Power Surge and Power Spike Protection
What are Power Surges and Power Spikes?
A power surge is a temporary increase in voltage above the standard level in an electrical circuit that lasts from milliseconds to several minutes.
Although power surges may go unnoticed, power surges can potentially damage or degrade electronic
devices over time. A power spike refers to a quick, transient increase in voltage that lasts less than a millisecond. Because power spikes often have significantly
higher voltages than power surges, power spikes are more likely to cause immediate damage to equipment.
What Causes Power Surges and Power Spikes?
Power surges and power strikes are caused by various factors.
Some power surges are caused by natural events like lightning strikes and extreme weather that damage power lines. Large-scale power surges
and spikes can be a direct result of problems within a utility company's infrastructure or a power grid switching from one source to another.
In a residence or business, power surges can also be caused by high-power appliances switching on and off.
Do Surge Suppressors Protect Against Lightning Strikes?
While surge suppressors are designed to protect against voltage spikes, they may NOT provide full protection against direct lightning strikes
because a direct strike can overwhelm typical surge suppressors. However, surge suppressors are effective in minimizing damage from power surges caused by
indirect lightning strikes, such as when lightning causes electrical surges in power lines or utility equipment. Additional methods of protection against lightning
include residential and commercial lightning rods and grounding systems.
How to Choose a Surge Protector or Surge Suppressor with the Right Level of Protection
Choosing the right surge suppressor is important to ensure the protection of electronic devices. These rating systems provide information about
the surge suppressor's ability to protect connected devices from power surges. Manufacturers include multiple ratings to help consumers make informed
decisions based on their specific protection needs. These are the most common rating systems.
Joule Ratings
Joule ratings for surge suppressors indicate the amount of energy the device can absorb or divert during a power surge. A higher Joule rating
suggests better protection as the surge suppressor can handle larger surges without compromising its effectiveness.
- 200 Joules: Basic Protection
- 400 Joules: Good Protection
- 600+ Joules: Excellent Protection
Clamping Voltage (Voltage Protection Rating)
The clamping voltage rating indicates the voltage level at which the surge suppressor diverts excess energy to prevent excessive voltage from reaching the
connected equipment. A lower clamping voltage means the surge suppressor activates at a lower voltage threshold.
Response Time Rating
The response time rating in surge suppressors measures how quickly the device reacts to a power surge. A lower response time is desirable, as it signifies
that the surge suppressor can rapidly divert or absorb the excess energy, minimizing the duration of exposure to damaging voltage.
Surge Amp Ratings
Surge amp ratings refer to the maximum current the device can handle during a power surge. A higher surge amp rating indicates the suppressor's ability
to manage larger electrical currents, contributing to its effectiveness in protecting connected devices from electrical spikes.
Let-Through Ratings
Underwriter Laboratories tests each surge suppressor and rates them according to the amount of voltage they let through to connected equipment.
The let-through rating measures the voltage that can pass through the surge protector to connected devices during a surge event.
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Warning: For safety, call a licensed electrician or consult the NEC®. All licensed electricians have passed examinations covering
the National Electric Code®, know state and local building codes, and may carry insurance to cover damages.