The main difference between overvoltage protectors and lightning arresters lies in their working principles, applications, and protected objects.
The functions of voltage protectors and lightning arresters are different:
In the case of grid voltage fluctuations and instantaneous overvoltage, the voltage protector can limit the voltage within the set range to protect the equipment. The home voltage protector is used to protect electrical equipment from normal operation when the grid voltage is abnormal and is not damaged by excessive or low voltage.
Lightning arresters are used to protect equipment from lightning damage and prevent the equipment from being affected by lightning and other reasons. The lightning arrester can introduce the current of the lightning strike into the ground wire, thereby isolating the current from the equipment and preventing the equipment from being damaged.
AC Voltage protectors VS lightning arresters Working principle:
The AC voltage protector mainly protects the equipment by cutting off or separating the circuit. It can monitor the voltage in the circuit and cut off or separate the circuit in time when overvoltage occurs to protect the safety of electrical equipment. This type of protector is usually made of devices such as metal oxide (MOV). When the voltage in the circuit exceeds a certain threshold, these devices will become conductors, allowing current to flow through to cut off the circuit, thereby achieving the purpose of protecting the equipment.
Lightning arresters mainly lead overvoltage into the ground by diversion, and are used to protect the safety of people and property. They are mainly used in outdoor power systems.
Home Voltage protectors VS lightning arresters Applications:
Home voltage protectors are generally installed in circuits inside buildings, and are suitable for protecting electrical equipment from overvoltage damage. Lightning arresters are mainly used outdoors, especially in power, metallurgy, chemical, coal, construction, and other industries, to protect power system transformers, motors, parallel compensation capacitors, busbars, vacuum switches, and other electrical equipment from overvoltage damage.
The service life of automatic voltage protectors and lightning arresters is different:
The service life of a automatic voltage protector can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the device, its usage conditions, and the specific model. Generally, voltage protectors are designed to have a lifespan of several years, typically ranging from 3 to 5 years or more under normal operating conditions.
The service life of a lightning arrester depends on several factors, including its design quality, usage environment, and maintenance. Once the lightning arrester shows a fault or has exceeded its design life, it should be replaced in time to ensure that electrical equipment is protected from lightning strikes and overvoltage damage.
In summary, although both overvoltage protectors and lightning arresters can prevent electrical equipment from being damaged by overvoltage, their functions, working principles, and application scenarios are different. The choice of which device to use depends on the specific protection needs and scenarios.
English 
Español