Frequent failure of lightning arresters at the Satpura Thermal Power Station, India: Preliminary results of field observations

A new theory for the generation of static electricity in the atmosphere was proposed. The theory can explain the atmospheric electrical phenomena like intense electrification of dust storms, lightning activity associated with volcano erruptions and very high electric fields in plumes emitted from power plant stacks. Also, it has useful applications in the prediction and mapping of electric fields in the environment of space vehicle launching sites, super thermal power plants and explosive testing/storage sites. The failure of the lightning arresters is attributed to the fatigue caused by the continuous flow of surge currents through the arresters. When these currents exceed a critical value the resealing function of the arresters are affected resulting in their failure.