TD01135E Metal-Oxide Surge Arresters Application Guide

APPLICATION GUIDE
Metal-oxide
Surge
Arresters
for use on AC systems
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 3
2 History 4
3 Surge arrester function 5
4 Surge arrester design 6
5 Metal-oxide Varistors (MOV) 10
6 Performance 17
7 Surge arrester selection 19
8 Routine testing 27
9 Application 29
10 Service conditions 34
11 Mixing SiC and MOV arresters 35
12 Installation 36
13 Surge arrester accessories 38
14 Monitoring 41
15 Failure analysis 43
16 Industry involvement 44
17 Summary 45
Acronyms and Common Terms 46
References 48
2 Hubbell Utility Solutions | hubbellpowersystems.com

01 Introduction
Power system overvoltages are a
common occurrence in the day to
day duty for various distribution,
substation and transmission equipment.
Overvoltages can arise due to normal
power frequency voltage fluctuations or
due to lightning and switching surges.
Surviving system overvoltages is a key
facet to ensuring reliable and consistent
power quality for your customers.
Next to your people, your power grid

infrastructure is your largest and most
valuable investment. Every lightning
surge, insulator flashover and switching
event adds wear and tear to utility
equipment, prematurely aging it, and
requiring utilities and their customers to Insulator flashover during impulse testing
shoulder the cost of replacement. Various
mitigation methods can be used to
protect critical equipment insulation from One such method to offer surge
failure due to high voltage surges. protection and limit overvoltages is
achieved using Metal-Oxide Varistor
One such method includes limiting (MOV) type surge arresters. The MOV
the resulting voltage during a surge, was originally developed in Japan in
to a level below the critical strength of 1967, which opened a new doorway for
the insulation. The main objective for modern overvoltage protection. The
any protective measure is to achieve new technology was adapted for high
an acceptably low level of service voltage applications and made its way to
interruptions or equipment failures. The the United States of America and other
definition of acceptably low will surely countries around the globe. The first MOV
vary depending on the application and surge arrester was ultimately introduced
the implications of such an interruption or in 1976. The new design quickly led to
equipment failure. Above all, the method the obsoletion of the prior technology,
of providing this protection must be Silicon Carbide (SiC). SiC arresters were
economically feasible and provide safety introduced in 1930 and were virtually the
to both line crews and the general public. exclusive choice for equipment protection
for over forty years.
Application Guide | Metal-oxide surge arresters for use on AC systems 3

02 History
Protection of electrical lines dates back gap. The new design, dubbed Dynagap,
to the early 1800’s with the introduction converted surge arresters from a mere
of the telegraph. The earliest method of lightning protective device to a key
protection was a simple rod gap. Other member of insulation coordination
predecessors to SiC arresters included planning. Because the gap was used to
the electrolytic, pellet oxide and the develop a back electromagnetic field
oxide film arrester. The introduction, in during a power follow-current operation,
1930, of the first SiC arrester marked the the arrester did not have to wait for
beginning of the modern era of lightning a system voltage-zero crossover to
arrester design. interrupt follow current.
The multi-gap silicon-carbide arrester The most important contribution of the

design relied on the series gaps to spark current-limiting gap to system protection
over at a predetermined voltage level and was it permitted a significant reduction
then to interrupt system follow current, in the arrester protective levels. The
which was limited by the silicon-carbide consequent reduction in system insulation
material. A primary disadvantage of this levels in turn saved utilities millions of
design was the series gaps could not dollars. This innovation changed the
interrupt the flow of follow current until design, manufacture and application of
the system voltage made a zero crossing. surge arresters for the next 20 years, until
As system voltages increased and lines the transition to MOV technology.
lengthened in the 1940’s and 1950’s, the
burden of energy absorption on the SiC Ohio Brass began manufacturing MOV
blocks in an arrester became quite severe. discs in 1978. This investment again
changed the future of overvoltage
The Ohio Brass Company began protection. This venture led to DynaVar
manufacturing surge arresters in 1950 in 1979 which translated modern MOV
with the introduction of the Thorex series. technology into a superior arrester
Thorex brought several innovations product. DynaVar offered significant
by pioneering the use of a SiC discs technical advantages, due to the
in conjunction with a series gap that nonlinearity of the MOV element.
magnetically drove arcs along runners
into a cooling shoot. This advancement The Ohio Brass Company was purchased
eliminated the use of expensive external by Hubbell in 1978 and became the
arrester bracing by drastically reducing cornerstone for Hubbell Power Systems,
the height of surge arresters. Inc. Hubbell has continued to lead the
innovation of surge arrester design into
Ohio Brass made a major breakthrough both the MOV and polymer era of surge
in arrester development in 1957 with protection.
the introduction of the current-limiting

03 Surge Arrester Function
SiC type arresters were rated by the is the residual voltage across the MOV
voltage which they could pass the ANSI discs and miscellaneous conducting
duty-cycle test. Selection of a SiC type elements. In the case of gapped arresters,
arrester consisted of choosing an arrester the maximum voltage is the higher of the
with a rating equal to or greater than the residual voltage or gap sparkover voltage.
maximum line-to-line system operating
voltage times the coefficient of ground Lightning
at the point of application. Modern MOV The most common duty seen by
type surge arresters still reference the distribution and transmission surge
duty-cycle voltage rating, however they arresters is due to lightning events. The
are selected and most often referred to effect of these strikes is largely localized
by their Maximum Continuous Operating and the closest structure to the strike
Voltage (MCOV) or Uc for IEC designs. It’s will have the highest impact. The time to
important to note the duty-cycle rating is crest for the voltage wave is very short
being obsoleted in the IEEE market, while and typically ranges from 0.5 to 8 µs.
for now it is still very relevant in The resulting traveling wave can lead to
IEC standards. insulator flashover, equipment damage
and power quality issues. The duration of
Protection a typical lightning stroke is less than 100
A surge arresters’ primary function is to µs.
the limit the voltage appearing across
the terminals of the equipment being Lightning severity is generally assessed
protected to a level below its critical by considering the Ground Flash Density
flashover voltage. To ensure a proper (GFD) for a region. The severity for an
margin of protection is achieved users area varies drastically when considering
need to understand how voltage can different locations, such as California
vary under surge conditions. versus Florida in the United States.
The maximum voltage imposed on Switching

a system varies based on the use While switching duty is common in all
and placement of an arrester. The arrester applications it is of most concern
corresponding arrester clamping voltage for station class arresters. During a
is referred to as the discharge voltage in switching surge the entire line is charged
IEEE applications and residual voltage to the switching surge voltage level. The
in IEC applications. For purposes of this time to voltage crest is slow, compared
guide the term used here within will to lightning duty and is in the range of 30
be residual voltage. The actual voltage to 45 µs. The switching surge can lead to
seen by the system can additionally vary power transformer and equipment failure.
depending on whether the arrester is a The duration of a typical switching surge
gapped or gapless design. In the case of can be 2,000 µs or longer.
gapless arresters, the maximum voltage

04 Surge Arrester Design
Surge arresters applied on system applications, while Class 3-5 were more
voltages above 1 kV a.c. are governed by scoped for substation type applications.
two primary standards, IEEE C62.11 and The remainder of this application guide
IEC 60099-4. Other standards exist for will focus on the latest IEC standard,
more specialized applications including Ed. 3.0.
internally and externally gapped arresters,
d.c. arresters and gas-insulated arresters. Future Work
Current IEEE and IEC standards primarily
IEEE identify distribution and station class
IEEE Standard C62.11-2020 divides arresters. A third type, commonly referred
surge arresters by their application. to as transmission line arresters (TLA)
Design types include distribution, station or line surge arresters (LSA) is briefly,
and intermediate classes. Distribution although not adequately addressed by
subcategories include Light Duty (LD), these existing standards. For purposes
Normal Duty (ND) and Heavy Duty (HD). of this guide the discussion will refer
While not a distinct type of surge arrester to this technology as an LSA. LSA’s are
the Riser Pole arrester is commonly in wide use across the globe and have
specified for its unique application. been grouped into two categories: 1)
However, this Riser Pole arrester is in fact Non-gapped line arrester (NGLA) and 2)
a HD type arrester, simply with enhanced Externally gapped line arrester (EGLA).
(lower) protective characteristics.
In 2018 a new work item proposal was
IEC issued to cover the design and type
IEC Standard 60099-4 Ed. 3.0 divides tests associated with all LSA’s. A joint
surge arresters strictly by distribution logo IEC/IEEE 60099-11 will be released
and station class types. Arresters are in accord with the guidelines of Project
further subcategorized into classification Team 11. This standard is still in the early
Low, Medium and High. This produces development stage and will likely be
three distinct classes for distribution released in five years.
and three more for station applications.
The classes are commonly referred Arrester Construction
to by their acronym: Distribution Low Surge arresters can be characterized
(DL), Distribution Medium (DM) and by numerous factors, but one of the
Distribution High (DH), as well as Station most common is the insulation material.
Low (SL), Station Medium (SM) and Porcelain was formerly the dominant
Station High (SH). material for all applications. A paradigm
shift in the design and specification
The prior version of IEC 60099-4 Ed. 2.2 of arresters occurred in 1986 with the
used a class-based system. This system introduction of the first polymer housed
included Class 1-2 which were primarily surge arrester, a distribution design, by
for distribution or sub-transmission the Ohio Brass Company.

At the time all arresters were standard, the terms hollow core and solid
manufactured using a porcelain housing. core are commonly used to characterize
Porcelain arresters of this era were the different methods of arrester
notorious for moisture ingress failures. construction. These two types of arresters
During the end of life event a porcelain are further characterized by their amount
arrester could possibly eject particles. of internal gas volume.
This posed a huge safety risk because
porcelain distribution arresters can be
located outside of homes, restaurants
Solid core (left) versus
and in other public locations. Once the polymer hollow core
polymer design was introduced the (right) arrester
industry went through a rapid transition
afforded by the invention of polymer
arresters.
A current vintage polymer housed

distribution arrester is displayed in
the Figure below. The experience and
research pioneered by the Ohio Brass
high voltage insulator group was key
to leveraging polymer technology
for arrester design and application.
The technology was later adapted for
intermediate applications in 1991 and
station class applications in 1993. The
introduction of polymers paved the
way for two distinct types of arrester
construction: hollow core and solid core.
Solid core arresters are, as the name

suggests, a solid type design with
virtually zero internal gas volume. The
MOV blocks are held together with a
fiberglass weave that is composed of
fiberglass roving impregnated with a
resin. The fiberglass is wound around the
MOVs during production. The resulting
Polymer
housed assembly is typically referred to as a
distribution module. A polymer housing is then
arrester
assembled to this wrapped module. A
silicone dielectric grease is used as the
Hollow Core Versus Solid Core Arresters live interface between the module and
The introduction of polymer materials housing. These designs are not equipped
and designs prompted the need for with a directional pressure relief device.
revised test standards. Both IEEE and IEC In the event of arrester short circuit, the
standards worked towards addressing polymer housing will tear to vent the
the new polymer solid type design. While resulting pressure buildup.
not formally defined in an IEEE or IEC

Arrester
module Hollow core arresters utilize either a All polymer compounds used for
ceramic housing or hollow composite electrical apparatus insulation are
insulator with an external polymer produced with fillers and additives
insulating material to contain the MOV to enhance the base polymers
blocks. The porcelain hollow core characteristics. The base material makes
design strictly uses a ceramic housing. up only about one third of the total
The polymer hollow core design is a polymer material. Most of the materials’
combination of a fiberglass tube and properties are developed by the additives
a direct molded polymer housing. and fillers that make up the rest of the
This design retains >5% internal air material. Just because two products use
volume, which requires a leakage test the same base material does not mean
be performed during production. These they will perform the same in the field.
designs are additionally equipped with
directional pressure relief devices. Based EP rubbers, Ethylene Propylene Monomer
on the manner of construction hollow (EPM) and Ethylene Propylene Diene
core designs typically have a superior Monomer (EPDM), offer superior
cantilever capability when compared resistance to electrical activity. Materials
to solid core arresters. Polymer hollow with EPM or EPDM as the base material
core designs are additionally lighter will typically perform well in corona
than equivalent porcelain designs and cutting and tracking tests. The resistance
tend to be more forgiving to potential to tracking and erosion allows them to
mishandling. perform well in highly contaminated
environments. EPDM materials also
All arresters feature weather sheds offer superior mechanical strength that
constructed from polymer or porcelain. protects against mishandling or potential
The housing shields the internal MOV damage from wildlife while in service.
elements from the external environment,
while the weather sheds add surface Silicone rubbers have a high degree of
area to help disperse surface currents. hydrophobicity. In other words, water
This feature can be critical in polluted beads up on the surface. Only under
environments. severe wetting will a continuous sheet
of water form on the weather sheds.
Polymers Without a sheet of water, the electrical
Numerous polymer materials and activity on the surface is drastically
associated compounds are utilized in reduced. Although silicone-based
the utility industry. Polymer insulating materials don’t withstand tracking
materials for arresters are typically and erosion as well as EPDM, the
defined by the base material. There are hydrophobicity limits the electrical
three primary base materials available activity that causes the tracking
in the market: ethylene propylene and erosion.
(EP), dimethyl siloxane (silicone), and
combinations of both.

ESP™ The combination of the mechanical
Combinations of the two materials and electrical resistance of EPDM with
have been developed to combine the the hydrophobicity of silicone rubber
resistance to erosion and tracking of created the best insulating material
an EP material with the hydrophobicity available. Ohio Brass developed a series
of a silicone-based material. Hubbell of critical tests to ensure the long-
manufactures surge arresters and various term performance and reliability of a
other electrical components using a polymer. These tests include oxidative
proprietary rubber compound. The stability, ultraviolet exposure, corona
material, trade named ESP™, is made with cutting, tracking and erosion and salt
a base material that is a combination of fog accelerated aging. A superior testing
EPDM and low molecular weight silicone program ensures critical characteristics
oil. This hybrid material is used for are verified and lead to the long-term
Hubbell distribution arresters and performance of equipment.
solid core station and intermediate
arrester housings. • Resistance to tracking and erosion
• Ultra-violet (UV) resistance
ESP™ was formulated over many years • High mechanical strength
of research beginning in the early • Low moisture permeability
1960’s. Ohio Brass began researching • High mechanical strength
polymer materials in 1964. The goal at • Short- and long-term hydrophobicity
the time was to produce a polymer that
would meet or exceed the capabilities The ultimate test for any polymer
of porcelain. Ohio Brass ultimately material is field exposure. Utilities have
introduced polymer transmission demonstrated the longevity of Hubbell
insulators in 1976. Many years of research, polymer products for over 40 years.
testing and refinement were required A testament to ESP is highlighted by
to ensure a good quality and reliable the 35-year history of the PDV arrester
material was being offered to line, which culminated with Hubbell
the industry. shipping its 40 millionth polymer housed
distribution surge arrester in 2020.
Technology and expertise from polymer
transmission insulators were leveraged to
create the world’s first polymer housed
distribution surge arrester in 1986. In
less than ten years the porcelain housed
distribution arrester was no longer
manufactured in the US.

05 Metal Oxide Varistors (MOV)
Ohio Brass invested in the large-scale on the manufacturer. Hubbell considers
manufacture of MOV discs beginning in MOV manufacturing and the associated
1978. This investment marked a turning material science to be a core competency.
point for the utility industry and all surge MOV discs are manufactured in a wide
arrester manufacturers. The MOV is the range of heights and diameters, ranging
heart of all modern high voltage surge from 29 to 75 mm.
arresters. To ensure superior performance
MOV manufacturing requires strict atten- An MOV is a collection of millions of
tion to quality control practices. Hubbell microscopic electronic switches that are
continues to manufacture MOV discs basically programmed all to come on
in-house in our US facility. at a given signal. The MOV is designed
to take excess energy to ground to
While standards and guides exist for the protect equipment on the other side of
design, manufacture and application the device. MOV’s are not only used in
of surge arresters, there is no such arresters, they are used all the way
reference document for MOV discs. down into the power strips you use
The material composition and method in your home.
of manufacturing is strictly dependent
Range of Hubbell
produced MOV blocks

MOV Structure materials and performing consistent
The internal crystalline structure of the quality assurance checks on in-process
MOV is what gives an MOV its electrical materials. Raw materials are checked for
characteristics. Hubbell controls this particle size and chemical composition
structure by design. At the microscopic before leaving the supplier. The materials
scale, the MOV is predominantly zinc are further verified by Hubbell personnel
oxide crystals formed during a high to ensure the composition does not
temperature sintering process. The include trace impurities, which might
boundaries between the crystal grains influence the operating characteristics of
are where the majority of electrical a finished MOV.
performance characteristics are
established. The manufacturing process begins with
the assignment of an MOV batch number.
The composition of an MOV disc includes The batch number will carry through
approximately 90% Zinc Oxide (ZnO) the entire process and be printed on
and 10% additives. The live additives at each MOV disc. This level of traceability
the crystal grain boundaries provide the allows complete control of the process,
switch-like behavior of the MOV. These including tying back to the raw materials.
additives include oxides of other metals The process starts with weighing
such as Bismuth, Antimony, Nickel, and the correct amount of materials. The
Manganese. The amount of each additive additives include compounds in powders
has a critical effect on the varistor of 1 to 10 micrometers in diameter. The
characteristics. Additional binders and raw materials are milled to reduce particle
organics are added to aid with MOV size and ensure a uniform mix is achieved.
disc processing. Given the complexity
of producing high quality MOVs, a The material continues into a high-
long sequence of steps must be tightly heat process known as calcining. The
followed from start to finish. calcined additive aggregate is again
milled to further reduce particle size to
Manufacturing Process enhance uniform mixing with the ZnO.
The timeline from incoming material to The ZnO is weighed and combined with
finished MOV electrical testing is twenty- the additives in a dispersion unit that
five days. Because of the long duration uniformly disperses the additives around
and complexity of processing, the cost the zinc oxide particles. A homogenous
impact of variations must be minimized mixture with uniform distribution of
by a significant number of quality checks chemical phases enhances the electrical
throughout production. Even before characteristics of the varistor.
the first step of production, incoming
raw material batches must be tested to Mixing of the slurry determines chemical
match supplier certifications. The purity uniformity of the final product. The slurry
content, contaminant level, particle size, continues into a two-story tall spray dryer
surface area, and crystal structure are which converts the slurry into a free-
all critical characteristics which must be flowing spherical powder. The particle
known before manufacture. size and dryness of the powder affect
the ability to press the powder into disc
During varistor manufacture the shape during the next phase and are
material research laboratory supports analyzed before proceeding.
the production facility by analyzing raw

The spray dried powder is compacted During sintering, an insulating layer
within hydraulic cylinders to a specific forms on the outside of the disc. Hubbell
density. The hydraulic presses augments this layer by adding a very high
incorporate sensors to ensure each disc is resistance glass collar that improves and
consistent and has no bubbles or uneven raises the electrical insulation level. The
stresses. At this point, the newly formed collar is sprayed onto the varistor. This
discs are tough enough for light handling collar provides excellent resistance to
even though they are only compacted moisture and also insulates the varistors
powder. to prevent flashover during lightning or
switching surge discharges.
Racks of pressed MOVs are loaded into
low temperature ovens to remove the Once this collar is baked and hardened,
organic materials for 24 hours. Once the the circular faces of the discs undergo
MOVs cool, they are ready for crystal precision grinding to expose a conductive
growth in the high temperature kilns. surface of the crystalline MOV. This
Each MOV is carefully loaded into a operation additionally ensures parallelism.
ceramic carrier box for transport through The material is then ultrasonically
the kiln. cleaned and inspected in preparation for
metalizing application, which provides
Now a 30-hour sintering operation occurs uniform conductivity between varistors
in a kiln which incorporates 13 control when they are assembled in a final surge
zones 44 thermocouples recording arrester.
temperature. Sintering takes the 50%
of theoretical density achieved in the After the metallizing step, Hubbell
pressing operation and increases it to qualifies each and every new MOV with a
98% of theoretical. This high density 100% Rated Energy Test. The larger the
eliminates voids that could lead to diameter of the disc, the more energy
electrical failure. impulses it must withstand to prove it
meets Hubbell standards. This pass or
fail test was devised by Hubbell engineers
to guarantee there are no flaws in all new
MOV discs. Any internal flaws such as
pinholes or cracks, and any external flaws
like chips, bumps, or other imperfections
and the MOV may be violently destroyed.
Once the MOV passes the Rated Energy

Test, it is cooled before the Routine
Classification Test. The electrical
protection, known as residual voltage,
must be precisely measured with a
lightning impulse at a specific level. The
voltage measured during this test is
printed directly on the MOV next to its
batch identification. The result is used
to sort and package discs into groups of
similar values.
Microstructure
of an MOV block

The exact value will be used at the Volt-amp characteristics
arrester factory to match blocks to Once introduced, the MOV quickly
specific arrester designs. revolutionized the surge protection
industry based on its superior nonlinear
Before the discs are released for volt-amp characteristics. An example
shipment, the entire batch of sorted V-I curve is shown below. The V-I
MOV discs is set aside for additional curve is ultimately divided in three
testing. Sample discs are selected for distinct regions: power frequency,
Quality Assurance tests to determine switching and lightning impulse. In the
the properties of the batch. Because power frequency region, an arrester is
Hubbell engineers devised a sequence of continually energized at Uc (MCOV) at
testing that gets more and more difficult, a corresponding current, Ic. An arrester
some discs must be sacrificed and are is further characterized by Ur (formerly
destroyed during testing. The main batch known as duty-cycle voltage rating in
of MOV discs will be released only when IEEE), which is the voltage at which
Quality Assurance targets are satisfied. an arrester must perform during the
operating duty test. Ur also correlates
The complex production process is to a 10 second temporary overvoltage
continually supported by numerous capability. The turn on point of the
functional groups including production arrester, also referred to as the “knee” of
operators, process engineers and the V-I curve, is known as Uref or reference
technicians, plant engineering, facility voltage. This is the corresponding voltage
maintenance and material scientists. at which time the arrester conducts Iref
or reference current. Iref is a manufacturer
specified value that should be sufficiently
high enough to make the effects of stray
capacitance negligible.
Typical Volt-Amp curve for an MOV arrester

Above Uref is the highly nonlinear portion Classifying Current
of the MOV V-I curve. This region includes Surge arresters are classified depending
a relatively low increase in voltage, on their typical application and
with a corresponding large increase in associated voltage. Distribution arresters
current. This region is dominated by for example are not designed or intended
switching activity which typically range to handle switching impulses. As such,
from 250 to 3000 Amps. This residual they are not assigned a corresponding
voltage is known as the switching impulse switching classifying current. Station
protection level or Ups. Arresters are arresters, on the other hand, are exposed
further characterized by their lightning to both lightning and switching activity.
impulse protection level, also know as Upl. The magnitude of any such duty is
This is the maximum residual voltage of typically related to the system voltage.
the arrester at the corresponding nominal Tables showing the comparison between
discharge current. Typical published IEEE and IEC classifying currents for
currents range from various arrester classes are shown in the
1.5 to 40 kA. following tables.
IEEE classifying currents
Typical MCOV Lightning Impulse Switching Impulse

Arrester Class Range (kV) Classifying Current (kA) Classifying Current (kA)
Light Duty (LD) 2.55 – 39 5 -
Normal Duty (ND) 2.55 – 39 5 -
Heavy Duty (HD) 2.55 – 39 10 -
Intermediate 2.55 – 115 5 0.5
Station 2.55 – 115 10 0.5
Station 116 – 245 10 1.0
Station 246 – 448 15 2.0
Station >448 20 2.0
IEC nominal discharge currents
Nominal Discharge Switching Impulse

Arrester Class Current (kA) Discharge Current (kA)
Distribution Low (DL) 2.5 -
Distribution Medium (DM) 5 -
Distribution High (DH) 10 -
Station Low (SL) 10 -
Station Medium (SM) 10 1
Station High (SH) 20 2

Residual (Discharge) Voltage The rate of rise, duration and magnitude
Surge arresters are manufactured using of any transient event may influence
one or more MOV discs connected the ability of an arrester to survive this
electrically in series. Manufacturers duty. The FOW or steep front impulses
characterize MOV discs by their residual are particularly fast rising and reach
voltage. Standards detail three distinct crest voltage in a short time frame.
impulses at which MOV blocks and Lightning impulses are slower, but
ultimately arresters must be characterized otherwise similar in duration to the FOW
by. These impulses are steep current impulse. Limitations for these impulses
or front-of-wave (FOW), switching are typically related to the charge
and lightning. An example switching or magnitude of the duty. Switching
and lightning impulse are shown in the impulses, however are quite long when
following figures. compared to typical lightning duty. This
extended duration in turn contributes
significant heating to the MOV blocks
which could cause thermal instability.
Example 8/20 µs
impulse at 10kA
Example 40/90 µs
impulse at 500 A

Steep Current Impulse Switching Impulse
The steep current impulse or FOW The specified waveshape for switching
impulse corresponds to a lightning duty is characterized by discharge
impulse in which the impulse current current cresting in 45 to 60 µs. Peak
crests in 1 µs. The peak voltage is reported voltages are reported at current
at the lightning classifying current of the magnitudes of 0.5, 1 and 2 kA. Additional
arrester. testing is commonly performed at 0.25
kA, as well as higher and lower current
This test is performed for two conditions: magnitudes for specialized applications.
1) the MOV varistors alone and 2) for
the complete arrester which accounts Lightning Impulse
for the inductive voltage drop of metal For laboratory testing the specified
current carrying components. The latter waveshape for mimicking lightning
test accounts for the summation of the impulses is designated as 8/20. This
MOV FOW discharge voltage plus the waveshape defines a virtual front time of
magnitude of L di/dt. 8 µs and a time to half-crest of 20 µs. This
is a historical carry-over from the IEEE
The magnitude of the inductive voltage C62.1 standard for gapped SiC arresters.
drop can be calculated as follows: Peak voltages are reported at current
magnitudes of 1.5, 3, 5, 10, 20 and 40 kA.
L = 1 µH/m (0.3 µH/ft) Additional testing is performed at the
relevant classifying current, e.g. 15 kA for
550 kV applications.
di/dt = Lightning classifying current/µs
dependent on the lightning classifying
current of the arrester

06 Performance
MOV surge arresters are exposed to This test distinctly differs from the
the rigors of system overvoltages, switching surge energy rating testing
environmental contamination, damaging because thermal recovery is not required.
UV exposure and various other factors This ensures the MOV is rated based on
that could ultimately degrade the its charge conduction capability, without
material. The IEEE and IEC arrester an impact from discharge voltage. This
standards have a series of tests that are prevents manufacturers from making an
scoped to overstress arrester designs to arrester with a higher discharge voltage
ensure their longevity in the field. While with the same impulse current charge
the absolute lifetime of MOV arresters capability, to claim a higher energy
is still being analyzed, it is typical to see dissipating capability. This can easily
lifetimes in the range of 20 – 40 years. be misunderstood as better energy
capability when in fact it is not.
Switching Surge Energy Rating
Station and intermediate arresters are Long Term Aging
commonly subjected to switching surge To ensure a long service life the arresters
duty during their lifespan. Understanding and associated MOV discs must remain
and quantifying the amount of energy an stable while in service. A key facet to
arrester can dissipate while in service will the longevity of an arrester is the ability
help ensure longevity of the product. for the MOV discs to never increase
long-term power dissipation during their
Both station and intermediate class lifetime. This trait is demonstrated by
arresters are characterized by their the long-term stability under continuous
switching surge energy rating. The test operating voltage type test. Stability is
verifies the multi discharge switching demonstrated by energizing the MOV
surge capability, which is a thermal claim. blocks at an elevated voltage while
The capability is expressed in kJ/kV of heated to 115⁰C for 1000 hours. The
MCOV or kJ/kV of Ur dependent on the relative watts loss must remain stable
applicable standard. This rating is not and/or decrease over time.
applicable to distribution type arresters.
Charge Transfer Rating

Both station and intermediate class
arresters are additionally characterized
by their impulse withstand capability. This
test determines the maximum charge an
arrester can transfer in multiple instances
without physical damage occurring. The
capability is expressed coulombs (C).

Varistor Accelerated Aging Curve
Thermal Stability
The ability for MOV discs to dissipate the
heat generated due to power loss will
ensure a long service life. The thermal
transfer can vary based on the internal
components and their associated heat
transfer rate. Similarly, solid core or
hollow core arresters can have a different
rate of dissipating heat generated from
the MOV blocks. A balancing act is
formed between the ability of the arrester
housing to dissipate heat versus the heat
generated from MOV disc power loss.
Thermal dissipation

07 Surge Arrester Selection
The most critical function of any devices. The selection criteria begins by
surge arrester is insulation protection considering the maximum continuous
of applicable apparatus, such as line-to-ground voltage. This calculation
transformers, from damaging requires knowledge of the nominal line-
overvoltages. To ensure protection, to-line voltage, as well as the voltage
proper selection of a surge arrester is of regulation. Most utilities try to maintain a
upmost importance. Each application 5% or less voltage regulation, however it
may require special considerations to is not uncommon to see applications that
reduce the possibility of equipment increase to 10% or even 15%.
damage or arrester overload.
Arresters are largely applied on systems
MCOV (Uc) that are either four-wire multigrounded
Selecting the proper arrester MCOV relies wye or three-wire wye or delta, high or
on understanding the power frequency low impedance grounded. The former
voltage stresses that will be imparted multigrounded application is the most
on an arrester during its life. Most utility straightforward. An example calculation
equipment is selected and classified is displayed for a nominal 138 kV L-L
according to the maximum line-to-line multi-grounded application with 5%
voltage. Surge arresters are a stark voltage regulation.
difference, compared to these other
Line-to-line voltage (kV) x Voltage regulation (%)

Line-to-ground voltage (kV) =
√3
138 kV x 1.05
= 83.6 kV
√3

In this application the maximum Temporary Overvoltage (TOV)
continuous line-to-ground voltage is Because the power grid is imperfect, the
calculated to be 83.6 kV. A corresponding quality and control of voltage can impart
minimum recommended arrester MCOV overvoltages on an arrester. A temporary
would be 84 kV. A higher rated arrester overvoltage (TOV) also known as power
may be required due to higher voltage frequency overvoltage is defined as any
regulation, grounding conditions or TOV power frequency voltage that lasts for
conditions. The voltage regulation of 5% a duration less than 3600 seconds. This
is generally sufficient, however it is not condition may overstress an arrester if
uncommon to consider a factor of 10% or care is not taken during selection.
even 15%.
Type tests are defined to evaluate the
Additional considerations are required overvoltage capability of an arrester with
for applications where the system is and without prior duty. The prior duty
configured as delta, resistance or imped- test is intended to simulate the effects
ance grounded, or ungrounded. Sizing an of a lightning or switching discharge
arrester at or above the maximum line- imposed on an arrester. This type of
to-line system voltage may be required. duty would elevate the temperature of
Most manufacturers publish a table of the MOV blocks and limit the thermal
recommended arrester MCOV values for recovery capability of the arrester. An
typical system voltages. These are merely example TOV curve with and without
minimum recommendations and addi- prior duty is shown below.
tional analysis is frequently required.
Power-frequency voltage versus time capability

One such cause of an overvoltage lightning duty expected for distribution
is a neutral shift on an ungrounded and line arresters. The energy capability
or impedance grounded system. A or rating of a surge arrester is the amount
neutral shift can occur during a system of switching surge energy (typically in
imbalance, such as a line-to-ground kilojoules) that the arrester can absorb
fault. This shift imparts a TOV on the or dissipate, while remaining thermally
arrester that could cause damage stable. This ensures the arrester can
unless the arrester is sized to account dispel the significant heat generated
for this overvoltage. If the duration and during a long magnitude switching surge.
magnitude of a fault is known this can
be compared against the TOV capability The following image depicts the
curve for an arrester. switching surge energy rating test. It
begins with measuring discharge and
It's a common misconception that reference voltage. Next apply two 4/10
surge arresters are capable of limiting µs current impulses at 65kA magnitude.
normal power frequency overvoltages. This is followed by preheating to 60 ⁰C.
The clamping capability of an arrester Once the sample is sufficiently heated,
is only true for relatively short duration two square wave impulses are applied
events caused by switching or lightning within a 1-minute period at a magnitude
impulses. It’s critical to size an arrester to based on the manufacturer’s claim.
withstand temporary overvoltages, rather Within 100 ms, an elevated voltage (1.25 x
than try to limit the magnitude of such an VC) is applied for 10 seconds, followed by
overvoltage. In some application surge recovery voltage for 30 minutes. Power
arresters are applied as sacrificial type loss through the arrester is monitored
devices to limit overvoltages that may throughout this process, which in turn
damage other equipment. demonstrates thermal recovery of the
sample. Measurement of the discharge
Energy voltage again after the sample cools to
Substation arresters are more likely to ambient and a visual inspection
encounter switching surge impulses are performed.
in their application, as opposed to the
Switching surge energy rating

The output of this test is a 2-shot thermal type tests are virtually identical, except in
energy rating for a family of arresters. the method of claiming per kVMCOV or per
Ultimately, an arrester’s energy handling kVUr, respectively. Comparison tables for
capability is limited by the thermal IEEE and IEC claimable energy ratings
capability of the design. IEEE and IEC are shown below.
Energy Class A B C D E F G H J K L M N
Energy Rating
(kJ/kV-MCOV) 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 11 13 15 18 21 24 27 30
1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 6 7 8 9 10
Energy Rating
(kJ/kV-Ur) 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 36*
*Additional levels can be claimed above 36 kJ/kV-Ur in steps of 6 kJ/kV-Ur
Selection of the switching surge energy This is same as

rating is ideally determined through an
EMTP or similar type model. This level J = VA IA T
of analysis is not always available and
simplified analytical approaches can be with:
used. The IEEE C62.22 application guide T = 2DL / c
provides guidance on how to estimate (time to travel from one end of line to
the required energy based on various other and back)
system parameters.
The energy discharged by an arrester
Energy absorbed by an arrester in kilojoules may be conservatively
is given by estimated by the equation:
J = ∫E(t)I(t)dt J = 2DL VA IA / c
If I (t) is a square wave current of J = Energy discharge by arrester (kJ)
constant magnitude (IA) and duration T, IA = Switching impulse current (kA)
then E (t) will be a square wave discharge VA = Corresponding arrester switching
voltage of constant magnitude (EA) and impulse discharge voltage (kV)
duration T. DL = Line length (km)
c = Speed of light (300 km/s)
Then the above integral simplifies to
J = EA IA T

Determining EA and IA can involve The line surge impedance can generally
manufacturer data and an iterative be assumed to be between 300 – 450
process is better to refine the actual Ω, although it varies based on system
values. Using this equation, a conservative voltage. The other characteristics are
estimate can be made to determine the application based. A sample calculation
switching requirements for an application. is provided for comparison to the
For an example assume a system voltage iterative method.
of 161kV L-L, a line length of 322 km with
Z = 400 Ohms. A 98 kV MCOV arrester is Assume the same example with a system
used with a 222 kV residual voltage voltage of 161kV L-L, a line length of 322
at 300 A. km with Z = 400 Ohms. A 98 kV MCOV
arrester is considered for this application.
300
E = 2 × 322 × 222,000 × = 142.9 kJ
300,000 161 322
WMCOV = 0.021 x x = 1.57 kJ/kV MCOV
√3 400
The calculated energy can be rearranged
in per unit of MCOV to compare against
the chosen arrester design. Thus, 142.9/98 This conservative approach yields
yields an energy requirement of 1.46 kJ/ a slightly higher amount of energy
kV MCOV. discharged through the arrester. Either
method can be considered appropriate
This approach generally requires an when more sophisticated calculations
iterative process to converge on the are unavailable.
current generated during a switching
event. A simplified or rule of thumb A common station arrester for a 161 kV
approach can otherwise be used to application has a Class E energy rating.
estimate the energy. This approach This corresponds to a 2-shot energy
is taken from Annex G of the handling capability of 9 kJ/kV MCOV
IEEE C62.22 guide. (≥4.5 kJ/kV MCOV per shot). The energy
discharged through the example is 1.57
WMCOV = 0.021 Ul-g L / Z kJ/kV MCOV. The selected arrester is
considered more than adequate for
WMCOV = Energy discharged into the the application.
arrester (kJ/kV of MCOV)
Ul-g = Maximum line-to-ground voltage of
the line (kV rms)
L = Line length (km)
Z = Line surge impedance (Ohms)

Housing Material Porcelain housed station class arresters
Until 1986 all distribution and station class still fill a niche in the market. Many utilities
surge arresters were manufactured using trust the extensive service performance
a porcelain housing. The development of which has been demonstrated by
various rubbers has largely displaced the porcelain housings. Aside from the
use of porcelain as the primary insulating aforementioned points, polymer and
material for arresters. Now, both types porcelain arresters both adhere to the
are offered in various design packages. same requirements.
The use of polymer versus porcelain is
primarily a user driven decision. Polymer Pollution Level
housed arresters now have 30+ years of The amount of creepage distance or
demonstrated service and are available external surface area of the arrester
in both solid and hollow core design insulating material can influence its
variations. Many users have discovered long-term performance. An increase in
benefits of switching to polymer housed creepage distance may be required if the
designs, including: arrester is installed in areas that subject
the external housing to contaminants that
• Lower mass compared to similar may influence or increase the amount of
porcelain arresters external leakage current flowing across
• Material is less susceptible to damage the housing.
during shipping or handling
• Polymer type designs do not The creepage distance or pollution level
experience brittle fracture during of the arrester can be selected using
pressure relief operation standard IEC insulation levels. These
• Possible to reclose on polymer- levels include low, medium, heavy and
housed arresters after a pressure very heavy. The creepage distance of
relief operation the arrester is thus calculated using the
system voltage Um and the specified
pollution level.
Comparable
porcelain and • Light – 16 mm/kV
polymer hollow • Medium – 20 mm/kV
core arresters
• Heavy – 25 mm/kV
• Very heavy – 31 mm/kV
Before the 2020 edition of the standard

IEEE C62.11 indicated the use of a
minimum creepage distance of 1 inch
(25.4 mm) for each 1 kV rms of duty-
cycle voltage rating. This requirement
was removed in the latest edition. In
general, most arrester designs include
more creepage distance than is required.
Arresters to be installed in areas of heavy
pollution may require higher creepage
values or other special considerations.

Insulation coordination di 10
V=L = 0.3 ( ) = 375 V/ft
Equipment protection is the number dt 8
one job for a surge arrester. A vital step
in the selection process is evaluating
the margin of protection between the Additional calculations are required for
arrester and the equipment its protecting. coordinating the protection of equipment
IEEE C62.22 recommends a minimum of on underground systems, including
15% protective margin between the surge insulated cables. For both gapless and
arrester and power transformer insulation. gapped arresters, compare the doubled
A margin of 20% is recommended for sum of discharge voltage at assumed
most other applications. The arrester current and connecting lead voltage
discharge voltage and corresponding with transformer and cable BIL. Using
insulation withstand level are provided a recommended protective margin of
below. 20% the following conditions should be
validated (for systems without open point
• Arrester FOW discharge voltage arresters).
compared to the chopped wave
withstand (CWW) of the equipment Oil insulation: CWW ≥ 1.2 × 2 × FOW
being protected Dry insulation: BIL ≥ 1.2 × 2 × FOW
• Arrester 8/20 lightning discharge Both insulations: BIL ≥ 1.2 × 2 × LPL
voltage compared to the basic
impulse insulation level (BIL) of the When an open point arrester is not in use
equipment being protected the following calculations hold true.
• Arrester switching surge discharge
voltage compared to the basic
Max voltage stress = 2 × FOW
switching impulse insulation level
(BSL) BIL
PM = ( -1 ) x 100ft
2 ×FOW
The margin of protection or protective
margin (PM) can be calculated using the
following formula. When an open point arrester is in use the
following calculations hold true.
Insulation level
PM = ( -1) x 100 1.5 kA Ures
Arrester discharge voltage Max voltage stress = FOW +
+ 2
lead length adder
BIL
The lead length impacts the resulting PM = ( -1 ) x 100ft
FOW+1.5kA Ures/2
voltage and adds stress to equipment
if it 1) carries surge current and 2) is in
parallel with the protected equipment.
This impact is caused by the inductive
voltage drop in the lead. The voltage
drop is calculated using the formula
V = Ldi/dt. Where:
L = 0.3 µH/ft
di = Current magnitude in kA
dt = Rate of current rise in µs

Pressure Relief All surge arresters above 90 kV duty-
When an arrester reaches end of life, it cycle voltage rating are required to
behaves like a direct short to ground. The survive a shake table test with no
arrester in turn conducts the available structural damage and remain functional.
system fault current. Surge arresters Functionality is demonstrated by
must survive this event without a violent successfully passing routine production
shattering of the housing and internal tests after shake table testing. IEEE 693
components. The collapse or thermal allows seismic qualification based on
fracture of an arrester is acceptable, if it the concept of “qualifying equipment by
does not eject components outside of group”. This concept permits products
a ring of specified diameter and height of different voltage ratings, but similar
built around the test sample. physical structure, to be combined
into groups for qualification purposes.
Selecting an arrester with a pressure The most seismically vulnerable piece
relief rating greater than the available of equipment of each group shall be
short-circuit current in the substation analyzed or tested.
will ensure a catastrophic failure does
not occur. Typical distribution arrester Arresters shall be selected for seismic
designs hold a 20 kA rating, while zones according to their qualified zero
station class designs hold a 63 kA rating. period acceleration or ZPA level. ZPA
Additional levels, as high as 80 kA, is the acceleration level of the high-
are available for special applications. frequency, non-amplified portion of the
This higher rating requires specialized response spectrum (e.g., above the cutoff
testing, which is not realizable at most frequency, 33 Hz). This acceleration
laboratories. corresponds to the maximum (peak)
acceleration of the time history used to
While an arrester will only short circuit derive the spectrum. The most common
once in its lifetime, the proper selection levels are 0.5 and 1.0 g ZPA.
of the pressure relief rating is a critical
consideration. Doing so will ensure the Hubbell maintains third party test reports
safety of line crews, the general public that validate the seismic capability of all
and equipment. substation type arresters. These reports
can be provided upon request.
Seismic
Arresters are qualified for application in
seismic zones according to the guidelines
of IEEE 693. This standard details test
procedures for seismically validating
a wide range of products including
arresters, switches, bushings, and a
multitude of other equipment types.
Annex K of IEEE 693 specifically covers
requirements for surge arresters.

08 Routine Testing
IEEE and IEC arrester standards require The internal partial discharge rate is
100% of production output be tested to measured and must not exceed 10 pC.
ensure all products meet manufacturer It is permissible to shield the external
published values. Hubbell manufactures connections.
surge arresters in their ISO 9001 and
14001 certified facilities. Critical tests Power Loss
mandated by these standards include This test is performed at 1.25 x MCOV for
verifying residual voltage, reference distribution arresters and 1.20 x MCOV for
voltage, partial discharge and power-loss. intermediate and station arresters. The
Other tests may be applicable dependent test ensures the power loss through an
on the design, such as seal leak rate arrester is within a manufacturer specified
for hollow core arresters and current range. This value can be useful for future
distribution for multi-column arresters. inspection and monitoring methods.
Residual Voltage Seal Leak Rate

The residual voltage of each MOV block This test is performed on hollow core
is measured at 5 or 10 kA, with an 8/20 type arresters that retain at least 10%
waveshape. Fully assembled arresters of their volume in the form of gas.
are characterized by the summation of Applicable arresters are tested to ensure
the individual residual voltages for each the quality of the arrester seal. Hubbell
MOV block. This test is critical to ensure utilizes a helium-mass spectrometer
the arrester yields manufacturer claimed test to validate the arrester’s seal is
protective levels. appropriate.
Reference Voltage Current Sharing

This test is performed at the Arresters that are comprised of two or
manufacturer declared reference current more parallel columns of MOV blocks
(Iref) and ensures the turn on voltage of shall be tested to confirm the critical
the arrester. This test ensures the arrester current is within tolerances specified by
is built with a sufficient volume of MOV the manufacturer. This test is performed
block to meet manufacturer declared with a switching or lightning impulse.
overvoltage and energy claims. Hubbell mandates all columns within
a multi-column arrester have a current
Partial Discharge sharing tolerance within 5%, unless
This test is performed at 1.05 x MCOV stricter tolerances are required for
after voltage is raised to 1.25 x MCOV the application.
and applied for at least 2 seconds.

MOV Testing MOV batch QA tests
Additional tests are performed on MOV • Square wave energy test –
blocks according to Hubbell internal Destructive test which subjects the
engineering specifications. These tests material to high energy discharges.
are not mandated by any standard but This test characterizes the rated
are deemed critical by Hubbell to ensure energy of the batch.
superior performance. This includes • High current test – Subjects MOV
both routine and batch quality assurance blocks to two impulses at the defined
testing. Additional details on testing high current rating. Residual voltage
include: must be within manufacturer defined
limits after testing.
MOV routine tests • Life test – Accelerated aging test
• Visual inspection – Verifies no defects performed at elevated temperature
are present which are considered while power loss is monitored. The
unacceptable. final power loss shall be less than or
• Rated energy – Each block receives equal to the initial value.
multiple high energy square wave • A.C. test – Verifies various
impulses. Each block has a rated a.c. characteristics are within
energy based on the defined J/cc for manufacturing limits.
the block diameter and height.
• Discharge voltage – 8/20 µs impulse
which characterizes every block with
a corresponding residual voltage.
This measured value is referenced
when assembling multiple blocks into
complete arresters.
• AC test – Measures Vref, power loss
and capacitive current on each block

09 Applications
Each application is considered unique Even with higher transmission voltages,
and can require detailed evaluation. there are limits to how much power can
An arrester specification is helpful in effectively be transmitted. If the power
ensuring the proper product is selected transmission needs exceed these limits,
for each application and only high-quality additional lines may need to be built,
products are selected. Additional analysis which is becoming increasingly difficult
can be required for nonstandard or to accomplish due to the long process
special applications. involved in acquiring rights-of-way,
satisfying environmental concerns, etc.
Phase-To-Phase Protection However, in many cases the problem can
While nonstandard, surge arresters can be eased by use of series capacitors to
be applied in a phase-to-phase protection increase power transmission capability.
manner. Overvoltages may arise between In addition to providing increased power
phases when a transformer or reactor transfer capability, the use of a series
is switched off. If the overvoltage is not capacitor can also reduce voltage drops
mitigated the withstand voltage between and improve overall stability of the
phases can be exceeded. The phase-to- transmission system.
phase arresters should be sized similarly
to the phase-to-ground arresters, while Individual power capacitor units are
accounting for system voltage regulation. typically available in sizes ranging
Other phase-to-phase applications from 200 – 1,200 kVAR and maximum
require detailed review of the application continuous currents up to about 180 A.
to appropriately size the arresters. Although the capacitor voltage is only
a fraction of the line-to-ground voltage
Series Compensation Varistor of the transmission line, the capacitor
(SCV) Protection is series connected into the line, so the
For transmission of moderate amounts voltage from each capacitor terminal
of power over moderate distances, to ground is the line-to-ground voltage
transmission lines at nominal voltages of the line at that point. Therefore, the
of 138 kV or 230 kV are widely used. capacitor must be insulated from ground,
When there is a need to transmit very typically by placing it on a platform
large quantities of power over very supported by station post insulators
long distances, it is generally more with tension insulators used for cross
economical to increase the transmission bracing. A separate platform is required
line voltage to 345 kV, 500 kV or even for each phase of the line. One side of the
765 kV. The same amount of power can capacitor would be electrically connected
be transmitted at lower currents as the to the platform, while the other side
line voltage is increased, allowing smaller would be connected to the line.
diameter conductors to be used and a
decrease in line loss.

The availability of high voltage metal- that has the series capacitor (termed an
oxide arresters in the 1980s resulted in “internal” fault) or may be on another
a shift away from the simple power gap line on the system (termed an “external”
protection scheme and its associated fault).
transients’ problems. The concept is
simple – connect a metal oxide arrester In both cases, fault current would flow
across the capacitor, the arrester is through the series capacitors and the
designed to start conducting (divert varistors would limit the voltage across
current away from the capacitor) the capacitors. However, the series
when the capacitor voltage reaches a compensated line could remain in service
predetermined level (typically 2.2 – 2.5 in the case of an external fault (to clear
per unit of the peak maximum continuous this fault it would be necessary to open
operating voltage of the capacitor). In the breakers at each end of the line
practice it is a bit more complicated. experiencing the fault). When the fault
is cleared, the fault current through the
A conventional arrester, connected capacitors disappears and the line returns
line-to-ground across a transformer to its normal operating condition. In
for example, may be called upon to the case of an internal fault, it would be
conduct very high levels of surge current necessary to open the breakers at both
produced by lightning or switching, but ends of the series compensated line to
only for very short durations (few µs to a clear the fault.
few ms). It may also be exposed to short
periods (up to a few hundreds of ms) of Extensive system fault studies are
power frequency overvoltages of quite typically performed by or on behalf of
modest level, perhaps 1.25 – 1.50 times the end user to determine the worst-case
the peak maximum continuous line-to- scenarios for both internal and external
ground voltage. On the other hand, an faults. Some knowledge of varistor V-I
arrester applied across a series capacitor characteristics is required to estimate the
can be exposed to prospective power energy that will be deposited into the
frequency voltages that are many, many varistors for each fault situation and for
times its normal maximum continuous the protective level selected.
operating voltage. This occurs when the
series compensated line conducts fault It is generally the case that internal faults
current due to a fault somewhere on the give rise to the highest varistor energy
line itself or elsewhere in the system. requirements, but, in some cases, the
varistor would have to be of enormous
With this scheme, the voltage across size to handle the energy from the
the capacitor is limited by the varistor. worst-case internal fault. In such cases,
The fault current that flows through the it may be decided to size the varistor to
line is “commutated” back and forth handle the worst-case external fault and
between the capacitor and the varistor to implement means of protecting the
as the voltage across the capacitor goes varistor in the event a high level internal
through its (zero)-(positive peak)-(zero)- fault.
(negative peak)-(zero) cycle. When a
fault occurs on the system, the amount Cubicle Mount
of fault current that flows in the series Surge arresters can be installed inside
capacitor, and therefore the energy that a metal cubicle or cabinet to protect
will be deposited into the varistor, will capacitors, switchgear, cables or various
depend to a large extent on the location other pieces of equipment. Offering
of the fault. The fault may be on the line protection with conventional surge

arresters can be a more economical Furthermore, momentary interruptions
alternative to replacing equipment. are now considered intolerable for the
While not required, its advisable to only average residential consumer.
use polymer housed arresters without
a ground lead disconnector in enclosed Until the late 1980’s, protective devices
applications. Operation of a disconnector used to mitigate lightning induced
could cause inadvertent stray arcing interruptions were not commonly
that may damage the equipment an applied on transmission lines. Hubbell
arrester is intended to protect. Porcelain commenced the manufacture of LSA’s in
top arresters are also available for this 1988. The practice of applying polymer
application, although polymer designs are line surge arresters was quickly adopted
more commonly applied. following the introduction of the first
MOV polymer housed distribution
Cable Sheath Protection arrester in 1987. Since the line surge
Overvoltages or faults can lead to arrester introduction nearly thirty years
induced voltages on a cable sheath. If this ago, millions of line surge arresters have
voltage variance is not controlled, it can been installed at varying system voltages
cause damage or even cause the cable around the world.
to fail by exceeding the rated capability.
Sheath voltage limiters (SVL) or surge
arresters can be applied to mitigate the
damaging effect of overvoltages. The
MCOV should be sized to exceed the
voltage that will appear on the sheath
Unprotected line
that is induced during power frequency during a strike
events. The protective margin should also
be verified for lightning and switching
events. Distribution type arresters are
typically adequate for this application.
Line Surge Arresters

Common applications for surge arrest-
ers transverse various distribution and
substation applications. Rather than pro-
viding equipment protection line surge
arresters (LSA’s) are reliability-based
products that help reduce or eliminate
the possibility of momentary interrup-
tions from occurring. Designs can be
Line with
segmented into NGLA or EGLA offerings.
Protecta*Lite
during a strike
The severity of a minor interruption
can range from an inconvenience to
a significant loss in productivity for
consumers. The cost of momentary
interruptions is known to significantly
impact manufacturing facilities by means
of lost revenue. Interruptions can cause
security and safety risks for hospitals,
schools and government entities.

The implementation of polymer housed necessary to specify the use of large
LSA’s is still a relatively new technology station class arresters for the majority of
compared to more traditional methods transmission applications. If the arresters
for improving transmission line reliability, are going to be exposed to both lightning
such as: and switching duty, the use of station
class design is warranted. Voltages
• Implementation of an Overhead above 230 kV also require this level of
shield wire (OHSW) protection due to the size and mechanical
• Upgrading an existing OHSW strain imposed on an arrester.
shield angle
• Increasing line insulation If vibration dampers are installed the
• Improve ground footing resistance mounting position likely needs to be
• Complete line rebuild to incorporate modified to account for the added
the aforementioned concepts weight of an LSA. This is especially
relevant when an arrester is hung from
Traditional NGLAs are highly the phase conductor, due to the added
customizable for various applications. weight on the conductor. Dampers should
This is critical considering the wide array be adjusting according to the damper
of designs and standard construction manufacturer’s specifications.
methods. The selection process can also
vary from typical distribution and station Liquid Immersed Arresters
applications. Four primary points are Certain applications require the use of
considered for specifying arresters for an arrester inside of the transformer to
line applications: 1) MCOV (Uc), 2) Type mitigate potential voltage rise across
(distribution versus station), 3) Mounting the transformer winding. Distribution
configuration and 4) Hardware. type under-oil arresters are available
MCOV determination is similar to that for for immersion inside distribution type
common distribution and station designs. transformers. These arresters can be
The type selection is more application used where the maximum temperature
dependent. Most line applications are does not exceed 125 ⁰C and where the
below 230 kV Us where the primary weighted average temperature does not
duty will be caused by lightning. It is not exceed 90 ⁰C.
Primary LSA
mounting
configurations
Tower Mount Conductor Mount Insulator Mount

ground system). While an arrester failure
may seem unattractive it would in turn
prevent other more valuable equipment
on the system from potential failure.
Intermediate or station class arresters
Under-oil installed without a disconnector would be
arrester
cutaway most appropriate in this application. The
view Arresters immersed in the oil of a lack of a disconnector would in turn lock
transformer may be preferable due to out the line until crews could repair the
optimized protection. The impact of overhead line and remove the
separation effects is eliminated due to shorted arrester.
installation near the transformer winding.
Drawbacks include ensuring the arrester Neutral Protection
is rated for the temperature of the Unearthed neutrals can be damaged due
transformer oil and whether the design to lightning and switching overvoltages.
is fail-open or fail-short type. A fail-open The neutral insulation may be
design will allow the system to re- overstressed due to asymmetrical faults
energize after an over current device has or switching operations in the power
cleared the fault, however the equipment system. The insulation of a transformer
is left unprotected. neutral is typically less than the phase
bushing. In this case it is recommend that
Underbuilt Distribution Circuits a similarly sized arrester to the line-to-
The restriction of new line construction ground installation be used. In the event
has promoted the need to combine the neutral is fully insulated a reduced
distribution and transmission lines on voltage arrester may be acceptable. A
the same structure. This can be beneficial study of the application may be required
due to utilizing the same right-of-way for specialized applications.
and combining construction schedules.
However, additional consequences and Six-surge Arrester Protection
impacts can be caused without Some special applications may require
proper planning. the addition of arresters between phases.
This protection is in addition to arresters
If an OHSW is being used on the installed between line-to-ground. The
transmission line the distribution circuit phase arresters should be sized higher
can be impacted due to back flashover. than nominal system voltage with
A successful shield angle would send a the associated voltage regulation. An
resulting surge down the tower ground. example application is for arc furnace
The voltage magnitude is likely to be protection.
higher than the distribution circuit
insulation. The underbuilt distribution Four-legged Arrangement (Neptune)
circuits would in turn be impacted by The Neptune design is a variation of the
back flashover, unless arrester protection six-arrester arrangement, which happens
is included in the design. to use two fewer arresters. Two arresters
are installed in series between phases
If arresters are installed on the underbuilt and earth. The arresters in turn offer
circuit, they can be used as sacrificial protection between phases and phase-to-
devices in the event line is dropped ground. To offer appropriate protective
from the overhead transmission circuit. levels the fourth arrester should be sized
The arresters on the underbuilt circuit to a different rating then the other three
would fail quickly due to the substantial arresters. It is important to consider the
overvoltage (consider a 69kV phase-to- TOV the arresters need to withstand in
ground line falling onto a 13-kV phase-to- the event of a line-to-ground fault.

10 Service Conditions
Surge arrester application and the
associated service conditions are vast and
wide ranging. Arresters can be exposed
to sub-zero temperatures, hurricane force
winds, contaminants and the impact
of seismic conditions. Confirming the
arrester can successfully survive these
conditions is key to ensuring longevity of
the arrester and your equipment.
Standard operating conditions for a.c.
surge arresters are identified in IEC
60099-4 and IEEE C62.11, including:
• Nominal power system frequency of

48 to 62 Hz
• Altitude of 1000 m (3281 ft)
• Ambient air temperature in the
general vicinity of the arrester
between -40 ⁰C and 40 ⁰C
• Wind speeds ≤ 34 m/s
• Vertical installation
Exposure to conditions outside of these

limits will require special consideration
in the design and application of surge
arresters.

11 Mixing SiC & MOV Arresters
There are still many SiC arresters installed The third and less considered variable is
around the world. These products have a the possibility of a switching surge being
finite life expectancy, although they may transferred from the high-side to the low-
still be offering good protection. The SiC side arrester. This can occur if the high-
arresters will inevitably reach end of life side arrester is SiC type, while the low-
and need to be replaced. If one arrester side arrester is an MOV type. The lower
fails, consideration should be given to impedance device will react or operate
replacing all nearby arresters, not just to quell the surge coming down the line.
the one that failed. Three main variables In this scenario the high-side SiC arrester
should be kept in mind when making will not achieve gap spark over until the
this decision: protective levels, pressure low-side MOV arrester is already conduct-
relief requirements and the possibility of ing. This occurrence transfers the surge
transferred surges. through the transformer windings for
discharging through the low-side arrester.
Modern MOV arresters offer superior
protection and performance when These issues, along with the
compared to equivalent SiC type designs. unpredictable end of life event can
Lower residual voltages translate to be avoided by replacing SiC vintage
improved protection for equipment. This arresters with superior MOV technology.
becomes more important as transformers It’s important for utilities to consider
and other pieces of equipment age. replacing all three phases on both the
Typically, insulation strength degrades high and low side in the event of a SiC
over time. type arrester failure or replacement
program. Additional benefits can
Most applications have seen a be seen by using MOV type LSAs in
considerable increase in the available station entrance applications. This
short circuit current since the installation usage will prevent lightning surges near
of SiC arresters. If this level of current is the substation from traveling into the
not carefully considered it could exceed substation.
the SiC rated pressure relief level and
result in the violent fragmenting of the
arrester in the event of failure.

12 Installation
All surge arresters are subjected to It is recommended to always connect one
routine testing during production end of the arrester to ground potential,
according to applicable IEEE and IEC test prior to connecting the arrester to line
requirements, in addition to manufacturer potential. This ensures the arrester has a
specific tests. Routine testing prior to direct path to ground in the unlikely event
installation is not required and is typically the incorrect arrester is installed.
not capable of reproducing factory or
laboratory routine tests. Grading Rings Versus Corona Rings
A grading ring is sometimes required
Anyone installing surge arresters should to ensure a uniform voltage distribution
be familiar with all applicable local, state along an MOV type arrester. The ring
and federal guidelines. Before proceeding becomes necessary when the length of
the equipment should be inspected an arrester reaches a sufficient distance
for signs of damage during transport to cause stray capacitance along the
or subsequent handling. Installation MOV stack. A grading ring redistributes
instructions are included with all Hubbell the electrical field of the arrester to
surge arresters. The instructions should ensure the uppermost unit or MOVs are
(left) 500kV
be reviewed prior to proceeding with not over stressed. If a grading ring is
surge arresters
during installation arrester installation. The MCOV of the required it will be shipped with the surge
with both grading arrester should be verified against the arrester. The ring is to be installed on the
and corona rings
packaging label, arrester nameplate and line end connection of the arrester and
(right) 230kV all associated work instructions. If there is face inward on the design.
polymer surge a disagreement with the material, please
arresters installed
with grading rings
stop and seek further clarification.

Corona rings are traditionally used to
Recommended Tightening Torque
shield external hardware to prevent a
corona phenomenon from occurring.
Stud Size Maximum Recommended
Continuous or long-term corona (Inches) Tightening Torque ft-lbs (Nm)
exposure can lead to degradation of
insulating materials or create interference 3/8 20 (27)
with electronic communication. The use
1/2 40 (54)
of a corona ring varies based on the
application and hardware being used 5/8 90 (122)
but may be necessary at voltages as
low as 230 kV. 3/4 125 (170)
Multi-unit Stacking Order Storage

Some surge arresters require multiple All Hubbell arresters are designed for
units be stacked together to reach the outdoor use and may be stored outdoors
required MCOV. This is typically necessary if suitable precautions are taken to
at Us ≥ 230 kV. The stacking order for prevent deterioration of the packaging
multi-unit arresters is critical to maintain material. The arrester may be covered
proper electric field distribution. The with a polyethylene or other waterproof
sequence is listed on the base nameplate covering to keep them dry, clean and
of all multi-unit arresters. Unit nameplates free from litter until installed. In climates
are attached to the upper casting of where outdoor temperature and humidity
each unit to ensure proper identification. can rapidly deteriorate the packaging
Typically, the highest voltage unit will material, it is recommended arresters
be applied on the line end and descend stored outdoors be removed from their
towards the ground end. Note, this is packaging and be vertically bolted
not always the top of the assembly since to a skid.
arresters may be installed in a suspended
manner. Testing
Arresters are 100% routine tested before
Mounting Orientation shipment according to applicable IEEE
Most surge arresters can be mounted and IEC standards. Field testing is not
in an upright, angular or underhung required prior to installation. Most field-
configuration. Depending on the design testing capabilities are insufficient to
a special part number may be required replicate laboratory routine testing. Low
to ensure the sheds are not inverted. voltage testing can be troublesome,
Horizontal mounting is possible, if the since the voltage is far below the turn on
arrester is not subjected to forces outside voltage of an arrester.
of its continuous cantilever capability.
Torque
Line and ground terminals, as well as
intermittent unit connecting bolts should
be installed as indicated on the arrester
outline drawing. During assembly please
refer to the maximum recommended
fastener torque values shown in the
following table. Higher or lower torque
may be required depending on the grade
of hardware being used.

13 Surge Arrester Accessories
Surge Counters While a counter can provide useful
A surge counter can be installed in information about the operating
conjunction with an arrester to better tendencies of an application it is not a
understand system and arrester good predictor of arrester health. There
performance. This device will include an is not a finite number of operations or
electro-mechanical cyclometer and can surges that can be dissipated during an
come with an optional leakage current arresters life. Total leakage current is
Surge counter meter. Other design variations are generally not sensitive enough to detect
with optional available for distinct applications. degradation of a device. Neither leakage
leakage
current nor the number of surges seen
current meter
by an arrester are ideal indicators of
operating condition.
Ground Lead Disconnector

A ground lead disconnector (GLD), also
referred to as an isolator, is a critical
cog in the application and lifespan of
distribution and line arresters. While
equipment protection is the number
one job of a surge arrester it is equally
important to provide safe and reliable
power to end users. This requires a
component that can physically and
electrically disconnect a shorted
The counter is installed at the base or arrester from a system. The GLD is in
ground end of an arrester. An insulating turn applied on virtually all distribution
base is required when installing a counter. and transmission type applications. It is
The insulating base acts to isolate the typically avoided in station applications
counter and base of the arrester from to ensure a much more critical piece of
ground potential, in order to read the equipment, such as a high voltage power
leakage current flowing through transformer, is never left unprotected.
the device.
The electrical circuit of the GLD consists
Hubbell surge counters are designed of a grading component connected
to bolt directly to the insulated arrester electrically in parallel with a spark gap.
base. No additional lead connection is The grading component is typically
required, except to ground. If a lead is either of resistive or capacitive nature.
used, it is recommended to be insulated This component is the normal path to
and be as short as possible. This will ground for arrester grading and leakage
prevent a potential voltage drop. currents. Other critical components in the
assembly include a blank .22 cartridge.

In the event of arrester failure, fault separates the GLD and propels the lead
current flows through the shorted arrester terminal away from the arrester. Physical
and through the GLD grading component. separation of the lead from the arrester
The flow of fault current produces a removes the arrester from the circuit so
voltage across the capacitor and parallel the line is not locked out.
spark gap. The voltage necessary to
sparkover the gap varies based on the Hubbell utilizes a capacitive graded
design. If the voltage reaches sufficient disconnector design for all distribution
magnitude to maintain the arc, heat is type arresters. This capacitor provides
transferred to the cartridge. The transfer a distinct technical advantage for end
of heat will ultimately reach an ignition users. IEEE and IEC standards only
point that results in cartridge detonation. require disconnectors operate down
Heated air within the isolator housing is to fault currents of 20 A. The Hubbell
combined with hot gases produced by capacitive graded design operates at
cartridge detonation pressurizing the current magnitudes down to 1 A. The full
GLD chamber and fracturing the GLD capability curve is shown below.
housing. The resultant pressure buildup
Time versus current disconnector capability

Fire Protection Disconnector (FPD) To perform this function in a controlled,
The Hubbell FPD is designed to install predictable, and rapid manner, the
electrically in series with a non-gapped disconnector housing is designed to
distribution arrester (in accordance physically separate. In the event an
with IEEE C62.11). Unlike a conventional FPD operates a bright yellow sleeve is
GLD the FPD is designed and tested to displayed. This bright sleeve acts as a
remove the possibility of fire-producing visual indicator to field personnel that the
sparks being dropped by a surge arrester. assembly (arrester and FPD) needs to
This added benefit can be necessary or be replaced.
required in wildfire prone areas.
Wildlife Protection Devices
During normal operation the FPD Both distribution and station applications
continuously monitors leakage current run the risk of nuisance outages causes
flowing through the connected arrester. by wildlife interference. Guarding is
Similar to a GLD, the Hubbell FPD typically used on distribution type
functions to physically disconnect a arresters to shield the line connection
compromised arrester from a distribution from inadvertent contact from wildlife.
circuit to prevent line lockout. However, If an animal were to compromise the
rather than waiting for the arrester to minimum recommended clearance
short and draw fault current, the FPD between the line and ground terminal it
reacts and operates when an arrester could cause an external flashover. This
begins to degrade. event could damage equipment and
the animal associated with the event.
Protective devices for these applications
should be carefully designed and selected
to ensure they can withstand the outdoor
conditions and leakage current caused
by line voltage. These devices not only
offer protection to a utility’s valuable
electrical assets, but wildlife as well.
Similar devices can be used for station
class arresters. Hubbell offers a full range
of wildlife protection guards through the
Reliaguard® brand.

14 Monitoring
Surge arresters do not require routine Monitoring Methods
maintenance to ensure good field All arresters are required to be tested
performance. No special maintenance before shipment according to IEEE
work is required because surge arresters and IEC arrester standards. As such, no
are completely sealed and do not contain testing at receipt or during installation
moving parts that might degrade during of an arrester is required. Common in
their life. A visual inspection is typically field test methods are not capable of
adequate to determine if an arrester is replicating laboratory or factory tests.
in good working condition. Verifying
the condition and integrity of ground There is no single field test that will
lead disconnectors, earth connections indicate the complete operating
and grading rings is advised during characteristics of an arrester. If field
routine inspection. testing is desired there are several
options with varying levels of value and
Special circumstances and the desire to ease of use. Common methods to inspect
monitor arresters can arise depending the condition of installed arresters include
on the application. Arresters installed measuring power loss, partial discharge,
in locations serving a critical load or leakage current, resistive current, third
customer are a good example. If arresters harmonic current and temperature.
are installed in an area of heavy pollution
the arrester may need to be cleaned Power loss – Degradation of an MOV
periodically or supplemented with an arrester will manifest in the form of
external coating. Light washing with a increased resistive current or power loss.
mild detergent is suitable for cleaning A voltage reference is required to monitor
contamination from a porcelain housing. power loss. This type of monitoring is
Polymer materials can be damaged typically performed with the arrester
during washing or cleaning, so it is critical off line.
to verify proper techniques with the
manufacturer before cleaning this type of Partial discharge (PD) – PD monitoring
arrester. Recent research has shown no ill is a common on-line field test used
effects from algae or other bio elements to analyze the condition of power
growing on a polymer housing. transformers, cables, rotating machines
and various other pieces of equipment.
While long exposure to PD can result in
dielectric breakdown, it is not a reliable
indicator of arrester health. Internal
arrester PD testing is included as a
routine production test.

Leakage current – Deterioration of an Thermal – Infrared monitoring is
MOV arrester will lead to increased the simplest and most efficient field
leakage current and associated rise in inspection test. Infrared imaging
internal temperature. The leakage current compares arresters that are similar in
of an arrester can be monitored both on age and vintage. If significant differences
and off line. On-line monitoring includes are discovered, increased monitoring
the use of surge counters with included may be recommended. During this test,
milliammeters to continuously monitor arresters are not taken out of service.
the leakage current of installed arresters. Thermal or infrared cameras are relatively
Off-line measurements can be performed inexpensive and minimal training is
using portable voltage sources. Typically, required for use. Periodic inspection
portable equipment is only capable of a is encouraged to track changes in the
low voltage (5 or 10 kV), which is not a operating condition of an arrester over
good indicator of arrester health. While time. The time of day, along with weather
measuring leakage current is common in and system conditions are known to
the industry it is not viewed as a reliable influence thermal readings.
indicator of arrester health. Leakage
current can also be influenced by external Consulting with the arrester manufacturer
contaminants which lead to an increase in is advised in order to select an
the external surface current. appropriate field test method and
subsequently analyze results from field
Resistive current – Unlike total leakage testing.
current, the resistive component of
leakage conductor is a good indication Laboratory Testing
to changes in an arresters operating In the event field testing is not adequate
characteristics. Most on-line monitoring additional testing can be performed for
techniques are not capable of accurately further evaluation of an arresters health.
measuring the resistive component of Arresters removed from service can be
total leakage current. Off-line monitoring returned to Hubbell for evaluation testing.
in a laboratory setting is thus required. Repeating routine production tests can
indicate if an arrester is still within normal
Third harmonic current – Newer operating guidelines. If an arrester is
techniques and equipment are now deemed to be in good condition it can be
capable of on-line monitoring the returned to the user and be placed back
third harmonic component of leakage in service or storage.
current. Because a voltage reference
is not required it makes this technique
practical for continuous monitoring
with the arrester in service. The third
harmonic component of current is based
on the resistive current along with the
voltage and temperature of the arrester.
Harmonics in the voltage can contribute
to sizeable error in the third harmonic
reading if the total harmonic content
is high.

15 Failure Analysis
MOV type surge arresters are a mature standards. However, manufacturers can
technology. Continuous developments elect to perform this non-standard test to
over the last 40 years have improved the ensure good field performance. It is not
critical characteristics of MOV blocks. recommended to reclose on a porcelain
Reputable manufacturers, such as housed arrester due to the thermal nature
Hubbell, have continually refined their and associated brittle fracture of ceramic
designs and manufacturing procedures. material. Polymer housed arresters offer
The failure rate of surge arresters is a distinct advantage over porcelain in
extremely low. this regard. Both solid core and hollow
core type polymer housed arresters are
Surge arresters can become electrically capable of surviving reclosing events.
compromised due to several reasons.
Four main surge arrester failure modes Investigation of a shorted arrester can be
are MOV disc aging, surge duty, system performed either by the manufacturer or
TOV and moisture ingress. These other qualified agencies. If an evaluation
failures modes are commonly caused by is desired its critical to understand
exceeding the arrester TOV or energy the circumstances associated with the
handling capability, as well as seal arrester failure. Available system data,
pumping. Regardless of the mode of such as voltage traces, switching activity,
failure the arresters ultimately suffer a nearby lightning activity are quite
form of thermal runaway and dielectric valuable in this scenario. Additionally,
breakdown. In this scenario an arrester the timely removal, storage and proper
acts as a sacrificial type device, to ensure packaging of the components are equally
critical assets are not damaged. as important.
In the event of arrester end of life, the Disposal

unit will need to successfully discharge Care should be taken when removing
and relieve system fault current. The shorted arresters from service. Arresters
pressure relief claim is a one-time rating; which have reached end of life should
however, it is not uncommon for arresters be disposed of in accordance with local,
to be reclosed on after the unlikely event national and international guidelines.
of arrester failure. This practice is not Various components within an arrester
directly addressed by IEEE or IEC type can be recycled.

16 Industry Involvement
Hubbell Power Systems has a long
tradition of supporting standards and
industry development. Areas that
we support include IEC standards
development through IEC TC37, IEEE
standards development through SPDC,
CIGRE, National Organizations such
as NEMA in the USA and numerous
international conferences. These
conferences include events such as INMR
World Congress, IEEE PES/T&D Expo
and the CEATI Grounding and Lightning
Conferences.
Hubbell Power Systems is also willing

to share its expertise directly with
customers. We conduct monthly
webcasts on various technical topics,
including an in-depth series on surge
arrester design, manufacturing and
selection. An annual arrester seminar is
conducted at our arrester manufacturing
facility. Topics covered include MOV
microstructure, arrester types, arrester
selection, insulation coordination and
evolution of surge protection products.
Additionally, our field sales force
and network of agents can help with
individual training as needed.

17 Summary
High voltage surge arresters are a critical
element in the protection of a utility’s
vital assets. Modern MOV type surge
arresters have reached a mature state
with a tendency for users to specify
polymer housed designs. Various arrester
designs types are available for protecting
distribution systems, power transformers,
circuit breakers, generators, and line
insulation.
Proactively replacing arresters which

have reached a vulnerable state,
including SiC type designs, can vastly
improve the reliability and protection
of a network. The proper selection,
handling, installation, monitoring and
ultimate replacement of surge arresters
is imperative to offer the high level of
reliability which is demanded in today’s
environment.

Acronyms & Common Terms
ANSI – American National Standards Institute
BIL – Basic Impulse Level
Creepage (Leakage) Distance – External surface area of an arrester housing
DL – Distribution Low
DM – Distribution Medium
DH – Distribution High
Duty-cycle Voltage Rating – Historical term that defined the selection and capability of
internally gapped SiC arresters according to IEEE C62.1. Term has been removed from
IEEE C62.11-2020
EGLA – Externally-gapped line arrester that adheres to IEC 60099-9
Front-of-wave (FOW) Impulse - Fast rising wave shape with a virtual front time of 1 μs
Grading ring - Circular metal component used to modify voltage distribution along
an arrester
IEEE – Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IEC – International Electrotechnical Commission
Ic – Continuous current of an arrester
In – Nominal discharge current of an arrester
Iref – Reference current of an arrester
Is – Rated short-circuit current
MOSA – Metal oxide surge arrester
MOV – Metal Oxide Varistor
MDCL – Maximum Design Cantilever Load. Test according to IEEE C62.11 that
demonstrates the maximum permissible cantilever load an arrester can substation
without damage.
MCOV – Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage
NGLA – Non-gapped line arrester
PD – Partial discharge
Qrs – Repetitive charge transfer rating
Qth – Thermal charge transfer rating (distribution only)

SL – Station low
SM – Station medium
SH – Station high
SLL – Specified long-term load according to IEC 60099-4 Ed. 3.0
SSL – Specified short-term load according to IEC 60099-4 Ed. 3.0
Strike Distance – Shortest path from line to ground potential
Switching Impulse - Wave shape caused by switching activity with a virtual front
greater than 30 μs
SiC – Silicon carbide
TOV – Temporary overvoltage
No-prior duty - Test in which the arrester has not been exposed to
Wth or Qth impulses
Prior duty - Test in which the arrester has been exposed to Wth or Qth impulses
Uc – Continuous operating voltage of an arrester
Upl – Lightning impulse protective level (LIPL)
Ups – Switching impulse protective level (SIPL)
Ur – Rated voltage of an arrester
Ures – Residual voltage of an arrester
Uref – Referenced voltage of an arrester
Um – Maximum system voltage
Us – Nominal system voltage
Wth – Thermal energy rating of a station or intermediate arrester given in kJ/kV of Ur

(IEC) or kJ/kV of MCOV (IEEE)

References
IEEE C62.11
IEEE C62.22
IEC 60099-4
IEC 60099-5
www.nemaarresters.org

Notes

Notes

Notes

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Hubbell, the Hubbell logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Hubbell Power Systems.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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APPLICATION GUIDE

3 Surge arrester function 5

4 Surge arrester design 6

5 Metal-oxide Varistors (MOV) 10

7 Surge arrester selection 19

11 Mixing SiC and MOV arresters 35

13 Surge arrester accessories 38

Acronyms and Common Terms 46

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Next to your people, your power grid

Application Guide | Metal-oxide surge arresters for use on AC systems 3

The multi-gap silicon-carbide arrester The most important contribution of the

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The maximum voltage imposed on Switching

Application Guide | Metal-oxide surge arresters for use on AC systems 5

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A current vintage polymer housed

Solid core arresters are, as the name

Application Guide | Metal-oxide surge arresters for use on AC systems 7

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Application Guide | Metal-oxide surge arresters for use on AC systems 9

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Application Guide | Metal-oxide surge arresters for use on AC systems 11

Once the MOV passes the Rated Energy

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Typical Volt-Amp curve for an MOV arrester

Application Guide | Metal-oxide surge arresters for use on AC systems 13

IEEE classifying currents

Typical MCOV Lightning Impulse Switching Impulse

Light Duty (LD) 2.55 – 39 5 -

Normal Duty (ND) 2.55 – 39 5 -

Heavy Duty (HD) 2.55 – 39 10 -

Intermediate 2.55 – 115 5 0.5

Station 2.55 – 115 10 0.5

Station 116 – 245 10 1.0

Station 246 – 448 15 2.0

Station >448 20 2.0

IEC nominal discharge currents

Nominal Discharge Switching Impulse

Distribution Low (DL) 2.5 -

Distribution Medium (DM) 5 -

Distribution High (DH) 10 -

Station Low (SL) 10 -

Station Medium (SM) 10 1

Station High (SH) 20 2

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Application Guide | Metal-oxide surge arresters for use on AC systems 15

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Charge Transfer Rating

Application Guide | Metal-oxide surge arresters for use on AC systems 17

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Line-to-line voltage (kV) x Voltage regulation (%)

Application Guide | Metal-oxide surge arresters for use on AC systems 19

Power-frequency voltage versus time capability

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Switching surge energy rating

Application Guide | Metal-oxide surge arresters for use on AC systems 21

1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 6 7 8 9 10

*Additional levels can be claimed above 36 kJ/kV-Ur in steps of 6 kJ/kV-Ur

Selection of the switching surge energy This is same as

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Application Guide | Metal-oxide surge arresters for use on AC systems 23

Before the 2020 edition of the standard