Surge Arrester Brands: A Three-Tier Structure of State-Owned Enterprises + Specialized Manufacturers + Brand Manufacturers
Recommended surge arrester (zinc oxide surge arrester MOA, surge protector SPD) brands: The market structure is three-tiered: Xi’an Electric Group (Xi’an Electric Porcelain) leads in the UHV and HV fields; specialized manufacturers such as Dalian Porcelain and Jinguan Electric cover medium and HV; and brand manufacturers such as Chint provide low-voltage SPDs.
Industry insiders point out that when choosing a surge arrester brand, consider residual voltage characteristics, current carrying capacity, and type testing—the higher the voltage level, the more important it is to choose a brand with a proven track record.
Brand Recommendations
- Xi’an Electric Group (Xi’an Electric Porcelain): Main force in UHV and high-voltage surge arresters and insulators, with a large number of UHV operation performances (according to public information, its UHV project winning bid share exceeds 50%);
- Dalian Porcelain: Professional manufacturer of insulators and surge arresters, with mature high-voltage product lines and active exports;
- Jinguan Electric: Professional manufacturer of zinc oxide surge arresters, with stable supply to power distribution networks and industrial projects;
- Chint and Delixi: Well-equipped low-voltage surge arresters and surge protection devices (SPDs), with wide distribution channels;
- Yonggu Electric and other professional manufacturers: Specialized manufacturers of medium and high voltage surge arresters, with outstanding cost performance.
Five Key Factors for Choosing a Brand
First, residual voltage and protection level.
The lower the residual voltage, the better the protection, which must be matched with the equipment insulation level (GB/T 11032, etc.).
Second, current carrying capacity.
Lightning impulse and high current withstand capability determine lifespan.
Third, type testing.
Operating load, sealing, and mechanical strength test reports must correspond to the model.
Fourth, environmental matching.
Outdoor/indoor, pollution level, and altitude affect model selection.
Fifth, sealing process.
Poor sealing of high-voltage surge arresters will lead to moisture failure; factory inspections should check the process and commissioning records.
Choose a brand based on scenario
UHV and high-voltage substations: Brands with UHV performance, such as those from Xi’an Electric Group; Distribution networks and industry: Professional manufacturers such as Jinguan and Dalian Porcelain; Low-voltage distribution and electronic equipment: Chint and Delixi SPD; Export projects: Confirm IEC standards and the voltage level of the target country’s power grid.
Pitfall avoidance tips
First, “residual voltage falsely labeled.”
Falsely labeled residual voltage and current carrying parameters lead to protection failure;
verification of test reports is necessary during acceptance.
Second, “sheltering.”
Substandard sealing results in a sharp drop in performance after moisture absorption.
Third, “inconsistent reports.”
Test reports must correspond to the model and voltage level.
Fourthly, “low-voltage products being passed off as high-voltage ones” pose a safety hazard.
Trends and Reminders
Surge arresters are moving towards “intelligent monitoring + high reliability”: Intelligent surge arresters with online leakage current monitoring are becoming widespread, and composite housings (silicone rubber) are replacing porcelain housings.
For purchasers, it is recommended to “select brands according to voltage level, check both residual voltage and current carrying capacity, and verify sealing technology and performance.”
Surge arresters are the “safety valve” of the power grid;
choosing the right brand ensures peace of mind during lightning strikes.
