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Zinc Oxide Surge Arresters represent a significant advancement in lightning protection technology. Their superior performance, reliability, and low maintenance requirements make them the preferred choice for modern electrical systems.
By leveraging the non-linear volt-ampere characteristics of zinc oxide (ZnO) , these arresters provide effective and efficient protection against overvoltages, ensuring the safety and reliability of power networks and connected equipment.
| Type | Voltage Range |
|---|---|
| Porcelain housing | 0.22 kV – 500 kV |
| Composite housing | 0.22 kV – 220 kV |
The surge arrester is designed for reliable operation under the following environmental and electrical conditions:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Ambient Air Temperature | –40°C to +40°C (extreme cold and hot climates) |
| Altitude | ≤ 2000 m above sea level (higher available upon request) |
| System Frequency | 48 Hz – 62 Hz (covers 50 Hz and 60 Hz worldwide) |
| Continuous Operating Voltage (Uc) | Must not exceed rating – prevents thermal runaway |
| Seismic Condition | < 8 degrees (MSK scale) |
| Maximum Wind Speed | 35 m/s (suitable for coastal and open areas) |
These working conditions ensure reliable performance in harsh environments such as:
Deserts
High-altitude regions
Coastal zones
Industrial areas
Provides excellent protection against:
✅ Lightning strikes (direct and indirect)
✅ Switching surges
✅ Temporary overvoltages (TOV)
✅ Transient overvoltages (fault clearing, capacitor bank switching)
Benefits:
Clamps overvoltages to safe, equipment-friendly levels
Prevents insulation damage, flashover, and equipment failure
High energy absorption capacity for multiple strike conditions
Zinc oxide (ZnO) surge arresters are significantly smaller and lighter than traditional silicon carbide (SiC) or gapped arresters.
Advantages:
Easier installation in confined spaces (substations, pole-mounted systems)
Reduced structural load on towers and supports
Simplified handling and storage
Lower shipping costs and installation labor
Designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions:
Heavy industrial pollution (cement plants, steel mills)
Coastal salt spray and high humidity
Dust, sand, and chemical contaminants
Housing features:
High tracking and erosion resistance
Superior hydrophobicity (water repellency)
Suitable for pollution class III and IV environments (IEC 60815)
Minimal electrical and mechanical degradation over time
High-quality ZnO varistor blocks
Hermetically sealed internal structure (porcelain housings)
Advanced polymeric housing materials resist UV and aging
Unlike traditional gapped arresters, ZnO surge arresters operate without spark gaps.
Eliminates:
Spark gap misalignment or contamination
Gap erosion or failure over time
Increased protective voltage levels due to gap degradation
Results in: Lower maintenance requirements and higher reliability.
Discharge counter for surge event monitoring
Leakage current meter for online condition assessment
Insulated base for special mounting requirements
Different housing materials: porcelain, silicone rubber, or cycloaliphatic epoxy
Protects transformers, insulators, switches, and other line equipment from lightning-induced surges and switching overvoltages. Suitable for both wooden pole and steel tower constructions.
Safeguards critical substation infrastructure including:
Power transformers
Circuit breakers
Disconnectors
Busbars
Current and voltage transformers
Used in solar farms and wind power plants to protect:
Inverters
Transformers
Switchgear
Control and communication systems
Ensures reliability of electrical systems in:
Factories and manufacturing plants
Data centers
Hospitals
Airports
Shopping malls and commercial buildings
Protects traction substations, overhead catenary systems, and signaling equipment from overvoltages.
Suitable for harsh, dusty, and corrosive environments where equipment reliability is critical.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage rating | 0.22 kV – 500 kV (porcelain) / 0.22 kV – 220 kV (composite) |
| Ambient temperature range | –40°C to +40°C |
| Altitude | ≤ 2000 m (higher upon request) |
| System frequency | 48 – 62 Hz |
| Maximum wind speed | 35 m/s |
| Seismic resistance | < 8 degrees MSK |
| Housing materials | Porcelain / Silicone rubber / Cycloaliphatic epoxy |
✅ Voltage range: 0.22 kV – 500 kV (porcelain) / 0.22 kV – 220 kV (composite)
✅ Wide temperature range: –40°C to +40°C
✅ Maintenance-free – no spark gaps
✅ Excellent pollution resistance – pollution class III/IV
✅ Lightweight and compact – easier installation, lower shipping cost
✅ High energy absorption capacity – for multiple strike conditions
✅ Optional monitoring – discharge counter, leakage current meter
✅ Multiple housing options – porcelain, silicone rubber, epoxy
Surge arresters are packed in sturdy wooden boxes with plastic inner packaging to protect against:
Physical impact and crushing during transit
Moisture and humidity ingress
Dust, salt spray, and other environmental contaminants
| Method | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Sea freight | Standard for large quantities and heavy items |
| Air freight | Urgent deliveries or small orders |
| Land freight | Regional or cross-border delivery |
Tailored solutions based on:
Customer delivery schedule requirements
Destination country import/export regulations
Special handling or hazardous material considerations
Packing list
Commercial invoice
Bill of lading / Air waybill
Quality certificate / Test reports (upon request)
Q: What is a zinc oxide surge arrester?
A: A ZnO surge arrester is a protective device that uses the non-linear volt-ampere characteristics of zinc oxide to clamp overvoltages from lightning strikes or switching surges, protecting electrical equipment.
Q: What is the difference between porcelain and composite surge arresters?
A: Porcelain arresters offer excellent mechanical strength and hermetic sealing. Composite (silicone rubber) arresters are lighter, offer better pollution resistance, and are more suitable for high-pollution environments.
Q: What voltage ratings are available?
A: Porcelain: 0.22 kV – 500 kV. Composite: 0.22 kV – 220 kV.
Q: What is the operating temperature range?
A: –40°C to +40°C, suitable for extreme cold and hot climates.
Q: Are these arresters maintenance-free?
A: Yes. ZnO surge arresters operate without spark gaps, eliminating gap-related failures and reducing maintenance requirements.
Q: Can these arresters be used in coastal or industrial areas?
A: Yes. They feature excellent pollution resistance and are suitable for pollution class III and IV environments per IEC 60815.
Q: What optional monitoring features are available?
A: Discharge counter and leakage current meter for online condition assessment.
Q: What is the maximum wind speed rating?
A: 35 m/s, suitable for outdoor installations in high-wind regions.
| Feature | ZnO Surge Arrester | Traditional Gapped Arrester |
|---|---|---|
| Spark gaps | None – maintenance-free | Requires gaps – subject to erosion/contamination |
| Response time | Faster | Slower |
| Protective level | Lower (better protection) | Higher |
| Size and weight | Smaller and lighter | Larger and heavier |
| Pollution performance | Excellent (composite housing) | Moderate |
| Long-term stability | Excellent | Degrades over time |
