A
lightning arrester
(a lternative spelling lightning arrestor)
(also called lightning diverter) is a device used on electric power systems and
telecommunication systems to protect the insulation and conductors of the
system from the damaging effects of lightning. The typical lightning arrester
has a high-voltage terminal and a ground terminal. When a lightning surge (or
switching surge, which is very similar) travels along the power line to the
arrester, the current from the surge is diverted through the arrester, in most
cases to earth.
In
telegraphy and telephony, a lightning arrester is placed where wires enter a
structure, preventing damage to electronic instruments within and ensuring the
safety of individuals near them. Smaller versions of lightning arresters, also
called surge protectors, are devices that are connected between each electrical
conductor in power and communications systems and the Earth. These prevent the
flow of the normal power or signal currents to ground, but provide a path over
which high-voltage lightning current flows, bypassing the connected equipment.
Their purpose is to limit the rise in voltage when a communications or power
line is struck by lightning or is near to a lightning strike.
If
protection fails or is absent, lightning that strikes the electrical system
introduces thousands of kilovolts that may damage the transmission lines, and
can also cause severe damage to transformers and other electrical or electronic
devices. Lightning-produced extreme voltage spikes in incoming power lines can
damage electrical home appliances or even produce death
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