What is a lightning arrester? What is a surge protector? Electricians who have been engaged in the electrical industry

for many years must know this very well. But when it comes to the difference between lightning arresters and surge

protectors, many electrical personnel may not be able to tell them for a while, and some electrical beginners are even

more confused. We all know that lightning arresters are used to protect electrical equipment from high transient overvoltage

hazards during lightning strikes, and to limit the freewheeling time and often limit the freewheeling amplitude. Lightning

arresters are sometimes also called overvoltage protectors and overvoltage limiters.

The surge protector, also known as the lightning protector, is an electronic device that provides safety protection for

various electronic equipment, instruments, and communication lines. When a peak current or voltage suddenly occurs

in an electrical circuit or communication line due to external interference, it can conduct a shunt in a very short time to

avoid surge damage to other equipment in the circuit. So, what is the difference between a lightning arrester and a surge

protector? Below we will compare the five major differences between lightning arresters and surge protectors, so that you

can thoroughly understand the respective functions of lightning arresters and surge protection. After reading this article,

I hope it will give electrical personnel a deeper understanding of lightning arresters and surge protectors.

01 The role of surge protectors and lightning arresters

1. Surge protector: Surge protector is also called surge protector, low-voltage power supply lightning protector, lightning

protector, SPD, etc. It is an electronic device that provides safety protection for various electronic equipment, instruments,

and communication lines. It is an electronic device that provides safety protection for various electronic equipment,

instruments, and communication lines. When a peak current or voltage suddenly occurs in an electrical circuit or

communication line due to external interference, the surge protector can conduct and shunt the current in a very short time,

thereby preventing the surge from damaging other equipment in the circuit.

In addition to being used in the power field, surge protectors are also necessary in other fields. As a protective device, they

ensure that the equipment reduces the impact of surges during the connection process.

2. Lightning arrester: Lightning arrester is a lightning protection device used to protect electrical equipment from the hazards

of high transient overvoltage during lightning strikes, and to limit the freewheeling time and limit the freewheeling amplitude.

The lightning arrester is sometimes also called an over-voltage arrester.

A lightning arrester is an electrical device that can release lightning or overvoltage energy during power system operation,

protect electrical equipment from instantaneous overvoltage hazards, and cut off freewheeling to prevent system grounding

short circuit. A device connected between a conductor and the ground to prevent lightning strikes, usually in parallel with the

protected equipment. Lightning arresters can effectively protect power equipment. Once abnormal voltage occurs, the arrester

will act and play a protective role. When the voltage value is normal, the arrester will quickly return to its original state to ensure

the normal power supply of the system.

Lightning arresters can be used not only to protect against atmospheric high voltages, but also against operating high voltages.

If there is a thunderstorm, high voltage will occur due to lightning and thunder, and the electrical equipment may be in danger.

At this time, the lightning arrester will work to protect the electrical equipment from damage. The biggest and most important

function of a lightning arrester is to limit overvoltage to protect electrical equipment.

A lightning arrester is a device that allows lightning current to flow into the earth and prevents electrical equipment from generating

high voltage. The main types include tube-type arresters, valve-type arresters, and zinc oxide arresters. The main working principles

of each type of lightning arrester are different, but their working essence is the same, which is to protect electrical equipment from damage.

02 The difference between lightning arresters and surge protectors

1. Applicable voltage levels are different

Lightning arrester: Lightning arresters have multiple voltage levels, ranging from 0.38KV low voltage to 500KV ultra-high voltage;

Surge protector: Surge protector has low-voltage products with multiple voltage levels starting from AC 1000V and DC 1500V.

2. The installed systems are different

Lightning arrester: usually installed on the primary system to prevent direct intrusion of lightning waves;

Surge protector: Installed on the secondary system, it is a supplementary measure after the arrester eliminates the direct intrusion

of lightning waves, or when the arrester fails to eliminate the lightning waves completely.

3. The installation location is different

Lightning arrester: Generally installed at the high-voltage cabinet in front of the transformer (often installed in the incoming circuit

or outgoing circuit of the high-voltage distribution cabinet, that is, in front of the transformer);

Surge protector: SPD is installed in the low-voltage distribution cabinet after the transformer (often installed at the inlet of the

low-voltage distribution cabinet, that is, the outlet of the transformer).

4. Different appearance and size

Lightning arrester: Because it is connected to the electrical primary system, it must have sufficient external insulation performance

and a relatively large appearance size;

Surge protector: Because it is connected to a low-voltage system, it can be very small.

5. Different grounding methods

Lightning arrester: generally a direct grounding method;

Surge protector: SPD is connected to the PE line.