Low Voltage Lightning Arresters: Essential Protection for Electrical Systems
Low voltage lightning arresters—people also call them surge protection devices (SPDs)—are key parts for electrical systems. They protect electrical and electronic equipment from sudden overvoltages. These overvoltages come from lightning strikes or switching in power systems. Their main job is to limit voltage surges. They do this by sending extra current safely to the ground. This stops connected devices from getting damaged and keeps the system working well.
Operating Principle
Low voltage arresters usually use metal-oxide varistors (MOVs)—most are made of zinc oxide—as their main protective part. These varistors have a strong “nonlinear” voltage-current trait. When the system runs at normal voltage, the arrester has very high resistance. Only a tiny leakage current (microamps or milliamps) flows through it. If a sudden overvoltage hits—like one from lightning—and goes above a set level, the varistor’s resistance drops almost right away. This change makes a low-resistance path. The path shunts the big surge current away from sensitive equipment and into the grounding system. Once the surge passes and the system voltage is back to normal, the arrester automatically resets to its high-resistance state. It’s ready for the next surge.
Key Characteristics and Features
They have great protective performance. The zinc oxide discs’ strong nonlinear trait clamps voltages well. This keeps the voltage on protected equipment within safe limits. They also can take in a lot of energy from surge currents without breaking. This is key for handling multiple surges. They react very fast to overvoltages—usually in nanoseconds. This protects modern electronics quickly. Modern low-voltage arresters, especially those with polymer housings, are small and light. They usually don’t need any maintenance. Good-quality arresters have strong sealing. They use materials like ceramic or composite silicone rubber housings. This stops moisture from getting in and keeps them working well for a long time.
Applications
You’ll find these arresters in many places to protect things. They guard power distribution systems—like low-voltage grids in homes, offices, and factories. They also shield sensitive devices, such as computers, telecom systems, and control panels. And they’re important for renewable energy setups, like solar panel systems and inverters. They protect these setups from direct or indirect lightning strikes.
To sum up, abimat low voltage lightning arresters are a must for modern electrical systems. They reliably stop voltage surges from causing damage. This helps keep systems running, protects valuable equipment, and keeps operations safe.
