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Solar Lightning Arrestors

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Solar lightning arrestors, also known as solar lightning protection systems, are specialized surge protection devices designed to protect solar systems from the damaging effects of lightning strikes and electrical surges. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and longevity of solar installations.

Lightning arrestors are installed in solar systems to provide a direct path for lightning strikes and voltage spikes to follow, diverting them away from sensitive electronic equipment and components. They are typically connected to the grounding system of the solar array or the building's electrical grounding system.

One of the most fundamental techniques used in lightning protection is the installation of a lightning rod or air terminal. This rod is typically mounted at the highest point of the solar installation and provides a direct path for lightning strikes to follow, safely conducting the electrical discharge to the ground.

Solar lightning arrestors also utilize other components such as a ground wire, a ground rod, and a copper wire to establish a robust grounding system. These components ensure that any excess electrical energy from lightning strikes is safely dissipated into the ground, minimizing the risk of damage to the solar system and the surrounding infrastructure.

Products

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Delta LA302R AC Lightning Arrestor single phase AC
Delta LA302R AC Lightning Arrestor single phase AC
$64.70
AC Silocon Oxide Varistor AC Lightning Arrestor for Single phase 3 wire 125-250 volts AC, 12 gauge wire with 36" leads. Rapid response, high current lightning arrestor/surge suppressor to help prevent damage to electronic equipment.
Delta LA303 AC Lightning Arrestor 3 phase AC
Delta LA303 AC Lightning Arrestor 3 phase AC
$88.24
AC Silocon Oxide Varistor AC Lightning Arrestor for 3 phase 3 or 4 wire 110-208-250 volts AC, 12 gauge wire with 36" leads. Rapid response, high current lightning arrestor/surge suppressor to help prevent damage to electronic equipment.
Delta LA302DC DC Lightning Arrestor
Delta LA302DC DC Lightning Arrestor
$70.00
DC Silocon Oxide Varistor Lightning Arrestor 0-500 Volts DC 3 wire with 18" leads for Solar (Photovoltaic) and other DC current applications. Handles unlimited surges with max current of 60,000 amps. They do not draw continous current and consume no power during standby mode. 2-1/4" diameter x 2-1/4" high. No resistance or currnet limiting fuses.

More Information about Solar Lightning Arrestors

In addition to protecting against direct lightning strikes, solar lightning arrestors also safeguard the system from voltage spikes and electrical surges. These devices can absorb voltage spikes caused by various sources, including nearby lightning strikes, static electricity, and high-voltage transients. By absorbing and diverting these voltage spikes, they protect the solar system's electronic equipment from damage.

It's important to note that solar lightning arrestors should be installed according to the guidelines and requirements set forth by the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other applicable regulations. The NEC requires proper grounding and surge protection measures to be implemented in solar installations to ensure electrical safety.

Companies such as Morningstar and Midnite Solar offer solar lightning arrestors and surge protection devices specifically designed for use in photovoltaic (PV) systems. These products are engineered to withstand the high voltages and current surges typically associated with lightning strikes and provide reliable protection in various environmental conditions, including extreme climates.

When installing a solar lightning protection system, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult with a qualified electrician or professional installer to ensure proper wiring, grounding, and compliance with local electrical codes. By implementing effective lightning protection measures, solar system owners can mitigate the risk of lightning damage and ensure the safe operation of their installations.

 

Coax Lightning Arrestors Basics

4 things to consider when selecting lightning protection for coax connected devices:

Frequency range

All lightning protectors offer a specific frequency range that they protect against. For example, a protector may offer 698 megahertz all the way up to 2.7 gigahertz of protection.

Connection type

The most common connector is N female, however, there are also N male, TNC or many other different types of connections. In some cases the protector offers bidirectional protection so the input and output can be reversed.

DC pass vs DC block type protectors

DC pass type protectors are used if power is needed at the antenna tower to power a particular device. It allows low voltage current to pass through the center pin of the coax cable to power the device. If no power is needed at the antenna tower, a DC block type protector is used, which would not allow any current to pass through the center pin of a coax connector.

Technology type

The most common and cost effective type of technology is gas tube protection. In most cases, it will last about five years. One thing to consider with gas tube protectors is that they can build up static electricity over time, and if that static electricity discharges, it can damage equipment. The second type of technology is coil inductors. Coil inductors offer very reliable protection against lightning strikes and heavy surges, as well as not degrading over time. They only need replacement with significant lightning strikes. There is no threat of static buildup with a coil inductor protector. The only real disadvantage of using coil inductor technology is the cost. Typically, they are about 30 to 40% more expensive than gas tube technology.

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