Combination strut insulator and lightning arrester

An integrated structure for insulatively supporting an aerial high voltage transmission line from a grounded tower and for absorbing the energy associated with lightning strikes to the transmission line and tower, said integrated structure comprising, in combination:

• A. an elongated, insulative tube of high mechanical strength;
• B. metallic fittings affixed to the ends of said tube for accommodating physical connection with the transmission line and tower;
• C. a first arcing ring mounted in embracing relation with said tube and electrically connected with said fitting at one end of said tube;
• D. a second arcing ring externally mounted to said tube at a location intermediate its ends, said first and second arcing rings being disposed in spaced relation to provide an arc gap therebetween;
• E. a contact member supported within said tube and electrically connected with said second arcing ring;
• F. a series array of varistor elements disposed within said tube in electrical connection between said contact member and said fitting at the other end of said tube;
• G. a plurality of weather sheds covering the exterior surface of said tube over a substantial portion of its length;
• H. whereby in use the integrated structure will insulatively support the transmission line in spaced relation from the tower by said tube and said varistor array will function to absorb any lightning induced voltage surges of sufficient magnitude to break down said arc gap.