Surge Arresters: Selection, Application and Testing: Pass You

7/1/2019 Surge Arresters: Selection, Application and Testing Overview
Home / Technical Articles / Surge Arresters: Selection, Application and Testing Overview
Surge Arresters: Selection,

Application and Testing
Overview
By testguy November 9, 2018 0 Comments
Pass You
Ad Real La
Current CCN
PrepAway
Learn mo
Surge arresters are

voltage limiting devices
used to protect electrical
insulation from voltage
spikes in a power
system. A guide to surge arrester selection,
application, maintenance and testing.
Similar to how a fuse

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
https://testguy.net/content/286-Surge-Arresters-Selection-Application-and-Testing-Overview 1/30
strikes on the system. The more generic term "surge

arrester" is now used to encompass overvoltage
conditions which can 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.
Contents
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
6. Basic Impulse Level (BIL)
7. Arrester Failure & Pressure Relief
8. Surge Arrester Field Maintenance and

Testing
9. Codes and Standards
10. References
What is an electrical surge?

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.
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. Photo: Schnider Electric.
Each type of surge can affect the surge arrester and

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.
Surge Arrester Construction,

Types, Classes and Properties
Per the National Electrical Code (NEC), a surge arrester
is defined as: "A protective device for limiting surge
voltages by discharging or bypassing surge current, and
it also prevents the flow of follow current while remaining
capable of repeating these functions".
The original lightning arrester was nothing more than

a spark air gap with one side connected to a line
conductor and the other side connected to earth ground.
When the line-to-ground voltage reached the spark-over
level, the voltage surge would be discharged to earth
ground.
Older surge arresters generally consist of silicon

carbide resistor blocks in series with air gaps, these
arresters normally carry no current and have a single
voltage rating. 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.
Tips on T
Effective
Calibrati
Ad Fluke C
Get Quot
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.
Follow TestGuy
MCOV Example 3: 13.8kV

Ungrounded System
The 12.7 kV MCOV of a 15 kV arrester is not adequate

Popular topics right now
for a nominal voltage of 13.8kV. Use an 18 kV arrester

In an open delta with si
with an MCOV of 15.3 kV. the high leg must be id
Community Posting Co
2019 - Enter to win coo
Temporary overvoltages (TOV) Correct procedure for d

transformer cores
Rating
Electrical Single Line Q
Temporary overvoltages can be caused by numerous

system events, such as switching surges, line-to-ground Understanding power f
when you relate it to be
faults, load rejection and ferroresonance. The system
configuration and operating practices are evaluated to Exam permitted materia
identify the forms and causes of TOV.
The primary effect of temporary overvoltages on metal-

oxide arresters is the increased current, power Best IT
Softwa
dissipation, and increased arrester temperature. These Ad Manag
conditions affect the protection and survivability Suria D

Daman
characteristics of the arrester.
Ad iprope
Ohm's L
Cheat S
testguy.net
SIP Inv
for NRI
Ad www.p
Electric
Diagram
testguy.net
4 Impo
Ground
Testing
testguy.net
Transfo
Photo: EATON / Cooper Power Systems. Resista
Explain
testguy.net
Switchb
The surge arrester's TOV capability must meet or
exceed the expected temporary overvoltages of the
testguy.net
system.
Insulati
Test Va
Electric
testguy.net
Protect
Basic Impulse Level (BIL) and Protect
Surge Arresters Tests
testguy.net
Protect
Surge arresters are selected in coordination with Testing
Mainte
standard electrical equipment insulation levels so that testguy.net
they will protect the insulation against over voltages. This ETT Le
coordination is based on selecing an arrester that will Cables
discharge at a lower voltage level than the impulse testguy.net
voltage required to break down the insulation. Test yo

safety a
knowle
t t t
testguy.net
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 Test Your Kno
value to the equipment insulation, this is known as the
Sharpen your skills with ou
Impulse Test. quizzes on electrical safety,
testing of electrical equipme
standards.
Arrester Failure & Pressure Tech Quiz Study

Relief
If the service capability of a surge arrester is exceeded,
the metal-oxide disk(s) may crack or puncture, reducing Electrical Testing References
the arrester's internal electrical resistance. This
Test Equipment 101: The Basics of
reduction of resistance will limit the arrester's ability to
withstand future overvoltages but it will not jeopardize Circuit Breaker Control Schematic
the insulation properties of the arrester. Protective Relay Protection Elemen
Capacitive Reactance - How to Sol

In the event that an Capacitors
arrester fails, a line-
Circuit Breaker Accessories Explain
ground arc will develop
Switchboard Ratings
and pressure will build
up inside the arrester Transformer Insulation Classes
housing. The pressure Three-Phase Transformer Winding

Surge Arrester Nameplate and Ratings
is safely vented to the
Example. Photo: EATON / Cooper Peak vs. Average vs. RMS Voltage
outside and an external Power Systems.
arc will be established, Circuit Breaker Contact Arrangeme

through vs. Blow-apart
maintaining equipment
SF6 Circuit Breakers
protection.
Ohm's Law & Watt's Law Cheat She
Once an arrester has safely vented, it's no longer
More...
capable of pressure relief and 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
Shop Related Products
Square D by KMC 6-Outlet Ultimate Guide:

Schneider
$98.10 Surge Protector
$12.99 $19.99 Wiring, 8th
$13.59 $19.99 $17.82
Electric HEPD80 Power Strip 2- Updated Edition
Home… P… (Creati…
(279) (418) (92) (345)
Delta 72020-AR
Kitchen Air Gap,
Arctic Stainless
Design House KOHLER K- Intermatic Leviton 51120-1

522953 $14.31
$13.85 9110-BN Air
$23.25 IG1200RC3
$69.99 Panel Protector,
$165.27
Dishwasher Air Gap Body with Surge Protector, 120/240-Volt
Gap, Sati… Cover, Vi… Gray
(185) (40) (14) (98)
Ads by Amazon
Share this page
Tags
acceptance testing, circuit breakers, codes and
standards, insulation resistance, maintenance, medium
voltage, neta level 2, neta level 3, protection and control,
substations, switchgear, test and measurement, test
procedures
Comments
Login or Register to comment.
Also on TestGuy
Network Protector Basics: Applications, Operation, and

Testing
6 electrical tests for Current Transformers explained
Electrical Shock and Arc Flash PPE Overview
Transformer Polarity Test Procedures
Switchgear and Switchboard Inspection and Testing Guide
Power Distribution Unit (PDU) Applications, Testing &

Maintenance
The 3 Main Methods of Electrical Testing
Transformer Humming Noise Explained
Transfer Switch Testing and Maintenance Guide
Circuit breaker position and indications explained
Power Cable Testing and Diagnostics Overview
4 Battery Hazards and How to Avoid Them
More...
Explore TestGuy NETA Certification Help and Support

Training
Sign Up Now Terms of Service
Follow us NETA Study Guide
Log in Privacy Statement
(Start Here)
Tag Cloud Advertise with Us
Level 2 Study Guide
Electrical Testing Contact Us
Level 3 Study Guide
Forum
Level 4 Study Guide
P&C / Relay Testing
Practice Exams
Forum
Level 2 Forum
Safety & Arc-Flash
Level 3 Forum
Forum
Level 4 Forum
Tech Quiz
Start Your Career
Technical Articles
Electrical Testing NICET Electrical

Power Testing
References
Electrical Videos NICET Level 1-4

Forum
Industry Links
Back to Top
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:12 AM.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5

Copyright © 2019 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.
This website is not affiliated with, maintained, authorized, endorsed or sponsored by the International Electrical Testing Association (NETA) or any
of its affiliates. The information presented on this website should not be used to replace any kind of classroom or group study led by a certified
instructor. The use of all copyrighted material on this website is provided for the purposes of teaching, scholarship, and research, and is therefore
considered to be covered as "fair use" as specified in 17 USC § 107 - Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair use. If you are the owner of copyrighted
material on this website and feel that our use of such material is not covered under 17 USC § 107, please contact us. TestGuy.net is a participant
in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by
advertising and linking to amazon.com. Copyright © 2019 TestGuy.net. All rights reserved.

Surge Arresters: Selection, Application and Testing: Pass You

Încărcat de

Informații document

Titlu original

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Surge Arresters: Selection, Application and Testing: Pass You

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

7/1/2019 Surge Arresters: Selection, Application and Testing Overview

Surge Arresters: Selection,

Surge arresters are

Similar to how a fuse

In the past surge arresters were called lightning

strikes on the system. The more generic term "surge

Everything from personal computers to HV transmission

1. What is an electrical surge?

2. Surge Arrester Construction, Types,

3. Arrester Selection and Application

5. Temporary overvoltages (TOV) Rating

6. Basic Impulse Level (BIL)

7. Arrester Failure & Pressure Relief

8. Surge Arrester Field Maintenance and

9. Codes and Standards

What is an electrical surge?

A "surge" on an electrical system results from energy

A "surge" on an electrical system results from energy being impressed on the

Each type of surge can affect the surge arrester and

Along with surge phenomena, a system can also

Surge Arrester Construction,

The original lightning arrester was nothing more than

Older surge arresters generally consist of silicon

For solidly grounded systems, the next higher

Metal oxide surge arresters contain blocks of a

these arresters do carry a minimal leakage current which

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

When surges occur, the arrester immediately limits, or

The surge arrester minimal leakage current is

Metal oxide has many advantages as a surge protector,

2. Maximum continuous operating voltage

3. One-second temporary overvoltage

How It's Made: Surge Arrester Construction

How Its Made - 1364 Surge Arresters

The class of surge arrester to be applied on a system

Station class arresters are designed for

Intermediate class arresters are designed to

Distribution class arresters can be found on

distribution arrester is often used out on exposed lines

Secondary class arresters are utilized for

Arrester Selection and

Various types of surge arresters. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

The proper voltage rating of surge arresters depends

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

Equipment Protection vs. Arrester

There is a delicate balance between equipment

Lower arrester ratings are preferred because

Higher arrester ratings may prolong the

Both issues of arrester service life and equipment

Surge Arrester Selection and

A comprehensive surge arrester selection and

1. All system stresses (continuous operating

2. Service conditions expected

3. System-grounding configuration (grounded or

Knowing the system configuration (wye/delta,

Choosing the correct arrester rating is critical to prevent

The arrester rating is selected so that the maximum

In most cases the arresters are connected line-to-

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

Special attention should be given to the grounding