It goes without saying that electricity is dangerous, but it’s not just people who need to be protected when things go wrong. A sudden and serious increase in voltage – caused, for example, by a lightning strike – can cause serious and instant damage to electrical systems and appliances.
Society is growing more and more dependent on electronics to manage daily activities. Now that electronics are so much more common, they are at the same time growing smaller and much more sophisticated.
These sensitive electronics have now become much more vulnerable to transient overvoltages which can reduce the life of components and so the requirement for SPDs is scaling up.
It is important to recognise that the cause of surges are primarily from within installations, or proximity to a railway line or perhaps an industrial estate.
How Does Surge Protection Work?
Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) protect an entire electrical installation, including the consumer unit, wiring, and appliances, from power surges (transient over-voltages). SPDs are installed at the
origin of the power supply to a property and are designed to prevent excess voltage from reaching the terminals of electrical appliances. When a transient over-voltage occurs, the SPD diverts the extra electrical current to the earth, protecting appliances from damage.
What Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing Surge Protection?
Different types of SPDs are available for different situations, according to several factors:
a) The exposure of a building to lightning surges.
b) The sensitivity and value of electrical equipment.
c) The type of electrical equipment used in a property.
d) The location of the property.
e) The presence of electrical equipment that could also generate transient over-voltages.
Based on these factors, the most suitable type of SPD should be chosen:
❖ Type 1 SPD: used alongside a lightning protection system. These do not provide sufficient protection for sensitive equipment, so should be used in conjunction with Type 2 SPDs.
❖ Type 2 SPD: installed in distribution boards, these devices are the main protection for low voltage installations.
❖ Type 3 SPD: only installed as a supplement to Type 2 devices, these surge protection devices are installed close to the equipment they are installed to protect.
Why Undertake Surge Protection Training?
At PTT, we offer a specialist half-day course in Surge Protection that provides trainees and practicing electricians with the knowledge of the dangers of transient over-voltages and the damage they can cause, and the factors affecting your choice of SPD for each installation.The course is compliant with all current regulations, including IET 18 th Edition, which recommends the installation of SPDs in all electrical installations. It also equips trainees with an understanding of the requirements of BS7671 and BS EN 62305-4.
To find our more, or to reserve your place on our Surge Protection Course, please get in touch on 01442 828754.
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