What is the function of a surge arrester in electrical systems?
1 Answer
A surge arrester, also known as a lightning arrester or surge protector, is an essential component in electrical systems designed to protect sensitive equipment and devices from overvoltage surges. Its primary function is to divert excessive electrical surges and transient voltage spikes safely to the ground, thereby preventing damage to connected equipment.
Surges can occur due to various reasons, including lightning strikes, switching operations, or faults in the power grid. When a surge happens, it can create a rapid and temporary increase in voltage, which can exceed the normal operating voltage of electrical equipment. This excess voltage can lead to the breakdown of insulation, damage to electronic components, and cause equipment failure.
The surge arrester consists of a set of metal oxide varistors (MOV) or other voltage-sensitive components. When the voltage across the surge arrester exceeds its rated threshold, it rapidly conducts electricity, creating a low-impedance path to the ground. By providing this low-resistance path, the surge arrester diverts the surge current away from the connected equipment and safely dissipates it into the ground.
Surge arresters are commonly used in various electrical systems, including power distribution networks, telecommunication networks, data centers, industrial plants, and residential buildings. They are especially crucial for protecting sensitive electronic devices, such as computers, televisions, communication equipment, and other electrical appliances, which can be easily damaged by voltage surges.
In summary, the main function of a surge arrester in electrical systems is to protect valuable equipment from voltage surges by diverting the excessive energy safely to the ground, ensuring the system remains within its safe operating limits.
Surges can occur due to various reasons, including lightning strikes, switching operations, or faults in the power grid. When a surge happens, it can create a rapid and temporary increase in voltage, which can exceed the normal operating voltage of electrical equipment. This excess voltage can lead to the breakdown of insulation, damage to electronic components, and cause equipment failure.
The surge arrester consists of a set of metal oxide varistors (MOV) or other voltage-sensitive components. When the voltage across the surge arrester exceeds its rated threshold, it rapidly conducts electricity, creating a low-impedance path to the ground. By providing this low-resistance path, the surge arrester diverts the surge current away from the connected equipment and safely dissipates it into the ground.
Surge arresters are commonly used in various electrical systems, including power distribution networks, telecommunication networks, data centers, industrial plants, and residential buildings. They are especially crucial for protecting sensitive electronic devices, such as computers, televisions, communication equipment, and other electrical appliances, which can be easily damaged by voltage surges.
In summary, the main function of a surge arrester in electrical systems is to protect valuable equipment from voltage surges by diverting the excessive energy safely to the ground, ensuring the system remains within its safe operating limits.