Specifications and Advantages of Surge Protection Device


It seldom happens that an electrical system often gets damaged due to an unprecedented surge in the voltage. It is a condition where the voltage spikes due to known and unknown reasons. It results in a higher flow of electricity through the circuits and can damage devices, tools, appliances, and instruments connected to an electrical system. Hence, residential and commercial complexes often use an electrical lightning protection system.

What is a surge protection device (SPD)?

A type of electrical circuit that can protect an electrical system and its associated appliances from voltage spikes and surges is called a surge protection device (SPD) or a surge protector. It can handle up to kilovolts of range and provides protection. This type of surge protector is installed in commercial buildings, industrial premises and even residential constructions.

How does a surge protector function?

To understand the function of an SPD, we will have to learn what a surge is. A significant increase in the voltage by at least 10% for a few microseconds is called a surge. The energy produced during a surge can be significantly higher and has the potential to impart damage to the electronic devices and appliances installed.

Hence, an SPD is what we need to protect an electrical system right at the root. Here is the list of features that a surge protector has in it.

·         A voltage sensor is installed to identify a spike instantly and monitor the voltage line accordingly.

·         A controller is installed to sense any transient condition or variation in the system.

·         The controller sends information to latch down and disconnect the system immediately.

There are different types of modern SPDs used in different setups. They are:

·         Type 1

It is installed in the main distribution point or board and is mounted between the primary over-current protection device, the surge arrester, and the service transformer's second terminal. This type is characterized by 10/350 µs current wave.

·         Type 2

This type of SPD is designed and installed in a sub-distribution board. An SPD is installed at the load side of a service's primary over-current protection device, also called the transient voltage surge suppressor (TVSS). An 8/20 µs wave denotes it.

·         Type 3

It is installed near the protection load and is determined by a combination of current waves (8/20 μs) and voltage waves (1.2/50 μs).

Advantages of surge protection devices

·         The modules designed are easily pluggable.

·         Reversible installation is also possible with the latest designs.

·         Locking the SPD modules in the right places is also easier.

·         Remote signaling is also feasible with modern SPDs.

·         The thermodynamic dis-connector used is relatively safe and prevents fire.

·         The maintenance of these surge protectors is straightforward.

This is all about the surge protection devices vividly used in the electrical industry to build safe electrical systems for various purposes.

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