This paper proposes a new type of active arc extinguishing parallel gap structure based on liquid electric effect arc extinguishing and lightning protection technology to address the problem of multiple factors restricting the protection effect of traditional lightning protection measures. In order to verify the operational reliability of the arc extinguishing structure with liquid electric effect under direct lightning strikes, a high current withstand test was conducted on it. This article analyzes and simulates the arc extinguishing mechanism of the liquid electric effect arc extinguishing structure, builds an impulse current test platform, and captures the entire action process with the help of high-speed camera technology. This test platform is capable of generating a standard lightning impulse current with a waveform of 8/20 μs and an amplitude of 20kA, and modulating the voltage of a 70 kV energy storage capacitor. The experimental results show that the liquid electric effect arc extinguishing structure reduces the amplitude of the impulse current from 20kA to 700A, and the voltage of the energy storage capacitor is only 2.3 kV. The energy is basically released, and the current drops to zero after 10 μs without arc reignition. This provides a reference for exploring the application of liquid electric effect arc extinguishing technology in lightning protection of overhead transmission lines.