Introduction toUtility Equipment Protection

OR

“WHY DO MY LIGHTS BLINK DURING A STORM?”

Objective and OutlineObjective: Provide an overview of utility lightning protection

Topics Covered:◦ Electrical Theory in 2 minutes◦ Utility Equipment Protection◦ Characteristics of lightning

Electrical Theory 101

Distribution Transformer

Transformer StationPower Plant Transmission Line

Distribution Line

Your House

Electrical Theory 101

Electrical Theory 101 Current: Amps – number of electrons moving per second – Flow

Voltage: kilo-Volts – energy level of moving electrons – Pressure

Power (Demand): kilo-Watts – Energy Delivered per second – Rate

Energy (Consumption): kilo-Watt-Hours – total energy delivered over a time period – The contents of the bucket

Electrical Arcing

What about Lightening?

Arrestors – Overvoltage Protection

Equipment Protection Lightning can create sustained electrical arcs within the electrical distribution network

Electrical Arcs are dangerous, and will quickly damage the system

We apply a layered safety system comprised of breakers, reclosers and fuses and arrestors.

Questions?SURELY YOU’RE WONDERING SOMETHING.