Specialty Surge Protectors

Surge protection, often referred to as surge protection devices (SPDs) or surge suppressors, is a critical component in electrical systems designed to safeguard equipment from voltage spikes or surges. These surges can be caused by various factors, including lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, and even the switching on or off of large electrical appliances.

Definition:
Surge protection is a system or device that limits voltage surges to a level that can be safely absorbed by the equipment it is protecting. It does this by either blocking or shorting the surge to ground.

Function:
1. Voltage Limiting: SPDs limit the voltage to a safe level by diverting excess voltage to the ground.
2. Energy Absorption: They absorb the energy from the surge, preventing it from reaching sensitive electronics.
3. Protection from Transient Voltages: They protect against transient voltages that can damage or degrade equipment over time.

Applications:
1. Home Electronics: Protects TVs, computers, and home appliances from power surges.
2. Office Equipment: Safeguards computers, servers, and networking equipment in office environments.
3. Industrial Machinery: Protects sensitive machinery and control systems in industrial settings.
4. Telecommunications: Shields communication equipment from voltage spikes that can disrupt service.

Selection Criteria:
1. Type of Surge Protection: Choose between MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor), Gas Tube, or Silicon Avalanche Diode (SAD) based on the specific needs and environment.
2. Energy Handling Capacity: Ensure the SPD can handle the expected surge energy.
3. Response Time: Look for fast response times to effectively protect against rapid voltage changes.
4. Clamping Voltage: Select an SPD with a low clamping voltage to minimize the voltage that reaches the protected equipment.
5. Certifications: Check for certifications such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories) to ensure quality and safety standards.
6. Budget and Coverage: Consider the cost and the number of outlets or devices that need protection.
7. Ease of Installation: Some SPDs are plug-and-play, while others may require professional installation.

In summary, surge protection is essential for maintaining the integrity and longevity of electrical equipment by mitigating the effects of voltage surges. When selecting an SPD, it's important to consider the type of protection, energy handling capacity, response time, clamping voltage, certifications, budget, and ease of installation to ensure the best protection for your specific needs.
Please refer to the product rule book for details.