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Lightning Arrester Testing & Commissioning
Your First Defense Against Overvoltage

Lightning arresters (LAs) are the guardians of electrical infrastructure, designed to protect transformers, switchgear, and other substation equipment from overvoltage surges caused by lightning strikes or switching events.

Critical Protection: When installed and tested properly, LAs can prevent multi-crore damage and lengthy power outages in a fraction of a second.
Our Testing Process Get Quote

Why Lightning Arrester Testing is Critical Before Commissioning

Equipment Safety

Prevents insulation breakdown in transformers and breakers

Operational Reliability

Ensures quick surge diversion to ground during faults

Compliance

Meets CEA, IS 3070, and IEC 60099 standards

Early Fault Detection

Identifies moisture ingress, leakage currents, or mechanical damage

Prolonged Service Life

Ensures arrester operates within safe stress limits

Surge Protection

Verified response for lightning and switching surges

Types of Lightning Arresters We Test & Commission

Complete installation, testing, and commissioning for voltage levels from 11 kV to 400 kV

Station Class Arresters

Used in EHV/HV substations for high-energy surge protection

  • High energy absorption capacity
  • Superior surge protection performance
  • Designed for transmission substations
  • Long service life under severe conditions

Intermediate Class Arresters

Installed in medium-voltage substations and distribution systems

  • Optimized for distribution networks
  • Cost-effective protection solution
  • Suitable for industrial applications
  • Reliable performance in moderate surge environments

Distribution Class Arresters

Mounted on distribution poles and transformers

  • Compact design for pole mounting
  • Protection for distribution transformers
  • Easy installation and maintenance
  • Weather-resistant construction

Gapless Metal-Oxide (ZnO) Arresters

Modern design with superior surge protection and no series gap

  • No series gap for improved protection
  • Metal-oxide technology for better performance
  • Lower residual voltage
  • Enhanced reliability and durability

Our Lightning Arrester Testing & Commissioning Process

Following IS 3070, IEC 60099 standards for comprehensive testing

1. Pre-Installation Checks

Visual Inspection:

Check for cracks, chipped porcelain, corrosion, or surface contamination

Nameplate Verification:

Confirm rated voltage, energy absorption capacity, and class type

Foundation Check:

Ensure mounting structure and grounding connections are ready

2. Electrical Testing

All recommended tests per IS 3070, IEC 60099:

Insulation Resistance (IR) Test
Measures insulation between line terminal and ground
Reference Voltage Test
Confirms arrester's operating voltage characteristics
Leakage Current Measurement
Detects internal defects, moisture ingress, or contamination
Power Frequency Withstand
Applies rated power frequency voltage for dielectric strength
High Voltage DC Test
Checks insulation under DC overvoltage stress
Residual Voltage Verification
Confirms arrester clamps surges within safe voltage limits

3. Mechanical Testing

  • Alignment & Mounting: Correct vertical or inclined installation
  • Terminal Tightness: Secure electrical connections
  • Grounding Continuity: Low-resistance path to earth

4. Functional Commissioning

  • Connect arrester to bus or line terminal
  • Verify earth connections meet CEA requirements (<1 Ω typical)
  • Energize system under no-load to confirm stability
  • Record baseline leakage current values for future maintenance

Real-World Example

220 kV Lightning Arrester Commissioning in Maharashtra

18 Station-Class Arresters

220 kV Substation, Maharashtra - 2024

Project Highlights

Scope: Installation, IR testing, leakage current measurement

Challenge: High humidity and heavy pre-monsoon rains

Solution: Applied special hydrophobic coating and phased installation during dry weather windows

100%

Pass rate for all testing parameters

Zero Damage

During subsequent monsoon lightning events

Safety & Compliance Standards We Follow

IS Standards

IS 3070 for lightning arrester specifications

International Standards

IEC 60099 for metal-oxide surge arresters

Safety Practices

PPE usage, working at heights precautions, lockout/tagout

Industry Trends in Lightning Arrester Testing & Commissioning

Smart Arresters

Real-time leakage current monitoring with sensors

Polymeric Housing

Lightweight, shatter-resistant designs replacing porcelain

Improved ZnO Blocks

Better energy handling capacity and reduced aging

Predictive Maintenance

IoT devices for remote arrester health tracking