ESE Lightning Arrester vs Conventional Lightning Arrester: Which One is Better for Your Project
Lightning protection is a critical requirement for industrial facilities, infrastructure projects, and most importantly, for commercial complexes. That’s where selecting the right lightning arrester comes in. This selection can significantly influence safety, compliance, and long-term reliability.
Conventional lightning arresters and ESE (Early Streamer
Emission) lightning arresters are the two primary solutions taking
over the market. In this blog, we will understand the difference between these
two solutions and their integration with surge protection devices
(SPDs), which is essential for project decision-making.
Conventional Lightning Arrester
A conventional lightning arrester works by
offering a direct low-impedance path to safely discharge lightning currents
into the ground. Its coverage radius is restricted, but this is largely
used.
Coverage: for localized areas and small structures.
System design: multiple arresters for a wider area, which increases
complexity.
Use case: small commercial units, residential buildings, etc.
ESE Lightning Arresters
The ESE lightning arrester incorporates
advanced triggering technology that emits an early streamer to intercept
lightning strikes before they can cause damage. This offers protection to
larger radius areas.
Coverage: offers protection to a larger area than multiple
conventional units.
Installation: less cabling, fewer units, and thus less civil work required.
Cost Analysis: While the ESE lightning arrester price is higher initially, the
reduced number of units and simplified installation make it cost-effective over
the project lifecycle.
Use Case: Large-scale industrial plants, IT parks, airports, high-rise towers,
and infrastructure projects.
A Quick Comparison
So, now we know that a conventional
lightning arrester is a better option for smaller areas but needs
multiple units to cover larger facilities, resulting in complex installation.
While an ESE lightning arrester offers a much wider protection
radius and needs fewer units, it has easy installation and also lower long-term
costs. While the upfront ESE lightning arrester price is
higher, it often proves more economical for large-scale industrial and
commercial projects.
Surge Protection Devices (SPD)
Lightning arresters are designed to handle
the direct strikes, but they cannot prevent overvoltages induced in electrical
works. That’s where SPDs come
in. It offers:
- Protection of sensitive equipment against transient
overvoltages.
- A surge protection device type 2 is
most commonly used in distribution panels as the second stage of
protection, safeguarding mission-critical electrical and electronic
assets.
- System Approach: A robust
lightning protection strategy integrates both lightning arresters (ESE or
conventional) and SPDs for complete external and internal protection.
Final Thoughts
For larger facilities, expansive industrial
areas, and multi-story commercial projects, the ESE lightning
arrester offers superior protection, is affordable for long-term
benefits, and helps in reducing complexity. However, for smaller facilities
with limited coverage radius, conventional lightning arresters are
the most practical choice.
At Axis, we
offer lightning protection systems, including both ESE and
conventional arresters, alongside advanced SPDs, and project-based
recommendations with a customized quotation on ESE lightning arrester price and surge
protection systems.
So, contact us today for detailed technical guidance.

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