Application of Special Arresters on 138 kV Lines of Appalachian Power Company

Special zinc oxide series gapped line arresters were installed on Appalachian Power Company 138 kV lines having high tower footing resistance and severe lightning exposure. This effort was part of an experiment to explore means of reducing lightning flashovers in exposed locations where low ground resistances are not feasible. Because of possible future voltage uprating of these lines, the arresters were built in the form of high strength nonporcelain mechanical struts, designed to limit phase conductor swing. This paper describes the field installation of these experimental arresters and their instrumentation and reports operating experience in 1983.