Abstract: A capacitor bank monitor apparatus for monitoring a state of a common ground connected to a capacitor bank comprises a sensor that that can be coupled to the common ground for collecting measurements relating to the state of the common ground. The monitor also comprises a controller that is logically coupled to the sensor for receiving the measurements and determining whether a fuse on the capacitor bank has opened. The ground monitor also comprises a communications facility that is logically coupled to the controller for communicating a notification that the fuse has opened. The communications facility may comprise a cellular communications device. The ground monitor also may comprise a filter that is electrically connected to the sensor and the controller. The ground monitor also may comprise memory that is logically coupled to the controller for storing at least one state of the common ground.

Abstract: A surge arrester having electrical connections to a source of power and to electrical ground is retrofitted with a spark gap assembly to improve performance of the surge arrester. This is accomplished by a providing a spark gap module including at least one spark gap assembly sealed within a housing, disconnecting an electrical connection of the surge arrester, and connecting the spark gap module between the electrical connection and the surge arrester.