The Magic Of Surge Protectors: Protecting Equipment From Transient Overvoltages

There is a misunderstanding about surge protectors: it is believed that lightning strikes are a low-probability event, so it is redundant to install surge protection device. However, the role of surge protectors is far more than just preventing lightning strikes. They also have important additional functions. With the development of electronic information technology, a large number of integrated circuits are used in electrical and electronic equipment, telecommunications and data processing systems, and these devices are easily damaged by transient overvoltages in the lines. So where do transient overvoltages come from? Why is the role of surge protectors so important?

1. Sources of transient overvoltage

In addition to lightning, there are other situations that can cause transient overvoltages, such as the start-up of motors or transformers, the start-up of neon and sodium lamps, the switching of switches in circuits, the start-up of large equipment, and accidental grounding of phase lines. These situations may generate transient overvoltages of several thousand volts on the line, and the rise time is only a few microseconds, which is enough to cause serious interference to network electronic equipment.

In addition, a high-altitude nuclear explosion above the atmosphere will generate an electromagnetic field of up to 50kV/m, and its intensity will rise at a rate of several thousand volts per nanosecond. This electromagnetic field will generate huge transient overvoltage on the ground power line, directly destroying the terminal equipment.

2. Hazards of transient overvoltage

Transient overvoltage can cause multiple destructive effects on electronic equipment. First, it may cause the semiconductor PN junction voltage to break down, damage the equipment components, and damage the conductive copper foil and contacts of the PCB board, and may also damage the bidirectional thyristor/thyristor, etc. Secondly, overvoltage may cause program errors or even crashes, cause data transmission errors, and erase memory, thereby shortening the service life of the equipment.

3. The magical effect of surge protective device

In order to solve the overvoltage problem, installing a surge protector is a recognized effective method. The surge protector has the characteristics of fast response (nanosecond level) and high flow rate. It can discharge the overvoltage on the line in an instant, thereby protecting the safe and stable operation of the equipment. The role of the surge protector can meet the needs of all low-voltage equipment for overvoltage protection.

Not installing a surge protector is like letting your device run naked in a complex power environment, which is full of dangers. Therefore, it is time to give your device comprehensive protection. Surge protectors can not only protect your device from lightning strikes, but also protect the normal operation of your device under various abnormal voltage conditions, extend its service life, and bring more value to your business.