Arrester bypass devices

A system for bypassing an arrester during a fault current, the system comprising:

• the arrester comprising a high-voltage terminal and a secondary terminal;
• an arrester bypass device mechanically coupled to the secondary terminal of the arrester, the arrester bypass device comprising:
• a switch having a normal state and an operated state;
• a plunger coupled to the switch, wherein the plunger has a suppressed position and an actuated position, wherein the plunger is held in the suppressed position when the switch is in the normal state, and wherein the plunger is released to the actuated position when the switch enters the operated state;
• a first electrode mechanically coupled to a distal end of the plunger;
• a second electrode positioned in line with the first electrode, wherein the second electrode is electrically coupled to a high voltage conductor and the high voltage terminal of the arrester, wherein the first electrode is separated from the second electrode when the switch is in the normal state, and wherein the first electrode contacts the second electrode when the switch is in the operated state;
• and
• a ground strap comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the ground strap is electrically coupled to the first electrode, and wherein the second end of the ground strap is electrically coupled to an electrical ground and to the secondary terminal of the arrester,
• wherein the switch changes to the operated state upon detecting the fault current flowing through the arrester,
• wherein the fault current flows through the second electrode, the first electrode, and the ground strap of the arrester bypass device,
• wherein the fault current bypasses the arrester and the switch when the plunger is in the actuated position, and
• wherein the switch further comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the switch is electrically coupled to the electrical ground, wherein the second end of the switch is mechanically coupled to the plunger, wherein the first end of the switch and the second end of the switch physically separate from each other when the switch changes from the normal state to the operated state.