What is the function of a lightning arrestor in telecommunications systems?

A lightning arrestor plays a crucial role in telecommunications systems by diverting excess electrical energy from lightning strikes. When a lightning strike occurs, it produces a massive surge of electrical energy that can damage electronic equipment and infrastructure. The primary function of the lightning arrestor is to protect sensitive components in the telecommunications system from this surge by redirecting the excess energy safely to the ground.

This protective device detects the high-voltage surge and quickly channels the energy away from critical equipment, typically guiding it to a grounding system that can safely dissipate the excess energy without causing harm to the system. By doing so, lightning arrestors help prevent equipment failure, ensuring system reliability and continuity, especially in storm-prone areas.

The other choices do not reflect the actual role of a lightning arrestor. While enhancing signal clarity, storing energy, or grounding the entire system are valuable functions in telecommunications, they do not accurately describe what a lightning arrestor does, which is specifically focused on protecting against lightning-induced voltages.