Arrestor vs. Arrester — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 25, 2024
An arrestor is a device designed to stop or prevent something, often used in law enforcement contexts. An arrester, however, specifically refers to electrical devices that protect equipment from surge voltages.
Difference Between Arrestor and Arrester
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Arrestor typically relates to devices or mechanisms employed to capture, stop, or control. For instance, in law enforcement, an arrestor could be a person or tool used to facilitate arrests. On the other hand, an arrester is used in electrical engineering to protect electrical equipment from surge voltages by diverting excess voltage to the ground or dissipating it, thus preventing damage to the equipment and ensuring the safety of the system.
While the term arrestor is broad and can apply to various fields including law enforcement, aviation (e.g., jet blast arrestors), and mechanics (e.g., smoke arrestors), arrester is specific to the field of electricity. Arresters protect against transient voltage spikes, such as those caused by lightning strikes or power surges, highlighting a focus on electrical safety and equipment longevity.
The application of an arrestor varies widely, reflecting its broader definition. It can be anything that stops or confines movement, including mechanisms in hydraulic systems or tools used by police officers. Arrester, conversely, has a narrow application, specifically within power systems to safeguard against voltage surges, illustrating its specialized role in electrical infrastructure.
Arrestors might be designed with physical restraint in mind, such as handcuffs or barriers, to prevent or limit movement. Arresters, however, are designed with a focus on electrical characteristics, employing materials and designs that can withstand and neutralize high-voltage surges, indicating the specialized engineering behind their development.
While arrestor captures a wide array of stopping or preventing mechanisms across various disciplines, arrester is exclusively associated with electrical engineering, underlining the importance of context in understanding each term's application and significance.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A device or person that stops or prevents something.
A device specifically designed to protect against electrical surges.
Application
Broad, including law enforcement, aviation, mechanics.
Narrow, focused on electrical systems.
Purpose
To stop, capture, or control movement or action.
To prevent damage from voltage surges in electrical equipment.
Field
Various, depending on context.
Electrical engineering.
Design Focus
Physical restraint or stopping mechanism.
Electrical surge protection, voltage control.
Compare with Definitions
Arrestor
Not limited to electrical applications.
In hydraulic systems, a fluid arrestor helps control flow and pressure.
Arrester
Specifically designed for electrical safety.
Installing an arrester can prevent damage during thunderstorms.
Arrestor
A device for stopping or controlling movement.
The police used a spike arrestor to stop the fleeing vehicle.
Arrester
An electrical device designed to protect against voltage surges.
The power plant equipped each transformer with a lightning arrester.
Arrestor
Can refer to personnel involved in law enforcement actions.
The arrestor managed to apprehend the suspect without incident.
Arrester
Works by diverting or dissipating excess voltage.
The arrester safely grounded the unexpected electrical surge.
Arrestor
Applied in various safety devices across different fields.
The factory installed a smoke arrestor to enhance worker safety.
Arrester
Essential for protecting sensitive electronic equipment.
Surge arresters are crucial for computer labs to avoid data loss.
Arrestor
Often involves mechanical or physical barriers.
The airport's jet blast arrestor prevents accidents on nearby roads.
Arrester
Only applies to electrical contexts.
The electrical engineer recommended an arrester for the new building's design.
Arrestor
To stop; check
A brake that automatically arrests motion.
Arrested the growth of the tumor.
Arrester
A device which prevents or stops a specified thing
A spark arrester
Arrestor
To seize and hold under the authority of law.
Arrester
To stop; check
A brake that automatically arrests motion.
Arrested the growth of the tumor.
Arrestor
To capture and hold briefly (the attention, for example); engage.
Arrester
To seize and hold under the authority of law.
Arrestor
To undergo cardiac arrest
The patient arrested en route to the hospital.
Arrester
To capture and hold briefly (the attention, for example); engage.
Arrestor
The act of detaining in legal custody
The arrest of a criminal suspect.
Arrester
To undergo cardiac arrest
The patient arrested en route to the hospital.
Arrestor
The state of being so detained
A suspect under arrest.
Arrester
The act of detaining in legal custody
The arrest of a criminal suspect.
Arrestor
A device for stopping motion, especially of a moving part.
Arrester
The state of being so detained
A suspect under arrest.
Arrestor
The act of stopping or the condition of being stopped.
Arrester
A device for stopping motion, especially of a moving part.
Arrestor
Alternative form of arrester
Arrester
The act of stopping or the condition of being stopped.
Arrester
One who places another under arrest.
Arrester
A device that stops or prevents, such as a railway buffer, or a spark arrester that prevents sparks from being released to start fires.
Arrester
One who arrests.
Arrester
The person at whose suit an arrestment is made.
Arrester
A restraint that slows airplanes as they land on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier
Common Curiosities
What is an arrester?
An arrester is an electrical device designed to protect equipment from surge voltages by diverting or dissipating the excess voltage.
How does an arrester work?
An arrester protects electrical equipment by safely diverting surge voltages to the ground or dissipating them to prevent damage.
Can an arrestor be used in electrical applications?
While the term arrestor is broad, it typically does not refer to devices used for electrical surge protection, which are specifically known as arresters.
Are arresters only used for lightning protection?
While often used for lightning protection, arresters also protect against other types of electrical surges, such as from power system disturbances.
What is an arrestor?
An arrestor is a device or person that stops or controls movement, applicable in various contexts such as law enforcement and safety mechanisms.
Do arresters require maintenance?
Yes, like all protective devices, arresters require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure their effective operation.
Is there a difference between a lightning arrester and a surge arrester?
Lightning arresters are a type of surge arrester designed specifically to handle the extremely high voltages of lightning strikes.
Can arrestors prevent accidents?
Yes, arrestors such as jet blast arrestors or smoke arrestors are designed to prevent accidents in specific contexts.
How are arresters rated?
Arresters are rated based on their voltage capacity and the specific electrical parameters they can handle to protect equipment effectively.
Are arresters expensive?
The cost of arresters varies depending on their specifications and the protection they offer, but they are generally considered a vital investment for electrical safety.
Can an arrestor be a person?
Yes, in law enforcement, an arrestor can refer to a person, such as a police officer, who apprehends suspects.
How do I know if I need an arrester?
Evaluating the risk of electrical surges in your system and consulting with an electrical engineer can help determine if an arrester is necessary for your setup.
What materials are used in arresters?
Arresters are made from materials that can withstand high voltages and temperatures, such as metal oxides.
Do all electrical systems need arresters?
While not all, many electrical systems benefit from the protection arresters provide, especially those exposed to potential surge voltages.
Can an arrester fail?
Like any device, an arrester can fail, especially if it is hit by a surge beyond its capacity or if it has not been maintained properly.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
