Why Is The Maximum Discharge Current Of A Surge Arrester So Important?

When designing or selecting surge protection equipment, the "maximum discharge current" represents the peak current that the 66kv surge arrester can withstand—that is, under extreme lightning strikes, the 69 kv lightning arrester can still conduct the lightning current to the ground without structural damage.

For the voltage-limiting 9kv 5ka lightning arrester, this parameter is usually based on a typical 8/20µs waveform test current. The standard allows the 9kv lightning arrester to withstand one maximum discharge current, while its "nominal discharge current" can withstand multiple strikes.

Manufacturers often name the lighting arrester 11kv model after its maximum discharge current, indicating the importance of this parameter in selection and naming.