BIL = Basic Impulse Level - bascially a indicator of dielectric strength

There are two tests, lightning impulse and switching impulse tests. The first is
to simulate lightning strikes where the full wave shape is where the voltage crest
reaches a maximum at 1.2 microseconds and then decays to 50% in 50 microseconds.
The switching impulse test is used to simulate man-made type transients.

2. There is minimal to no mechanical force imposed on the ground lead. The

discharge current is an impulse; defined in the laboratory and in surge arrester
standards as an 8-10/10-20 microsecond impulse current. It's essentially the result
of a 1.2/50 impulse voltage applied between the arrester line and ground terminals.

It's not the same as a power frequency fault current which can result in
significant mechanical force

What could damage the SA?

1. Surge arresters have something called maximum continuous operating voltage
rating, which is about 84% of the SA rating. You may want to check with the SA mfr.
So if you exceed 8.4kV for a certain period (this is what I am not sure of, how
long), you could damage the SA.
2. Sustained high voltage in excess of the arrester operating voltage will
certainly do it.

Moisture is another possibility.

I would check the arrester voltage ratings against the generator operating voltage.