The rod gap arrester is composed of two rods having a certain distance between them. It is the most basic form of lightning arrester and is frequently employed in low-risk zones. The operation principle aims at allowing lightning to leap the gap and directing it to the ground as effectively as possible.
• Horn Gap Arrester: This kind employs two electrodes shaped in a horn configuration to assist in controlling the Arc as lightning strikes. The Electric arc is allowed to find its way out through the horn's aperture. It is mainly used in systems with moderate voltage levels.
• Valve-Type Arrester: Designed for high-voltage applications, valve-type arresters use nonlinear resistors that only conduct during a surge. This type is ideal for power substations and industrial facilities with high-voltage equipment.
• Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) Arrester: MOV arresters are popular because they provide high efficiency and reliable protection. They use a zinc oxide-based material to absorb the excess energy from lightning. These are commonly found in both residential and commercial settings.
• Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Lightning Arrester: ESE Lightning Arresters are state-of-the-art types of devices that shoot up streamers which intercept incoming lightning. These are appropriate in places that are prone to lightning activity, like towers, industrial areas, and airports, since they have bigger protective coverage than conventional arresters.
• Spikes Lightning Arrester: Spikes Lightning Arrester makes use of metal rods that have points or "spikes" which are fixed on buildings, at the top to enable passage of lightning safely. Most of the time spikes are visible on tall structures like buildings and communication towers. They ensure a safe discharge of lightning to the ground with minimal risk of destruction.

Uses of Lightning Arresters

Lightning arresters are important devices which are used in the protection of different types of infrastructure which include:

• Buildings: Used in residential and commercial buildings to ensure that lightning does not affect the electric installations and the electric appliances.
• Power Transmission Lines: They are placed along the transmission towers for curtailment of lightning so that the power grid network is not damaged and remains functional.
• Telecommunication Towers: Shields inpatient communication from the effects of lightning.
• Industrial Facilities: Many industries, factories or plants in the manufacturing sector install lightning arresters to protect the plant and the equipment from the surges induced by lightning strikes.

Benefits of Lightning Arresters

Numerous advantages come with the installation of a lightning arrester such as:

• Protection from Any Power Surges - A lightning arrester is a necessary accessory to costly equipment and wiring arrangements to avoid getting damaged instances due to sudden high power influx.
• Increased Level of Safety for Structures and Persons - By using lightning arresters, the threat of fire or explosion due to lightning impact is taken into consideration; thus the overall safety of the occupants is improved.
• Cost Efficiency - A one-time purchase in the form of lightning arresters will protect against a considerable amount of repair and replacement expenditure due to equipment and infrastructure damage from lightning attacks.
• Improved Reliability of the Power System - For power, industrial and any related sectors in which lightning strikes are inevitable, lightning arresters also ensure power transmission lines and electrical substations remain intact providing a steady source of power to the sectors.
• Environmental Conservation with Chemical Earthing - Some modern lightning protection systems use chemical earthing to improve the grounding process, providing more efficient and long-lasting protection against lightning.

Conclusion

When designing, lightning arresters make use of ESE Lightning Arrester depending on the requirement of the structure. Lightning arresters have the potential to inflict great damage to buildings power lines and other infrastructure. For high-risk areas Spikes Lightning Arrester can be employed. Aiming to protect people and structures, lightning arresters efficiently transfer the voltage caused by a lightning strike to the ground. A business or property located in a potentially damaging lightning area should contact a lightning arrester manufacturer for the best assistance which will offer both safety and durability in that region.