What is A Surge Arrester, and How Does it Work?

How Surge Arresters Work

Surge Arresters for Home

Surge Arresters for Home are an essential tool for any residential home or apartment. Surge protection is necessary because it guards against potentially damaging power surges, which can lead to serious damage to your appliances, electronics, wires and outlets in your home. Surge arresters for home come in a range of sizes, making it easy to find the one that best suits your needs. Not only do surge arresters protect your electronics and wiring from high voltage spikes, but they also give you peace of mind, knowing that you are guarded against all of life's little electrical surprises.

Why Surge Arresters Are Necessary

Surge arresters are essential for protecting electrical systems from damage due to lightning strikes, power surges and transient over voltages. Without them, expensive repairs could be needed on a regular basis - not only because of the cost associated with replacing damaged components but also due to downtime caused by having an impaired system out of service while repairs take place.

Furthermore, without surge protection in place there’s always the risk of injury or death caused by faulty wiring or malfunctioning equipment if left unchecked after being subjected to an electrical surge event. Therefore, installing surge arresters is highly recommended wherever possible in order to reduce both financial costs and safety risks associated with surges in power systems.

High Voltage Surge Arrester

High voltage surge arrester can be an invaluable tool for anyone who owns appliances and electronics. High voltage surges can often cause serious damage, so investing in a high voltage surge arrester is a smart way to protect your devices from potentially catastrophic problems. High voltage surge arresters provide superior protection by immediately absorbing excess voltages caused by surges, thus preventing them from reaching sensitive electronic components. Additionally, they are designed to automatically reset after a few seconds when the threat has been eliminated. High voltage surge arresters offer peace of mind knowing that our most cherished electronics investments are safe and secure.

15 KV Surge Arrester

15 KV Surge Arresters are an essential component for modern power infrastructure, reducing the risk of safety hazards and equipment failures from overvoltage transients. 15 KV Surge Arresters optimise protection in medium-voltage systems by using patented arrestor technology to quickly reduce voltage surges to a safe level before they can cause any harm. They are designed not only to limit electrical damage, but also to prevent downtime of critical equipment in order to keep energy running smoothly and efficiently. 15 KV Surge Arresters provide peace of mind that your medium-voltage system is properly protected against unexpected power disruptions.

Ohio Brass Surge Protectors

Ohio Brass Surge Protectors are a must-have for any home or business with sensitive electronics. Ohio Brass Surge Protectors offer reliable protection from power surges and power outages. Ohio Brass has developed surge protectors with advanced technology that can provide up to 8,000 Joules of energy suppression. This phenomenal level of protection helps safeguard valuable electronics and keeps users safe from electrical hazards.

Ohio Brass has also integrated a 15-minute thermal cut-off fuse into the surge protectors, so if the device is subject to an abnormally high voltage it will be shut off quickly, protecting their electronics and cutting losses dramatically. Ohio Brass' advanced surge protection makes their surge protectors the ideal choice for all your power needs.

                         Advantages of Using Surge Arresters

Protection from Lightning

Surge arresters provide a powerful layer of protection against one of nature's most destructive forces—lightning. By combining physical encasement with electrical grounding, surge arresters can direct destructive surges away from equipment and wiring systems.

They work like lightning rods to protect homes and businesses from damage caused by lightning strikes or other power surges. With the use of surge arresters, individuals and businesses alike can take comfort in knowing that their equipment is safe from sudden impact, as well as potential overvoltage damage.

Furthermore, these protective devices are easily installed in existing wiring systems without requiring complicated costs or labor. Investing in some basic surge arrester protection can save time and money due to the mitigation of future damages now that's just smart planning!

Protection from Power Surges

Surge arresters can be an invaluable tool for protecting sensitive devices and electronics from power surges. Unlike uninterruptible power supplies, which serve as a buffer between the power source and the device, surge arresters completely bypass the affected device with a specialized circuit, preventing dangerous electrical spikes from entering it.

This type of protection keeps hardware free from damage, saving time, money, and frustration. In addition to protecting equipment from power surges, surge arresters also protect phone lines and other communication systems from lightning strikes. This allows important information to remain secure while ensuring efficient operations in thunderstorm-prone areas.

Overall, using surge arresters offers reliable protection against damaging power surges that can cause significant financial losses by destroying valuable hardware.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

The installation of surge arresters can be a great asset to any power system. Not only do they help protect vital equipment from voltage surges, but they also reduce maintenance costs as well. By diverting any excess energy away from your infrastructure, surge arresters can stop components from having to constantly work beyond their usual levels and prevent premature wearing of certain parts.

This means that mechanical and electrical systems will require less upkeep and repair, which can help save money in the long run. In addition, surge arresters are durable enough to withstand multiple storms and other surges, making them a wise investment for anyone with an electricity-driven environment.

Electronic Equipment Safety

Surge arresters are an important safety device specifically designed to help protect electrical equipment from spikes and surges in voltage. The advantages of using surge arresters are numerous and include improved safety, the increased life expectancy of the system, prevention of costly repairs, and reduced maintenance costs.

Surge arresters provide essential protection by monitoring incoming electrical currents and helping to prevent sudden changes that could potentially cause damage or even failure of the protected system.

Additionally, they can help to ensure that your valued electronics remain cheaper to repair and run for longer. By protecting your electronic systems from external power infractions, surge arresters provide greatly improved safety in both home and workplace settings.

Cleaner Power

Surge arresters are life savers in a world where electricity is essential for daily use. They protect valuable electrical equipment, prevent the destruction caused by electric overloads, and boast longer-term power quality issues. Not only that, but they also help to provide cleaner power to consumers.

Surge arresters allow electrical disturbances to be diverted away from sensitive equipment, which ensures that the energy used is of a higher quality. This helps reduce the risk of unwanted outages or costly repairs while making sure the energy delivered is safer and more reliable.

Additionally, surge arresters can significantly decrease the accumulation of soot and other hazardous pollutants created during the burning of coal or diesel, a common source of power generation not just in developing countries but also across the globe. In this way, investing in surge arresters brings numerous benefits – cleaner power, increased safety levels, and improved durability – making it an investment worth considering.

Surge Arrester Types

Surge arresters are safety devices that protect electrical systems and appliances from damage due to surges in power. Surge arrester types vary according to the application, with each offering different levels of protection. Well-known types include gas discharge tubes (GDTs), which have a high energy absorption capacity, and thyristors, which use controlled energy flow to absorb overvoltages and prevent them from entering into the system.

Sector arresters provide an automatic design that can detect large overcurrents instantaneously and act to prevent damage, while voltage limiting designs reduce the intensity of surge voltages before they reach sensitive components. Surge protection professionals regularly work to compare surge arrester types for their respective applications, as selecting the wrong type may result in inadequate protection or inefficient operation.

We break down the different surge arrester types,

Station Class

Station Class surge arresters are specifically designed to protect high-voltage power systems from voltage spikes. These are large and rugged arresters that typically prevent damage to turbines, high-voltage transformers, and other high-energy electrical equipment in power distribution systems.

Station Class surge arresters boast a particularly long service life since they are designed with reliable construction which is well equipped for the rigors of extreme environmental conditions. When properly maintained, these types of surge arresters provide reliable protection against voltage transients and eliminate the need for expensive repairs because of lightning strikes.

Distribution Class

Distribution class surge arresters are integral when it comes to protecting valuable electrical equipment from the damaging effects of lightning. When installed within a facility, this type of arrester works to protect medium-voltage equipment by absorbing and diverting the excessive electric charges into the ground.

It achieves this through its semiconductor device that’s designed to short circuit in order to provide an alternate path for any overvoltage conditions. This provides a more permanent solution compared to manually resetting circuits where applicable.

For electrical facilities looking for comprehensive protection, using distribution class surge arresters can help provide peace of mind both now and in the future.

Residential Class

Residential surge arresters provide paramount safety to homeowners while also remaining cost-effective. These products work to protect home electronic components from surges in electricity and other unexpected spikes that result from lightning, utility switching or accidental contact.

With the added security of these residential surge arresters, homeowners can rest easy knowing that their critical systems are being safeguarded against potentially permanent damage or destruction caused by lightning strikes.

Not only do residential class surge arresters offer reliable protection, but also flexibility -interior and exterior models are available for different environments and are easy to install. Wherever there is an increased possibility for electrical surges, these resilient residential class surge arresters can be a reliable line of defense.

Portable Class

Portable Class surge arresters are an invaluable tool for protecting people and devices from excessive surges of electricity. These devices are relatively lightweight and can be quickly deployed in a variety of applications. Unlike stationary class arresters, portable classes are easily transferable and can be used in numerous instances, from residential panel boards to switchgear systems. Their easy installation provides the assurance that their setup is correct and secure, plus they can be tested prior to being placed into service.

Furthermore, it's highly customizable as various design settings are available, given the device’s intended purpose. In terms of safety, these temperature-compensated damping structures contain arc-extinguishing chambers that enable them to react during high-grade surges immediately. Its many features enhance its overall efficiency, making it an incredibly reliable device for any necessary application.

Lightning Class

Lightning-class surge arresters are essential components of electrical systems and provide top-tier protection against lightning strikes, electrical surges, and other costly damages. Using specific types of surge arresters can be a very cost-effective way to protect any electrical system.

These devices absorb high voltages and currents, redirecting them away from sensitive equipment. With the use of these protective devices, costly repairs or replacements become unnecessary. Lightning-class surge arresters are undoubtedly an excellent solution for protecting vital equipment from lightning and electrical malfunctions.

Solar Class

Solar Class surge arresters are the go-to choose for solar energy systems due to their reliability and dependability. These surge arresters provide safe, consistent protection as they utilize a unique class of energy storage materials that allow fast discharge during short-duration surges while also providing high withstand current.

Furthermore, Solar Class arresters come equipped with lightning or surge detectors which provide added protection and alert users to any potential high voltage surges that may be occurring. This type of arrester is designed to be both long-lasting and durable in order to withstand harsh environmental conditions, meaning solar energy systems are protected no matter the climate or weather.

Ultimately, investing in a Solar Class arrester is an effective way to protect any solar power system from dangerous fluctuations in voltage.

APC Surge Arrest Surge Protector

APC Surge Arrest Surge Protector is a must-have for any home or business. It provides Safety Protection, Surge Suppression and Data Line Protection to safeguard valuable electronics such as computers, printers, gaming consoles and more.

The APC Surge Arrest helps prevent damage from surges and spikes caused by external factors such as lightning strikes or power outages. Unlike other surge protector devices on the market, APC’s is certified and guaranteed to protect your equipment against catastrophic failure due to damage caused by electrical surges or spikes.

APC Surge Arrest also features a diagnostic LED light that indicates that surge protection is working properly, giving you peace of mind knowing your equipment is safe from damaging power outages. With APC Surge Arrest, you can rest assured that your electronic equipment investments are safe and secure from sudden power disturbances.

Surge Arrester vs. Surge Protector

Surge arresters and surge protectors are two important electrical components used to protect valuable electronics from power surges. Surge arresters are designed to redirect a sudden excess of energy or voltage, known as a surge, away from vulnerable machinery or appliances, while surge protectors divert the voltage onto the ground.

Surge protectors also offer additional protection by filtering out electromagnetic noise before it can reach equipment. Surge arresters are primarily used for large-scale operations fed by transformers, such as factories and businesses, while surge protectors can be routinely found at home in the form of specialty power strips and plugging devices. Surge arresters and surge protectors may look alike on the outside but they fulfil vastly different functions when it comes to shielding sensitive electronics.

Surge Arrester vs. Lightning Arrester

Surge Arrester Basics

A surge arrester is designed to protect electrical equipment from voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes, power line faults, or other unexpected events. This type of arrester works by diverting excess current away from sensitive equipment.

When the voltage increases above a certain threshold, the arrester will conduct electricity to the ground in order to prevent damage to other components in the system. A surge arrester usually has two terminals—the input terminal and the output terminal—and operates on a simple principle of redirecting electricity when it reaches a certain level. 

Lightning Arresters Basics

Unlike surge arresters, lightning arresters are specifically designed to protect against direct lightning strikes. This type of protection device works by grounding any potential surge before it can reach sensitive components in the system.

Lightning arresters also have two terminals—the input terminal and ground terminal—but they operate on a different principle than surge arresters. Instead of conducting electricity when it reaches a certain level, lightning arresters act as insulators until they detect an excessive amount of current flowing through them. At this point, they conduct electricity to the ground in order to protect other components in the system. 

Difference Between Surge Arresters & Lightning Arresters

Surge Arresters and Lightning Arresters serve an important purpose when it comes to avoiding costly damages caused by lightning and power surges. Although the two are similar in that they both help protect equipment against possible electrical discharges, they have some noteworthy differences.

One of the bigger distinctions is that surge arresters work on low-voltage lines, while lightning arresters are needed to service much higher-voltage lines. As far as construction goes, most surge arresters feature multiple layers of insulator material, allowing them to be placed a larger distance away from buildings and other structures without sacrificing performance. While both devices provide valuable protection for industrial sites, doing your research about which one best service your needs is key to having a happy, safe outcome!

Having a Surge Arrester Installed

Surge arresters are vitally important for protecting electrical systems from damage due to transient overvoltages such as lightning strikes or power outages. They work by intercepting these voltage spikes and diverting them away from sensitive equipment before they can cause any harm.

Most surge arresters consist of two main components - a spark gap and metal oxide varistors - which work together quickly enough that no damage is done when such events occur. Installing surge arresters is highly recommended for any power system in order to reduce costs associated with repairs as well as safety risks posed by malfunctioning equipment that has been subjected to an electrical surge event without proper protection in place.

Affordable Electrical Services

Dealing with an electrical surge problem at home can be incredibly distressing, and many electricians and companies are willing to exploit people experiencing such issues by charging them high fees. At AC-DC Electric, we strive to provide high quality services at affordable rates.

Our experts can also offer you a free estimate before you hire them. This ensures you remain aware of how much you will need to pay before using our services.

If you’re ready to tackle your residential property’s electrical problems quickly, please contact AC-DC Electric today. Our experts are always happy and ready to help residents in Greeley, Evans, Johnstown & Windsor. Call today for a free estimate at 970-330-1656.