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What surge arresters do and how to use them?

Industrial surge arresters might sound complicated, but they’re just protectors for your electrical equipment. In this guide, we’ll break down what surge arresters are, how they work, where you should use them, and some tips on installing and maintaining them.

What is an Industrial surge arrester?

Think of an industrial surge arrester as a safety guard for your electrical systems. When there’s a lightning strike or any sudden spike in voltage, the surge arrester kicks in to redirect that extra energy safely into the ground. This keeps your expensive equipment from getting fried. Under normal conditions, the surge arrester just sits there, doing nothing, but when trouble comes, it’s ready to protect.

surge arresters lightning surge arrester

Where do you use surge arresters?

Surge arresters are used in many critical areas, especially in industrial settings:

  • Protecting transformers

Transformers are big and expensive, and they can be damaged by lightning or power surges. Surge arresters make sure that doesn’t happen.

  • Protecting power cables

They also protect power cables, helping them last longer by preventing damage from high voltage.

  • Protecting your entire power system

By installing surge arresters, you can make your whole power system more stable and less likely to have problems when a storm hits.

Tips for installing surge arresters

Installing surge arresters is not difficult if you keep a few things in mind:

1. Pick the right one

Choose a surge arrester that matches your system’s voltage and the environment where it will be used. GRL Group offers many different types to fit your needs.

2. Place them in the right spot

Surge arresters should be installed where they’re most needed, like near transformers or at the entry points of power lines.

3. Make sure they’re grounded properly

The surge arrester must be correctly grounded so it can safely discharge extra voltage.

4. Keep the connection short

The cable between the surge arrester and the equipment it’s protecting should be as short as possible to work best.

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lightning surge arrester

How to take care of your surge arresters

Just like any other piece of equipment, surge arresters need regular check-ups:

  • Check Them Regularly

Look at the surge arrester from time to time to make sure it’s not damaged or worn out.

  • Test Their Performance

Regular testing can ensure that the surge arrester will work properly when it’s needed.

  • Keep Them Clean

In dusty or corrosive environments, make sure the surge arrester stays clean to keep it working effectively.

Choosing and buying surge arresters

When picking a surge arrester, consider how well it performs, where it will be used, and how easy it is to maintain. GRL Group offers a wide range of surge arresters to suit different industrial needs. And if you have special requirements, our team can help with custom solutions.

Industrial surge arresters are crucial for protecting your electrical systems from unexpected surges. By choosing the right surge arrester and installing it correctly, you can keep your equipment safe and your power system running smoothly. Hopefully, this guide has made things clearer for you. If you have more questions or need help, feel free to reach out to GRL Group.

Case study of surge arrester

A notable application of surge arresters was in a national power grid system where frequent lightning strikes caused significant damage to transformers and other critical components. By installing a metal-oxide surge arrester at key points in the grid, the utility company reported a dramatic reduction in equipment failures and maintenance costs. The surge arrester effectively diverted lightning-induced surges, protecting the infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted power supply to consumers.

In conclusion, metal-oxide surge arresters play a crucial role in protecting electrical systems from over-voltage transients. Their advanced design, durability, and compliance with international standards make them indispensable in maintaining the reliability and longevity of electrical infrastructure.

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