B88069X4211T902

Gas Discharge Tube Arresters (GDT)

Gas discharge tube (GDT) arrester devices are essential elements for protecting the power distribution systems from lightning and power transient induced over voltages. This arrester helps protect computers and electrical systems from unexpected surges of energy produced by lightning strikes, power surges, and other catastrophes. As its name implies, this arrester uses a gas-filled, ceramic-encased tube to arrest hazardous impulse voltages.

General Background

GDT arresters are designed and tested to withstand extreme conditions, such as direct lightning strikes, in order to protect susceptible electrical and electronic equipment. They are also suited for hostile environments that include significant amounts of sunlight or water, cold temperatures, industrial pollutants, or debris-filled winds. Generally, these arrester devices are mounted at points along power transmission lines, where lightning is a frequent problem. GDT arrester devices are generally ranked and rated depending on their maximum discharge current.

Application Field

GDT arrester devices are used in a variety of applications, such as distribution systems, telecommunication lines, transformer, power plants, railway power supply systems, navigation systems, broadcast systems, aircraft systems, freight and passenger systems, substation equipment, and residential distribution systems. In most cases, GDT arrester devices are used to protect equipment from voltages caused by lightning strikes and other phenomena. Therefore, GDT arrester devices are often found in areas prone to frequent lightning or power outages.

Working Principle

GDT arrester devices use a gas discharge tube (GDT) filled with a noble gas, such as nitrogen or argon and a ceramic enclosing tube. The noble gas ke ep the tube free of electrons and minimizes the loss of “charge” to the device. The GDT is connected in series with a capacitor which serves as a high frequency “filter” for controlling the “transfer” of energy. As the voltage exceeds the range of the capacitor, the gap between the electrode and the ceramic enclosing tube is decreased, allowing electrons to bridge the gap, releasing energy. This energy then discharges to ground. The discharge current is relatively low and quickly decreases after the surge.

In summary, Gas Discharge Tube Arresters are mostly used for lightning and other electrical phenomena protection. It uses a gas-filled, ceramic-encased tube to arrest hazardous impulse voltages. It is used in a variety of applications, such as distribution systems, telecommunication lines, transformer, power plants, railway power supply systems, navigation systems, broadcast systems, aircraft systems, freight and passenger systems, substation equipment, and residential distribution systems, and it works by releasing energy to the ground when voltage exceeds normal levels.