Abstract: The invention enables an optical voltage sensor, comprising a piezoelectric actuator mechanically coupled to an optical strain sensor (such as a fibre Bragg grating), to withstand lightning impulses, the effects of which would otherwise be harmful or destructive to the piezoelectric actuator and/or other sensitive components. As such, the optical voltage sensor, comprised within a photonic voltage transducer which also comprises a lightning impulse attenuator, is able to comply with relevant standards and be used for applications in power networks and exposed to the highest voltages for equipment.