“Surge protection refers to the practice of safeguarding electrical and electronic devices from voltage spikes or surges, which are temporary increases in voltage levels beyond the normal or expected range. These surges can be caused by various factors such as lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, switching of electrical loads, and other disturbances in the electrical supply system.
Surge protection is needed for several reasons:
Device Protection: Voltage surges can damage or destroy sensitive electronic devices, including computers, televisions, home appliances, and even industrial equipment. These surges can cause components within these devices to fail, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Data Loss Prevention: Devices like computers, servers, and data storage equipment can experience data corruption or loss if subjected to sudden voltage spikes. Surge protection helps prevent data loss and potential downtime.
Fire Prevention: In extreme cases, high-voltage surges can generate heat and sparks within electrical systems, potentially leading to electrical fires. Surge protection reduces the risk of these dangerous situations.
Cost Savings: Implementing surge protection can save money in the long run by extending the lifespan of devices and minimizing the need for frequent replacements or repairs.
Insurance and Warranty: Many insurance policies and equipment warranties might not cover damage caused by power surges if surge protection measures were not in place.
Unpredictable Nature of Surges: Voltage surges can occur unexpectedly due to lightning strikes, power grid disturbances, or other external factors. Surge protection provides a proactive defence against these unpredictable events.
There are two main types of surge protection:
Point-of-Use Surge Protection: These devices are designed to protect individual devices or appliances from voltage spikes. Examples include surge protector power strips and plug-in surge protectors.
Whole-House Surge Protection: These systems are installed at the main electrical panel of a building and provide protection to the entire electrical system. They help mitigate larger surges before they can reach individual devices.
Surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage away from connected devices, either by grounding the excess voltage or by using components like metal oxide varistors (MOVs) that absorb and dissipate the excess energy. When choosing surge protection solutions, it’s important to consider factors such as the surge protector’s clamping voltage (the voltage level at which it starts diverting excess energy) and its joule rating (a measure of its capacity to absorb energy).
In summary, surge protection is necessary to safeguard electronic devices from voltage surges that can cause damage, data loss, and safety hazards. Whether for individual devices or an entire building, surge protection measures help ensure the longevity and proper functioning of electrical and electronic systems.”