Engineers Still Confuse Surge Arrester vs Lightning Arrester – Here’s Why
When it comes to protecting electrical systems, even experienced engineers sometimes mix up surge arresters and lightning arresters . Both are critical devices in safeguarding infrastructure from voltage spikes — but they don’t serve the same purpose. In fact, understanding the surge arrester vs lightning arrester difference can be the key to ensuring system safety, reliability, and compliance with modern electrical standards. Let’s break down the confusion and uncover what truly sets these two devices apart. The Root of the Confusion The confusion largely stems from a shared goal — both devices protect electrical equipment from overvoltage . However, the source of that overvoltage differs. Lightning arresters defend against external voltage surges caused by lightning strikes. Surge arresters , on the other hand, handle internal surges caused by switching operations, short circuits, or sudden load changes. Because both devices appear similar in form and function — and ...