Skip to main content
Tip of the Week Archive

Outdoor Substation Arrestors

August 05, 2002

Sponsored by:

grf_infraspection_institue
iiRealw1
Outdoor Substation Arrestors

Infrared inspections of lightning arrestors are primarily qualitative in nature. As such, thermographers should compare similar arrestors to one another and note any that are inexplicably warm.

Properly functioning lightning arrestors should be uniform in temperature and close to ambient air temperature if they have not undergone recent solar loading. Individual arrestors should not have any pronounced hot spots across them.

Because arrestors usually have a glazed porcelain surface, infrared inspections are best accomplished using a short wave (3-5 micron) imager. Working on cloudy days or at night will help to eliminate solar loading. When performing your inspection, don’t forget to check grounding connections for hot spots as well.

Advertisement

Latest Tips

Maintaining Situational Awareness

August 11, 2025

Infrared Imaging and Spray Testing of Walls

August 04, 2025

Infrared Inspections of Conveyor Bearings

July 28, 2025

Cleaning IR Lenses

July 21, 2025

The Problem with Solar Loading

July 13, 2025