Evaluation of Surge Degradation of Metal Oxide Surge Arrester

The surge degradation of zinc oxide elements under a constant ac stress is investigated experimentally. The results are summed up in a set of formulae and figures from which the degradation of any given condition can be evaluated. The increase ratio of leakage current from the initial value is successfully sed as the indicator of degradation of elements. The two types of elements are investigated concurrently-Formation I being used in production and Formation II a new material. Formation II is found to be remarkably resistant to surges and particularly to ac stress. The influence of degradation on the life of metal oxide surge arrester is discussed on the basis of a dynamic thermal stability. The permissible number of surges during the life is determined for the two types of elements. The performance of arrester is expected to be greatly improved by the use of Formation II.