A Review of Fault Current Withstand Considerations for Distribution Valve Type Surge Arresters

This report presents the results of a survey of electric utilities to determine the fault withstand requirements of a failed distribution surge arrester. Electric utilities were asked to supply the magnitude and duration of the maximum fault current at 0, 1, 2 and 5 miles from the substation. They were also asked questions concerning the failure mode of distribution arresters. Analysis of the utilities response to whether or not corrective action was needed indicates that 47% of utilities felt a need for corrective action withthe porcelain breakage mode. The replies to this questionnaire have resulted in a proposed standard test, titled, "Procedure for Testing the Capability of Distribution Surge Arresters to Withstand Fault Current."