Modern Coaxial Lightning Arrestors: Polyphaser vs. I.C.E.
This report compares coaxial lightning arrestors from Polyphaser Corp. and Industrial Communication Engineers, Ltd. (I.C.E.)—two leading manufacturers in the industry. Both product lines are patented and globally distributed.
Polyphaser Design Overview:
Polyphaser’s coaxial lightning arrestors utilize a two-component design:
- High-voltage blocking capacitor – Allows RF signals to pass while blocking DC and low-frequency AC voltages.
- Gas discharge unit (400-1,000V) – Activates when voltage surges, shunting excess current to ground.
While Polyphaser units are well-constructed, engineering analysis revealed limitations in their design:
- Lack of constant drain – Coaxial lines store electrical charge like capacitors. Without a drain, stored charge leaks through antenna joints or dielectric materials, causing receiver noise during electrical activity.
- Gas discharge limitations – Gas units handle large surges but are rated at only 1 watt dissipation. Lightning surges slowed by coaxial inductance last longer, causing gas unit failure.
- Durability concerns – After multiple surges, gas units can degrade without showing obvious signs, posing a risk of failure during subsequent strikes.
I.C.E. Design Overview:
I.C.E.’s design addresses these challenges with a four-part system:
- High-voltage blocking capacitor – Similar to Polyphaser, it blocks unwanted voltages.
- Discharge inductor/RF choke – Acts as the primary surge neutralizer, shunting voltage to ground through its DC shorting characteristics.
- Gas discharge unit – Engages only to handle back-EMF (magnetic field collapse), reducing stress and extending lifespan.
- Equipment-side resistor – Provides a constant drain for any residual charge, preventing noise buildup.
Key Advantages of I.C.E. Design:
- Longer lifespan – Gas units experience minimal workload, leading to virtually no replacement needs.
- Enhanced durability – The inductor dissipates the bulk of the surge, protecting the gas discharge unit from failure.
- Reduced interference – The built-in drain prevents stored charge from causing receiver noise during storms.
In practical application, I.C.E. arrestors offer greater reliability and longevity, minimizing downtime and replacement costs compared to Polyphaser models.