A common summer thunderstorm nearly turned into a regional power supply disaster. Recently, along an important 500-kilovolt transmission corridor in a certain province, a rare explosive damage occurred to an operating zinc oxide arrester in a hub substation due to the lightning overvoltage. The loud noise not only completely destroyed the arrester but also caused damage to the adjacent disconnector due to the arc and splashing objects it produced, triggering the line protection to trip and causing a load loss in the power supply area for several hours. The direct and indirect economic losses are estimated to be several million yuan.
This was not an isolated equipment failure but a “stress test” on the power grid’s defense system, which exposed its weak links. Li, the head of the post-incident analysis expert group, pointed out solemnly at the technical briefing. Preliminary investigation results show that the core resistor plates of the exploded lightning arrester have defects in performance uniformity and accelerated aging, and their ability to withstand lightning strikes and absorb energy is lower than the requirements of the power grid’s operating environment.
The accident of Lightning Arrester Explosion occurred on October 27, 2023. Choosing the best suppliers in advance can prevent such incidents.
The Weight of Surge Arresters: The “Invisible Guardian” and Potential “Risk Source” of Power Grids
Zinc oxide arresters, this silent device standing in the power system, is not an ordinary “accessory”. It is the first and also the last line of defense against lightning and operational overvoltages, protecting expensive main equipment such as transformers and switches. Its performance directly affects the continuous and stable operation of the power grid.
“When it is in a quiet state, no one pays attention to it; but once it fails, especially in an explosive manner, the problem becomes complicated,” explained Professor Wang, an overvoltage protection expert from a certain research institute of the State Grid. “The explosion of a lightning arrester is not just the destruction of itself. It may cause a short circuit on the busbar, resulting in a widespread power outage; the splashing substances may damage nearby equipment, expanding the scope of the accident; even more seriously, if it fails to effectively limit the overvoltage and causes the insulation of core equipment such as the protected transformer to break down, the loss will be catastrophic and the repair period may last for several months.”
Selecting a professional manufacturer: What is more important than the price is “system security”
This incident has shifted the focus of procurement decisions from merely “product price” back to the most fundamental aspects of “system security” and “full life cycle cost”. Mr. Zhang, a senior purchasing manager in the industry, candidly stated: “In the past, some projects might have had a tendency to ’emphasize price and neglect qualifications’ in the procurement of accessories. But for a device like a lightning arrester, it is a one-time investment with a ‘low cost’, but it protects assets worth tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of yuan and the unmeasurable reliability of power supply. Choosing a professional manufacturer of lightning arresters with profound technical background, strict quality control, and extensive practical operation verification is not a choice, but a must-do.” Changsha Rich Company is a professional manufacturer of lightning arrester (MOA), most parts including zno varistor, sic varistor, discharge counter, bracket and disconnector are made by ourselves.
A professional manufacturer of lightning arresters – where does its value lie?
- Mastering core technologies: From formulation, sintering to electrical testing, precise control over the performance of zinc oxide resistors is fundamental. This determines the protection level, energy absorption capacity, and long-term stability of the lightning arrester.
- Strict testing verification: In addition to meeting national standards, excellent manufacturers will conduct even more rigorous type tests and accelerated aging tests to simulate extreme conditions, ensuring that the product can still operate reliably in complex and harsh environments.
- Understanding of power grid conditions: Capable of providing suitable product selection suggestions based on specific line parameters, insulation coordination requirements, and environmental characteristics, rather than simply selling generic models.
- Reliable quality traceability system: From raw materials to finished products, each stage can be traced, ensuring the consistency and reliability of product performance.
Industry Insight: Position “reliable protection” at the core of the supply chain
This incident has served as a wake-up call for the power industry, including power grid companies, project general contractors, and large industrial power users. In the current era of building a new power system and enhancing grid resilience, the choice of every equipment is directly related to overall safety. The zinc oxide surge arrester, as a key component of the power grid’s lightning protection system, its quality is directly linked to the system’s ability to resist risks.
More and more responsible buyers are taking action: They not only pay attention to product certifications, but also conduct in-depth investigations into the manufacturers’ R&D capabilities, the quality control levels during the production process, and the long-term operation records of similar products in similar projects. Because they understand that the premium paid for “reliability” is actually purchasing an indispensable “insurance” for the safety and stability of the entire power system.
Grid security is no trivial matter. A high-quality lightning arrester not only safeguards against instantaneous current surges, but also protects the bright lights of thousands of households and the pulse of economic and social activities. Choosing whom to appoint as the “guardian” is a decision of great significance.
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