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By Sona Brands

On December 08, 2025

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The Difference Between a Lightning Arrester and a Surge Protector

Published: Sona Solar Zimbabwe | Category: Electrical Safety.

In the world of electrical protection, terms like "Lightning Arrester" and "Surge Protector" are often used interchangeably, but they perform very different functions. A surge protection device (SPD) protects against transient over-voltages, while a lightning arrester handles high-voltage direct strikes. Understanding this distinction is vital for protecting your solar investment.

This guide breaks down the definitions, voltage levels, and installation sites for both devices to help you ensure your home and equipment are fully protected.

1. What is a Surge Protection Device (SPD)?

Defining a "Surge"

A surge or spike refers to a transient over-voltage that is far larger than the specified operating voltage. Essentially, it is a strong impulse lasting only several microseconds. These surges can result from:

Switching on/off heavy machinery or large engines.
Short circuits.
Power switching from the grid.

How SPDs Function

SPD-integrated products effectively absorb the huge energy generated in the wake of a surge. By doing so, they protect both themselves and the connected equipment from damage. When a spike in current or voltage occurs due to external interference, SPDs divert the spike within a short period, preventing damage to the circuit.

Note: A combination of a Type 1 SPD (first stage) and a Power SPD (terminal equipment) provides the best protection against oscillation overvoltage.

Key Components

A standard surge protector includes basic components such as:

Discharge gaps
Gas discharge tubes
Metal oxide varistors (MOV)
Suppression diodes and choke coils

2. Voltage Levels & Targets

The primary distinction lies in the power capacity they handle.

LIGHTNING ARRESTER

Focus: High Voltage

Voltage Level: Ranges from 3kV up to 1,000kV.

Protection Target: Intended to protect heavy electrical equipment (transformers, overhead lines) from direct lightning strokes.

SURGE PROTECTOR (SPD)

Focus: Low Voltage

Voltage Level: Typically rated for 1.2kV, 380V, 220V, or even down to 5V.

Protection Target: Designed to protect secondary circuits, electronic instruments, meters, and terminal power supply lines.

3. Installation Sites & Application

Where They Are Installed

Lightning Arrester: Usually installed in the primary system (beginning of the line) to protect against the direct invasion of lightning strokes.

Surge Protector: Installed in the secondary system (end of the line or signal circuits). It serves as a supplementary method that works after the direct lightning energy has been partly eliminated by the arrester.

Resistance Levels

Ordinary appliances cannot compare with heavy electrical equipment regarding voltage resistance. The "remaining voltage" allowed by a surge protector must match the delicate voltage-resistant ability of the protection target (e.g., your inverter or TV).

4. Material & Final Verdict

Material Differences

Arrester: Mainly made up of zinc oxide (a type of metallic oxide varistor).

SPD: Features a much finer design than ordinary lightning arresters. Its materials vary based on the level of surge resistance required (Standard: IEC61312).

The Technical Verdict

Technically, a lightning arrester cannot compare with a surge protector in terms of response time, voltage limiting precision, and comprehensive protection for sensitive electronics. However, the surge protector cannot handle the massive raw voltage of a direct strike that an arrester handles.

Recommendation: A complete solar system requires both: Arresters for external protection and SPDs for internal circuit protection.

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