In this blog, we will delve into the world of lightning arresters, explaining their purpose, functionality.

What is a Lightning Arrester?

A Lightning Arrester is a tool used to direct lightning strikes away from electrical equipment and structures that are susceptible to damage. It is sometimes referred to as a lightning rod or surge protector. It serves as a safety valve, giving a lightning strike's enormous electrical current a safe way to release into the earth without causing any harm.

How Much is Lightning Arrester?

A lightning arrester's price can change based on a few variables, such as:

• Type of arrester: Arresters come in a variety of forms, each intended for a particular use, and their costs can vary.
• Brand and manufacturer: Known names in the industry may fetch a higher price than unknown producers.
• Features and specifications: Higher surge current ratings or extra features may result in more expensive lightning arresters.

Lightning arresters typically cost between $20 and $200 per device, plus extra labor and supplies for installation if a professional is needed.

Video related to Lightning Arrester

Why Lightning Arrester is Used?

Lightning strikes are dangerous for several reasons.

• Direct Strikes: When lightning strikes a building or other structure directly, it can result in significant structural damage, electrical fires, and a risk to the safety of its occupants.
• Indirect Strikes: Even a close-by lightning strike can cause voltage surges in electrical wiring, which can harm appliances and other devices.
• Ground Current: A lightning strike's strong current passes through the earth, and some of it may be carried by electrical grounding systems and endanger electrical components.

By offering a low-resistance conduit for the lightning current to safely discharge into the earth, lightning arresters lessen the hazard of lightning strikes by shielding electrical systems and buildings from their damaging effects.

How Does Lightning Arrester Work?

The mechanism by which lightning arresters work is to provide a lightning strike's high voltage and current as a preferred route. The following elements are usually present in them:

• Air Terminal: The area that is struck directly by lightning is called the air terminal. The highest point of a structure typically has a pointed rod or conductor installed on it.
• Downconductor: This is a robust wire that securely descends the building's side, carrying the lightning current from the air terminal.
• Grounding Electrode: An earth-based system of buried conductors or rods serves as a grounding electrode by offering a low-resistance channel for the current to diffuse harmlessly into the ground.
• Sparking Gap: The spark gap, which is an air gap intended to ionize and conduct the high voltage of a lightning strike while remaining non-conductive for regular electrical voltages, is a feature of certain arresters.
• Surge Arrestor Device (SAD): A surge arrestor device (SAD), which offers further protection against voltage surges caused by nearby lightning strikes, is frequently integrated into modern lightning arresters.

The high voltage in a lightning strike looks for the least resistance. The down conductor safely directs the current to the grounding electrode, where it disperses into the earth after the air terminal intercepts the impact. The arrester only conducts the high voltage of a lightning strike and not regular electrical currents thanks to the sparking gap, or SAD.

How Lightning Arrester is Connected?

A lightning arrester's efficiency depends on its correct connection. Here's a condensed summary:

1. Air Terminal Installation: The highest point of the structure, usually the roof peak, is where the air terminal is firmly fixed. It must be correctly bonded to the metal parts of the structure and constructed of a conductive material, such as copper or aluminum.
2. Downconductor Installation: Heavy-gauge wire known as the downconductor is sent down the building's outside wall after being connected to the air terminal. It needs to be firmly secured with the proper brackets at regular intervals.
3. Grounding Electrode Installation: A grounding electrode system is linked to the downconductor. Depending on the soil and local laws, this may require underground plates, rods, or a mix of the two. Effective dissipation of the lightning current requires a low resistance to earth in the grounding system.
4. Connection to Electrical System (Optional): To offer extra defense against induced voltage surges, the lightning arrester system may occasionally be linked to the building's electrical grounding system. Only a certified electrician who complies with the applicable safety codes should perform this.

Important Note: Specific criteria for the installation of lightning arresters may exist in local construction rules and regulations. Seeking advice from a licensed electrician or lightning protection is essential.

How to Install Lightning Arrester?

Although it is highly suggested that an experienced electrician perform the installation professionally for maximum safety and compliance with laws, having a basic understanding of the procedure might be useful. This is a condensed outline for a do-it-yourself method that highlights the significance of speaking with an expert and taking all necessary safety precautions:

Disclaimer: Consult a professional advisor before acting upon any information found here; it is just intended for educational reasons. Always put safety first, and if you want to install a lightning arrester on your home properly, speak with an experienced electrician.

Tools and Materials:

• Lightning arrester kit (appropriate for your structure)
• Drill and appropriate drill bits
• Hammer
• Wrench and screwdrivers
• Cable cutters and strippers
• Grounding rods (if not included in the kit)
• Ground clamps and connectors
• Brackets for securing the down conductor
• Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses)

Steps:

1. Planning and Permitting: Examine local building codes and ordinances about the installation of lightning arresters. Before continuing, you might require a permit.
2. System Selection: Select a lightning arrester kit based on the size of your building and the intensity of local lightning activity. Seek advice from an expert if necessary.
3. Air Terminal Placement: Determine the peak of your roof and pick a good spot for the air terminal. Make sure it is free of obstructions and far from combustible objects.
4. Air Terminal Installation: Using the proper bolts and adhering to the manufacturer's directions, firmly mount the air terminal to the roof. Attach the air terminal to any metal roofing components that are already in place.
5. Downconductor Installation: Follow the outside wall of the building to route the downconductor cable from the air terminal. Brackets are used to secure it at regular intervals. Make sure the cable is away from any gas, plumbing, or electrical lines.
6. Grounding Electrode Installation: If your kit does not come with pre-assembled grounding electrodes, place grounding rods or plates at the appropriate location by following the manufacturer's instructions or hiring a professional.
7. Connection: Assemble the downconductor and ground electrode system with the proper clamps and connectors. Ascertain a low-resistance, secure connection.
8. Optional Electrical System Connection: If your kit has connections for connecting to the electrical grounding system, make sure to follow the necessary codes and consult a skilled electrician for a safe and correct installation.

Important Reminders:

• Safety should always come first. See a licensed electrician if you have any questions concerning any part of the installation.
• Before beginning the installation process, make sure your building is completely out of electricity.
• When working, wear the proper personal protection equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses and gloves.
• Make sure that every connection is safe and complies with the manufacturer's instructions.
• There may be particular requirements for materials, clearances, and testing in local building regulations.

How to Test Lightning Arrester?

It is essential to test lightning arresters to make sure they are operating properly. It's crucial to remember, though, that DIY testing is not advised because of the high voltage associated with lightning strikes. This is what you ought to do:

• Visual Inspection: Check the lightning arrester system regularly for indications of corrosion, damage, or loose connections.
• Professional Examination: Make sure the lightning arrester system is periodically inspected and tested by a trained specialist in lightning protection. They can safely assess the arrester's performance and ground resistance because they have the necessary equipment and knowledge.

Why Lightning Arrester Fails?

A malfunctioning lightning arrester can be caused by several factors:

• Improper Installation: The functionality of the arrester may be jeopardized by employing insufficient materials or incorrect installation techniques.
• Age and Wear: Lightning arresters may deteriorate over time as a result of exposure to the elements or frequent lightning strikes.
• Physical Damage: The components of the arrester may sustain damage from outside influences such as high winds, falling items, or poor maintenance.
• Corrosion: Improper current flow can be caused by resistance increasing due to corrosion of the grounding electrodes, downconductor, or air terminal.

To maintain the efficacy of your lightning arrester system and assist in identifying possible problems, have it inspected and maintained regularly by a knowledgeable specialist.

Where is Lightning Arrester Placed?

Lightning arresters are positioned deliberately at openings where communication or electrical wires enter a building or other structure. This guards against lightning strikes' indirect effects, which have the potential to pass through these cables and harm the delicate electrical equipment within.

A summary of typical placements is shown below:

• Electrical Lines: Installed on incoming power lines that supply the building's electrical system are electrical lines.
• Communication Lines: Attached to any communication lines that enter the structure, including phone and cable TV lines.

Lightning arresters serve as your first line of defense by directing surges from nearby lightning strikes away from your priceless electronics by positioning themselves at these entry sites. 

Conclusion

Lightning arresters are essential for protecting electrical systems and buildings from lightning's destructive force. Your property will be ready to withstand any storm if you know how they work, how to install them correctly, and how important it is to do routine maintenance. Remember that hiring a licensed electrician is strongly advised for lightning arrester installation to ensure maximum safety and compliance with legislation.

FAQs

Can I install a lightning arrester myself?

Although having a rudimentary understanding of the procedure can be useful, it is strongly advised to have the installation done professionally by a licensed electrician. Their proficiency and understanding guarantee that the system is installed accurately, complies with local regulations and operates efficiently.

What is the difference between a lightning rod and a lightning arrester?

Although they serve different purposes, lightning rods and lightning arresters both aid in preventing lightning strikes.

• Lightning Rod:
  • Function: Its function is to serve as a target when lightning hits.
  • Placement: Attached to a grounding system and mounted atop a structure's high points, such as the roof peak.
  • Action: Reduces the possibility that lightning will strike other areas of the building by giving it a direct, low-resistance path to the earth.
• Lightning Arrester:
  • Function: Guards against lightning strikes' indirect consequences.
  • Position: Affixed to communication or electrical wires that enter a building.
  • Action: Directs surges from neighboring lightning strikes away from the building's delicate electronic equipment.

Are there any alternatives to lightning arresters?

Although lightning arresters are the most widely used form of lightning protection, early streamer emission (ESE) air terminals and lightning rods with Franklin rods are two more alternatives. These might be taken into consideration in certain circumstances, but it's important to speak with a knowledgeable lightning protection specialist to figure out which course of action is best for you.

You may greatly lower the chance of lightning damaging your home and protecting your loved ones by being proactive and installing a functional lightning arrester system.