Everything You Need To Know About Surge Protection Devices (SPD)

Information technology is now an important part of our everyday lives. Hence, protecting it is crucial. Overcurrent protection devices like SPDs are very important in preventing damage to electrical appliances or systems due to power surges. This blog will explain the basic concepts of surge protection devices, their operation principles, types, applications and basic rules for selection and connection.

What is a Surge Protection Device?

A surge protection device (SPD) is a protective device that offers a safeguard against fluctuations in electrical voltage, otherwise known as an electric spike. These surges can occur due to lightning, switching or an abrupt change in the supply voltage of the power system. 

Importance of Surge Protection Device for Home

Surge protection for homes protects electrical appliances like televisions, fridges and computers from high voltage shock. An efficiently installed SPD prevents these appliances from being damaged by a sudden surge in voltage and thereby increases their life span.

Surge Protection Device Working Principle

A surge protection device is an equipment designed to protect any equipment that requires precise voltage stabilization from voltage surges. The functioning of surge protective devices depends on their ability to safely remove any voltage that exceeds the working limit from the relevant circuits. In the event of an exceptional voltage, the SPD determines the irregularity and diverts the power surge to the ground. Devices such as MOVs or GDTs help to effectively interact with energy in the form of voltage and carry out the task of clamping and suppressing it. This ensures that only the necessary voltage is passed through the system.

Surge Protection Device Types

SPDs come in various types to cater to different protection needs.

• Type 1 SPD: Three types of circuits are available, all of which are meant for industrial usage. This type safeguards against power surges, such as lightning.

• Type 2 SPD: It is mostly used in residential and commercial applications due to its ability to protect against internal power surges, which are of average intensity.

• Type 3 SPD: It protects appliances from lower-level surges and is installed near the end devices.

Power Surge Protection Device: Why Does It Matter?

A power surge protection device immediately stops a sudden rise in voltage levels that could damage your appliances. For instance, in environments such as frequent lightning occurrences or unstable power supply, the application of surge protection devices is unavoidable. They not only prevent the expenses required to repair such equipment but also lower on-time loss due to the failure of these instruments.

Use of Surge Protection Device

Surge protection devices are essential in a variety of applications:

• Residential: It shields home appliances from fluctuations in power surges.

• Commercial: Protect servers and networking devices between the workplace and voltage surges, specifically within the office area.

• Industrial: Protects equipment that uses heavy electrical current or important computerized applications from breakout of electrical surges.

• Renewable Energy Systems: It safeguards solar panels and inverters from the transcribed surge.

Surge Protection Device Selection Guide

Choosing the right surge protection device (SPD) is crucial for protecting electrical systems from transient voltage surges caused by lightning or power fluctuations. SPDs are classified into three types: 

• Type 1 for direct lightning strikes, installed at the main service panel 

• Type 2 for residual surges, installed in sub-panels

• Type 3 for localized equipment protection

To select the right SPD, assess your system's exposure to surges, the sensitivity of connected equipment, and installation points. For high-risk areas prone to lightning, robust Type 1 SPDs are essential. Critical systems, like data centres, benefit from layered protection using Type 2 and Type 3 SPDs. Ensure the SPD matches your system's voltage rating and complies with safety standards for reliable and long-term protection.

The location, design, and type of SPD are critical determinants of protection requirements. Here are key factors to consider:

• Voltage Rating: See to it that the SPD is rated for the voltage level expected on your electrical system.

• Type of Protection: Select the right type of SPD depending on the application.

• Response Time: Choose an SPD with a reaction time to cover large capacity loads and give immediate protection.

• Current Capacity: Evaluate the surge current handling of the SPD.

• Brand and Certification: Choose SPDs from reputed brand names such as Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation. 

How to Connect Surge Protection Device?

Installation is one of the essential factors that determine the efficiency of an SPD. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to connect a surge protection device:

• Identify the Installation Point: Normally, SPDs are connected to the circuit ahead of the main electrical panel or distribution box.

• Switch Off the Power: Make sure that the power supply is switched off fully before continuing with the connection.

• Connect to the Circuit: Connect the SPD to the circuit the device is supposed to protect. In the case of single-phase surge protectors, arrange the live phase (L), the neutral (N) and earth (E) wires in a manner recommended by the manufacturer.

• Secure Grounding: Grounding is an important factor in ensuring that the SPD works as it should.

• Test the Installation: After connection, always check on the working of the SPD to confirm it is okay.

Single-Phase Surge Protection Device

A single-phase surge protection device is used in single-phase electrical systems, which is predominant in residential and commercial premises. These devices are portable and best used at home since they are cheap in terms of initial price. These are some of the most popular ones due to their easy installation techniques and consistent, reliable protection.

Surge Protection Device Price

The cost of a surge protection device depends on some specific characteristics, including type, capacity, and brand. The basic models for home use are cheaper when compared to the industrial SPDs.

Relevance of SPDs in Contemporary Electrical Systems

Most computers and other appliances use sensitive electronics in their operation. Hence, a power surge has become even more dangerous today. Not only does an implementation save you from losing your money, but it also protects your key systems in case of emergencies.

Benefits of SPDs

• Extends the life of electronic gadgets and equipment.

• Minimizes the incidence of fire that results from electrical spikes.

• Reduces the time taken during closure and productivity losses in business and production entities.

Also read: What is Surge Protector & How Does it Work?

Conclusion

SPD is an essential component of the existing electrical networks. It can provide reliable protection against overvoltages. This guide covered all the information you need about these devices, ranging from identifying what a surge protection device is to grasping approaches to connecting a surge protection device. So, use it to help you choose the right device for your application and keep your appliances safe.

If you need good quality SPDs, Smartshop by Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation high-quality and reliable SPDs that provide proper protection for electrical lines. Select the right surge protection device to buy today so that your devices won't be worthless or compromised in their functionality.