Influence of representation model and voltage harmonics on metal oxide surge arrester diagnostics

Test results have been presented to demonstrate the hysteretic character of the volt–ampere relation of a Metal Oxide Surge Arrester (MOSA). Using a compensation technique described in the paper, it is shown that the use of single valued average volt–ampere characteristics does not introduce large errors in simulation studies. Results from computer simulation are presented to demonstrate the considerable influence of harmonics in the applied voltage on the magnitude of diagnostic indicators.