Lightning strikes have always been a cause of both fascination and fear due to their unpredictability and potential for damage. When lightning strikes a building or a home, it can result in a catastrophic event, damaging appliances, electrical systems, and even endangering lives. The same applies to substations, which play a crucial role in the power distribution network. To mitigate the risks associated with lightning strikes, lightning arresters have emerged as a vital protective measure. In this blog, we will explore the applications of lightning arresters in different settings - buildings, homes, and substations - and understand their importance in ensuring safety.
Buildings, whether commercial or residential, are at a constant risk of being struck by lightning due to their tall structures and exposure to the elements. A single lightning strike can cause severe damage to the structural integrity of a building and its electrical systems. To safeguard buildings against such hazards, lightning arresters are deployed.
A lightning arrester for buildings primarily consists of a metal rod or conductor that is mounted on the roof. When lightning strikes, the conductor provides a low-resistance path for the electric current to safely reach the ground, preventing it from passing through the building's electrical system. This mechanism protects the structure from damage while ensuring the safety of the occupants.
Similar to buildings, homes are equally susceptible to lightning strikes due to their exposure and proximity to lightning-prone areas. Lightning strikes can cause fires, electrical equipment failures, and even personal injuries if not adequately protected.
Lightning arresters for homes are designed to divert the high voltage of a lightning strike from entering the house. There are two types of lightning arresters commonly used for home protection: single-point and multi-point arresters.
Single-point arresters are installed either on top of the house or at the point where the electricity enters the building from the external power lines. These arresters act as conductors, redirecting the lightning energy through a grounding system and away from critical components within the home. Multi-point arresters, on the other hand, provide protection for individual appliances or electronics within the home, such as televisions, refrigerators, or computers, by redirecting the surge to a grounding system.
Substations serve as vital hubs in the power distribution network, ensuring effective transmission of electricity to homes, businesses, and industries. Due to their high energy-intensive operations, substations face significant risks from lightning strikes. Without proper protection, a lightning strike in a substation can cause transformer failures, costly downtime, and damage to critical equipment.
Lightning arresters in substations are designed to protect the valuable equipment and infrastructure. These arresters are installed at various points within the substation, including incoming power lines and outgoing feeders. Acting as surge protectors, the arresters provide a path of least resistance for lightning-induced surges, diverting the electricity directly to the ground and bypassing the sensitive components of the substation.
Lightning arresters play a crucial role in protecting buildings, homes, and substations from the devastating effects of lightning strikes. By providing a low-resistance path for the electrical charge, they effectively divert the lightning energy away from the vulnerable structures and equipment, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring the safety of occupants.
Whether it is a commercial building, a residential home, or a critical substation, the installation of lightning arresters is a preventive measure that offers peace of mind and safeguards against the unpredictable nature of lightning strikes. It is highly recommended to consult with professionals, such as metal oxide varistor manufacturer TGE, to choose the right type and placement of lightning arresters based on specific requirements.
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