Optimize your energy: discover the functionality of the surge protector

Today, people are constantly dependent on various electronic devices. At home, at university, in a manufacturing plant, in a hospital, or in a supermarket, the presence of electronic devices, appliances, and equipment that run on electricity is essential.

This has led to the recognition of the need to protect electronic equipment from damage caused by transient overvoltages and electrical discharges, especially when they are continuously connected to an electrical network.

For example, in a factory in full production, a thunderstorm can cause voltage spikes, power surges, or prolonged power outages. Without protection, equipment could be damaged, causing downtime and costly repairs. This is where electrical surge protectors, also known as circuit breakers or voltage surge protectors, come into play.

What is an electrical surge protector?

Electric surge protectors are essential devices for any electrical installation, as their main function is to protect against short circuits and overloads, preventing damage to electrical equipment and installations, as well as possible fires. The more technical term for a surge protector is: Surge Protection Device (SPD).

A surge protector or SPD can be installed in incoming service networks, such as electrical power, telephone, and cable TV, to name a few. It consists of one or more poles, which are switches responsible for regulating the flow of electrical current.

Among the main features of a surge protector are:

• Rated capacity: indicates the maximum voltage that the surge protector can withstand.
• Rated voltage: indicates the working voltage of the surge protector.
• Trip curve: determines the time it takes for the surge protector to interrupt the current in the event of an overload or short circuit.

What is an electrical surge protector used for?

It is important to note that the terms “voltage surge protector” and “electric surge protector” refer to the same device, and their function is clear: to ensure the safety and proper functioning of connected equipment and devices in the event of voltage instability that may occur somewhere.

Unlike surge suppressors, which divert excess energy to ground, voltage cut-offs act more directly by automatically cutting off power when they detect a significant voltage spike in the electrical network.

Fluctuations in the power supply can have various causes, from electrical storms to maneuvers in the electrical network, to the switching on or off of large loads. Whatever the reason, power surge protectors are essential for protecting our electronic equipment and devices at all times.

Types of power surge protectors

There are different types of surge protectors depending on their application and surge current diversion capacity:

By application:

• Surge protectors or DPS for power grid installations and equipment with a rated voltage of up to 1000 V.
• Surge protectors or DPS for computer installations and equipment with a voltage of up to 60 V. Also known as surge arresters.

By surge current diversion capacity:

• Lightning surge arresters: installed at points of intersection between areas protected against direct or nearby lightning strikes.
• Surge arresters: installed at points of intersection to protect against distant lightning strikes and surges caused by switching processes and electrostatic discharges.

Applications of electrical surge arresters

An electrical surge protector plays a fundamental role in protecting the proper functioning of computer equipment containing important data from various business processes. For this reason, there are applications in various environments:

• Surge protectors for domestic installations: these are integrated into the electrical panel to safeguard the different circuits in the home.
• Industrial surge protectors: protect machinery, control equipment, and automation systems against fluctuations in the electrical current, preserving their performance and efficiency and minimizing downtime.
• Surge protectors for data centers: essential for protecting sensitive computer equipment and ensuring the continuity of data storage and processing services.
• Surge protectors for commercial buildings and offices: keep computer equipment, printers, and communication systems protected, preventing work interruptions.

Why choose an Industronic surge protector?

By choosing an Industronic power strip, your equipment will be effectively protected, minimizing the risk of costly damage and unplanned downtime. With a wide range of options available to suit different needs and budgets, the Industronic team of advisors is available to those looking to protect their electronic equipment reliably and efficiently. Contact us!