A lightning arrester protects electrical systems from damage caused by electricity surges, such as those from lightning or electrical switching. It routes excess electricity away from the system and into the ground. Proper installation and maintenance are important for safety. Lightning rods and arresters are different and can be used together for protection.
A lightning arrester is equipment designed to protect electrical systems and components from damage that can be caused by electricity surges. Such spikes can be the result of lightning or electrical switching and can be very dangerous, especially to electronics such as computers. Utilities equip their power lines with lightning arresters, as well as other safety measures, and these devices can also be mounted on individual electrical boxes.
When a surge of electricity hits an electrical system, it attempts to equalize and dissipate, taking the most efficient routes. A lightning rod provides a path of least resistance to do this, routing excess electricity away from the system and into the ground where it can dissipate without causing any damage. The lighting resistor comprises components connected to the electrical system with conductors that reach the ground.
Soft, loamy soils tend to be ideal for grounding, although other soil types can be used if the need arises. Ground resistance should be measured before installing a lightning rod to find an area with the lowest possible resistance. This will allow electricity to flow quickly through the lightning arrester before it has a chance to enter the system and damage the system or its components.
For utilities, there are concerns about damaging insulation from lightning and other components on power lines. The lightning arrester has one terminal designed to handle very high voltages and another terminal connected to ground. Similar systems are used on a domestic electrical box albeit of a slightly smaller scale. A licensed and experienced electrician must be involved in the installation to confirm that the lightning arrester is installed, connected and positioned correctly. Improper installation or lack of maintenance can create a safety risk.
Lightning rods are not the same thing as lightning rods. Lightning arresters are used to protect entire buildings and other structures from lightning damage. They are placed with the goal of causing lightning to strike the rod first and disperse through an earth wire. This prevents lightning from striking the structure itself and causing a fire or other types of structural damage. It is possible for a structure to have both rods and arresters, along with other lightning protection measures. Insurance companies may require or strongly recommend redundant lightning protection, as can some security organizations.
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