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Top 10 Lightning Arrester Manufacturers: Global Leaders in Surge Protection

20/06/2025

1. Introduction

Looking for the best lightning arrester manufacturers in the world? Whether you’re an electrical engineer, supply chain manager, or procurement specialist, choosing the right lightning arrester supplier is crucial for protecting your power systems from unpredictable surge events.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 globally recognized manufacturers, each known for product reliability, certified quality, and technological innovation. From high-voltage surge arrester factories in China to trusted OEM suppliers in Europe and North America, this list is your starting point to make an informed buying decision.

Let’s explore the market, understand what lightning arresters are, and identify who the most reliable lightning arrester suppliers are today.

2. Lightning Arrester Market Overview

The global lightning arrester market is surging—literally. By 2034, it’s expected to reach over USD 1.6 billion, driven by infrastructure expansion, climate change impacts, and the rising demand for power grid protection.

As smart grids, railway traction systems, and high-speed data centers expand, so does the need for robust surge defense. Today’s buyers are looking for IEC 60099-4 certified arresters with high surge absorption capability, fast response time, and TOV tolerance.

But more than that, buyers now want trustworthy lightning arrester manufacturers that offer:

  • Global compliance (IEC, UL, CE)

  • High-performance MOV-based arresters

  • Fast lead time and consistent supply

  • Technical support and OEM customization

3. What Are Lightning Arresters?

From 3kV to 36kV—Your Trusted Lightning Arrester Manufacturer.

A lightning arrester, often installed at substations, transmission lines, or low-voltage panels, is a device that diverts high-voltage surges safely to the ground. Not sure how it compares with other surge protection devices? Check out our in-depth comparison of surge arresters vs lightning arresters to understand their unique roles in power systems..

Most modern lightning arresters use metal oxide varistor (MOV) elements encased in a polymer or porcelain housing. These components react within microseconds to redirect excess voltage, ensuring your systems stay online and undamaged.

Key performance indicators include:

  • Residual voltage (Ures): The lower, the better

  • Discharge current capability: Often rated 10kA, 20kA, or even 100kA for HV systems

  • Thermal stability: Important for hot climates and HV applications

  • Creepage distance: Critical for polluted or coastal areas

High-end manufacturers also integrate current shunt technology, arc protection, and offer factory-direct pricing with certified lab testing.

4. Best 10 Lightning Arrester Manufacturers

4.1 GOTO Electric (China)

China Lightning Arrester Manufacturers

Founded: 2013
Headquarters: China

GOTO is a fast-rising China-based manufacturer known for supplying high-performance polymeric lightning arresters across LV, MV, and HV networks. Products are made with premium zinc oxide cores and silicone rubber housing for excellent UV resistance and insulation.

Highlights:

  • Offers LV, distribution, station, and motor arresters

  • Fully compliant with IEC 60099-4 and ISO9001

  • Full in-house testing: residual voltage, erosion, discharge, and flame resistance

  • OEM-ready, with strong demand in Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe

  • Competitive factory-direct pricing and fast delivery time

Markets Served: Distribution grids, substations, power plants, and smart cities
Certifications: ISO9001, ISO14001, OHSAS18001

GOTO is a top pick for buyers seeking a lightning arrester factory in China with both high voltage surge arrester capacity and flexible supply options.

4.2 Siemens Energy (Germany)

Founded: 1866
Headquarters: Munich, Germany

Siemens Energy is a global leader in electrical infrastructure. Their surge arresters are used in ultra-high voltage (UHV) systems, including 800kV+ transmission lines.

Highlights:

  • Cutting-edge design with advanced arc protection

  • Best-in-class residual voltage performance

  • Extensive R&D and global compliance

Markets Served: Transmission systems, renewable grids, rail, utilities
Certifications: IEC, IEEE, ANSI

4.3 MacLean Power Systems (USA)

Founded: 1986
Headquarters: South Carolina, USA

MacLean is known for its robust, field-tested distribution-class lightning arresters. They are widely used across the North American grid and meet UL 1449 standards.

Highlights:

  • Reliable polymer MOV arresters with fail-safe design

  • Strong support for OEM and municipal projects

  • Proudly “Made in USA” manufacturing capability.

Markets Served: Distribution grids, pole-top installations, transformers
Certifications: UL, IEEE, CSA

4.4 Eaton (Ireland/USA)

Founded: 1911
Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland (US operations in Ohio)

Eaton offers a full portfolio of surge protection devices, including high-voltage surge arresters and substation-class units with current monitoring systems.

Highlights:

  • Patented surge counters and thermal disconnects

  • Strong integration with SCADA systems

  • Known for stable global supply chains

Markets Served: Utilities, smart grid systems, data centers
Certifications: IEC, UL, ISO9001

4.5 Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL, India)

Founded: 1964
Headquarters: New Delhi, India

BHEL is one of India’s largest electrical equipment companies and produces a wide range of MV/HV lightning arresters.

Highlights:

  • Strong government and utility partnerships

  • Designed for India’s tropical and industrial environments

  • Competitive pricing for mass infrastructure

Markets Served: Power grid, railways, government energy projects
Certifications: BIS, IEC, ISO

4.6 Hitachi Energy (Switzerland/Japan)

Founded: 2020 (ABB Power Grids + Hitachi merger)
Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland

Hitachi Energy supplies advanced surge arresters for 220kV+ systems, combining Japanese precision and Swiss engineering.

Highlights:

  • Ultra-low residual voltage

  • Digital-ready surge protection

  • Focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.

Markets Served: HVDC, offshore wind, utility-scale solar farms
Certifications: IEC 60099-4, RoHS, ISO14001

4.7 TE Connectivity (Global)

Founded: 2007
Headquarters: Switzerland

TE offers modular surge arresters optimized for industrial automation, railways, and smart buildings.

Highlights:

  • Compact design with rail-certified housings

  • High performance in polluted environments

  • OEM-grade customization

Markets Served: Railway traction, telecom, automation
Certifications: EN, UL, CE

4.8 Hubbell Power Systems (USA)

Founded: 1888
Headquarters: Columbia, South Carolina, USA

Hubbell is a household name in the North American power market. Their lightning arresters are widely used by public utilities.

Highlights:

  • Pole-mounted and station-class MOV arresters

  • Durable composite housings

  • 100+ years of power utility experience

Markets Served: Pole-line distribution, substations, public works
Certifications: ANSI, IEEE, UL

4.9 Ensto (Finland)

Founded: 1958
Headquarters: Porvoo, Finland

Ensto provides reliable MV surge protection solutions, especially designed for Nordic climates and harsh outdoor conditions.

Highlights:

  • Arctic-resistant enclosures

  • Easy-to-install modular design

  • Focused on green energy grids

Markets Served: Rural grids, cold-weather zones, wind farms
Certifications: IEC, ISO14001, REACH

4.10 CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd. (India)

Founded: 1937
Headquarters: Mumbai, India

CG Power manufactures arresters for 11kV to 132kV grids and is a key supplier in South Asia.

Highlights:

  • High-volume production and rapid delivery

  • Affordable pricing for infrastructure projects

  • Long-standing government contracts

Markets Served: Transmission lines, power distribution, substations
Certifications: ISO, BIS, IEC

5. How to Choose a Lightning Arrester Manufacturer

Choosing the right supplier means looking beyond price. Here’s what to evaluate:

5.1 Product Capability

  • Choose suppliers with real MOV expertise.

  • Ensure residual voltage, thermal stability, and TOV tolerance are certified.

  • Confirm IEC 61643 or IEC 60099-4 compliance

5.2 Delivery Capability

  • Check for inventory availability.

  • Ask about lead times and emergency shipping.

  • Prioritize factories with in-house testing labs

5.3 Cost & Price

  • Beware of low-cost options with no certifications.

  • Ask for the total cost of ownership (TCO), including maintenance.

  • Look for factory-direct price vs reseller markups

5.4 Certifications

  • Look for third-party testing: UL 1449, IEC, ISO.

  • Request datasheets and batch test reports

  • Confirm origin: China lightning arrester factories often offer certified OEM service

5.5 Application Matching

  • Match voltage rating (e.g., 10kV, 33kV, 110kV)

  • Select based on sector: substation, railway, industrial, or building entry.

  • Check creepage distance and housing material suitability

6. Conclusion

Selecting the right lightning arrester manufacturer is more than comparing catalogs. It’s about performance, compliance, and trust. This list highlights the world’s leading brands—from high-voltage surge arrester factories in China like GOTO Electric, to long-established names like Siemens and Eaton.

If you’re a buyer looking for reliable lightning arrester suppliers, remember to evaluate technical depth, manufacturing scale, and regional certification. GOTO Electric is proud to support global buyers with IEC-certified surge protection, fast delivery, and tailored OEM support.

Need help choosing the right model for your project?
[Contact GOTO Electric for a quote or product datasheet today.]
Or, if you’re new to the topic, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Lightning Arresters—a beginner-to-pro level breakdown of how they work, types, installation tips, and more.

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