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A guide to surge arrester selection,

Similar to how a fuse application, maintenance and testing.

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functions to protect an
electrical system from damage due to overcurrent
conditions, the job of a surge arrester is to protect the
system from damage due to overvoltage conditions.

In the past surge arresters were called lightning arresters,

this name was based on their primary objective of
protecting electrical insulation from lightning strikes on the
system. The more generic term "surge arrester" is now Light Weight Deflectom
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used to encompass overvoltage conditions which can
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occur from numerous other sources, such as switching
operations and ground faults.

Everything from personal computers to HV transmission

and distribution systems are susceptible to electrical
surges and their destructive effects.

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Contents
Promoted By Foxpower

1. What is an electrical surge?

2. Surge Arrester Construction, Types,

Classes and Properties

3. Arrester Selection and Application

4. MCOV Rating

5. Temporary overvoltages (TOV) Rating Tuition Free Studies G

Application ongoing fo
6. Basic Impulse Level (BIL)
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7. Arrester Failure & Pressure Relief

8. Surge Arrester Field Maintenance and

Testing

9. Codes and Standards

10. References

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What is an electrical surge? Promoted By Auction Expor
A "surge" on an electrical system results from energy being
impressed on the system at some point, which can result
from lightning strikes or system operations. The
impressed energy travels throughout the system in the
form of waves, with speed and magnitude that vary along
with the parameters of the system.

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A "surge" on an electrical system results from energy being impressed on the Study Guide
system at some point, which can result from lightning strikes or system
operations. Photo: Schnider Electric.

Each type of surge can affect the surge arrester and

Electrical Testing References
insulation system in a different manner. Lightning results
in a fast rate of rise because it's a true source of coulomb
energy, while switching operations result in a relatively
slow rate of rise because it's energy is stored in the
magnetic fields of the system.

Along with surge phenomena, a system can also

experience a longer term overvoltage from electrical
faults. Depending on the configuration and grounding of
the system, a single line-to-ground fault will cause system
voltage on the unaffected phases to escalate.
 Circuit Breaker Control Schematic
Explained
Surge Arrester Construction, Protective Relay Protection Element
Types, Classes and Properties Tests

Capacitive Reactance - How to

Solve Series and Parallel Capacitors
Per the National Electrical Code (NEC), a surge arrester is
defined as: "A protective device for limiting surge voltages Circuit Breaker Accessories

by discharging or bypassing surge current, and it also Switchboard Ratings

prevents the flow of follow current while remaining capable Transformer Insulation Classes

of repeating these functions". Three-Phase Transformer Winding

Connections

The original lightning arrester was nothing more than a Peak vs. Average vs. RMS Voltage

spark air gap with one side connected to a line conductor Circuit Breaker Contact
Arrangements: Straight-through vs.
and the other side connected to earth ground. When the Blow-apart
line-to-ground voltage reached the spark-over level, the SF6 Circuit Breakers
voltage surge would be discharged to earth ground. Ohm's Law & Watt's Law Cheat
Sheet

Older surge arresters generally consist of silicon carbide Protective Relaying Terms and
De nitions
resistor blocks in series with air gaps, these arresters
normally carry no current and have a single voltage rating. More...

Aside from a few exceptions, selection of these arresters

is fairly simple:

For solidly grounded systems, the next higher arrester

rating above the system line-to-neutral voltage is used.
For resistance grounded or ungrounded systems, the
next higher rating above the system line-to-line voltage
is used.

Metal oxide surge arresters contain blocks of a variable

resistance material, usually zinc oxide, with no air gaps.
Line-to-ground voltage is applied continuously between the
line and ground terminals of the arrester, these arresters
do carry a minimal leakage current which can be withstood
on a continuing basis.

Metal oxide surge arresters contain blocks of a variable resistance material,

usually zinc oxide, with no air gaps. Photo: EATON / Cooper Power Systems.

When surges occur, the arrester immediately limits, or

clamps, the overvoltage condition by conducting the surge
current to ground. After passage of the surge, the arrester
returns to its initial state.

The surge arrester minimal leakage current is

primarily capacitive, with a small resistive
component.
Metal oxide has many advantages as a surge protector,
but it is somewhat more complicated than older surge
arresters to apply correctly. Instead of a single voltage
rating, metal oxide surge arresters have three ratings:

1. Nominal voltage

2. Maximum continuous operating voltage

(MCOV) - about 85% of the nominal rating

3. One-second temporary overvoltage capability. -

about 120% of the nominal rating

How It's Made: Surge Arrester Construction

How Its Made - 1364 Surge Arresters

Arrester Classes

The class of surge arrester to be applied on a system

depends upon the importance and value of the protected
equipment, the impulse insulation level, and the expected
discharge currents the arrester must withstand.
It is important that surge arresters of the correct voltage rating be used. Photo:
pxhere.

Station class arresters are designed for protection of

equipment that may be exposed to significant energy
due to line switching surges and at locations where
significant fault current is available. They have superior
electrical performance because their energy absorption
capabilities are greater. Station class arresters are the
top choice for protecting valuable equipment where
high reliability operation is required.

Intermediate class arresters are designed to provide

economic and reliable protection of medium voltage
class electrical power equipment. Intermediate
arresters are commonly used for the protection of dry-
type transformers, for use in switching and
sectionalizing equipment and for the protection of URD
cables.

Distribution class arresters can be found on smaller

liquid-filled and dry-type transformers 1000 kVA and
less. These arresters can also be used for application at
the terminals of rotating machines below 1000 kVA, if
 available in the proper voltage rating. The distribution
arrester is often used out on exposed lines that are
directly connected to rotating machines.

Secondary class arresters are utilized for voltages

999V or less. These are applied in low-voltage
distribution systems, electrical appliances, and low-
voltage distribution transformer windings.

Arrester Selection and

Application
The primary objective in arrester application is to select
the lowest rated surge arrester that will provide adequate
protection of the equipment insulation and be rated such
that it will have a satisfactory service life when connected
to the power system.

Various types of surge arresters. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

The proper voltage rating of surge arresters depends on:

 1. The system line-to-line voltage

2. The method of system grounding

3. Type of surge arrester used

The best location for installation of a surge arrester is as

close as possible to the equipment its protecting,
preferably at the terminals where the service is connected
to the equipment. It is important that surge arresters of the
correct voltage rating be used.

Equipment Protection vs. Arrester

Service Life

There is a delicate balance between equipment protection

and service life of a surge arrester:

Lower arrester ratings are preferred because

they provide the highest margin of protection for
the equipment insulation system but increase the
chance of failure.

Higher arrester ratings may prolong the service

life of an arrester but reduce the margin of
protection provided for the equipment its
protecting.

Both issues of arrester service life and equipment

protection should considered when selecting surge
arresters. If different ratings are required, the highest
resulting surge arrester rating should be chosen.
Surge Arrester Selection and
Application Process

A comprehensive surge arrester selection and application

process should include a review of:

1. All system stresses (continuous operating

voltage, temporary overvoltages, and switching
surges)

2. Service conditions expected

3. System-grounding configuration (grounded or

effectively ungrounded) at the arrester
installation location.

Knowing the system configuration (wye/delta, grounded or

ungrounded) is a key factor in selecting an arrester rating.
Arrester nominal ratings for various utilization system
voltages (line-to-line) are based on the system's grounding
configuration.

Choosing the correct arrester rating is critical to prevent

an application where the arrester can potentially have a
violent failure. Any system other than a solidly grounded
configuration is considered to be effectively ungrounded
and a higher arrester rating should be chosen.

MCOV Rating
Arresters are continually exposed to the power system
operating voltage during normal operation. For each
arrester rating, there is a recommended limit to the
magnitude of voltage that may be applied continuously.
This is called the Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage
(MCOV).

The arrester rating is selected so that the maximum

continuous power system voltage applied to the arrester is
less than, or equal to, the arrester's MCOV rating. Both the
circuit configuration (wye or delta) and arrester connection
(Line-to-Ground or Line-to-Line) are taken into
consideration.

In most cases the arresters are connected line-to-

ground.

If arresters are connected line-to-line, then phase-to-

phase voltage must be considered.

Special attention should be given to the grounding

configuration of the system, either solidly grounded or
effectively ungrounded (impedance/resistance grounded,
ungrounded, or temporarily ungrounded). This is a key
factor in the selection and application of an arrester.

If the system grounding configuration is unknown,

assume the system is ungrounded. This will result in
choosing an arrester with a higher continuous
system voltage and/or MCOV rating.
 The arrester rating is selected so that the maximum continuous power system
voltage applied to the arrester is less than, or equal to, the arrester's MCOV
rating. Photo: General Electric.

₦ 6,400 ₦ 18,100,100 ₦ 6,000

₦ 7,000 ₦ 2,069 ₦ 4,710

MCOV Example 1: 13.8kV Solidy

Grounded System
The continuous operating voltage is 13,800 divided by the
square root of 3, or 7970 V. This is above the MCOV of
7,650 V for an arrester rated 9 kV.

Depending on the magnitude and duration of system

overvoltages, it may be necessary to use a 10 kV arrester
with an MCOV of 8.4 kV or a 12 kV arrester with an MCOV
of 10.2 kV.

MCOV Example 2: Resistance-

grounded 13.8 kV system

Depending on the time needed for protective relays to

clear ground faults off the system, the choice will be
between arresters rated 12 kV, 15 kV and 18 kV.

MCOV Example 3: 13.8kV Ungrounded

System

The 12.7 kV MCOV of a 15 kV arrester is not adequate for

a nominal voltage of 13.8kV. Use an 18 kV arrester with an
MCOV of 15.3 kV.

Temporary overvoltages (TOV)

Rating
Temporary overvoltages can be caused by numerous
system events, such as switching surges, line-to-ground
faults, load rejection and ferroresonance. The system
configuration and operating practices are evaluated to
identify the forms and causes of TOV.

The primary effect of temporary overvoltages on metal-

oxide arresters is the increased current, power dissipation,
and increased arrester temperature. These conditions
affect the protection and survivability characteristics of the
arrester.

Photo: EATON / Cooper Power Systems.

The surge arrester's TOV capability must meet or

exceed the expected temporary overvoltages of the
system.
Basic Impulse Level (BIL) and
Surge Arresters
Surge arresters are selected in coordination with standard
electrical equipment insulation levels so that they will
protect the insulation against over voltages. This
coordination is based on selecing an arrester that will
discharge at a lower voltage level than the impulse voltage
required to break down the insulation.

Most electrical equipment is rated for impulse levels as

defined by industry standards. The Basic Impulse
Insulation Level (BIL) of equipment is determined by
applying a full-wave voltage surge of a specified crest
value to the equipment insulation, this is known as the
Impulse Test.

Arrester Failure & Pressure Relief

If the service capability of a surge arrester is exceeded, the
metal-oxide disk(s) may crack or puncture, reducing the
arrester's internal electrical resistance. This reduction of
resistance will limit the arrester's ability to withstand future
overvoltages but it will not jeopardize the insulation
properties of the arrester.

In the event that an arrester fails, a line-ground arc will

develop and pressure will build up inside the arrester
housing. The pressure is safely vented to the outside and
an external arc will be
established, maintaining
equipment protection.

Once an arrester has

safely vented, it's no
longer capable of Surge Arrester Nameplate and Ratings
Example. Photo: EATON / Cooper Power
pressure relief and
Systems.
should be replaced
immediately. Arresters
should have a pressure/fault current capability greater
than the maximum short-circuit current available at the
intended arrester location.

Surge Arrester Field Maintenance

and Testing
To help ensure maximum service life and reduce the
chances of sudden failure, surge arresters should be
maintained and electrically tested at regular intervals.
Inspection and testing should also be performed as part of
new installations prior to commissioning.
 Field testing of surge arresters can help extend service life and reduce the
chances of sudden failure. Photo: Senior Airman Perry Aston (USAF).

A comprehensive outline for testing surge arresters is

described below. Only qualified workers with the proper
safety training and calibrated testing equipment should
perform these tasks.

Visual/Mechanical Inspection

The physical and mechanical condition of the surge

arrester should be evaluated before any testing is
performed. For new installations, compare the arrester
nameplate data with project drawings and specifications.

Inspect the arrester housing, mounting, alignment,

grounding, and required clearances. Surge arresters should
be clean and free of obstructions to minimize
contaminates that may lead to tracking or be harmful to
the arresters insulating properties. Prior to cleaning the
unit, perform as-found tests to compare results.
 The physical and mechanical condition of the surge arrester should be evaluated
before any testing is performed. Photo: Paul Chernikhowsky via Flickr.

Surge Arrester Lead Inspection

Lead length for the connection of the surge arrester to the

equipment terminals and to ground should be minimized
and installed as straight, minimizing bends in the leads, as
possible. Increases in the lead length will reduce the
protection capabilities of the surge arrester, due to the
additional increase of impedance in the lead.

Inspect Bolted Connections

Bolted electrical connections should be inspected for high

resistance by using a low-resistance ohmmeter. Compare
the measured resistance values to the values of similar
connections.
Values which deviate from those of similar bolted
connections by more than 50 percent of the lowest value
should be investigated.

Tightness of accessible bolted electrical connections may

also be verified by using a calibrated torque wrench in
accordance with manufacturer's published data or NETA
Table 100.12.

Grounding Checks

Verify that each surge arrester ground lead is individually

attached to a ground bus or ground electrode. Point-to-
point tests can be performed to determine the resistance
between the main grounding system and individual
arrester ground points. The resistance between the surge
arrester ground terminal and the ground system should be
less than 0.5 ohm per NETA standards.

Insulation Resistance

Perform insulation-resistance tests on each arrester,

phase terminal-to-ground. Apply voltage in accordance
with manufacturer's literature. If the surge arrester
manufacturer's data is unavailable, NETA Table 100.1 can
be used as a supplement. Values of insulation resistance
less than manufacturer's recommendations or those in
NETA Table 100.1 should be investigated.
 ANSI/NETA Recommended Insulation Resistance Values for Surge Arresters.
Photo: NETA-MTS 2015.

Watt Loss Test

The measurement of dielectric loss is effective in

detecting defective, contaminated, and deteriorated
arresters. Watts loss values are evaluated on a
comparison basis with similar units and test equipment
manufacturer's published data.

Arrester assemblies consisting of single units per phase

are generally tested by the grounded-specimen test
method (GST). All arresters should be tested individually
and not in parallel. The watt-loss test is an optional test
per NETA 2017 acceptance and maintenance 2015 testing
standards.
 Surge Arrester Watt Loss Test Connections. Photo: Doble.

Surge Arrester Watt Loss Test Procedure Example. Photo: Doble.

 Surge Arrester Watt Loss Recommended Test Voltage. Photo: Doble.

Stroke Counter

Stroke counters measure lightning strikes by the induction

of current and do not require the use of any external power
source. Verify that stroke counter, if present, is correctly
mounted and electrically connected. Record the stroke
counter reading to compare with previous records.

Arrester Standards and Codes

Surge arresters are designed and tested per

ANSI/IEEE C62.1, Standard for Gapped Silicone-Carbide
Surge Arresters for AC Power Circuits, for the gapped
type and ANSI/IEEE C62.11, Standard for Metal-Oxide
Surge Arresters for Alternating Current Systems, for the
gapless type.

Article 280 of the NFPA 70/National Electrical Code

governs surge arrester's general requirements,
installation requirements and connection requirements.

Surge arresters are listed by UL under the category

of, Surge Arresters (OWHX), and other NRTLs
(Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories) using the
applicable sections of the ANSI/IEEE standards noted
above.

References
 Lightning Arresters A Guide to Selection and
Application - Jude Hernandez, GE Specification Engineer

Overvoltage protection (surge arrester) - Schnider

Electric

ANSI/NETA 2015 Standard for Maintenance Testing

Specifications

NETA ATS-2017 Standard for Acceptance Testing

Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and
Systems

Station and intermediate class surge arresters -

Siemens

Doble Test Procedures - Revision C

History of Arresters on Power Systems 1930-1965 -

ArresterWorks

Surge Arrester Fundamentals - Cooper Power Systems

1988

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