Transmission Line Arresters

How it works

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Asystem less likely to experience a backflash and a momentary outage is where transmission line arresters are strategically installed.

One Arrester Configuration

The location of arresters is determined by the desired back flash rate. Tower configuration(height,spacing, shield angle etc.) Insulator CFO Ground Resistance Ground Flash Density are the important characteristics that determine the proper locations. 3 of 36

Three Arrester Configuration

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System voltage is normal

In this example, one arrester is connected to the top phase. Just prior to the strike, the system operates precisely as a system with out arresters. 5 of 36

Note the system remains undisturbed

Upon direct strikes, before the surge voltage can reach the CFO of the insulator, the arrester turns on and routes the surge onto the phase without a Flash over.
The 80 20 rule applies in mostcases 6 of 36

The system returns to normal

After the surge event is over, the system returns to to normal andno outage is experienced.
The connected load will not be aware that the system was struck.
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If an arrester experiences a surge higher than it is capable of handling without failure, and it is equipped with an isolating device, it will disconnect during the 8 of 36 event

After the surge is over, and fault current starts to flow, the disconnector senses the fault and ignites the powder built into the device.
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The disconnecting device is not an interrupter so during this rare event, an interrupting device must clear the circuit.
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After the surge event is over, the system returns to normal but in this case an outage has occurred.

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However it is a rare event when a heavy duty arrester sees an impulse overload and the system will in all likelihood not experience an outage

The connected load will not be aware that the 12 of 36 system was struck.

After the impulse, the system will be ready for the next one.

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