Lightning arresters are primarily installed to protect against what?

Lightning arresters are primarily installed to protect against electrical surges, which are sudden increases in voltage that can occur due to events such as lightning strikes. These surges can cause significant damage to electrical systems and equipment if not properly managed. By diverting these excess voltages to the ground, lightning arresters help to safeguard infrastructure and maintain system integrity.

Electrical surges can be exceptionally damaging, leading to equipment failure, fires, and safety hazards. Therefore, the primary function of lightning arresters is crucial in ensuring a reliable and safe electrical distribution system.

The other options relate to different operational challenges within electrical systems but do not directly address the specific purpose of lightning arresters. Faulty readings can be caused by various issues, including insulation failures or equipment malfunction, rather than surges specifically. Power outages stem from failures in the system, and voltage drops typically relate to load issues or line resistance rather than the protective function of arresters.