Characteristics of lightning surges measured at metal oxide distribution arresters

The results of a study undertaken to characterize lightning-caused surges and damage occurring in distribution systems are reported. Seventy five lightning transient recorders were installed on operating 15 kV class overhead distribution lines to measure lightning-caused surge arrester discharge voltage and currents. During the study period, 1309 lightning surge waveshapes were measured at four utility field sites. These waveshapes were carefully analyzed to obtain characteristic distributions of their rates-of-rise, risetimes, decay times, and other relevant parameters. In addition, the portion of damage and faults caused by lightning was assessed at one of the four field sites