Sensor to monitor health of metal oxide arresters

A surge arrester sensor, comprising:

• (a) a housing having a sensor assembly contained therein, the housing including first and second spaced-apart ends interconnected by a sidewall;
• (b) a voltage measurement strap extending around a periphery of the housing and electrically connected to the sensor assembly;
• (c) a central shaft extending through a center of the housing, the central shaft having a first distal end extending through the first end of the housing and a second distal end extending through the second end of the housing, the central shaft being electrically grounded to the housing only at the second end;
• (d) wherein the first distal end of the central shaft is attached to an energized end of a surge arrester and the second distal end of the central shaft is connected to an energized conductor.