What does the "isolater" attachment do for a lightning arrester?

The purpose of the isolator attachment on a lightning arrester is primarily to act as a visible indicator for a defective arrester. When the arrester experiences a fault and is no longer functioning correctly, the isolator allows for easy identification of the issue. This visibility is crucial for maintenance personnel who need to quickly assess the status of the arrester and determine whether it requires replacement or further inspection.

Being able to see the state of the arrester without having to test it further enhances the efficiency of troubleshooting and maintenance processes. This feature is important for the reliability of the overall protection system against lightning surges, ensuring that defects can be addressed promptly and that the system operates effectively.