High voltage lines ionize the air around the conductors, this is especially true for 220kV+ lines (they even glow purple in a dark night, the glow comes from something called corona discharges). Ionized air is a better conductor than ordinary air.

Nov 5, 2021 · When lightning hits a power line, what happens is generally called a “flashover.” Most people recognize them when they see bright arcs hit their power lines. Flashovers are the main cause of short-circuited power lines as well as power surges that can damage appliances.

This article serves as an introduction to understanding how lightning interacts with power systems, techniques for measuring lightning and faults, and technologies that mitigate lightning-induced faults to enhance the robustness of power systems.

Nov 21, 2020 · Learn about the impact lightning strikes have on transmission lines and proper grounding’s role in lowering the chances of irreversible damage to a power system. Lightning disturbances are usually a significant issue for transmission lines up to the highest voltages.

Jul 2, 2018 · A direct lightning strike on a conductor of a power line causes extremely high voltage pulses at the strike point, which are propagated as traveling waves in either direction from the point of strike. The crest of the pulse can be calculated as: V = I × Z. Where: Z is the impedance seen by the pulse along the direction of travel.

Nov 16, 2022 · Extreme weather often results in downed power lines and toppled utility poles triggering short circuits that sometimes spark off massive power outages. Let’s look at some of those events that can damage electrical equipment.

Jul 18, 2023 · Explore the impacts of lightning strikes on power grids, vulnerabilities, protective measures, and consequences on both transmission and distribution lines.

Flashovers are a type of fault, or short circuit, caused by a lightning strike to a live electrical system. Faults on power lines involve tremendous levels of current and cause bright arcing, showers of sparks, and loud bangs and buzzing sounds. Arcs from a large fault can illuminate the entire sky nearby, and are often visible for miles.

Lightning Strikes to a Distribution Line. Lightning can strike a distribution system in one of two ways. It can strike an object in close proximity to the line resulting in an induced strike, or it can strike directly on the line. Induced voltages are more common than direct lightning strikes.

Jan 8, 2021 · Based on the physical processes involved, lightning induced overvoltages fall into one of two broad categories: those caused by direct strike to towers, shield wire or conductor; and those where lightning strikes the ground near lines, generating an …