Lightning Arrester vs Surge Arrester: Key Differences, Applications and Selection Guide

A building or an industrial plant stays safe even during powerful lightning strikes or sudden voltage spikes. But how? Lightning arresters and surge arresters provide this protection. But many people assume both as the same thing. 

They both protect electrical systems, right? Well, not exactly. Are you confused? This blog will discuss how the devices respond differently to different threats and help you decide which one you need. 

Let’s explore.

1. Lightning arresters protect against direct lightning strikes. Surge arresters protect against internal surges.

This is the easiest and the biggest difference to remember. 

A lightning arrester: Crafted to divert high voltage and current coming from a direct lightning event. It acts as a shield, protecting the building's electrical system from lightning energy. 

A surge arrester: Deals with sudden voltage spikes that come from switching operations, transformer issues, or indirect lightning influence. These spikes are smaller but still powerful enough to damage sensitive equipment.

2. Lightning arresters are installed outdoors. Surge arresters are installed inside panels.

Lightning arresters sit where lightning can strike, which is usually on rooftops, telecom towers, industrial chimneys, solar plants, or wind turbines.
 Surge arresters are installed in distribution boards, control panels, and equipment rooms where power systems require protection.

So if you ever see a price mentioned like this, a lightning arrester price, it usually refers to outdoor lightning handling systems.

3. They handle two completely different levels of energy

A lightning arrester must withstand millions of volts and an enormous amount of current in a single instant.
 A surge arrester handles smaller surges that happen frequently throughout the day.

Lightning arrester energy level: huge and rare
 Surge arrester energy level: smaller but more frequent

This difference is exactly why both devices are needed in a complete protection system.

4. Lightning arresters protect structures. Surge arresters protect equipment.

A lightning arrester keeps the building, tower, or solar mounting structure safe.

 A surge arrester keeps your internal systems safe, including:

• Inverters
• Telecom radios
• Automation systems
• Control panels
• Home appliances

You can think of lightning arresters as the outer shield and surge arresters as the internal guardians.

5. Choosing the right one depends on your environment and risk level

Here is how you can make a quick decision.

Choose a lightning arrester if:
 You have a tall structure

• You are in a high lightning density area
• Your building has rooftop equipment like solar panels
• You need protection from direct lightning discharge

Choose a surge arrester if:

• You have sensitive electronics
• Your facility experiences frequent switching surges. You want extra protection inside your DB or control panels
• You want to reduce downtime and electronic failures

Partnering with a trusted lightning arrester manufacturer is essential to selecting the right lightning component for your system requirements. 

Wrapping Up

Both lightning arresters and surge arresters serve different purposes and are crucial. Because, protecting the structure from direct lightning and the internal systems is equally important. Thus, when used together, they offer an environment that is protective for homes, industries, telecom networks, renewable plants, and commercial facilities.

At Axis, we offer high-quality lightning arresters, surge protection equipment, and proven grounding products. Whether you are designing a telecom site, a solar plant, or an industrial building, partner with Axis to build safer and more resilient electrical networks. 

If you are looking for a trusted partner for your organisation that delivers reliable electrical safety solutions, contact us today to explore our lightning and surge protection solutions.