A surge arrester is a crucial protective device used in electrical power systems to safeguard equipment from damaging overvoltage transients, such as those caused by lightning strikes or switching operations. By providing a controlled path for excess voltage to travel safely to the ground, surge arresters play a vital role in preventing costly damage and system outages.
When it comes to electrical safety, the terms surge protector and surge arrester are often used interchangeably. This confusion is understandable—they both protect electrical systems from voltage spikes. However, their design, application, and performance characteristics differ significantly.
Surge arresters are critical devices designed to protect electrical power systems from transient overvoltages. These sudden surges can result from natural events such as lightning strikes or from switching operations within the power grid. Without effective surge protection, sensitive equipment like transformers, switchgear, and industrial machinery can suffer severe damage, leading to costly repairs and power outages.