Arc Extinguishing Method of SPD Type 1

Lightning strikes create surge currents which generate overvoltages in the power distribution and data transmission networks. The spark gap surge protective device (SPD) Type 1 diverts high surge current harmlessly to the ground and limits overvoltage to acceptable values. The present paper aims to present the investigations on the spark gap technology and demonstrates the arc extinguishing method on the surge protective devicepsilas performances. Firstly, the association of the spark-gap with an extinguisher device will be presented. In a second stage, experimental and numerical results of the current density, the pressure, and the temperature of the arc during its propagation will be shown. Both the calculations and measurements have been done for a 10/350 mus pulse and various peaks current.