Is it true that a lightning arrestor used to protect a line will drain off 100% of a lightning strike?

A lightning arrestor, also known as a surge arrester, is designed to protect electrical systems from voltage spikes due to lightning strikes by diverting the excess energy. However, it's important to understand that it cannot completely drain off 100% of the lightning strike energy.

While lightning arrestors are effective at redirecting a significant amount of the excess current away from sensitive components and towards the ground, they are not infallible. A lightning strike carries an enormous amount of energy, often in the millions of volts, and some residual energy can still reach the protected equipment. Furthermore, the effectiveness of a lightning arrestor depends on factors such as grounding, the installation quality, and the intensity of the lightning strike itself.

Thus, while a lightning arrestor significantly reduces the risk and impact of lightning strikes on electrical systems, claiming that it can handle 100% of the lightning strike is misleading, as some energy can always remain.