With the rapid development of high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission technology, it is necessary to assess the reliability of converter valve under different working conditions. In this paper, the working state of 6-pulse converter valve is divided into commutation period and non-commutation period. The influence of lightning over-voltage on the operation of the converter valve is studied. Lightning over-voltage is caused by thunder climate change and the high value of over-voltage may destroy the structure of thyristor. Therefore, in order to ensure the reliability and the operating efficiency of converter valve, we should focus on the influence of lightning over-voltage on the converter valve and make plans to deal with this condition.