Types and uses of lightning arresters

There are many types of lightning arresters. The most commonly used one is the internal valve type arrester, which is mainly composed of a spark gap and a valve plate connected in series. When there is no lightning invading the low-voltage circuit, it can prevent the line current from flowing to the earth. Once overvoltage occurs, the spark gap can discharge, thus limiting the overvoltage to a certain amplitude to achieve the purpose of lightning protection.

The other is a zigzag spark gap arrester, which can be made by yourself in rural areas. It is made of two zigzag metal strips modified in a low-voltage fuse box. The air gap can generally be set within the discharge range of 2000V. Under normal conditions Under normal circumstances, it does not discharge. If overvoltage is caused by lightning, spark discharge will occur and the lightning will be directed to the earth, thereby protecting the electrical equipment. This kind of lightning arrester is low in cost and easy to make, and can be widely used in mountainous areas to protect electricity meters and other electrical equipment. Its disadvantage is that the gap is burned out after one discharge. After the thunderstorm, it needs to be replaced with a newly installed zigzag spark gap arrester.