Lightning-Protection Cable

Lightning-Protection Cable

 

a grounded lead in aerial power transmission lines that serves to protect the lines from direct strikes by lightning. Lightning-protection cables are suspended above current transmission lines and grounded at each support. They are usually made of zinc-coated steel wire, with a cross section of 50–70 sq mm. The degree of protection depends on the angle of protection α; for α ≤ 20°, a lightning strike is unlikely. In lines on metal supports and with a voltage of 110 kilovolts and more, lightning-protection cables are suspended over the entire length of the line; on lines of lower voltage, they are suspended only at the approaches to substations.