Test Procedure of Lightning Arrestor

Kindly clarify what you mean by test procedure. Is it testing an already installed Lighting Arrestor?. If so then you would know what it is used for.

Its main function is to create a smooth path for excess over current to the ground.

But i would like to know more the context in which you are asking this question.

Regards,

DG EE

Dear DG EE

We have installed two Lightning arrestors one year back, now i want to test them whether they are working aren't.

Regards,

subrahmanyam

Test procedure:- as per international lightning commission ILC 6740

step 1. Create artificial lightning near your arrestor.

Step 2. Check for any damage after the lightning.

This test procedure is not included the lightning protection system, as you asked for only arrestor.

What is the system voltage at which the arresters are applied? Are they distribution class, intermediate class, or station class?

For arresters applied at medium or high voltage levels, one of the most informative tests is the Doble insulation power factor or dissipation factor (tan-delta) test. It provides values of leakage current (usually in micro-amps) and watts losses that give an indication of insulation quality of the arrester.

That is usually the problem - something compromises the insulation (cracked porcelain, water infiltration, etc.) that causes the arrester to break down and fail other than when it is supposed to dissipate a surge or lightning strike. Newer MOV type arresters, if their insulation is good, can be counted on to handle surges reliably.

Here are also several informative links you should read:

http://www.doble.com/content/products/ACCA_3.pdf

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/10239/How-to-test-surge-arresters