The terms get mixed up. For protecting a structure from a direct strike you want a lightning conductor / lightning arrester system (air terminal, down-conductor, earth). A surge arrester is a different device that protects the electrical wiring from the voltage spike. Arrester and arrestor are just two spellings of the same word.
What each term means
| Term | What it is |
|---|---|
| Lightning conductor / arrester | Air terminal + down-conductor + earth for a direct strike |
| Arrester vs arrestor | Same device, two spellings |
| ESE arrester | An early-streamer air terminal with a wider radius |
| Surge arrester / SPD | Protects wiring and electronics from the voltage surge |
Which you need
A building needs the structural system (conductor/arrester to earth) to stop fire and structural damage, AND surge protection on the board to save the electronics. They work together - one is not a substitute for the other.
