A practical method of protecting insulators from lightning and power arc effects

The problem of adequately protecting a high-tension transmission line against injury by lightning is an important one. Various solutions have been proposed, but it is generally conceded that complete protection of high-tension porcelain insulators from destruction by lightning effects has not been attained. Grounded overhead conductors, relief gaps on insulators, lightning rods supported on the transmission line structures or on separate structures alongside, and station-type lightning arresters at points particularly exposed, are some of the principal preventive devices employed, any of which serves to ameliorate conditions, but none of which affords ideal protection to the line.