Rectangular Current Impulses are important test that are done on surge arrestors to simulate service conditions arising out of switching surges. It demonstrates the energy handling capability of the surge arrestor in a short time.

Discharge of a pre-charged transmission line setting up traveling wave terminated in a matched load is used.

Main circuit components consist of sections of Inductors and Capacitors forming artificial line.

Disposition depends on the number of sections necessary to simulate the line. All the points along the line are expected to reach the same voltage level. Hence, it is alright to arrange them horizontally.

Characteristic Impedance is the impedance offered by the line to travelling wave.