Insulator Lightning Protection Path Mechanism

When a line is struck by a strong lightning strike, the excessively high voltage causes a low-impedance path to form between the metal components. For high voltage transmission line insulators, which uses an arc-starting rod, the arc-starting rod and its lower metal foot form a pair of preferentially conducting electrodes. The high-voltage pulse first induces an air gap flashover discharge between these two electrodes. This discharge path allows the arc to bypass the body of overhead power line insulators and the surface of the conductor, flowing through the arc-starting rod, thereby protecting tension insulator from surface carbonization or damage.