PIN Insulator Same as Surge Arrestor

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eeee

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Isn't a PIN insulator the same thing as a surge arrestor.

They are both made of a ceramic material and ridged so as to bleed the electricity more effectively.

Don't they both serve the purpose of eliminating a voltage spike that lasts for more than one cycle.

I have been checking the internet, but the internet has no description with the answer.

Have not yet called a manufacturer for the answer.
 
Re: PIN Insulator Same as Surge Arrestor

A PIN insulator has no comparison to a TVSS (surge arrestor). An insulator is just that - a device to "insulate" a conductor from another object, presumably another conductor. It's a passive device.

A TVSS typically consists of metal oxide varistors (MOV's) which operate to attenuate the magnitude of a transient (spike or surge).
 
Re: PIN Insulator Same as Surge Arrestor

In re-reading your post (which I should have done prior to replying), I think you are referring to the lightning arrestors typically seen on poles. These do look like insulators, but function differently. The LA is usually an air gap device that functions to divert lightning to a ground source.

Sorry for the misinterpretation.
 
Re: PIN Insulator Same as Surge Arrestor

I see the surge arrestor on the top of the utility pole in this example installation where the primary overhead meets with the cable that goes down the riser and underground. The primary overhead drops down through a cut-out (using a stinger) and then enters the surge arrestor, where it then connects to the big black cable going down the riser and underground. This is why I know it is not a lighting arrestor.

The pin insulator was found on another example installation and takes a parallel path from the stinger (half way down the stinger is where it branches off) comming from the primary overhead and connects to the utility pole down some ways on the pole. It is being used for insulation from something (I don't know what), but appreciate your answer. Now I know.
 
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