How a Surge Protector Device Works
Surge protection devices are a genuine requirement and robust solution for your earthing & lightning system, control automation and networking device for dealing Power Surges, Ground Potentials Change & Distant Lightning Activities because they are able to control and limit the overvoltage can be installed at places that are prone to sudden voltage hikes. Given below are the few points on how Surge Protection Device works or SPD.
Point 1: In an electric circuit, voltage or current can exceed its safe or threshold value this spike voltage or a slight variation in the normal operating voltage of any equipment is commonly known as a power surge. This interruption in the normal flow of electricity enters swiftly and last for very short span of time i.e. for about few micro seconds.
Point 2: When these powerful surges intrude in your electrical appliances the system will get disturbed and will gradually result in device breakdown as these events alter the normal working conditions set for the equipment by the manufacturer. Apart from burning out of the circuits and the metal parts, people can also suffer drastic electrocution owing to surges creeping in.
Points 3: To avoid these catastrophes, critically important passive devices called surge arrestors are employed as it senses, filters and regulates the current or voltage entering the device to a tolerable value. Surge protection devices or transient suppression units complying to mandatory standard – IEC 61643-11 are designed to tackle main causes of Surges- Direct Lightning strikes, Switching Operation and electromagnetic induction.
Point 4: Before incorporation of surge protection units, the voltage level must be checked for the phase to phase, phase to ground, phase to neutral and neutral to ground. According to the applications and also based upon protection of equipment in different protection zones, the surge absorbers are divided into different models for both single phase and three phase protection. The technology used are based on - voltage-controlled resistors and/or spark gaps (discharge paths), Gas discharge tube, Metal oxide varistor, silicon avalanche diode, etc. or it can also be a combination of any of the above mentioned.
Conclusion: At present, the outdoor and indoor environment is hazardous and extensively unpredictable because of which the installation of additional lightning and switching surge protectors are mandate and highly recommended for unending device performance.