Ceramic vs. Polymer Arresters: Which Suits Coastal Grids?

2025-03-30 13:10:47

Coastal power grids face harsh conditions—salt spray, humidity, and UV exposure. Choosing between ceramic-housed arresters and polymer-housed arresters impacts long-term reliability. Here’s how to decide: 

 Ceramic arresters: Pros & Cons 

- Pros: High mechanical strength, fire resistance, and proven performance in high-pollution areas (e.g., near industrial zones). 

- Cons: Vulnerable to salt spray corrosion; heavier, complicating outdoor Drop-out Fuse retrofits on aging poles. 

 Polymer arresters: Coastal Grid Champions 

- Salt Spray Resistance: Silicone rubber sheds moisture and resists corrosion, ideal for coastal drop-out fuse installations. 

- Lightweight: Easier to pair with Indoor Drop Out Fuse systems in substations or compact switchgear. 

- Cost-Effective: 30% lower maintenance costs vs. ceramic over 20+ years. 

 Case Study: Vietnam’s Coastal Grid Upgrade 

A 2022 project replaced 500 ceramic arresters with polymer-housed units near Da Nang. Results: 

- Outage Reduction: Lightning trips dropped by 65%. 

- Durability: Zero corrosion issues after 18 months vs. 15% ceramic failures. 

 Synergy with Drop-Out Fuses 

- Overload Protection: Pair polymer arresters with Outdoor Drop-out Fuses (16kA rating) for full-circuit defense. 

- Maintenance: Use indoor drop out fuse units in substations for easy access during storms. 

Upgrade smartly—opt for polymer arresters in coastal zones and ceramic where pollution (not salt) dominates.

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