1. Pre-Installation Preparation
Conduct a detailed site survey before installation to verify the proposed location meets design specifications. Inspect the arrester for any physical damage, ensuring the porcelain housing is free from cracks or defects, and confirm the nameplate ratings match the design requirements. Prepare all necessary tools and equipment for the installation, including lifting devices, fastening bolts, and grounding conductors. Personnel must wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
2. Equipment Inspection and Testing
Upon unboxing, verify the availability of product certificates, installation manuals, and other technical documents. Measure the insulation resistance of the arrester using a megohmmeter to confirm compliance with standards. Check the pressure relief device for integrity; the bursting diaphragm must show no deformation or damage. For arresters equipped with counters, verify the counter operates freely and its indicator is reset to zero.
3. Location Setup
Determine the installation reference point per design drawings, maintaining adequate clearance between the arrester and the equipment it protects. The installation height should allow for convenient future inspection and must account for the natural sag of connecting conductors. For vertically mounted arresters, the maximum deviation of the centerline from vertical must not exceed specified tolerances.
4. Mounting and Securing
Secure the arrester base firmly to the support structure using dedicated fittings. Tighten bolts with a torque wrench, following a cross-pattern sequence and applying force in multiple stages. When installing multiple units in series, ensure their centerlines are aligned and no visible gap exists between connecting flanges. Use proper lifting gear during hoisting to prevent impact on the porcelain housing.
5. Electrical Connections
Use copper stranded conductors of the specified cross-section for all electrical connections. Contact surfaces of terminal lugs and equipment clamps must be silver-plated. The connecting lead should hang naturally without imposing excessive mechanical stress. Apply power-grade compound to all electrical contact areas. Mark fastening bolts after torquing to indicate proper installation.
6. Grounding System Connection
Route the grounding down conductor along the shortest path, maintaining bending radii as required by code. When two grounding conductors are used, arrange them symmetrically. The cross-sectional area must meet or exceed design values. Clean and remove rust from all grounding connection points to ensure optimal contact.
7. Post-Installation Inspection and Commissioning
Upon completion, perform a comprehensive check of all connections for tightness and remove any debris from the work area. Record the final insulation resistance measurement of the complete assembly. Confirm the surge counter indicates normal operation. Finally, install a protective cover on the base flange and ensure all site safety signage is in place.
8. Important Notes
Outdoor installation work is prohibited during rain or snow. Never step on the arrester housing or use it as a support point during installation. For arresters with grading rings, adjust the ring spacing as specified in the manual. Maintenance personnel should perform regular inspections and maintain comprehensive technical records for the equipment.