Why Restrike Capability is Critical in Electrical Systems
Electricity has become an essential part of modern life, powering homes, businesses, and industries. However, along with the convenience it provides, it also poses potential dangers. Electrical systems are subject to overvoltage events such as lightning strikes, power surges, and faults that can cause equipment failure and damage. One critical characteristic of a reliable electrical system is its restrike capability. This article explains why restrike capability is essential in electrical systems and the benefits it provides.
What is Restrike Capability?
Restrike capability is the ability of an electrical system to reestablish the flow of current after an interruption caused by a fault or a lightning strike. It is the speed at which the system can recover and restore power to the equipment.
A system with poor restrike capability takes longer to recover from an interruption and may experience additional faults or damage. In contrast, a system with good restrike capability can restore power quickly, minimizing downtime and preventing damage to equipment.
Why is Restrike Capability Critical in Electrical Systems?
Restrike capability is vital in electrical systems because it protects equipment from damage and ensures uninterrupted power supply. The following are specific reasons why restrike capability is critical.
Protects Electrical Equipment
A restrike event can cause equipment failure due to the high voltage, current, and energy levels involved. A system with poor restrike capability may experience multiple restrike events, causing irreversible damage to the equipment. In contrast, a system with good restrike capability can quickly recover from a restrike event, preventing equipment damage.
Minimizes Downtime
Power outages or interruptions can cause significant downtime in businesses and industries, which can result in financial losses. A system with good restrike capability can recover quickly from a fault or a lightning strike, preventing prolonged downtime and ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
Improves Safety
Restrike events can pose safety risks to personnel working on or near electrical equipment. A system with poor restrike capability can lead to multiple restrike events, increasing the likelihood of electrocution and injury. A system with good restrike capability can quickly recover from an interruption, reducing the risk of electrocution or injury to personnel.
Examples of Restrike Capability in Practice
Restrike capability is critical in high-voltage applications such as transmission and distribution lines, where power interruptions can cause widespread blackouts.
For example, in 2019, a lightning strike caused a massive power outage in New York City, affecting over 70,000 customers. However, the city’s electrical system’s restrike capability allowed the power to be restored within a few hours, minimizing the impact of the outage.
Another example is in the manufacturing industry, where power outages can cause significant downtime and damage to equipment. A system with good restrike capability can quickly recover from an interruption, preventing prolonged downtime and ensuring uninterrupted production.
Conclusion
Restrike capability is a critical characteristic of a reliable electrical system. It ensures uninterrupted power supply, minimizes downtime, protects equipment from damage, and improves safety. Electrical systems should be designed and maintained to ensure good restrike capability, especially in high-voltage applications. Restrike capability helps to mitigate the effects of power interruptions and faults, ensuring that electricity remains a convenient and safe way of powering our lives.
