Surge Protection
A surge protector (sometimes called a surge suppressor, surge arrester, surge diverter, SPD, or TVSS) is an appliance or device intended to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes.
Surge Protection Services
The main job of a surge protector system is to protect electronic devices from "surges." A power surge, is an increase in voltage significantly above the designated level in a flow of electricity.
In normal household and office wiring in the United States, the standard voltage is 120 volts. If the voltage rises above 120 volts, there is a problem, and a surge protector helps prevent surges from damaging your electronics.
Power surges can originate from the electric utility company during power grid switching. Another common cause of power surges, especially the most powerful ones, is lightning. Power surges can also originate inside a building when large appliances like air conditioners and motors turn on and off.
Types of Surge Protectors
Type 1
This device is mounted on line side of main service entrance. It protects against external power surges which are caused by lightning or due to utility capacitor bank switching. It is considered to be first line of defense of your home or office.
Type 2
This device is mounted on load side of main service entrance. It is used to protect branch circuit or service entrance against residual lightning energy, surges due to motor and other surges. Its main function is to limit transient voltage and protects sensitive electronics.
Type 3
This device is recognized as receptacle surge protectors or its common form factor, the power strip. Its main function is to limit low level surges which can damage sensitive electronic circuits in TVs, PCs and electric appliances. This is the most affordable and easily installed.
Type 4
This device provides wired in surge protection. It is known as surge protection module. It provides protection to servo motors, PLCs and other devices used in industrial applications.
What Type Do I Need?
We recommend a two stage approach to surge protection.
First a type 1 or 2 device mounted in your main electrical panel and any sub panels. Then type 3 devices at any sensitive electronic appliances such as TV's and Computers.