Overhead ground wires and surge arresters have been installed to protect high-voltage power distribution lines and apparatus from overvoltages induced by nearby lightning strokes. The effects of surge arresters for protection of high-voltage distribution lines against direct lightning strokes have already been investigated using the digital simulation program EMTP (Electromagnetic Transients Program). With regard to the protection of low-voltage distribution lines from overvoltages induced by lightning strokes, experimental analyses using a scale model line have been reported.
This paper reports on the comparison between the experimental analyses and EMTP simulation of power distribution lines, including low-voltage lines, and the validity of EMTP simulation. Furthermore, this paper analyzes the overvoltages on low-voltage power distribution lines against direct lightning strokes to overhead ground wire using the digital simulation.