The use of the I/sup 2/t withstand to characterize the energy handling capability of surge arresters

This paper presents a proposed method that uses the I/sup 2/t withstand to accurately characterize arrester energy handling capability (charge transfer capability). To support the method's validity, comparisons are made between the operating characteristics and energy handling capabilities of two types of distribution class surge arresters: series graded gapped metal oxide varistors (gapped arresters) and gapless metal oxide varistors (gapless arresters). Application considerations are analyzed for both gapped and gapless arresters using laboratory tests.