Gas Discharge Tube Arresters (GDT)

Gas Discharge Tube Arresters (GDT) are devices typically used to protect electrical equipment from lightning-induced transient voltages. GDTs are commonly used in power systems, telecommunications systems, control systems, and all types of electronic and electrical equipment. A GDT will offer protection from voltage surges generated from external sources such as nearby lightning strikes, nearby transient voltage pulses, and short-duration transients.

GTCS28-151M-R20-2 Application Field and Working Principle

The GTCS28-151M-R20-2 arrester is a device with an application field that includes power distribution networks and power systems. This particular arrester is suitable for installations with a rated voltage of ≤20 kV and is designed to protect electrical systems and equipment from transient voltage disturbances. The GTCS28-151M-R20-2 has a DC reference voltage of 28 kV, and a 10/350 μs impulse reference voltage of 151 kV.

Looked at more closely, the GTCS28-151M-R20-2 is composed of two components: an external varistor and an internal gas tube. The gas tube is the primary element and consists of two electrodes in an insulating gas filled chamber. An arc-discharging gas tube has the capability of limiting high energy current pulses, and provides over-voltage protection against lightning surges and heavy transients. The internal varistor provides protection against minor transients, and absorbs energy from surges and noise.

The primary function of the external varistor is to discharge energy from minor transients. The external varistor also serves to reduce the impact of major transients on the internal gas tube. This is achieved by shunting transient energy away from the main arc chamber and dissipating it to ground through the external varistor. In this way, the transient voltage is limited, and the breakdown voltage of the main arc chamber is not exceeded.

At normal input voltages, a GTCS28-151M-R20-2 arrester maintains a non-conductive state due to the high electrical resistance of the gas. However, when the voltage at the GDT exceeds the breakdown level, current is discharged, creating an arc. The main benefit of the GDT is that it can limit large voltage changes by providing a conducting path for a period of time, then reverting to its higher resistance state. The arrester can further protect against lightning by reducing the strike lightning peak current magnitude.

The GTCS28-151M-R20-2 arrester operates in a unique way to reduce the amount of damage caused by electrical transients. The device functions like a switch to shunt high-energy electrical transients away from an electrical system or equipment. This means that the transients are diverted to ground, and the electrical system or equipment is protected from the harmful effects of transient voltages.

In summary, the GTCS28-151M-R20-2 arrester is a reliable and efficient protection device which offers effective protection for both equipment and installations. It helps to prevent damage to electrical and electronic systems and equipment by limiting or funneling transient voltages away from these systems or equipment.