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Waterproof lightning arresters are designed to protect electrical equipment from lightning strikes while maintaining functionality in wet or humid environments. Mainly, there are five principal types, categorized based on how they integrate with power systems and the protection they offer.
These are mounted on the outside of buildings and structures. They create a protective zone by intercepting lightning strikes and safely conducting the electrical charge into the ground. Since they are placed externally, they are designed to be waterproof and withstand harsh environmental conditions, including rain, snow, and high humidity. Commonly found in open areas and tall structures, they include metal rod connections that typically connect to ground systems, which help safeguard against power surges caused by lightning. Examples include:
These are designed for outdoor electrical installations, such as lighting, signage, and communications equipment. They are rated IP65 or higher and provide waterproof enclosures to protect against lightning-induced voltage spikes. These devices are often used in conjunction with waterproof electrical enclosures to protect sensitive electronic equipment in signage, telecommunications, and lighting systems. For instance, automotive waterproof surge protectors should be compatible with 12V automotive electronic systems; they suppress voltage spikes and protect critical components, especially when used with other outdoor electrical devices, such as cameras or GPS systems, where lightning strikes are hazardous.
These combine features of both external arresters and surge protectors. They are designed to protect both direct lightning strikes and voltage surges simultaneously. They typically consist of a radial conductor system for external lightning protection and a surge arrest module for internal protection against transient overvoltages. These are mainly found on the rooftops of tall buildings and industries, providing comprehensive protection against all forms of lightning hazards. Industrial hybrid arresters are mostly used in factories, power plants, and large commercial buildings with complex electrical systems requiring robust, multidimensional lightning protection. An example is the hybrid lightning arrester, which integrates active and passive arresting components for better protection.
Choosing the right waterproof lightning arrester involves several key considerations to ensure effective protection.
Durability and waterproofing are critical factors in designing lightning arresters intended for use in extreme environmental conditions.
The waterproof design of lightning arresters is achieved through sealed enclosures, usually rated IP65 or higher, protecting the arrester from water ingress, dust, and debris. This is critical for maintaining performance in humid or rainy environments.
Manufacturers usually fabricate lightning arresters using stainless steel, aluminum, or galvanized iron to ensure they are corrosion-resistant, which protects the arrester from rust and degradation caused by exposure to saltwater, air pollution, and other corrosive elements. This guarantees that the arrester maintains its electrical conductivity and structural integrity over time.
If the equipment is continuously exposed to UV rays, it may cause degradation of the materials over time, affecting the epoxies, plastics, and rubber components in the arrester housing. UV resistance is vital for outdoor applications in tropical or equatorial regions. Manufacturers usually use UV-stabilized coatings or housing materials for the arresters.
Waterproof lightning arresters must be able to endure not just electric shocks from the lightning discharge but also any physical shocks or vibrations they might encounter from passing ships, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions. They are designed with flexible connectors, reinforced housing, and shock-absorbing materials. Examples of arresters include surge protectors for boats, supporting shock and vibration resistance during travel across rough seas or rivers.
A waterproof lightning arrester must also be protected against extreme temperatures, either high or low. High temperatures may degrade the housing and internal components, while low temperatures may freeze any moisture within the system. Thus, they are designed with heat-resistant materials and effective thermal dissipation systems and are insulated against freezing. This is especially important for arresters located in polar or sub-polar regions.
Waterproof arresters are generally tested to meet international standards such as IP ratings for water and dust protection, IEC standards for lightning protection, and shock and vibration testing standards. This ensures they perform effectively under any harsh conditions.
Waterproof lightning arresters are crucial in protecting electrical systems in various commercial and industrial applications.
Waterproof lightning arresters protect vital communication, navigation, and control systems on ships, oil rigs, and marine research vessels. For instance, marine surge protectors will protect electrical systems from overvoltages caused by electric discharges and keep the systems operational, especially in storms. Ships and offshore platforms are constantly at risk from direct strikes, so they need arresters to provide protection against transient voltages while being exposed to water constantly.
These facilities are located in prime areas and are therefore exposed to frequent light rains and thunderstorms. They have arresters that protect critical systems like control panels and pumping machinery from direct strikes, ensuring they stay operational and safeguarding vital services like water supply and waste management.
Arresters are installed on rooftops to protect the building's upper sections and electrical systems. These systems include HVAC, lighting, and fire safety, which, if damaged, will lead to huge losses and safety concerns. Arresters keep systems operational and prevent downtime or damage.
Telephone, radio, and TV signals have lightning arresters that protect transceiver equipment, coaxial cables, and other sensitive electronics. Keeping these systems protected ensures continuous media service to large populations, minimizing service interruptions. During thunderstorms or high winds, coaxial lightning surge protectors are better at keeping up with electric surges across all system lines and maintaining signal integrity.
Solar panels and wind turbines are mounted on rooftops or in open fields and are susceptible to lightning strikes. Including waterproof surge protectors like marina surge protectors ensures that any electrical transient will not affect the smart inverters and battery storage systems. This allows facilities with net-positive energy to keep power appliances running. On wind turbines, the arrester protects the blades, gearbox, and generator, which are all costly to replace. Solar plant owners do not want to bear the cost of replacing expensive hardware, so they cover it all with waterproof arresters.
A1. By protecting electrical systems, arresters prevent power surges from damaging critical equipment, ensuring continuous operation and reducing downtime. They also provide surge protection, ensuring that sensitive equipment is protected from voltage spikes, which can otherwise damage critical electronic components.
A2. The arrester's enclosure must be sealed to prevent water and dust ingress, protecting the internal components. They are usually rated IP65 and above. Arresters also incorporate corrosion-resistant materials to ensure they are not vulnerable to rust and degradation. Another factor is shock and vibration resistance; flexible connectors and reinforced housing protect arresters from physical shocks and vibrations in marine and industrial applications.
A3. Regular visual inspections are done to check for physical damage, corrosion, or debris accumulation. Lightning arresters are sometimes pressure washed, especially those in industrial and construction areas, to remove any dust, particles, or unknown debris that might have accumulated on them. Arresters that use semiconductor-based technology are frequently inspected for thermal performance to ensure that the devices do not overheat and continue to work effectively.
A4. While mostly found in residential applications, some were installed where surge protectors were integrated into the household electrical systems, such as home theaters and appliances, to keep them protected against transients. They can also be installed on roofs of homes near water bodies to protect chimneys, gas vents, and mechanical equipment.
A5. The common IP ratings are IP65 and IP67. IP65 rated lightning arresters are protected from water jets and dust, making them ideal for outdoor commercial and industrial applications. IP67 rated lightning arresters are protected against immersion in water, making them suitable for applications where the arrester will be submerged or regularly exposed to high water levels.