An Investigation on Withstand Capability of Surge Arresters for Pole-Mounted Switches on Distribution Lines in Hokuriku Area of Japan

Abstract:
In Hokuriku area of Japan, lightning occurs frequently not only in summer but also in winter. Winter lightning strikes have a large amount of electric charge as compared with summer lightning strikes. Consequently, surge arresters on distribution lines are sometimes damaged by direct lightning strikes, especially in winter. Therefore, it is important to consider lightning protection measures that focus on failures of surge arresters. As lightning protection measures for pole-mounted switches, surge arresters are installed on the switches. In this paper, we examine withstand capability of surge arresters for the switches using lightning surge simulation. The simulation focuses on the failure probability of surge arresters due to direct lightning strikes. Finally, based on the simulation results, we suggest the rationalization of withstand capability of the surge arresters for the switches.