What does the acronym mcov in a 10kv (mcov) riser arrestor stand for?

The acronym mcov in a 10kV (mcov) riser arrestor stands for Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage. This term is vital in understanding the operational limits of the arrestor, which is designed to protect electrical systems from transient voltage surges, such as those caused by lightning strikes or switching events. The mcov rating indicates the maximum voltage that the arrestor can handle continuously in normal operating conditions without failing.

Understanding mcov is crucial for linemen and electrical engineers when selecting the appropriate surge protection devices. Using an arrestor with a mcov that exceeds the system's voltage can lead to inadequate protection, while using one with a lower mcov could lead to premature failure of the device, making it essential to match the arrestor's specifications to the system requirements. By ensuring proper selection based on the maximum continuous operating voltage, safety and reliability in electrical distribution systems can be maintained.