What do lightning arrestors in a substation primarily do?

Lightning arrestors in a substation serve the crucial function of protecting the electrical infrastructure from the potentially destructive effects of lightning strikes and voltage surges. When a lightning bolt hits, it generates a massive surge of electrical energy that can cause damage to equipment, disrupt operations, and lead to significant repair costs. Lightning arrestors are designed to divert this surge away from sensitive components within the substation, safely channeling it to the ground.

Their primary role is to detect the over-voltage conditions caused by a lightning strike and provide a path of least resistance, thereby safeguarding transformers, circuit breakers, and other critical equipment from the severe impacts of sudden voltage spikes. By doing so, they help maintain the integrity and functionality of the electrical system, ensuring a reliable power supply. This protection is essential for the overall safety and stability of the electrical grid, making lightning arrestors a vital component of substations.