The use of the I/sup 2/t withstand to characterize the energy handling capability of surge arresters

This paper presents a proposed method that uses the I/sup 2/t withstand to accurately characterize arrester energy handling capability (charge transfer capability). To support the method´s validity, comparisons are made between the operating characteristics and energy handling capabilities of two types of distribution class surge arresters: series graded gapped metal oxide varistors (gapped arresters) and gapless metal oxide varistors (gapless arresters). Application considerations are analyzed for both gapped and gapless arresters using laboratory tests.