Comparative analysis of operating characteristics of the early streamer emission (ESE) lightning rod and Franklin rod under the laboratory conditions

The paper deals with comparative laboratory tests of operating characteristics of the early streamer emission (ESE) lightning rod and Franklin rod. Laboratory tests are performed by using high direct test voltage, and lightning and switching impulse test voltages. Dependence of the amplitude and frequency of the ESE rod tip voltage on the value of applied high direct test voltage is presented. The upward currents and high frequency pulses at the tip of ESE and Franklin rods, caused by high direct test voltage, are measured. Comparisons of the ESE rod and Franklin rod efficiencies is performed by counting number of flashovers to the tip of each rod, caused by lightning and switching test impulse voltages. Good correlations between the results from different tests are estimated.