What is the difference between a Surge Arrester and a Lightning Rod?
What is Lightning Rod?
A lightning rod is a metal rod mounted at the highest point of a structure to protect it from lightning strikes.
When lightning strikes, it effectively channels the high current via a down-conductor into the ground minimizing structural damage (or) fire.
Lightning rods are primarily used for external protection of buildings and tall structures.
What is Surge Arrester?
A surge arrester on the other end is connected within the electrical system to protect equipment from high voltage surges caused by light.
A surge arrester is installed in the electrical system to protect equipment against high-voltage surges induced by
- Lightning (indirect strikes),
- Switching activities or failures.
Under normal voltage, it is inactive, but during a surge, it conducts surplus energy to ground & quickly returns to insulation mode.
It protects transformers, switchgear and other sensitive devices internally.
Difference between a Surge Arrester and a Lightning Rod
| Lightning Rod | Surge Arrester |
|---|---|
| Protects buildings from direct strikes | Protects equipment from voltage surges |
| Installed on rooftops or tall points | Installed in substations or panels |
| Always conducts lightning to ground | Conducts only when surge occurs |
| External protection for structures | Internal protection for devices |
| Handles very high current directly | Handles overvoltage safely |
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