Surge Protection Device
A Surge Protection Device (SPD), also known as a surge suppressor or surge protector. It is an electrical device that is designed to protect sensitive electronic equipment from a voltage spike or surges.
This device acts as a safeguard against transient voltage events, such as lightning strikes, power surges, or electrical disturbances that can potentially damage or disrupt electronic devices.
Working of a Surge Protection Device
The working principle of an SPD involves the use of a component called a metal oxide varistor (MOV). An MOV is a voltage-sensitive resistor that posses a high resistance at normal operating voltages but rapidly becomes conductive when voltage exceeds a certain threshold. This characteristic allows the SPD to shunt the excessive voltage away from the equipment. When a surge occurs, the voltage rises above the normal level.
Uses of Surge Protection Device
- Home Electronics: These devices are widely used to safeguard appliances and electronic devices such as televisions, computers, gaming consoles, refrigerators, and audio systems.
- Office Equipment: Using these devices helps maintain productivity and avoids costly repairs or replacements.
- Industrial Applications: By limiting the impact of power surges, surge protectors help ensure the smooth operation of industrial processes.
- Data Centers: Data centers house vast amounts of valuable information and run complex computer systems. These devices help maintain the integrity and availability of data, minimizing the risk of downtime and financial losses.
- Telecommunications: The devices are employed to protect network switches, routers, modems, telecommunication towers, and other infrastructure from power surges.
- Medical Facilities: Surge protection is vital in medical facilities where sensitive electronic devices are used for diagnostics, treatment, and patient monitoring.
Purpose of a Surge Protection Device
Its purpose is to divert excessive voltage from these surges away from sensitive devices, ensuring their safe operation. By detecting the surge and redirecting it to the ground, an SPD prevents the voltage from reaching harmful levels and potentially damaging or destroying the connected equipment. It acts as a shield, safeguarding valuable appliances, computers, televisions, and other electronic devices from the damaging effects of power surges.
Surge Protection Devices Price in Pakistan
In Pakistan, these devices vary depending on factors such as brand, capacity, and functionality. Typically, basic SPDs designed for residential use range from PKR 500 to PKR 2000, while more advanced models with additional features can cost between PKR 3000 and PKR 8000.
Dc Voltage Spike Protection Circuit
A DC voltage spike protection circuit is a device designed to safeguard electronic components and systems from sudden and harmful increases in voltage. It works by detecting voltage spikes, which are rapid and brief surges in voltage, and diverting them away from sensitive components.
Surge Protector
It is a device designed to protect electrical appliances and equipment from sudden power surges or spikes. It acts as a barrier between the electrical outlet and the device, preventing excessive voltage from reaching and damaging it.
Voltage Protector
A Voltage Protector is a device designed to safeguard electrical appliances and equipment from voltage fluctuations. It acts as a barrier between the power source and the connected devices, regulating the incoming voltage to maintain a stable and safe level.
What devices should be surge protected?
It includes devices such as computers, laptops, televisions, gaming consoles, routers, modems, printers, and home theater systems.
Why use surge protection?
Surge protection is important to safeguard electrical devices from sudden voltage spikes or surges. These surges can occur due to lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, or faulty wiring. They help absorb excess voltage and redirect it away from devices, preventing damage to sensitive components.
Will surge protectors protect against short circuits?
Yes, they are design to protect against voltage surges or spikes in electrical power. While these devices from sudden increases in voltage, they do offer some level of protection against short circuits as well.
Surge Protection Device for home
Surge protection device are the crucial component for safeguarding your home against power surges. It acts as a shield, preventing excessive voltage from damaging your electrical devices.
Surge Protection Device for electrical panel
For an electric panel, it safeguards your electrical system from power surges, which can cause damage to sensitive equipment. It acts as a barrier, diverting excessive voltage away from your devices and redirecting it to a grounding system.
Surge Protection Device vs. Circuit Breaker
- A circuit breaker is design to detect and prevent excessive current flow
- Whereas, a circuit breaker offers protection against overcurrent situations
Surge Protection Device vs. Surge Arrester
A surge protection device, also known as a surge suppressor or surge protector, is a device that divert excess voltage to the ground and limits the voltage.
On the other hand, a surge arrester is a specialized device that absorbs and dissipates the energy of a surge, diverting it away from the protected equipment.
By implementing a comprehensive surge protection strategy that combines surge protectors, whole-house protection, grounding and bonding, lightning protection, and regular maintenance, we can significantly reduce the risk of damage to our electrical devices and systems.