Abstract: An apparatus includes a surge arresting element, first and second end caps, an arrester housing, and a fault disconnector. The surge arresting element is arranged to conduct in the presence of a surge on a power line. The first and second end caps are arranged to be electrically connected to the surge arresting element, and the second end cap forms a disconnector housing. The arrester housing is arranged to house the surge arresting element and the first and second end caps so that the disconnector housing is accessible from an exterior of the arrester housing. The fault disconnector is arranged to electrically disconnect the surge arresting element from the power line in the event of a fault, and the fault disconnector is housed within the disconnector housing formed by the second end cap.

Abstract: A secondary surge arrester has a line conductor and a ground conductor extending through a casing. A nonlinear voltage dependent resistive element and a fault current limiting fuse are connected between the conductors and are disposed within the casing. The fault current limiting fuse includes a fusible material surrounded by sand. The sand also surrounds the nonlinear voltage dependent resistive element. A heat sensitive material is disposed in close proximity to the fusible material and is viewable through a transparent cover. In the event of a failure of the nonlinear voltage dependent resistive element causing arcing, the fusible material fuses to open the current path between the conductors, and the sand absorbs energy by transforming state. Thus, the fault current limiting fuse limits current flow through the surge arrester and extinguishes the arc within the surge arrester so as to prevent violent fragmentation of the casing.

Abstract: A high voltage surge arrester includes first, second and third terminals. Arrester components, including one or more arrester valve blocks, are serially disposed in an insulating arrester housing between the first and second terminals. A first current carrying conductor is connected between the second and third terminals by way of a disconnector. If the arrester fails, the disconnector will disengage the first current carrying conductor to provide a visible indication that the arrester has failed. At the same time, a second current carrying conductor then reestablishes the connection between the second and third terminals. Thus, a current carrying conductive path is maintained between the first and third terminals.