A new concept in station arrester design

In 1968 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. of Osaka, Japan announced a new improved non-linear resistance material based on zinc oxide. The original devices were small low voltage units applicable for use in the electronics industry. In 1970 work was performed by the General Electric Co., and is continuing, using its own funds and technical resources, to develop larger devices for use as a substitute for silicon carbide valve blocks in surge arresters. Development has now progressed to the point where this material, with non-linearity characteristics far superior to silicon carbide, can be used to manufacture station type arresters which do not employ series gaps. The purpose of this paper is to outline some of the characteristics made possible by the new material which is becoming increasingly important to the electrical industry.