Duty Cycle Testing of Current Limiting Station and Intermediate Lightning Arresters

The testing of lightning arresters has been reasonably well defined by ASA C62.1-1962, but the comparatively recent development of current limiting arresters makes it necessary to re-examine some industry standards to determine whether they provide adequate proof of current limiting arrester performance. The duty cycle test requires revision because it does not subject lightning arresters to a rate-of-rise of current comparable with what might be obtained in service. Tests must be made with higher rates-of-rise to insure that failure of loss of protective characteristics will not occur under actual service conditions.