Free Expert Guides on Power Systems, Circuit Design & Electrical Troubleshooting

What is a Surge Arrester?Definition of Surge ArresterA surge arrester, also known as a lightning arrester, is a device used to protect electrical equipment from overvoltage transients caused by lightning or switching.Characteristics of zinc oxide arrester Circulation capacity Protective characteristic Sealing performance Mechanical property Antifouling property High operational reliability Power frequency toleranceSurge ProtectionSurge protection is essential to prevent damage to electrical syst

What is a Vacuum Switchgear ?Vacuum Switchgear DefinitionVacuum switchgear is defined as a type of electrical switchgear that uses a vacuum as the arc quenching medium, providing high reliability and low maintenance.Dielectric StrengthVacuum switchgear offers high dielectric strength, allowing for smaller contact gaps and effective arc quenching.Low Arc EnergyThe energy dissipated during arcing in vacuum switchgear is much lower than in other types, resulting in minimal contact erosion.Simple Dr

What is Indoor Switchgear ?Indoor Switchgear DefinitionIndoor switchgear is defined as a type of electrical switchgear enclosed in a grounded metal case, commonly used for medium voltages.Indoor Switchgear Classification Metal-enclosed indoor switchgear. Metal-clad indoor switchgearGas-Insulated SystemsIndoor switchgear often uses GIS, insulated with SF6 gas, which has superior dielectric properties compared to air.Metal-Clad SwitchgearThis type of indoor switchgear is highly customizable and us

What is an Electric Arc?Arc DefinitionAn arc is a glowing path created by ionized gas between circuit breaker contacts when they open.Arc in Circuit BreakerThe arc phenomenon in circuit breakers occurs between separating contacts under load, maintaining current flow until quenched.Thermal IonizationHeating gas molecules increases their velocity and collisions, leading to ionization and plasma formation.Ionization by Electron CollisionFree electrons accelerated by an electric field collide with a

What is an Electrical Fuse?Electrical Fuse DefinitionAn electrical fuse is a protective device that breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a predetermined value to prevent damage.Fuse Wire FunctionThe fuse wire carries normal current without excessive heating but melts and breaks the circuit when excess current flows through.Major Parameter Minimum Fusing Current Current Rating of Fuse Fusing Factor Prospective Current in Fuse Melting Time of Fuse Operating Time of FuseFuse LawMaterials for

What are Dielectric Gaes ?Dielectric Gas DefinitionA dielectric gas is defined as an insulating gas that prevents electrical discharge and can be polarized by an electric field.Breakdown in GasesBreakdown in gases occurs when the applied voltage exceeds the breakdown voltage, causing the gas to conduct electricity.Paschen’s LawThis law states that the breakdown voltage depends on the product of the gas pressure and the gap length between electrodes.Breakdown MechanismThe breakdown mechanism vari

What is a Shunt Reactor?Shunt Reactor DefinitionA shunt reactor is defined as an electrical device used in high voltage power systems to stabilize voltage during load changes.Voltage StabilizationIt controls dynamic overvoltage and provides capacitive reactive power compensation in systems above 400kV.Impedance TypesShunt reactors come in gapped core or magnetically shielded air core types to maintain constant impedance and avoid harmonic currents.Loss Measurement MethodsLosses are measured at l

What is Electrical Reactor ?Electrical Reactor DefinitionAn electrical reactor, also known as a line reactor or choke, is a coil that creates a magnetic field to limit current rise, reducing harmonics and protecting electrical drives from power surges.Types of Reactors Shunt Reactor Current Limiting and Neutral Earthing Reactor Damping Reactor Tuning Reactor Earthing Transformer Arc Suppression Reactor Smoothing ReactorShunt Reactor FunctionShunt reactors absorb reactive power to balance the cap

What is Power Factor?Power Factor DefinitionPower factor is defined as the ratio of real power used by a system to the apparent power transmitted through the circuit.Understanding Reactive PowerReactive power does no useful work itself, but it supports the active power in accomplishing useful work.Power Factor FormulaThe power factor is calculated as the cosine of the phase angle between the source voltage and current.Power Factor Improvement Methods Capacitor banks Synchronous condensers Phase

What is Hydrant System ?Hydrant System DefinitionA hydrant system is a water-based fire protection setup in thermal power plants, including components like valves, hoses, and nozzles.Components of a Hydrant System Isolation gate valves installed above ground on RCC pedestals around areas to be protected. Hydrant valves (external/internal) Hose cabinets Couplings Branch pipeHydrant System RequirementsThe system must maintain 3.5 Kg/cm² pressure at the farthest point, with a max velocity of 5 m/s