1922 Developments in autovalve lightning arresters

The work done in the past year in developing commercial forms of lightning arresters based on the “autovalve” principle is reported. Fundamental data given by Dr. Slepian at the 1922 Midwinter Convention are briefly reviewed. The balance of the paper deals with new material and covers further research, development and test. Further research supports the original findings and gives specific information on basic relations. In the development work, required characteristics are first determined, and then structures are developed to give these characteristics. Commercial forms of the arresters are shown and the performance characteristics described, in fundamental units and in comparison with standard electrolytic arresters. Tests in the laboratory and observation under service conditions verify the calculated results and show the “autovalve” arresters designed for station service to parallel the electrolytic in performance. Test methods and results are described and service results reported.