SURGE PROTECTION
INTRODUCTION SurgeProtection: Introduction
Transient overvoltages are significant increases in voltage that occur in fractions of a second and can cause devastating damage. But where do surges come from? Like with all threats, to manage them effectively it is vital to establish their origins. There are two main sources of transient overvoltages being the consequential impacts of lightning strikes (which can occur in excess of a kilometre away fromthe location of the surge); or through switching of sizeable loads be they transformers, large motors, light-rail systems, or through capacitive loads through the power supply.
Fault currents can cause fires, explosions, the destruction or degradation of electronic equipment or components andcan leadto operationaldowntime, the destruction ofmachinery or a facility, or even loss of human life. Surge damage is amajor factor cited by insurance companies as reasons for claims, andwhat is disappointing about this fact is that they can nearly always be avoided. Surge damage is now a more pressing threat than ever before due to the increased linking and networking of electronic systems, the increased integration density ofmicroelectronic components and the greater presence and incorporation of electronic systems.
Surge damage is not always visible, or immediately acknowledged. Sometimes a series of surges over a period of time can degrade a system without any
noticed loss of function, yet the system may continue to deteriorate to a point where even a slight fluctuation can result in complete systemfailure.As somany of our building systems are networked or integrated within one another this presents furtherpotentialproblems, as a surge on a networkmaydamage every element as opposed to just the first element it encounters.
It is essential to remember that external lightning protection systems, be they comprised of copper tape, or similar, are designed to channel the fault lightning current safely to earth. However, they cannot prevent fault currents being inducted through the electromagnetic field of the current into various power or data cables, or through other conductive elements.
Either as an independent electrical safety system element or as an integral aspect of a lightning protection system surge protection is vital to protect a structure, its inhabitants and the assets contained within from the dangers of fault electrical currents. Surge protection devices (SPDs) are designed to manage specific fault currentprofiles, so in some instances a number ofdevices may be required to install in series in order to reduce a substantial fault current to a tolerable level. Choosing the correct SPD will be dependent upon the application, such as the sorts of faults seeking to manage, the type of system being protected and the location of the installation.
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