Surge arrester and lightning arrester are terms often used interchangeably, even by professionals in the field. This can sometimes be confusing. What are the differences between a surge arrester vs. lightning arrester? While each is installed to protect electrical systems, they have specific characteristics and functions. It is important to be clear about what type of arrester best fits your need to have the right protection. At Brandon Electric, we want to help make sure that happens.
When discussing a surge arrester vs. lightning arrester, you should first know what they are and what they do.
A surge arrester is a nonlinear resistor typically made of metal oxide covered with silicone or porcelain housing. It provides direct protection to low—and high-voltage machinery and electronic equipment. It is installed on household circuit breakers, inside pad-mounted transformers, and on pole-mounted riser poles and substations. Various types are available for installation in homes, businesses, factories, and other applications.
The surge arrester protects against transient voltage surges, typically caused by switches, sparks, or other electrical faults/disturbances. It diverts excess energy to ground wires, keeping surges from harming electrical systems and connected machinery and equipment.
Surge arresters have multiple applications in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Surge arresters can be installed in residential settings to protect the home's electrical system, kitchen, laundry appliances, HVAC, and sensitive electronic equipment (televisions, computers, video gaming systems, and more).
In commercial and industrial settings, the surge arrester function is to protect:
The importance of protecting sensitive, expensive electronic equipment and technology cannot be overstated with the continually increasing amount of technology being incorporated into all business operations and residential settings.
Installing surge arresters has many benefits. You receive protection from voltage spikes that can occur anytime, preventing potentially costly damage. Equipment and electronics' lifespan increases, saving significant money in repair or replacement costs.
Additionally, installing surge arresters reduces maintenance costs. This can significantly affect business operations and home budgets, particularly over time.
An increasingly important benefit – protecting data. This is good for homeowners for safeguarding personal information saved on computers, but it is essential for businesses. From protecting internal company data to customer data, suffering a voltage spike can cause irreparable damage to electronic equipment and data integrity.
The comparison between surge and lightning arresters can be further clarified with key knowledge about lightning arresters.
A lightning arrester is a device that protects electrical systems and equipment from lightning strikes. Essentially, this device provides an air gap/spark gap between an electric wire and the ground. For example, it may contain a block of semiconducting material – silicon carbide or zinc oxide. Some lightning arresters are large and made of a long porcelain tube containing discs filled with zinc oxide. Others are known as “dry-type” arresters.
The lightning arrester redirects high-voltage surges from lightning strikes to the ground. When lightning strikes, the current passes through the high-voltage terminal on the arrester, and then the device safely diverts the high voltage to the earth.
This limits the rise in voltage caused by the lightning strike, protecting the system and its electrical components from severe damage.
Lightning arresters also have multiple applications. They are important in areas prone to frequent lightning activity and essential in protecting outdoor electrical infrastructure. A lightning arrester functions to protect:
These devices are classified by the amount of voltage (highest to lowest) they can handle: Station Class, Intermediate Class, Distribution Class, and Secondary Class.
There is a breadth of benefits related to the installation of lightning arresters for home or business.
The primary benefit is protection from lightning-induced damage. The sudden surge in voltage from a direct or indirect lightning strike can be disastrous. The protection of lightning arresters covers physical, financial, and operational assets.
Another benefit is increased system reliability. Power and telecommunications companies serve millions of customers. Lightning arresters assist in preventing power disruptions and outages and provide reliable operations of critical infrastructure.
The issue of enhanced safety should also be highlighted as a benefit. This includes enhanced safety for both personnel and structures. Workplace safety should always be a priority. Businesses across industries and homeowners gain the confidence and peace of mind they need when installing lightning arresters.
While both types of arresters protect electrical systems, there are key differences between the two. Each of these arresters has their purpose and protection, installation locations, and voltage handling capabilities.
What is the difference between surge arresters and lightning arresters? Let’s discuss.
Surge arresters are more of a “generalist” in protecting electrical systems. They limit high voltage and current surges, protecting internal and external causes—including lightning strikes and transient voltage spikes from switching transients, power faults, and electrostatic discharge (ESD). They can be used to protect homes and businesses.
Lightning arresters are considered “specialists,” aiming to protect electrical systems from lightning strikes (and their associated surges). They are not designed for various transient voltage spikes. Lightning arresters are primarily used to protect electrical power systems and telecommunications systems.
Due to the specialized nature of lightning arresters – they cannot be used as a surge arrester. However, a surge arrester can be used as a lightning arrester.
Surge arrester vs. lightning arrester installation locations:
Surge arrester— household circuit breakers, equipment panels, pole-mounted riser poles, substations, and inside pad-mounted transformers. Installed inside/on panel board and is connected to a grounding wire. Most effective in residential locations and businesses. Industrial/commercial use is effective depending on the voltage handling needs of sites, the layout of the site, and the prevalence of lightning strikes.
Lightning arrester — at the highest point of transmission poles, towers, buildings, and other structures. Installed outside and redirect voltage spikes directly to the ground/earth. Most effective in protecting tall structures, including those in power transmission and generation, as well as those supporting telecommunication cables.
Surge arresters and lightning arresters can be used in combination to provide a layered defense for electrical and telecommunications systems.
The voltage handling capabilities of surge arresters and lightning arresters will vary depending on their type, the system line-to-line voltage, and the method of system grounding.
Surge arresters are generally smaller devices connected to grounding wires and come in four basic types:
Lightning arresters are generally large devices rated by the maximum value of power frequency voltage. They can withstand and carry the current flow to the earth without sustaining damage. Types include:
Whether you need to protect a home or business operations and equipment, Obtaining the level of protection you need is critical.
Do you need a surge arrester or a lightning arrester? Your choice should be based on your specific needs and circumstances. Several factors should be considered when choosing the right one.
1) Geographical Location — areas with historically higher incidents of lightning strikes or power surges should have enhanced protection.
2) Type of Electrical System — residential, business, commercial, industrial, telecommunications providers, and energy producers will have different needs based on site characteristics. The more complex the system is, the more it will typically need higher handling capabilities.
3) Specific Protection Requirements — from buildings to equipment, electrical lines to appliances, and homes to electronics, the arrester should be chosen based on what you need to protect.
Your risk will depend on certain variables. When choosing an arrester, consider the level of exposure. Is your electric/electronic equipment exposed to direct strikes/strokes? Or is it shielded indoors? Is there exposure to frequent voltage surges, lightning, or electric disturbances? You will most likely need enhanced protection.
The National Lightning Data Network (NLDN) at NASA is a trusted resource for information to help determine risk in your area. Obtaining this data can guide you to the appropriate level of arrester for your location.
Experienced electricians in the area can also be a good resource for insight into risks.
When deciding on the right arrester to protect your electrical system, equipment, and electronics, it is best to consult a professional electrician. Electrical surges and lightning can cause much destruction, so choosing the best protective measures and ensuring proper installation is critical.
Brandon Electric has professional electricians with skill and experience in deciding which is the best choice for particular situations regarding surge arrester vs. lightning arrester. With expertise in delivering tailored solutions, Brandon Electric provides high-quality service across surge arrester and lightning arrester needs.
Can I use both surge arresters and lightning arresters together?
In many situations, yes. Depending on your needs and the site's characteristics, you can utilize both types, providing a multi-layer level of protection. Potential benefits can include prolonging the life span of electrical systems, equipment, electronics, and appliances. This combination can also be a “backup” if one device fails.
How often should surge arresters and lightning arresters be inspected or replaced?
Visual inspections should occur at least once per year. A semi-annual visual inspection could be warranted in areas of frequent extreme weather. Critical systems should have an in-depth inspection every 1-3 years to ensure optimal performance and determine if replacement is needed.
What are the signs that an arrester needs to be replaced?
Common signs of arrester wear or failure include but are not limited to physical damage, such as dents, cracks, or chipped insulators; discoloration or burn marks; deterioration of the housing or encapsulation material; and melted or deformed parts. With timely replacement, you can minimize downtime, maximize the lifetime of your arresters, and ensure the ongoing protection of your electrical systems.
Voltage spikes and lightning strikes can cause extensive, costly damage. In Florida, storms are common, and harmful surges can occur. Contact Brandon Electric for professional installation and maintenance of surge arresters and lightning arresters. We are a full-service, licensed electrical contracting company.
It is important to work with experienced professionals when protecting critical electrical systems, appliances, and electronics. Knowing that your property is being properly safeguarded, we can give you peace of mind.
Brandon Electric is committed to excellence. Our installations provide enhanced equipment protection, long-term reliability, and increased safety at home and in the workplace. Contact us today for quality, professional arrester installation services.
