In modern industry, businesses depend on the smooth functioning of their sophisticated electrical systems that drive operations. However, sensitive components are at risk of damage due to power surges stemming from lightning strikes, malfunctioning equipment, or issues with the power grid. This risk highlights the requirement for a surge protection system that facilitates the power surge protection of critical components.
For B2B companies, knowledge regarding different types of surge protection devices is paramount to ensure management of business routines minimize interruptions, while at all times ensuring protection for vital equipment. In this guide, we will discuss various surge protection device types and their characteristics and applications so that businesses may make more informed decisions tailored to their distinctive requirements.
What Is A Surge Protection System?
A surge protection system seeks to protect from any potential damage voltage spikes may cause to electrical devices and equipment. These protective devices are crucial in an electrical setup as they redirect destructive voltages away from sensitive equipment to the ground. Any damaging surges can stem from strikes of lightning, or fluctuations in the power grid.
For industries that tend to incur significant losses from downtimes, neglecting the need for a surge protection system is truly dangerous. It is vital for companies to conduct a proper evaluation of their infrastructure in conjunction with their electricity requirements and provide the suitable types of surge protection devices.
The Need For Surge Protection In B2B Operations
Power surges tend to be dramatically catastrophic for businesses that rely on expensive equipment like servers and industrial control systems. The impact of a single surge can result in the failure of equipment, corruption of data, extensive downtime, and in the worst case scenario, supremely costly repairs. In the long run, these recurrent power surges can result in extreme inefficiency in business operations.
In this way, selecting an appropriate surge protection system is very important for businesses. Different types of devices are required to protect company assets from voltage spikes depending on the business type and the equipment in use. Knowing which devices classify as SPDs and are essential for the operations of a business can assist greatly in making rational risk decisions.
Classification of SPD’s
A variety of surge protection devices are created to mitigate specific types of electrical interferences. Most common surge protection devices and their functions in a business are elaborated below.
Type 1 Surge Protection Devices
These devices are usually fitted at the main electrical distribution panel which is the point where the electrical supply enters a given building. They are made for the purpose of protecting high energy surges from external sources due to lightning strikes as well as power grid faults. Type 1 SPDs are capable of handling great surges and preventing them from going deeper into the building’s electrical system.
Uses:
- Exposed Industrial Power Equipment
- Subdivisional II & Centralized Buildings
- Centralized Power Facilities
Businesses located in lines prone to lightning strikes, or other external electrically disruptive activities have a need for Type 1 devices.
Type 2 Surge Protection Devices
The use of lesser Type 2 devices comes after main Type 1 devices and provides additional protection from stray surges. They are optimized for less energetic surges which can be created by the turning on or shutting down of some devices, or surges not completely diverted by the Type 1 devices. Type 2 SPDs are often incorporated in the distribution panels wherein they can withstand the moderate surges common in commercial business and industrial settings.
Uses:
- Office Based Machinery and Equipment
- Secondary Data Centers and Intermediate Financial Physical Offices
Type 2 devices are very critical for commercial users in possession of precision electric mechanisms where ongoing dwell of concentration is solicited placement with smaller spurts of lesser energy.
Type 3 Surge Protection Devices
Typically, type 3 surge protection devices are installed close to the equipment they protect; at the point of use to limit the damage smaller, localized power surges can do. Type 3 devices guard against damage caused by more sophisticated power interruptions to sensitive electronics and equipment such as computers, servers, and telecommunications equipment .
Applications:
- Computers and office equipment
- IT equipment in datacenter
- Residential and commercial electrical appliances
Type 3 devices may predominantly be used in consumer applications, but they also play an important role in B2B practices, especially for companies whose operations are supported by an advanced IT infrastructure.
Combined Surge Protection Devices
Combined surge protection devices provide multi-stage protection by incorporating Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 protection within one unit. These devices provide thorough protection against surges by addressing external as well as internal surges at the main panel and point of use. Combined SPDs are most appropriate for businesses looking for a single solution to address all their electrical system’s surge protection needs.
Applications:
- Large commercial buildings
- Complex industrial facilities
- Sensitive equipment laden data centers
A Combined surge protection device best suits businesses that require multi-level protection from all types of electrical surges.
Surge Protectors for DC Circuits
Devices designed for a surge protector function uniquely for protecting Direct Current (DC) circuits are known as DC surge protection devices. These devices are usually found in renewable systems such as solar panels as well as in EV charging stations. They are designed to solve the peculiar problems regarding DC circuits which require special protection due to the fact that the voltage is always “on.”
Applications:
- Solar Panel Systems
- Energy Vehicle Charging Stations
- Battery Power Storage Devices
The need for the effective safeguarding of critical components without compromising system efficiency makes DC surge protection devices a requirement for companies operating in the renewable or alternative energy domains.
How to Select the Best Surge Protection Device for your Company
In every business looking to install a surge protection system, the type of the existing electrical wiring, the grade of protection expected, and the specific dangers of the surrounding environment should be taken into account. The various supply voltage surge protection device types differ in their grade of adequacy and scope of coverage. These factors make it easy for the business to identify the unique requirements.
Factors to Consider:
- Risk Evaluation: Identify the area’s possible sources of power surge (lightning strikes, grid supply interferences) and evaluate the amplitude of the protection needed.
- Equipment Sensitivity: Identify the pieces of equipment that are the most sensitive to the electromagnetic surge and require the highest degree of protection.
- Location of Equipment: Think about where your equipment is situated within your electrical network and place the appropriate class of surge protective devices at those locations.
- Budget and Maintenance: Although having a more elaborate surge protection system might incur higher costs initially, the reduction in equipment servicing and associated downtimes will, in the end, be a worthwhile expenditure.
Knowing the different types of surge protection devices and their operation within the protection system allows for better decisions to be made regarding equipment safeguarding.
Conclusion
A surge protection system is one of the essential investments in a business that deals with vulnerable pieces of equipment to safely spare them from burdensome electrical spikes. The use of Type 1 devices for high range surges, Type 2 devices for internal power fluctuations, and Type 3 devices for point-of-use supervision illustrates that every surge protection device type has its purpose carrying out an overall strategy.
