A lightning arrester is an electrical device that can release lightning. Or simultaneously release the operating overvoltage energy of the power system. It can protect electrical equipment from transient overvoltage hazards. And it can also cut off the freewheeling current so as not to cause a short circuit to the system ground.

An insulator is a special insulation control that can play an important role in overhead transmission lines. In the early years, insulators were mostly used for utility poles. And it gradually developed when a lot of disc-shaped insulators were hung at one end of a high-voltage wire connection tower. It was used to increase the creepage distance and was usually made of glass or ceramics.

The difference between arrester and insulator

Distinguish insulators and arresters on towers from the following perspectives:

Different shapes

The terminals are lightning arresters, and the ones without terminals are insulators. There are many types of insulators and different shapes. Although the structure and shape are quite different, they are all composed of two parts: insulating parts and connecting hardware.

There are many kinds of arresters, including metal oxide arresters, line-type metal oxide arresters, gapless line-type metal oxide arresters, fully insulated composite jacketed metal oxide arresters, and detachable arresters.

Different installation locations

Insulators installed between conductors of different potentials or between conductors and grounding members can withstand voltage and mechanical stress. The arrester is usually connected between the grid conductor and the ground wire. But sometimes it is also connected next to the electrical winding or between the conductors.

Different effects

An appliance is used to protect electrical equipment from high transient overvoltages and to limit the freewheeling time and often the freewheeling amplitude. This term includes any external clearance necessary for the proper functioning of the appliance when installed, whether or not it is a part of the whole.

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