Surge Arreste

Manhua Electric: Your Professional Surge Arrester Supplier!

Our staffs of Manhua Electric have over thirty years of experience in the production and export of electrical products. Our main products include switchboards, automatic transfer switches (ATS), circuit breakers, contactors, lightning arresters, photocells and timers. Starting in 2017, we started operating a warehousing center in Chicago, USA. As a supplier of United Nations tender projects, we have been participating in power construction projects in overseas markets.

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Good Reputation
We have cooperated with partners in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and other countries, and have gained their trust because of the excellent quality of our products.

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Quality Guaranteed
We ensure that all production processes are carried out in accordance with the ISO9001 system, and all products have passed CE certification, and some products have also passed UL and VDE certification.

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High Productivity
We have our own standard factory buildings and warehousing centers, which can supply electrical products in large quantities and independently complete all work from raw materials, product production, assembly to packaging.

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Warm Service
We sincerely welcome all customers who come to inquire about our products, and provide professional product knowledge and technical guidance, as well as complete warranty and after-sales services.

What is Surge Arrester?

A surge arrester is a protective device that limits voltage on equipment by discharging or bypassing surge current. It's also known as a surge protection device or transient voltage surge suppressor. Surge arresters are used to protect high-voltage equipment in substations, such as transformers, circuit breakers and bushings, against the effects of lightning and switching surges. They are connected close to, and in parallel, with the equipment to be protected.

Features of Surge Arrester

Weather Resistant

Our surge arresters are made from coated metal oxide materials with a polymer housing that can be secured with a lock for indoor and outdoor use.

Stable Operation

These devices protect against powerful surges, including direct lightning strikes, voltage spikes, or PoE overvoltage, and also provide secondary protection to ensure stable power operation.

High Security

These arresters are equipped with powerful energy handling capabilities and are suitable for high and low frequency applications, providing tight spark discharge control performance.

Easy to Install

The devices are very compact and have mounting holes that allow easy screw mounting to walls, network panels, cabinets or racks.

How Do Surge Arresters Work?

Voltage Response Characteristic

Surge arresters are constructed using materials that exhibit a nonlinear voltage-current characteristic. In particular, metal oxide varistors (MOVs) are commonly used for this purpose. When the voltage across the arrester terminals remains below a certain threshold, the MOV has a very high resistance, virtually appearing as an open circuit.

Voltage Surge Occurrence

When a lightning strike or a transient overvoltage occurs in the electrical system, the voltage across the surge arrester increases rapidly. This increase is typically much higher than the normal operating voltage of the system. The surge arrester senses this abrupt voltage change.

Triggering Point

As the voltage across the surge arrester reaches a critical value, known as the “sparkover voltage” or “clamping voltage,” the nonlinear characteristic of the MOV activates. At this point, the MOV switches from a high-resistance state to a low-resistance state almost instantly. The triggering point is predetermined based on the surge arrester’s specifications.

Low-Impedance Path

Once the MOV switches to a low-resistance state, it provides an alternative and low-impedance path for the excess current caused by the lightning strike or voltage surge. The surge arrester essentially acts as a temporary conductor, diverting the current away from the protected equipment.

Current Diversion and Dissipation

As the excess current is diverted through the surge arrester, it dissipates the energy generated by the transient overvoltage. This dissipation occurs as heat, and the surge arrester is designed to withstand this thermal stress during the surge event.

Return to Normal State

Once the overvoltage event has passed, and the voltage across the surge arrester drops below the sparkover voltage, the MOV returns to its high-resistance state. The surge arrester resumes its function as an open circuit, ready to protect against the next surge event.

Types of Surge Arrester

Secondary Arresters

Secondary arresters are arresters rated under 1000 V. Secondary arresters are used to protect against secondary surges. Transformer failure rates range from 0.4-1%. 50-70% of all transformer failures are due to low-side surges. Secondary surge protection in the home or at the service entrance will cause additional surge duty to the service transformer. When using a secondary arrester, transformer failure rates can be reduced significantly by an order of magnitude.

Distribution Arresters

Distribution arresters are 1 to 36 kV rated. Within the distribution class, there are light duty, normal duty and heavy duty arresters.
Heavy duty arresters include the riser pole arrester. Distribution arresters can also be used in transformers as under-oil arresters, cubicle-mounted arresters and elbow arresters.
Normal duty arresters are used in low lightning applications, heavy duty arresters are used in high lightning applications, riser pole arresters are used where the distribution line goes from overhead to underground and the arrester can be used for all overhead applications.
A riser-pole arrester is used to limit the voltage surge seen by the underground cable and equipment. An open point arrester will prevent surge reflection or voltage doubling.

Intermediate Arresters

Intermediate arresters offer better discharge voltages, have a high fault current withstand capability and are available in ratings from 3 to 120 kV.

Station Class Arresters

Station class arresters offer the best discharge voltages of all arresters, provide high energy handling capabilities, have the highest fault current withstand capability and are available in ratings from 3 to 684 kV. Station class arresters have varying cantilever strengths for the most demanding applications.

Multiple Gap Arrester

It consists of a small series of insulated through an air gap. The number of gaps depends upon the voltage. The gaps protect the device through the corona discharge. In it, air ionizes, and fault current passes through the ground. A resistor is added to stop the fault current even further.

750VDC 250a 4p MCCB DC Molded Case Circuit Breaker

Electrolytic Arrester

It has a high discharge capacity. It operates on the basic principles of an electrolytic cell. Expressly, here aluminum hydroxide deposits on the aluminum plates. The plate acts as a high resistor to a low voltage value and vice versa for a critical value. A voltage of more than 400 volts punctures the impedance. Hence the fault current passes to the ground.

Residential Class
Residential surge arresters provide paramount safety to homeowners while also remaining cost-effective. These products work to protect home electronic components from surges in electricity and other unexpected spikes that result from lightning, utility switching or accidental contact. With the added security of these residential surge arresters, homeowners can rest easy knowing that their critical systems are being safeguarded against potentially permanent damage or destruction caused by lightning strikes.

Portable Class
Portable Class surge arresters are an invaluable tool for protecting people and devices from excessive surges of electricity. These devices are relatively lightweight and can be quickly deployed in a variety of applications. Unlike stationary class arresters, portable classes are easily transferable and can be used in numerous instances, from residential panel boards to switchgear systems. Their easy installation provides the assurance that their setup is correct and secure, plus they can be tested prior to being placed into service.

Lightning Class
Lightning-class surge arresters are essential components of electrical systems and provide top-tier protection against lightning strikes, electrical surges, and other costly damages. These devices absorb high voltages and currents, redirecting them away from sensitive equipment. With the use of these protective devices, costly repairs or replacements become unnecessary.

Solar Class
Solar Class surge arresters are the go-to choose for solar energy systems due to their reliability and dependability. These surge arresters provide safe, consistent protection as they utilize a unique class of energy storage materials that allow fast discharge during short-duration surges while also providing high withstand current. Solar Class arresters come equipped with lightning or surge detectors which provide added protection and alert users to any potential high voltage surges that may be occurring.

Materials of Surge Arrester

Silicon Carbide (SiC) Valve-Type Surge Arresters
SiC valve-type surge arresters employ a non-linear valve element (resistor) made of silicon carbide and inorganic binders. Silicon carbide is a compound of silicon and carbon.
Some arrester applications require that the valve element have a low resistance value during steady-state conditions to deal with particular surge and power system characteristics, creating excessive power losses. Valve-type surge arresters have spark gaps in series with the valve elements to manage this difficulty.

The total voltage across the arrester is the gaps’ sparkover level plus the voltage across the valve element. The lower the total voltage, the better the protection level.
SiC arresters also contain current limiting gaps to limit the system follow current. These gaps reduce the energy absorbed during operation, allowing for fewer valve elements, shorter arrester length, and reduced voltage levels. The arrester gaps exhibit drawbacks, like producing transients during the sparkover to engage the valve elements.

Metal-Oxide Surge Arresters (MOSA)
A metal-oxide surge arrester contains non-linear metal–oxide resistive disc elements with excellent thermal energy withstand capabilities. Each disc includes powdered zinc oxide material mixed with other metal oxides. This type of surge arrester works like a high-speed electronic switch – opened at steady-state voltages and closed at overvoltages.
There are three types of metal-oxide arresters:
● Gapless
● Series-gapped
● Shunt-gapped
Zinc oxide surge arresters are highly non-linear – their non-linear characteristic is much more pronounced than that of silicon carbide – and have low losses under steady-state conditions. Zinc oxide arresters are easy to manufacture, have low cost, and absorb or dissipate large amounts of energy. Nowadays, most arresters employed in new systems or revamps are gapless zinc oxide devices.

How to Install Surge Arrester?

Tools of Installing

Before installing the surge arrester, tools such as a flat-blade screwdriver, a pair of wire strippers, some pliers and electrical tape are needed. In addition, a battery-powered flashlight or lamp is also required for lighting. This is because the power supply will be cut off during the installation process.

Steps of Installing

It is well known that the surge arrester can efficiently and safely protect household appliances. However, many users know little about how to install the device safely. The following are the detailed installation instructions of the surge arrester.
(1)Preparing a main circuit breaker panel
(2)Installing a surge protection device
(3)Connecting the lines
(4)Reassembling the panel
(5)Confirming the installation operation

Check the Installation

After the Surge Arrester is installed, it is necessary to check the user manual to verify whether it can operate normally for protection. If the surge protection device does not light up, you should turn off the power and recheck whether the installation steps are correct.
It is worth mentioning that the capacity of the surge Arrester device is limited. The protection function will decrease accordingly when its voltage surges. Therefore, users have to regularly check the surge arrester to ensure that its protection function is still working normally.

Advantages of Surge Arrester

Protection from Lightning

Surge arresters provide a powerful layer of protection against one of nature's most destructive forces—lightning. By combining physical encasement with electrical grounding, surge arresters can direct destructive surges away from equipment and wiring systems.
They work like lightning rods to protect homes and businesses from damage caused by lightning strikes or other power surges. With the use of surge arresters, individuals and businesses alike can take comfort in knowing that their equipment is safe from sudden impact, as well as potential overvoltage damage.
Furthermore, these protective devices are easily installed in existing wiring systems without requiring complicated costs or labor. Investing in some basic surge arrester protection can save time and money due to the mitigation of future damages now that's just smart planning!

Protection from Power Surges

Surge arresters can be an invaluable tool for protecting sensitive devices and electronics from power surges. Unlike uninterruptible power supplies, which serve as a buffer between the power source and the device, surge arresters completely bypass the affected device with a specialized circuit, preventing dangerous electrical spikes from entering it.
This type of protection keeps hardware free from damage, saving time, money, and frustration. In addition to protecting equipment from power surges, surge arresters also protect phone lines and other communication systems from lightning strikes. This allows important information to remain secure while ensuring efficient operations in thunderstorm-prone areas.
Overall, using surge arresters offers reliable protection against damaging power surges that can cause significant financial losses by destroying valuable hardware.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

The installation of surge arresters can be a great asset to any power system. Not only do they help protect vital equipment from voltage surges, but they also reduce maintenance costs as well. By diverting any excess energy away from your infrastructure, surge arresters can stop components from having to constantly work beyond their usual levels and prevent premature wearing of certain parts.
This means that mechanical and electrical systems will require less upkeep and repair, which can help save money in the long run. In addition, surge arresters are durable enough to withstand multiple storms and other surges, making them a wise investment for anyone with an electricity-driven environment.

Electronic Equipment Safety

Surge arresters are an important safety device specifically designed to help protect electrical equipment from spikes and surges in voltage. The advantages of using surge arresters are numerous and include improved safety, the increased life expectancy of the system, prevention of costly repairs, and reduced maintenance costs.
Surge arresters provide essential protection by monitoring incoming electrical currents and helping to prevent sudden changes that could potentially cause damage or even failure of the protected system.
Additionally, they can help to ensure that your valued electronics remain cheaper to repair and run for longer. By protecting your electronic systems from external power infractions, surge arresters provide greatly improved safety in both home and workplace settings.

Cleaner Power

Surge arresters are life savers in a world where electricity is essential for daily use. They protect valuable electrical equipment, prevent the destruction caused by electric overloads, and boast longer-term power quality issues. Not only that, but they also help to provide cleaner power to consumers.
Surge arresters allow electrical disturbances to be diverted away from sensitive equipment, which ensures that the energy used is of a higher quality. This helps reduce the risk of unwanted outages or costly repairs while making sure the energy delivered is safer and more reliable.
Additionally, surge arresters can significantly decrease the accumulation of soot and other hazardous pollutants created during the burning of coal or diesel, a common source of power generation not just in developing countries but also across the globe. In this way, investing in surge arresters brings numerous benefits – cleaner power, increased safety levels, and improved durability – making it an investment worth considering.

What is the Ideal Location of a Lightning Arrester?

The lightning arrester should be placed near the equipment it protects. It’s generally linked between ground and phase in an AC arrangement and ground and pole in a DC system. Furthermore, AC systems contain a separate arrester in each phase.

Surge diverters are installed in extra-voltage AC arrangements to shield the generator, bus bars, circuit breakers, lines, transformers, and other components. Likewise, HVDC structures include an arrestor to safeguard against filters, reactors, valve converter units, and similar elements.

Moreover, there are various types of lightning arresters that protect different power systems. The choice largely depends on several common factors. The list includes the line frequency, voltage, weather conditions, reliability, and cost.

To determine the perfect arrester for your household, reach out to a seasoned electrician. They can also install the component efficiently without any safety risks.

How to Choose Surge Arrester？

For electric systems surge arresters stand out as an important protection element. Certain factors should be considered before choosing surge arresters. Because accordingly the lifecycle of surge arresters varies. If you choose a surge arrester in line with the circuit you will use, you will benefit from this protection equipment for long. When choosing surge arresters, you should be careful about short circuit current, voltage value and impact rate properties. Current and voltage values are written on surge arrester labels.

Rated voltage (a system or a voltage according to which the device is designed and certain working principles are related) should not be on the label. The important thing in choosing surge arrester is the continuous value that the high voltage between the line terminal and ground terminal has.

Surge arrester should be grounded based on the pole or resistance of triangle-star and star point when the Parafudr voltage is being determined. Surge arresters are used per different load intervals and in line with the impact rate currents. According to these, surge arresters are produced according to various short circuit current value and impact rate current.

There are some myths about surge arresters. These misguide you while choosing surge arresters. For example, surge arresters are thought to ground high voltage, however, they actually ground the excessive current occurring in the system. Even though the words current and voltage seem to be used in the same context they are in fact different. Current means the electron density carried by the conductive while voltage means the electromotor power that helps direct these electrons. Surge arresters can convey the excessive current in the system but they are not able to prevent high voltage.

How to Diagnose High-voltage Surge Arresters?

Surge arresters play a key role in protecting electrical devices and equipment in high-voltage electrical substations. Like other devices, they must be periodically diagnosed. The most common method is visual inspection: checking that the arrester has no visible external mechanical damage. However, an arrester with no visible external damage can sometimes suffer internal damage. As a result, it may not be able to protect against a surge or overvoltage.

Testing high-voltage surge arresters
The IEC60099-5 international standard includes an overview of methods used for diagnosing high-voltage surge arresters. We developed the Leakage Current Monitor precisely for this purpose. It performs non-invasive diagnostics of varistor-type surge arresters (with metal-oxide blocks) during operation.
This instrument measures the quality of the metal oxide blocks to help manage the risk of failure. Specifically, it uses IEC60099-5 method B2, analyzing the leakage current’s 3rd harmonic with harmonics compensation in the grid voltage. According to the international standard, this is the most reliable method of diagnosing high-voltage surge arresters during operation.

Confirming with thermal imager
We wanted to make sure thermal imaging cameras could help us to verify the findings. The Infrared Camera seemed like the right choice, since it can capture (and visualize) very small temperature differences. This particular camera is extremely sensitive and gives accurate, sharp onscreen images. It does this even when the surge arresters are high up or far away.

Our Factory Photo

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Frequently Asked Questions of Surge Arrester

Q: What is the purpose of surge arrester?

A: Surge arresters are used to protect high-voltage equipment in substations, such as transformers, circuit breakers and bushings, against the effects of lightning and switching surges. Surge arresters are connected close to, and in parallel, with the equipment to be protected.

Q: What is difference between lightning arrester and surge arrester?

A: Surge arrester protects the installation from inside while lightning arrester protects the equipment from outside. Surge arrester protects the system from lightning, switching, electrical faults, and other transients voltage and surges while lightning arrester is mainly used for lightning strikes and associated surges.

Q: What are the two types of power surge arresters?

A: There are three classes of power system surge arresters: station-, intermediate-, and distribution-class. Station arresters provide the best protective levels but are more expensive. Insulation coordination is essential. They are used for limiting voltage on equipment by discharging or bypassing surge current. It prevents continued flow to follow current to ground.

Q: Why surge arrester failure?

A: Surge suppressors protect their equipment against surges caused by lightning strikes, electrical storms and other sources of voltage spikes. In most scenarios, failure occurs due to dielectric breakdown whereby the internal structure has deteriorated to the point where the arrester is unable to withstand applied voltage, whether normal system voltage, temporary power frequency overvoltage (e.g. following external line faults or switching) or lightning or ...

Q: Do you need a surge arrester?

A: No electrical system is perfectly enclosed and a single voltage spike can mean doom for a transformer and other electrical devices in a blink. So overall the importance of a surge arrester should not be understated, and all locations should count with a system to protect them from dangerous discharges. If users have a coaxial cable line connected to expensive equipment, they should consider purchasing a surge protector.

Q: How is surge arrester connected?

A: A surge arrester is connected to each phase conductor just before it enters the transformer. The surge arrester is grounded, thereby providing a low impedance path to ground for energy from an over-voltage transient if one occurs. The surge arrester is grounded, which provides a low impedance path to ground for energy from an over-voltage transient.

Q: How long does a surge arrester last?

A: However, a general rule of thumb is to replace your surge protector every 3 to 5 years, or sooner if you notice any signs of damage or malfunction. You can also check the manufacturer's warranty or rating for the surge protector, which indicates how much energy it can handle before it needs to be replaced.

Q: Can I plug my refrigerator into a surge protector?

A: The surge generates an excessive amount of heat, which can damage multiple parts of the refrigerator. Three components in particular that we often see damaged by a high voltage surge are the control board, the compressor, and the ice maker. The control board is the most sensitive component in the refrigerator. We do not recommend connecting a refrigerator or freezer to a surge protector. The reason we do not recommend this is explained below: The compressor is sensitive to temperature and current overloads and will shut itself down with a power surge.

Q: How do you test a surge arrester?

A: The power loss can check by several methods given below:
Using a voltage signal as reference.
Compensating the capacitive element by using a voltage signal.
Capacitive compensation by combining the leakage current of the three phases.
Third order harmonic analysis.
Direct determination of the power losses.

Q: Is a surge arrester a capacitor?

A: Surge capacitors function differently from surge arrestors. A surge arrester is device that intercepts electrical surges and sends the spike to ground before it can hurt a connected device. Arrestors begin to conduct at a voltage above normal line voltage after a specific time delay. Capacitors conduct current at a normal line voltage continually, therefore there is not time delay or voltage change before capacitors begin to conduct.

Q: Is a surge arrester a fuse?

A: No, a surge arrester is not a fuse. A fuse protects against over current, such as overload or short circuit. A surge arrester protects against over voltages or voltage spikes. Fuses and circuit breakers are electrical safety devices that protect against overload and short-circuit. Surge arresters can protect components and equipment against destruction due to lightning and faulty operation.

Q: What types of surges do surge arresters protect against?

A: Surge arresters, also known as surge protectors, protect electrical equipment from voltage spikes caused by: Lightning strik, Power line faults, Other unexpected events, Switching surges. Surge arresters limit these overvoltages caused by lightning or switching surges (i.e. surges that occur when operating conditions in an electrical system are suddenly changed). They are not designed to protect against a direct lightning strike if ever one should occur.

Q: What are the components of a surge arrester?

A: A metal oxide varistor (MOV) surge arrester contains a series of metal oxide varistor blocks. These MOV blocks are like a voltage-controlled switch, which acts as an insulator with line voltage. At the heart of the surge arrester unit is the MO varistor column, which constitutes its active part. The column is composed of MO varistor blocks stacked on top of each other. These blocks are made of zinc oxide (ZnO) and other metallic powders mixed together and then pressed into cylindrical discs.

Q: How are surge arresters installed in electrical systems?

A: The placement of surge arresters depends on the power system's characteristics and voltage level. Surge arresters are connected to each phase conductor before it enters the transformer. They are grounded to provide a low impedance path to ground for energy from an over-voltage transient. They are installed on circuit breakers inside a residential home, inside padmounted transformers, on pole mounted transformers, on pole-mounted riser poles and substations.

Q: How can surge arresters be tested for functionality?

A: Point-to-point tests can be performed to determine the resistance between the main grounding system and individual arrester ground points. The most common method is visual inspection: checking that the arrester has no visible external mechanical damage. However, an arrester with no visible external damage can sometimes suffer internal damage. As a result, it may not be able to protect against a surge or overvoltage.

Q: What is the current rating of a surge arrester?

A: Generally, for solidly earthed systems, the best surge arrester for 33kV is the 27kV MCOV rating and for the 11kV networks it will be the 9kV MCOV rating. This product provides the highest level of protection for medium-voltage networks and can be used in many applications where other ratings may not be suitable.

Q: What is the expected life span of a surge arrester?

Q: How do surge arresters prevent damage to electrical equipment from lightning strikes?

A: Surge arresters protect electrical systems from damage caused by lightning strikes and other power surges. A surge blocks or redirects surge current to the ground instead of passing through the equipment by monitoring the amount of voltage that flows along wiring. If it detects a dangerous spike in voltage, the surge protector immediately diverts the extra voltage into the earth via a “ground wire.”

Q: What are some common applications of surge arresters?

A: Surge arresters have many applications, anywhere from protecting a home to a utility substation. They are installed on circuit breakers inside a residential home, inside padmounted transformers, on pole mounted transformers, on pole-mounted riser poles and substations. The different types of surge arrestors include low-voltage, distribution, neutral protection, fiber tube, network, signal, direct current, stations, etc.

Q: Can surge arresters prevent damage to sensitive electronic equipment?

A: Yes, surge arresters can prevent damage to sensitive electronic equipment. Surge arresters, also known as surge protectors, lightning barriers, and lightning protection, protect electrical systems from damage caused by transient overvoltages. These overvoltages can be caused by power outages or lightning strikes. However, electronic devices are susceptible to damage caused by surge voltage, which can occur due to lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, or other electrical disturbances.

As one of the most professional surge arreste manufacturers and suppliers in China, we're featured by quality products and competitive price. Please rest assured to buy buy customized surge arreste made in China here from our factory. Contact us for quotation.

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