SPARK-STAR 63/2023

Burst of Surge Arrester AT 220/132kv gss.

SITUATION:
One day, an unusual loud sound was heard found with bursting of 132KV LA on one
132KV feeder, causing the tripping of connected transformer.

TASK:
1. To identify the reason of fault, Search
Operation/inspection at the concerned bay in
the switch yard started.
2. In Distance-protection relay it indicated that
the fault has occurred at a distance of 1km
3. Some traces of burnt materials and pieces of
broken ZnO blocks found at a place under the
B-phase limb of Surge arrester of 132 KV one
feeder.
4. It was observed that flashover has occurred
at the B-phase surge arrester and it was
completely broken from the middle of the
limb.

ACTION and ANALYSIS:

Action:
1. The surge arrester of B-phase of concerned circuit needed to be replaced with a new
one.

Analysis:
1. The LCM of the burst surge arrester was taken few days before & found to be in place,
still it burst. The following reading have been attached here.

Specification R-Phase Y-Phase B-Phase

It 264.5 462.9 741.3
Ic 272 222.9 330.6
I3t 64 7.4 22.4
Ir 25.6 29.6 89.6
Ir corr 15.8 18.3 56.4

RESULT AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. The LCM of the surge arrester should be monitored at a regular interval under
maintenance activities.
2. The leakage current should also be noted down from surge monitor at regular interval
to maintain the healthiness of the surge arrester.
3. Instead of porcelain, polymer insulator should be used to minimize the risk of
accidents.