Low Voltage Spark Gap
An internal low voltage spark gap has been developed as a means of protection for distribution transformers against secondary side surges. The Electric Utility Industry has been concerned about transformer failures attributed to secondary surges, although the failure rate is estimated to be less than 0.5% per year. The entire subject is very complex, but the phenomenon is very much related to system parameters, such as, house and pole ground resistance, length and type of service drop, and transformer load. The surge impedance of the transformer coil is also a significant factor, resulting in units larger than 50 kVA being typically immune from this type of failure. The Power Partners spark gap will provide the same degrees of protection as any other method presently available, and at a significantly lower cost.
