Abstract
The AC power lines and signal lines of info-communication networks are routed on overhead poles and are highly exposed to lightning strikes. Due to the potential difference between grounding points of AC power lines and signal lines, the electronic equipments connected to the signal lines can easily be damaged by lightning surges. In this work, in order to develop reliable methods of protecting information and communication facilities from lightning surges, the reliability and performance of SPDs (surge protective devices) were experimentally investigated in an actual-sized test circuit. The behaviors of SPDs against lightning surges from AC power lines and signal lines and the coordinated effects of SPD installation methods were evaluated. As a consequence, it was confirmed that the bypass arrester methods and common grounding system are both highly effective.