Abstract:
A lightning arrester with means for relieving internal pressure by venting the housing in case of failure of the arrester. The housing is closed at the end by a thin sealing plate and a piercing member is disposed inside the housing adjacent the plate. An explosive disconnector device is provided on the outside of the housing, and in case of failure of the arrester the disconnector operates and drives the plate onto the piercing member to puncture the plate and relieve internal pressure in the housing.
Abstract:
Electrical surge protection apparatus, such as lightning arresters, in a fracturable housing are provided with a flexible diaphragm closing an opening of the housing and resting in a support means that has one or more projections extending substantially parallel with the diaphragm when it is unstressed. Pressure buildup within the housing causes the diaphragm to be distended and to rupture due to cutting by the projections. Such pressure relief means can be implemented in arresters that have provision for creation of an external arc upon failure so that within a structure that is simple and relatively easy to fabricate there can be provided both pressure venting and arc transfer means.