State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company protects equipment from lightning

To ensure the stable operation of the power grid, on August 25, at the site of the 10 kilovolt line renovation project in Guozhuang town, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province, construction workers from the State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company installed a new type of silver-gray cross-arm on power towers. This device, known as a "composite insulated cross-arm", not only supports overhead distribution lines but also provides electrical insulation. It significantly enhances the line's lightning resistance in adverse weather.

In the past, metal cross-arms were commonly used on distribution line towers. During thunderstorms, metal components were particularly prone to attracting lightning to the wires, leading to burnt wires and power outages. The issue seriously affected the stability of power supply. The newly upgraded composite insulated cross-arms are made from special high-performance insulating materials that effectively block lightning currents during strikes, greatly reducing damage to power equipment from lightning.

The State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company is also optimizing grounding facilities for power equipment in areas with frequent lightning. In regions where existing grounding facilities cannot effectively dissipate lightning, metal piles have been added to efficiently channel lightning energy underground, which has further enhanced the line's lightning protection capability.

In areas where lightning protection devices have been upgraded, the incidence of line tripping due to lightning strikes has decreased by about 70 percent. The efforts have significantly improved the operational efficiency of the power grid and the reliability of services.