The Lightning Arrestor-Connector - A New Concept in System Electrical Protection

A new compact lightning arrestor can be incorporated into a connector housing to protect missile, aircraft and ground systems from lightning energy that can sometimes be transmitted to sensitive components on wires that pass into component compartments. This energy can cause component burnout, ignition of explosives, and circuit malfunctions. By properly incorporating the lightning arrestor-connector, these effects can be minimized or eliminated. The lightning arrestor-connector concept has been theoretically studied and prototype devices have been tested extensively at Sandia Laboratories. The design and development of the device is described along with data demonstrating the device behavior under simulated lightning tests.