How Do Arc-starting Rods Reduce Damage To Insulators?

In practical engineering design for lightning protection of power distribution lines, when a lightning strike or overvoltage event triggers the arc-ignition mechanism, a discharge channel is formed between the arc-ignition rod and the metal components of the line. The discharge causes the follow current power frequency arc to smoothly migrate from a position that might have endangered the metal conductor or tower structure to the arc-starting rod, where it burns. This significantly reduces the stress on the dead end insulators used for suspension conductors.

This process does not involve a direct arc impact on dead end suspension insulators. polymer deadend insulator exists only as structural support and dielectric isolation, and does not participate in the arc path. Therefore, the electrical and mechanical integrity of porcelain dead end insulators will not be compromised by the high temperature of an electric arc or a strong electric field.