Electrical equipment has become an indispensable and important element in people's production, life and entertainment. However, behind these electrical equipment, there is a silent guardian who is always alert to the threat of power surges and protects our electrical equipment. So, who exactly is this mysterious guardian?In this article, let's get to know it and understand it together.
What is a surge protection device?
Surge protection devices (SPDs) are used to protect power distribution systems, which consist of subscriber units, devices, lines, and accessories from transient overvoltage surges. It protects the device from damage by introducing controllable resistive, inductive, or capacitive elements into the circuit to absorb and limit the energy of the overvoltage. Surge protective devices are always connected in parallel on the power supply circuit of the load to be protected, which is also the most commonly used and effective type of overvoltage protection.
Surge protection devices have high impedance when connected in parallel. As soon as a transient overvoltage occurs in the system, the impedance of the device decreases, so the inrush current passes through the SPD, bypassing the sensitive equipment that needs to be protected.
The principle of a surge protector
Surge protectors are designed to limit a transient overvoltage to ground, thereby limiting the magnitude of this overvoltage to a value that is not dangerous to electrical installations and electrical switchgear and equipment.
Overvoltages occur when the power system is subjected to sudden voltage surges, such as lightning strikes, switching operations, or power failures. Without proper protection against overvoltage, equipment damage and even the risk of fire can ensue. This is where the efficacy of a surge protector comes into play, as it responds quickly to such situations by directing overvoltages to ground or absorbers, effectively limiting voltage rise and providing a solid barrier for equipment safety.
Types of surge protectors
Type1 Surge Protector
In the specific case of the service sector and industrial buildings, it is recommended to use a Type 1 surge protector, protected by a lightning protection system or a mesh cage.
It protects electrical installations from direct lightning strikes. It can release the reverse current of lightning that spreads from the grounded conductor to the network conductor.
Type2 Surge Protector
The Type 2 surge protector is the main protection system for all low-voltage electrical installations. It is installed in each switchboard to prevent the spread of overvoltages in electrical installations and to protect the load.
Type3 Surge Protector
Type 3 surge protectors have a low discharge capacitance. Therefore, they must be mandated as a complement to Type 2 surge protectors in the vicinity of sensitive loads.
Where do I need to install a surge protector?
Unless a risk assessment is conducted, transient overvoltage protection should be provided where the consequences of overvoltage are possible, and the installation of a surge protector should be considered in the following cases:
Result in serious bodily injury or loss;
resulting in disruption of public services and/or damage to cultural heritage;
Resulting in disruption of commercial or industrial activities.
The decision should be made based on safety risk factors and a cost assessment based on the cost of the electrical installation and the equipment connected to it, such as computers, televisions, and necessary equipment, to gauge the need for a surge protector.
Therefore, if there is an appropriate physical space, the surge protector can be installed in an existing user unit, and if not, it can be installed in an external enclosure adjacent to the existing user unit.
The application of surge protector is very wide, and the installation of surge protector can effectively protect electrical equipment from the damage of power surge and improve the reliability and stability of the system. When selecting and installing a surge protector, it is necessary to select the appropriate type, parameters and installation conditions according to the specific situation, and follow the relevant standards and specifications.
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