Surge Arrester vs Lightning Arrester: Which One to Choose?

Different terms used for arresters are sometimes confusing even professional engineers and electricians use them interchangeably. Now let’s discuss all these arresters in details.

Table of Contents

What is a Surge Arrester?

What is a Lightning Arrester?

Main Differences between Surge Arrester and Lightning Arrester

Should You Use Surge Arresters or Lightning Arresters?

Surge Arrester

1. The surge arrester will be installed nearer to the equipment to be protected and the transmission tower line enter in to the substation point.

2. It protects against high voltage transient (example: lightning strike on the transmission conductor) typically, it is indirect protection of lightning strikes.

3. It should be installed each phase of the circuit. i.e if you have 2 parallel switch yard then you should install 6 number of surge arrester (first run 3 phase and second run 3 phase) .