A correctly selected arrester can diver surges almost endlessly ,provided the energy to be dissipated is within the capability of the arrester .In the event that an arrester is required to dissipate more energy than it is capable of, it will sacrifice itself by failing short circuit. Most commonly, arrester are connected phase – to – ground and the resultant earth fault will immediately collapse the voltage on that phase, thereby protecting other equipment an the same phase, The upstream protection will initiate a breaker trip to clear the fault, and the failed arrester can then be replaced.

Surge Arrester housing have traditionally been made of porcelain .However , today there is a stronge Arrester housing have traditionally been made of porcelain .However , today there is a strong trend ,and often even a preference ,towards the use of silicone insulators for arrester at all system voltage. There are a number of reasons why silicone is seen as an attractive alternative to porcelain, including potentially better short-circuit capability with increased safety for other equipment and personnel if correctly designed.