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Surge Protecting Devices, or SPD, are instrumental in safeguarding electrical equipment by controlling excessive voltage. They can be installed near or integrated with electric appliances, such as a protection voltage SPD arrester, to protect against sudden high-voltage impulses, such as lightning strikes.
Apart from this, SPDs are further categorized based on distinct attributes, such as installation mode, operation principle, and application. The following are some common types of protection voltage SPDs:
These SPDs are typically put during the electrical system's primary or first power connection. They are meant to protect electrical systems from voltage surges caused by lightning strikes on power lines. Type 1 surge protectors are usually hardwired into the system and installed at the main service entrance points.
Type 2 SPDs are usually meant to be connected to the electrical system's secondary or subsequent power connections. Unlike Type 1 devices, which protect against fluctuations directly from outside sources, Type 2 devices protect against surges caused by indirect lightning strikes and switching operations. Common applications of Type 2 SPDs include installation in industrial and commercial settings, such as large office buildings, factories, or complexes.
Type 3 SPDs provide additional protection by clamping lower surges that may reach equipment despite being safeguarded by Type 1 or Type 2 devices. These devices are typically installed near sensitive electronic equipment that requires extra protection. Type 3 SPDs are commonly found in applications such as:
Fixed Windows-type SPDs are often extended protection devices typically integrated into power distribution boards or panels. These window-type SPDs clamp dangerous voltage spikes between a defined voltage window or range. SPDs stop conducting when the surge voltage is within the safe range. However, they will conduct and divert the excess energy to the ground when it exceeds the range.
These plants have complex electrical systems prone to surges due to equipment operations and external factors. Therefore, Type 1 and Type 2 SPDs are crucial for protecting sensitive control systems and instrumentation.
In manufacturing facilities, there is intensive electricity use to run machinery, robotics, and automation systems. An SPD voltage protector can help reduce production downtime by preventing equipment failure. This will safeguard critical control systems for CNC machines, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and other automated equipment.
Data centers and large-scale industrial applications rely on these devices to ensure uninterrupted power for servers, storage systems, and network infrastructure. SPDs help maintain the integrity of power supplies and prevent damage to sensitive electronic equipment.
As mentioned, SPDs play a significant role in protecting power generation systems like solar and wind energy. For example, solar panels and inverters can be vulnerable to surges caused by lightning. Installing Type 1 and Type 2 SPDs in renewable energy installations will help protect these devices from transients and ensure the stability of their operation.
Pharmaceutical production involves sensitive equipment that needs to be well protected against surges to avoid data corruption and equipment damage. That's why protecting voltage SPDs are often installed in these kinds of environments to safeguard laboratory and testing equipment.
Industries like steel manufacturing, automotive assembly, and mining have large electrical systems with higher surge risks. They usually benefit from installing Type 1 and Type 2 SPDs to protect important machinery.
Electrical systems in oil drilling rigs and offshore platforms are exposed to harsh environments and lightning strikes, which can cause voltage surges. These spaces often designate SPDs according to their electrical configurations and isolation requirements.
Multi-Mode Protection
These devices feature multi-mode protection (MMPT) capabilities that shield against transients with common and differential modes. This ensures optimal protection for three-phase and sensitive industrial loads.
Variable Technology SPD
What makes this SPD unique is that it comprises two transient voltage surge suppression (TVSS) devices within a single compact unit. It reduces the time and costs required for installation while enhancing the reliability of protection.
Integrated Fuse Technology
This intrusion fuse technology helps minimize the risk of fire and other dangerous situations. It helps with the detection and isolation of faulty SPDs. When an SPD fails, the internal fuse will open and disconnect the protected conductor from the system power.
Low Clamping Voltage
This protecting voltage SPD arrester comes with a low clamping voltage of about 380V. Thus, it allows for safer transient diversion, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive equipment.
Visual and Remote Indication
The device is designed with an easy-to-read and clear indicator that shows protection status. The indicator can be easily viewed, and remote monitoring is also possible through compatible systems.
Site Assessment
The first step before installation is to conduct a comprehensive site assessment. It helps determine the best locations for the protecting voltage SPD arrester by analyzing the existing electrical infrastructure and identifying areas prone to voltage surges.
Determine the SPD Type
Voltage protectors for wires come in different types. They are designed for different kinds of electrical installations. For example, Type 1 protecting voltage SPDs are installed during the first power connections, while Types 2 and 3 are connected later.
Isolation and Safety Precautions
Before installing, the steppers need to isolate the electrical system connected to the SPD and follow safety precautions to ensure safe working conditions. This will minimize risks when working with high-voltage electrical systems.
Mounting the SPD
The protecting voltage SPD arresters must be mounted on electrical panels or enclosures near the main power feeds or critical equipment. They should be mounted on DIN rails or other compatible mounting mechanisms.
Wiring and Connection
The following step is to connect the arresters. Proper wiring ensures that the SPD functions as intended. This means connecting the phase conductors to the SPD terminals.
Grounding
Grounding is vital for protecting voltage SPDs to work effectively. SPDs are meant to divert transient voltages safely to the ground. To enhance their performance, isolating the SPD ground from the system ground is recommended.
System Re-Energization
After completing all the steps, the following step is to safely re-energize the electrical system. Before doing so, it's vital to conduct a comprehensive inspection to ensure that all tools have been removed and that the electrical system is safe to operate.
Regular Inspections
It's important to perform periodic inspections on protecting voltage SPDs to check for visible signs of damage, wear, or component degradation. Visual indicators that show the status of protection are often examined.
Monitoring System Performance
Continuously monitoring the electrical system's performance helps identify irregular voltage patterns or fluctuations. This will be critical in early detection of surge-related issues and potential impacts on connected equipment.
Grounding and Bonding Check
Proper grounding is indispensable in ensuring that SPDs work effectively. This means checking and verifying the integrity of grounding conductors used for protecting voltage SPDs.
End-of-Life Management
SPDs have a limited lifespan, so being informed about their end-of-life signs is necessary. Once it shows signs of wear and tear or has absorbed the total transient energy it can handle.
Just like any other electrical device, the performance of SPDs highly depends on their proper installation. As noted earlier, protecting voltage SPDs must be mounted close to the main power feeds. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and adhere to local electrical codes and regulations when installing.
A proper grounding system is vital safeguarding SPDs against transient voltages. It provides the low-impedance conduction path for surge energy. As such, ensure the grounding systems are properly designed and maintained. Use a grounding conductor with an appropriate size and material for the application to be grounded.
Regular inspections and maintenance are required to ensure the proper functioning of protecting voltage SPDs. Factors like environmental conditions, exposure to moisture, or electrical arcing can degrade SPD components. Semiconductors and metal oxide varistors (MOVs) wear out with wave absorption transients over time.
That being said, performing frequent visual inspections, monitoring indicators, checking for signs of deterioration, and measuring response times can help with catching early failures and replacing them in time.
Different kinds of protecting voltage SPDs are designed for different electrical systems. That's why choosing the right type of device for the application is crucial. For example, protecting voltage SPDs for three-phase systems must be rated for three-phase voltage and current capacities.
In addition, ensure the protecting voltage SPDs are rated for the predicted surge capacity. They must meet or exceed the standards for the application they are protecting.
SPDs are usually exposed to humid or extreme temperature environments that can affect the housing and reduce the effectiveness of the grounding system. To mitigate this, use weatherproof enclosures to protect the SPD from harsh outside conditions.
Integrating SPDs with electrical system monitoring helps track voltage surges in real time. It provides valuable data on surge incidents to help with risk assessment or future preventative measures.
A1: The primary function of an SPD is to divert dangerous transient overvoltages to the ground so that they don't damage electrical equipment.
A2: An SPD is installed right before entering a house or inside a utility vault, so it is mostly installed indoors. However, SPDs designed for outdoor use can be installed outside.
A3:Protecting voltage SPDs can last about 3 to 5 years. However, they're often replaced after a major surge event, signaled by the visual indicators.
A4: There are four main types of SPDs. They include Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3, measured and hybrid. Each is designed for specific applications and installation locations.
A5: SPDs are intended for commercial applications and have a higher power rating than surge protecting devices for homes. Commercial surge protecting devices are also referred to as hardwired protectors.
