Electrical Performance of Zinc Oxide Surge Arresters in 22 kV Distribution System Using Thermal Image Camera

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) surge arresters (SAs) experience thermal runaway when the temperature exceeds the acceptable limit. This phenomenon is associated with the increase in resistive leakage current due to degradation. This paper presents the electrical performance of ZnO SAs in 22 kV distribution system using thermal image camera under the power frequency AC operating voltages. When ZnO surge arresters are installation takes a long time in distribution system over than 5 years. For the experimental study, as ZnO installation takes a long time over than 6 years the leakage current is 63.9 mA, temperature difference were measured over a period of time over than 14 degree Celsius. This data will be useful as a guideline for solving problems and reducing power loss from leakage current. Moreover, it will be useful in predicting lifetime of ZnO SAs.