Parallelable voltage suppressor: efficient protection

Technological advances have accelerated in recent decades, benefiting the work, production, education, and even leisure activities of most people. However, equipment remains at the mercy of common power supply disturbances, such as voltage variations and transients (also called “voltage spikes”). For this reason, devices such as a parallel voltage suppressor are a valuable and useful option for the efficient protection of instruments, machinery, and equipment.

What is a parallel voltage surge suppressor and how does it work?

A parallel voltage surge suppressor is a type of voltage surge suppressor that increases protection capacity by allowing multiple devices to be connected in parallel. This feature is very useful when you need to protect a high-capacity electrical installation or when redundant protection is required. In other words, when you want to ensure the continuity of a system in the event of a main system failure.

This type of surge suppressor works by diverting energy from transient events, such as voltage surges, to the ground. This prevents excess energy from damaging electronic devices connected to the network.

Parallel voltage surge suppressors are used in applications such as:

• Industrial facilities: where sensitive equipment must be protected against voltage spikes and surges.
• Commercial buildings: to keep electrical installations functioning properly against surges and voltage spikes.
• Homes: to protect electronic equipment and appliances against transients and voltage variations.

Benefits of a parallel voltage surge suppressor for a company

A parallel voltage surge suppressor, also known as a surge protector, provides several advantages to a company or industry, especially to its most sensitive electronic equipment. This means less downtime, reduced maintenance costs, and longer equipment life:

• Equipment protection: by detecting and diverting transient surges to ground, damage to the internal circuits of equipment such as servers, computers, laboratory instruments, printers, encoders, and other office equipment or production lines is prevented. They also help protect against disturbances caused by electrical discharges during storms or when devices are connected and disconnected.
• Reduced costs: by protecting equipment, repairs and replacements are reduced, resulting in lower maintenance costs in the long term.
• Longer service life: similarly, surge protection helps to extend the service life of electronic equipment by preventing premature deterioration or failure due to voltage fluctuations.
• Easy installation and maintenance: parallel voltage surge suppressors are designed for easy installation and low maintenance, especially those installed in electrical panels.
• Reliable power: Some of these devices can also contribute to the proper functioning of electronic systems by filtering out high-frequency noise (electromagnetic signals produced at frequencies above 10 MHz that cause information loss, signal distortion, or even hardware failure) and ensuring a more stable power supply.
• Peace of mind and safety: surge protection offers greater peace of mind to the company and users, knowing that operations will not be interrupted.
• Parallel operation: this feature offers two major benefits: a) Greater protection capacity by increasing the energy absorption capacity of peaks, and b) Redundant protection, since if one of the suppressors fails, the others can continue to protect the installation.
• Flexibility: the protection capacity can be adapted to the needs of each installation.

How to choose the best parallel voltage suppressor for an electrical system?

There are different types of voltage suppressors that can be connected in parallel, such as single-phase surge suppressors, modular suppressors, DIN rail suppressors, and load center suppressors. However, to choose the best one, it is recommended to follow a few steps:

• Identify the power: How is this done? Simply add up the power, in volt-amperes or watts, of all the devices you want to protect.
• Choose a suppressor with sufficient capacity: The next step is to choose a voltage suppressor that can handle the total power of the equipment, based on the previous calculation.
• Opt for equipment that includes protection: such as a warranty that covers its operation for at least two years. Another aspect is to look for equipment that is listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), as this guarantees compliance with safety standards. Alternatively, you can choose devices that comply with national and international standards or regulations.
• Look for additional features: You can find suppressors that integrate ECO technology to reduce energy costs or Fireproof technology to prevent fires.
• Consider the classification of suppressors: suppressors are classified by type, with each class having a different capacity and durability, as well as a suitable installation location.
• Take into account the type of architecture: cascaded architecture can offer more comprehensive protection in large installations.
• Determine the location: it is recommended to place the voltage suppressor as close as possible to the load or panel to be protected.

Seek advice: Expert guidance is invaluable in making an informed decision.

Installation and maintenance of a parallel voltage suppressor

The installation and maintenance of a parallel voltage surge suppressor focuses on ensuring that it is properly connected and that periodic checks are carried out to ensure its effectiveness. In general, installation requires:

1. Connect the suppressor: depending on the location chosen, this can be 1) to the mains (by plugging the suppressor into a safe and accessible power outlet), 2) to the load (by connecting the equipment to be protected directly to the suppressor’s sockets), and 3) to earth (by ensuring that the suppressor has a proper ground connection).
2. Check the connection: make sure that the LED on the suppressor lights up, indicating that it is working properly.
3. Function test: sometimes, it is possible to check the functionality of the suppressor through controlled surge tests. In this case, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

For maintenance, we recommend a periodic visual inspection to detect damage or anomalies, such as loose cables or lights that are not working. Replacement should be carried out when the suppressor loses its protective capacity. For better management, it is recommended to keep a record of installation dates, incidents, and replacements. This will facilitate preventive maintenance and save time.

The technology of a parallel voltage suppressor integrates the most practical and useful cutting-edge developments in equipment protection against voltage spikes. It offers a system suitable for industrial, commercial, and domestic use, safeguarding computer systems, industrial robots, manufacturing equipment, and entertainment systems, among others. At Industronic, we are dedicated to finding energy solutions that help optimize your company or business. Visit our website and request the advice you need. The success of the future starts now.