arrestors

Arrestor is a device or system designed to stop, slow, or limit motion or energy in a machine or structure. The term is used across industries and can refer to electrical, mechanical, or aviation applications.

In electrical engineering, surge arrestors protect equipment from transient overvoltages caused by lightning, switching, or faults. They are connected between lines and ground or between conductors and absorb or divert excessive energy. Common types include metal-oxide varistor (MOV) arrestors, gas discharge tube (GDT) arrestors, and silicon carbide devices. They are designed to clamp voltages to safe levels and work with protective relays to limit damage. Performance depends on system voltage, energy rating, response time, and coordination with other protective devices.

In aviation, arrestors are part of arresting gear used to rapidly decelerate aircraft, particularly on aircraft carriers. The system typically uses an arrestor hook on the aircraft and a mechanism such as arresting wires and energy absorbers on the deck. When an aircraft lands, the hook engages a wire, which is connected to braking energy absorbers to stop the aircraft within a short distance and without excessive runway or deck length.

In other contexts, arrestors may refer to devices that prevent unintentional motion or release, such as safety arrestors in mechanical systems or components that restrict movement to safe ranges. Design emphasis includes reliability, energy handling, placement, and compatibility with other safety features, with standards varying by application and region.