Lighting Arrestor

Lighting Arrester

Orange Line Metro Rail Transit

system Power Supply
Department
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Document prepared by Zahid Anwar (OLT-1070)
 Lighting Arrestor

Table of Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Working principle ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….….3
3. Purpose 3
4. Scope of work 3
5. Activity procedure 3
6. Type of lighting arrestor……………………………………………………………….…………………….……………………...3
7. Model of lighting arrestor…………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….3
8. Maintenance of light arrestor 3
9. IR Testing…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4
10. Lighting Arrestor Testing ………………………………………… ……………………………………………………….…….4
10.1 Visual inspection……………………………….……………………………………………….………………………….5
10.2 Insulation Resistance (IR Testing) ……………………………………………………………………….………….5
10.3 Voltage Test ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....5
10.4 Current Test ……………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………5
10.5 Monitoring system…………………………………………………………………………………….………………….5
10.6 Field Test………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………….5
11. Configuration of Test parameters ……………………………………………………………………………….…………….6
11.1 Voltage level……………………………………………………………………...……….6
11.2 Current Rating………………………………………………………………….………….6
12. Test Procedure ………………………………………………………………………………….6.
12.1 Preparation…………………………………………………………….………….……….6
12.2 Testing………………………………………………………………………………….….7
13 Post- Test……………………………………………………………………………………...…...7
14 Safety precautions 7

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1. INTRODUCTION:
The lightning arrester provides a low-impedance road all the way to the ground for the
lightning’s current. It then restores to a normal operating condition. Testing and maintenance
are essential to ensure the continued effectiveness of lightning protection measures and
minimize the risk of downtime or damage.
2. WORKING PRINCIPLE:
The working principle of a lightning arrestor is based on the use of non-linear resistors, typically
made of metal oxide varistors (MOVs) or silicon carbide, connected between the line to be
protected and ground. Under normal operating conditions, these resistors have high impedance
and do not conduct electricity effectively. However, when a high-voltage surge, such as a
lightning strike, occurs, the voltage across the lightning arrestor increases. At a certain
threshold voltage, the resistance of the varistor decreases dramatically, effectively creating a
low-impedance path to ground. This allows the surge current to be safely diverted away from
the protected equipment, preventing damage.
3. PURPOSE:
The purpose of this document is to enhance the knowledge of third-rail professionals about
lightning Arrester and their fault handling in case of need.
4. SCOPE OF WORK:
The main scope of this document is to perform a training activity of a Lightning Arrester on 20th March
2024 at Mainline Station#11after the train operation.
5. ACTIVITY PROCEDURE:
5.1 Register construction ticket at station control center or take approval from the equipment
dispatcher (OCC). In case of an emergency, an emergency repair order is issued by an on-duty
equipment dispatcher.
5.2 Firstly, verify the status of DC 750V feeder breakers and DS cabinet’s according to power
transmission requirement that is given below.
6. TYPE OF LIGHTNING ARRESTORS:
Type: gapless metal oxide arrester
7. MODEL OF LIGHTNING ARRESTORS:
Yh10wl-1.0 / 2.4
8. MAINTENANCE OF LIGHTNING ARRESTER:
The following are the steps necessary to maintain an arrester:
8.1. Clean the outside of the arrester housing.
8.2. De-energize the line before handling the arrester.
8.3. Check the earth connection periodically.
8.4. Record the readings of the surge counter.
8.5. Securely fasten the line lead to the line conductor and arrester.
8.6. Securely fasten the ground lead to the arrester terminal and ground.

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9. IR Testing:
Importance of Testing: Failure of lightning protection can result in severe damage to electrical
systems, including transmission lines, transformers, and other devices. Extreme voltage spikes
from lightning strikes can also damage home appliances, emphasizing the critical need for
testing arrestors.
IR test is conducted using an IR tester. The IR tester is a portable ohmmeter (M Ω) with a built in-
generator that produces a high DC voltage.
9.1 Disconnect arrestor terminal.
9.2 Prepared the megger for IR testing.
9.3 Earth wire connecting with ground Busbar.
9.4 Positive Busbar connected with Arrestor terminal.
9.5 Select 500 v.
9.6 The DC voltage usually measures 500v and causes a current to flow around the surface of the
insulation. This resistance reading measures leakage currents high IR reading means very
little current is escaping through the insulation and l low IR reading indicates a break in the
insulation.
Video link attached for reference: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i3Hfe_gIfMn7xF6G_2U5-
gSb0ECu4Mmi/view?usp=drive_link

Figure 1Lighting Arrestor Tester

10.LIGHTNING ARRESTERS TESTING:

If the protection fails and lightning strikes, the electrical system will introduce 1000 kilovolts that may
damage all the transmission lines. This will cause severe damage to the transformers and other devices.
Extreme voltage spikes caused by lightning can also damage home appliances that is why it’s incredibly
important to run tests of arresters.
Testing should be scheduled like the following:
10.1. VISUAL INSPECTION:

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This involves visually inspecting the lightning arrestor for signs of physical damage, corrosion,
or deterioration. Insulators, connections, and grounding systems should be checked for any
signs of wear or damage every month during walking inspection.
10.2. INSULATION RESISTANCE TESTS /IR TESTING:
The electrical test of the installations should be done once a year.
10.3. VOLTAGE TEST:
Lightning arrestors are subjected to voltage tests to verify their ability to withstand high voltage
surges. This test involves applying a high-voltage impulse to the lightning arrestor and
measuring its response during annual maintenance.
10.4. CURRENT TEST:
Lightning arrestors can be tested for their ability to handle surge currents by subjecting them
to simulated lightning currents or high-current impulses during annual maintenance.
10.5. MONITORING SYSTEM:
Some lightning arrestors are equipped with monitoring systems that continuously monitor
their performance and provide alerts if any abnormalities are detected.
10.6. FIELD TEST:
Lightning arrestors can also be tested in the field using specialized equipment to simulate
lightning strikes and measure their response during annual maintenance.
For systems that have strict safety requirements, the legislator can perform a comprehensive check. This
might be necessary if lightning struck within a radius of the system in hand.

Figure 1: Current leakage tester

11. Configuration of Test Parameters:

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 Lighting Arrestor

11.1. Voltage Levels:

12.1.1 Rated voltage of DC system: 750V
12.1.2 Rated voltage for testing: 1.0kV DC
11.2. Current Rating:
11.2.1 DC 1 mA reference voltage: ≥ 1.3kV DC
11.2.2 Nominal discharge current: 10kA peak
11.2.3 Leakage Current under 60% of 0.75u1mA: > 50μA
11.2.4 8/20μs nominal discharge current withstands: 10kA peak
11.2.5 4/10μs high current impulse withstands twice: 100kA peak
11.2.6 2ms Square wave withstand current 18 times: 1200A peak.
11.2.7 Impulse residual voltage under 10 nominal discharge current: 2.4kV peak
11.2.8 Impulse residration voltage: 1.0kV DC

Figure 2: Configuration of Test Parameters

12. Test Procedure:

12.1. Preparation:
12.1.1. Remove Arrestor cable terminal protective cover.
12.1.2. Open the lighting arrestor box and disconnect from contact rail.
12.1.3. Insert the power supply cable jack into the arrestor port.
12.1.4. Install communication cable between the tester and transformer.
12.1.5. Connect the arrestor tester to the lightning arrestor and grounding system according to
manufacturer guidelines.
12.1.6. Install the red/positive wire head of the Monitoring Meter and arrestor tester.
Use an extension rod and connect the Monitoring Meter with the transformer.
12.2. Testing:
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12.2.1. Check if the red light on the arrestor tester is ON

12.2.2. After completing the connections, insert the power supply switch into the socket and turn
on the power supply button.
12.2.3. Two digital meters are installed on the arrestor tester: The amp meter shows the milliamp
value. The second digital meter shows the voltage value in KV.
12.2.4. Set the variable knob to the zero position.
12.2.5. Slowly adjust the variable knob until the digital amp meter shows 1 amp.
12.2.6. Verify if the digital meter shows a voltage value greater than 1.3kV or 1.6kV
12.2.7. Press the yellow button on the arrestor tester to automatically display the test results.
12.2.8. The displayed values should be 1.2kV and 0.051 milliamp, which is 70% of 1.6kV and 1
milliamp, indicating the saturated point and breakdown voltage.
12.2.9. After testing complete Discharge lighting arrestor with discharge rod ensure during this
activity used insulation gloves.
13. Post- Testing:
13.1. Review the test results and ensure they meet the specified criteria.
13.2. Record the test results for documentation purposes.

Figure 1 Testing Result Figure 3 Testing Result

14. Safety Precautions:

14.1. Ensure proper earthing to prevent electric shock hazards.
14.2. Adhere to safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions throughout the testing process.
14.3. Cross verifies relevant DC breakers and interconnection switches status before start arrestor
maintenance. By following these steps and adhering to the provided specifications, you can
effectively configure test parameters, conduct the lightning arrestor test, and ensure the proper
functioning of the lightning protection system.