What’s the difference between a surge arrester and a lightning arrester?

Many people think that surge arresters and lighting arresters are the same, however they are different. We will be talking about this today, shedding light on the difference between the two so you’ll be more informed. The difference between the two is simple. If you require any electrical assistance, get in touch with the professionals here at RML Electrical today.

Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, they carry out similar tasks but in a different way, with the same intention, to keep you safe from electrical accidents. One will protect your house operating from the outside, while the other will protect it from the inside.

A lightening arrester is installed outside your house.

A lightening arrester will be installed outside and detour electricity away from your house and any appliances should there be a lightning storm and go straight to earth. It detours it and that’s as simple as it gets.

A surge arrester can carry out the same job but indoors.

A surge arrester will intercept the power surge which has been caused by a lightning strike, and send any excess power into what’s known as ‘grounding wire’ which is also similar to what the lightening arrester does, in that it’s sent to ground.

Which one do you think your home needs – the million-dollar question! 

Now the only question that remains is whether or not you need either a surge arrester or a lightning arrester. Either tool will protect your home, but it depends on what you have that needs protecting. If you’re in any doubt, call an experienced and qualified electrician who can advise you on whether you need one of them. Your home is going to be different to other homes and your needs will differ too. It’s not really a case of any one of them will do, you’ll need expert advice on helping you decide on which one is best.

RML Electrical – a team of electrical experts at your disposal. If you need advice and guidance on what your electrical needs are, and of course on whether or not you need a surge arrester or a lightening arrester, then get in touch with us. We can not only advise and guide on the appropriate choice, we can also come and install it for you too. We’re a friendly team, always on hand to help, so give us a call today.