Generally, the gap length is so adjusted that breakdown should occur at 80% of

spark-voltage in order to avoid cascading of very steep wave fronts across

the insulator.

The string of insulators for an overhead line on the bushing of transformer has
frequently a rod gap across it. Fig 8 shows the rod gap across the bushing of a
transformer. Under normal operating conditions, the gap remains non-conducting. On
the occurrence of a high voltage surge on the line, the gap sparks over and the surge
current is conducted to earth. In this way excess charge on the line due to the surge is
harmlessly conducted to earth.

Typical rod gap arrester

Limitations:-

1) After the surge is over, the arc in the gap is maintained by the normal
supply voltage, leading to short-circuit on the system.
2) The rods may melt or get damaged due to excessive heat produced by the
arc.
3) The climatic conditions (e.g. rain, humidity, temperature etc.) affect the
performance of rod gap arrester.
4) The polarity of the f the surge also affects the performance of this arrester.
Due to the above limitations, the rod gap arrester is only used as a back-up protection
in case of main arresters.

2) Horn gap arrester

Fig shows the horn gap arrester. It consists of a horn shaped metal rods A and B
separated by a small air gap. The horns are so constructed that distance between them
gradually increases towards the top as shown. The horns are mounted on porcelain
insulators. One end of horn is connected to the line through a resistance and choke
coil L while the other end is effectively grounded.
The heavy current after breakdown will choose the straight – through path to earth
via the shunted gaps B and C, instead of the alternative path through the shunt
resistance.

Typical multi gap arrester

Hence the surge is over, the arcs B to C go out and any power current following the
surge is limited by the two resistances (shunt resistance and series resistance) which
are now in series. The current is too small to maintain the arcs in the gaps A to B and
normal conditions are restored.

Such arresters can be employed where system voltage does not exceed 33kV.

(4) Expulsion type arrester

This type of arrester is also called ‘protector tube’ and is commonly used on system
operating at voltages up to 33kV. Fig shows the essential parts of an expulsion type
lightning arrester.

It essentially consists of a rod gap AA’ in series with a second gap enclosed within
the fiber tube. The gap in the fiber tube is formed by two electrodes. The upper
electrode is connected to rod gap and the lower electrode to the earth. One expulsion
arrester is placed under each line conductor.

Fig shows the installation of expulsion arrester on an overhead line.

On the occurrence of an over voltage on the line, the series gap AA’ spanned and an
arc is stuck between the electrodes in the tube. The heat of the arc vaporizes some
of the fiber of tube walls resulting in the production of neutral gas. In an extremely
short time, the gas builds up high pressure and is expelled through the lower
electrode, which is hollow. As the gas leaves the tube violently it carries away
ionized air around the arc.

This deionizing effect is generally so strong that the arc goes out at a current zero
and will not be re-established.

Advantages
1. They are not very expensive.
2. They are improved form of rod gap arresters as they block the flow of power
frequency follow currents
3. They can be easily installed.

Limitations
1. An expulsion type arrester can perform only limited number of operations as
during each operation some of the fiber material is used up.
2. This type of arrester cannot be mounted on enclosed equipment due to
discharge of gases during operation.
3. Due to the poor volt/am characteristic of the arrester, it is not suitable for
protection of expensive equipment

5) Valve type arrester

Valve type arresters incorporate non linear resistors and are extensively used on
systems, operating at high voltages. Fig shows the various parts of a valve type
arrester. It consists of two assemblies (i) series spark gaps and (ii) non-linear
resistor discs in series. The non-linear elements are connected in series with the
spark gaps. Both the assemblies are accommodated in tight porcelain container.
The spark gap is a multiple assembly consisting of a number of identical spark gaps
in series. Each gap consists of two electrodes with fixed gap spacing. The voltage
distribution across the gap is line raised by means of additional resistance elements
called grading resistors across the gap. The spacing of the series gaps is such that it
will withstand the normal circuit voltage. However an over voltage will cause the
gap to break down causing the surge current to ground via the non-linear resistors.
The non-linear resistor discs are made of inorganic compound such as thyrite or
metrosil. These discs are connected in series. The non-linear resistors have the
property of offering a high resistance to current flow when normal system voltage is
applied, but a low resistance to the flow of high surge currents. In other words, the
resistance of these non-linear elements decreases with the increase in current
through them and vice-versa.
Non-linear resistor discs

Under normal conditions, the normal system voltage is insufficient to cause the
breakdown of air gap assembly. On the occurrence of an over voltage, the
breakdown of the series spark gap takes place and the surge current is conducted to
earth via the non-linear resistors.

Since the magnitude of surge current is very large, the non-linear elements will
offer a very low resistance to the passage of surge. The result is that the surge will
rapidly go to earth instead of being sent back over the line. When the surge is over,
the non-linear resistors assume high resistance to stop the flow of current.

Typical arrangement of an arrester in a 400-kV substation

 Technical Requirements for Lightning Arrestor:
Sl. Particulars System Voltage (KV
No. rms) 400-220
1. Nominal system voltage (KV rms) 400-220
2. Highest system voltage (KV rms) 420-245
3. 1.2/50 Microsecond impulse voltage
withstand level
(a) Transformers and Reactors (KVP) 1300-1050
(b) Other equipments and lines (KVP) 1425-1050
4. Switching withstand impulse voltage of all 1050-NA
equipments and lines (KVP)
5. (a) One minute P.F. withstand voltage of arrester 630-460
housing (Dty) (KV rms).
(b) ---Do --- but wet 630-460
5.1 Maximum Continuous Operating 290/162
Voltages, kVmin.
5.2 Energyabsorptioncapability,inkj/kV 8
6. Pressure Relief Class (KA rms) 40
7. Anticipated levels of temporary over voltage and
its duration
(a) Voltage 1.3 times rated voltage of
arrester
(b) Duration (Seconds) 1 to 10
8. System frequency (Hz) 50 + 1.5 -
9. Neutral Grounding Effectively earthed
10. Number phase Three
11 Ratio of switching impulse residual voltage Not more than two
to rated voltage of arrester
12 Long duration discharge class 3 for 220 kV
4 for 400 kV
13 Max RIV when energized at MCOV 1000 micro volts
14 Partial discharge value 50 pc (max)

15 Minimum creepage distance (mm) 10500-6125

16 Terminal connector for 132 & 220 kV class LA Bimetallic compression

(a) type Twin Moose ACSR
350mm spacing suitable
for Horizontal and
Vertical takeoff.
16 Terminal connector for 400 kV class LA i) Bimetallic compression
(b) type Twin Moose ACSR
350mm spacing suitable
for Horizontal and
Vertical takeoff. OR
ii) suitable for 4” IPS
(Type and quantity will
be given during detailed
engineering)
17 Type of mounting Pedestal ( on structure)

18 Arrester rated voltage, kV 360-198 for

400-220kV LA
19 Nominal Discharge current, kA 20–10 for
400–220kV LA
 Surge Absorber
A surge absorber is a protective device by which the steepness of wave front of a
surge can be reduced by absorbing surge energy.

On the other hand, surge absorber is a protective device that can conduct high voltage
surges to the ground. It is also called surge diverter.

a) Condenser as surge absorber

 A capacitor connected between line & earth acts as a surge absorber. It can
protect the winding of a transformer.
 Reactance of a condenser is inversely proportional to frequency.
Zc=1/wc =1/2πfc
Zc∞1/f
 Capacitor acts as a short circuit at high surge frequency. Capacitor passes the
surge current directly to earth.
 At power frequency, reactance of capacitor is very high & practically no
current flows to earth.

b) Choke as surge absorber

This type of surge arrester consists of a parallel combination of a choke & resistance
connected in series with the line.

The choke offers high resistance at high frequency (xl= 2πfL). So it forces the surge
to flow through the resistance R.

c) Ferranti surge absorber

It consists of an air-core inductor connected in series with the line. The inductor is
surrounded by a metallic sheet called dissipater. It is connected to earth. This
connection (arrangement) is equivalent to a transformer with short circuited
secondary. The energy of the surge is utilized in the form of heat generated in the
dissipater, due to transformer action. This type of surge absorber is mainly used for
the protection of transformer.

Note 1:
 Surge arrester/Surge diverter Surge absorber

1. It is a protective device that can 1. Steepness of wave-front of a surge is

conduct high voltage surges to reduced by absorbing surge energy.
ground. 2. To eliminate the surge by absorbing
2. To eliminate the surge by diverting surge energy.
the same to ground.

Note 2: Damage caused to power system equipment depends on the steepness of the
travelling waves on the transmission lines as well as the magnitude of the same.

Here surge absorbers play an important role by reducing the steepness of wave-front
of the surge.

Technical Specifications of Surge Absorber

Sl. No DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL PARAMETERS

TYPE OF ARRESTOR STATION CLASS HEAVY DUTY

GAPLESS
i) Nominal system voltage (KV) 400 220
ii) Highest system voltage (KV) 420 245
iii) System Neutral Earthing EE EE

iv) BIL of transformers (KVp) 1300 900

v) System fault level (KA) for 3 40
50 for 1 sec.
sec. For 3 sec.
vi) Lightning Impulse withstand
voltage for arrestor housing 1425 1050
(KVp)
i) Rated Voltage (KV) 360 or as specified
198
in the schedule
ii) Maxm. Continuous operating
306 168
voltage (KVrms)
iii) Nominal Discharge Current
(KAp) of 8/20 micro second 10 / 20 10
wave
iv) Line discharge class 3 3
v) Minimum Energy Discharge
capability (KJ/KV) at rated 10 7.5
voltage.
vi) Temporary over voltage
360 or as specified
withstand capability (KVrms) 198
in the schedule
for 10.0 secs
vii) Insulation Housing withstand
voltages
i) Lightning Impulse(Dry)
ii) Power frequency(wet) As per IEC 60099-4
for 10 KA
for 5 KA
viii) Minimum creepage Distance
10500 6125
(mm)
ix) Pressure Relief Class A
x) (Minimum) High Current
Impulse withstand (4/10 micro
100 100
second wave) KA (peak)

xi) Maxm. Lightning Impulse(8/20

micro-second Wave) residual
voltage (KVp) 5KA
10KA 800 517
850 550

xii) Maxm. switching surge(30/60

micro-second wave)
protective level (KVp)
500 Amps - -
1000 Amps - 455
2000 Amps 750 -

xiii) Maxm. Steep Impulse(1/20 MS

impulse) residual voltage at 10 1050 600
KA (KVp)

xiv) Partial Discharge(pico-

coulomb) when energized at Not exceeding 10 PC
1.05 times its continuous
operating voltage.
xv) Rated Frequency (Hz) 50

Minm. visible corona

xvi) -
discharge voltage (KVrms) 320
xvii) Min. Bending load (kgm) 1000 1000

1 min. p.f. withstand (KVrms)

xviii) voltage (dry & wet) for arrestor 630 460
housing
Switching Impulse withstand
voltage (250/2500 micro
xix) ±1050 -
second) dry & wet for arrestor
housing (KVp)
xx)
Pressure relief Current 40 40
i) High Current (KA rms)

ii) Low Current (KA rms) As per IEC

 References
• http://www.wbsetcl.in/SubStation

• http://www.hvpn.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/HVPN/Home/Procurement/WB+P
rojects

• High Voltage Engineering by M. S. Naidu, V. Kamaraju

• Power Systems by J.B.Gupta

• http://www.powergridindia.com/_layouts/PowerGrid/User/index.aspx?LangI
D=English

• IS:2705 (Part-I-IV) : Specification for current Transformers.

• IS:4201 : Application guide for current transformers.

• IS:5621/2099 : Specification for Bushings/hollow insulators for alternating

voltages above 1000V.

• IS:335 : Specification for insulation oil for transformers and switchgears

• IEC: 60044-1: Current Transformer.

• IEC: 60815: Guide for selection of Insulators in respect of polluted condition.

• IEC: 60296

• IEC: 60376 : SF6 gas

• IEC: 61462 : Silicon Composite Insulator

• IS:2026 (Part I to IV) - Specification for Power Transformer

• IS:2099 & IS:3347 - Bushing for alternating voltage above 1000 volt
• IS : 6600 - Guide for loading of oil immersed transformer
• IS : 335 - Specification for transformer oil
• CBIP - Manual on transformer.
• IEC-60076 - Power Transformer
• IEC-60214 - On Load Tap changer.
• IEC-354 - Loading Guide for Oil immersed Transformer
• IEC-551 - Tr. Sound Level.
• IS-13118 - General requirements for circuit breakers for voltages above 1000
V
• IS-9135 - Guide for testing of Circuit Breaker
• IS-2099 - Bushings
• IEC - 376, 376A, 376B - SF6 Gas
• IEC - 62271-100
• IEC - 60694
• IEC – 56
• IEC-99-4: Gapless Lightning Arrestor
• IS 3070 P-III: Metal Oxide Surge Arrestors without gaps for AC Systems.
• IEC 99 P-III: Artificial Pollution Testing of Lightning Arrestor
• IEC 270: Partial Discharge Measurement.
• IS 2071: Methods of H V Testing
• IS 6209: Methods for Partial Discharge Measurement
• IS 5621: Hollow Insulators for use in electrical equipments
• IS: 3156 Part (I-IV): Specification for Voltage Transformer.
• IS: 4146: Application guide for Voltage Transformers.
• IS: 2099 / IS: 5621: Specification for Bushings/hollow insulators for
alternating voltages above 1000 volts.
• IS: 335: Specification for Insulating Oil
• IS 3024 : Specification for Core Materials