Impulse Current Investigations and Tests on Surge Arrester Components

In cooperation with producers, development and acceptance tests of material for high voltage as well as low voltage lightning arresters using silicon carbide or metal oxide, nonlinear resistors have been carried out. Mainly the dimensioning of spark gaps and series resistors and accessories like arrestor disconnectors or fuses have been proven by tests according to IEC Publ. 99-1 and 99-4. The institute runs an impulse current generator of 100 kWs load capability and tests on sections up to 12 kV rated voltage have been done as there are: · Measurement of residual voltage with impulse shape 8/20 µs up to Î = 50 kA · High current tests with impulse shape 4/10 µs up to Î = 150 kA · Long duration tests with rectangular impulse shape of 0.5 ms, 1 ms and 2 ms up Î = to 1 kA · Thermal stability tests with varistor elements according IEC Publ. 99-4 · For low voltage material impulse tests with impulse shape 10/350 µs up to Î = 9 kA