With the expansion of electric power in today's world, electrical power systems are exposed to many critical conditions like over-voltages and voltage surges due to lightning strikes or abrupt switching conditions.
Any facility with motors stopping and starting, light load panels being turned on and off frequently, and other potential power disturbances are at risk for damage caused by a surge spike.Â
The surges that are the result of lightning can either be from direct contact of the lightning to a facility's electrical system or, more commonly, indirect or nearby lightning that induces electrical surges in the power or communication systems. Either scenario can immediately damage the electrical system and/or the connected loads.
Therefore, it is necessary to install a device that guarantees protection from the condition where over or under-voltage occurs – lightning surge protection devices.
How do lightning surges occur?
The most reoccurring cause of surge is lightning. During a lightning storm, it may strike somewhere near a power source and affect the voltage running through it. When a lightning surge hits an electrical system, it damages the devices connected to it, resulting in a loss of efficiency.
There is a voltage range at which electrical devices operate. These devices sustain damage when they receive a voltage that is higher than the one that is required for them to function. Lightning surge protection devices ensure the safety of the electrical system by sending excessive voltage to the ground, so protected electrical systems are not harmed. It works with a Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV). MOV is mainly a semiconductor that is extremely sensitive to voltage. MOV functions as an insulator under normal voltage. At high voltage, it works as a conductor and a switch that remains open under normal AC voltage and closes when high voltage is passed.Â
The term surge protection device (SPD) describes electrical devices typically installed in power distribution panels, process control systems, communications systems, and other heavy-duty industrial systems, for protection against electrical surges and spikes, including those caused by lightning.Â
Turn to LEC for lightning surge protection devices that cover every voltage need within your facility.