A Complete Guide to Industrial Surge Protection

The purpose of surge protection is to protect electronic devices from power surges or transient voltage. Surge power or transient voltage is a drastic increase in voltage which is significantly higher than the designated level in a flow of electricity.

It is also worth noting that the mains voltage varies between different countries. For example, in the UK, the standard voltage is 230 volts. However, in the US, the standard voltage is 120 volts. Problems may occur if the voltage rises above this threshold. This is why electrical surge protection is utilised to help prevent these issues.

It is always recommended to have surge protection. These devices can help to prevent loss or damage to delicate electronic equipment, but they are also important for safety reasons.

Understanding why surge protection is worth it means that you will have full knowledge of the hazards associated with voltage spikes or surges. These events can last between just a few nanoseconds to microseconds, yet despite their short duration, they can put very high amounts of pressure on electrical devices.

Additionally, certain regulations such as the IET 18th edition standards both advise and recommend the installation of electrical protection in industrial environments. Transient voltage and power surges can present a great risk to both individuals and equipment, which is why the role that surge protection plays should not be overlooked when it comes to safety.

There are various types of surge protection devices and it is important to know the options available when choosing a surge protector. Common surge protection device types include:

• Surge Protection Sockets – these are sockets or multi-socket strips which incorporate surge protection devices. They are typically used in domestic applications
• Surge Protection Plugs – these are typically either plug-in adaptors or power plugs with pre-built surge protection on the device that they connect into mains sockets
• Telephone Surge Protection Devices – these act as adaptors for the RJ11 or RJ12 port connected into, featuring inbuilt surge protection

What is a Surge Protection Device?

Surge Protection Devices (SPD) and Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS) are electrical surge protection devices. They are typically installed in heavy-duty industrial systems including power distribution panels, communications systems, and process control systems.

These devices are designed to protect against electrical surges and power spikes, including those caused by lightning. Smaller, scaled-down versions of these industrial devices can also be installed in residential electrical panels. These residential surge protection devices are intended to protect everyday household equipment from similar hazards.

Surge Protection Device Types

Surge protection devices are classified according to their standards. This is explained in greater detail in the table below:

Industrial surge protection devices are designed to protect machinery. These devices can protect equipment and systems such as safety interlock circuits, control systems, and telecommunications in factories and other industrial environments. Industrial surge protection devices are typically fitted in a panel on a DIN rail mount.

Commercial surge protection is broadly similar to industrial surge protection. However, with offices and commercial applications, the protection devices are typically installed in building management systems. This could include systems and equipment such as lifts, data centres, emergency lighting, computing, and various other electronics and control systems.

Domestic surge protection devices are typically more suitable for lighter-duty applications than their industrial and commercial counterparts. Residential devices can be fitted in consumer units and electric control panels or found in surge protected socket strips for connecting domestic appliances and electronic equipment. Surge protection for appliances can provide peace of mind and help to mitigate safety hazards associated with transient voltage and electrical surges.

Surge Protection Circuit

There are different types of surge protection circuits with varied implementation. This is a surge protection circuit diagram showing a circuit built with a gas discharge tube. It is designed to protect electrical equipment by implementing redirection in the case of an overvoltage event.

Circuits like this are used to protect electronic components and equipment against transient voltage, power surges, and short-circuiting. They can be used in a variety of applications and environments.

Surge Protection Device Wiring Diagram

The implementation of surge is between two phases or to the earth from both phases. This is clearly demonstrated by the surge protection device wiring diagram to the right.

The diagram shows how built-in surge protection works, absorbing overvoltage by clamping the transient voltage. Surge protector one should typically be sufficient to pass standard surge requirements, yet surge protectors two and three are necessary for higher surge voltage requirements.

Surge protection is offered in amounts relating to a joule rating. Joules are the standard unit for measurement of energy released over a period of time. As a general rule, the more joules the better. This means that a surge protection device can handle either a single large surge or multiple smaller surges.

With that in mind, deciding how much surge protection you need will depend on various influencing factors. For instance, how much surge is required will depend on the value of the equipment being protected, as well as how many devices require protection. Typically, 1,000 Joules will be adequate for smaller electronics, whereas 2,000-3,000 Joules should provide sufficient protection for everyday electronic devices such as computers, printers, and copiers.

Choosing a surge protective device depends on a selection of factors. The answers to these questions should help you to identify the most appropriate surge protector for your requirements:

• The exposure of the building to lightning transients
• The value and sensitivity of the equipment requiring protection
• The location of the equipment
• The exposure level of the installation

Once you have been able to answer these questions, you should then be able to successfully narrow down your requirements and select a surge protection device that meets these needs.