What is Surge Protection?

Surge protection refers to the use of electronic components or devices, such as surge protectors, to protect circuits or devices from sudden voltage surges and current surges in the power system. Surge protection is a very important protective measure in power systems and electronic devices, which can ensure the long-term stable operation of equipment and reduce the failure rate and maintenance cost of equipment.

 

The Functions of Surge Protectors

A surge protector is an electronic component or device specifically used to protect circuits or devices from sudden voltage surges and current surges in the power system. The main functions of surge protectors include:

1. Limiting Overvoltage and Overcurrent: When overvoltage or overcurrent occurs in the power system, the surge protector can limit its level to avoid damage to circuits or devices.
2. Filtering: Surge protectors can filter out high-frequency noise and clutter signals in the power system, ensuring the stable operation of circuits or devices.
3. Quick Response: Surge protectors can quickly respond to surge events in the power system, preventing surge signals from damaging circuits or devices.

 

 

Different Types of Surge Protectors

Surge protectors are devices used to protect electrical equipment from damage caused by overvoltage and overcurrent. Below are common types of surge protectors:

• Signal Surge Protectors

  The primary task of signal surge protectors is to prevent damage to low-voltage devices from electromagnetic pulses from lightning or other overvoltages. This type of protector is particularly suitable for data communication, signal lines, and other transmission lines. In daily life, signal surge protectors can protect telecommunications equipment, cable television receivers, satellite communications equipment, etc., preventing equipment damage caused by power surges.

• Power Surge Protectors

  The main role of power surge protectors is to protect power systems and electronic devices from lightning or other transient overvoltages. In the home environment, power surge protectors are often used on power sockets for televisions, refrigerators, computers, air conditioners, and other appliances to prevent overvoltage from damaging these devices.

• Comprehensive Surge Protectors

  Comprehensive surge protectors can protect all types of electrical circuits, including power lines and signal lines. This type of surge protector is particularly useful in home or office environments, as it can provide comprehensive protection for all electronic devices.

• Lightning Current Protectors

  Lightning current protectors are mainly used to prevent damage to electronic devices from lightning current. In homes, office buildings, or other structures, lightning current protectors may be used to prevent lightning from damaging the electronic devices inside the building. They are typically installed at the entrance of power systems or communication systems, mainly for lightning current protection.

• Modular Surge Protectors

  Modular surge protectors are a type of surge protector that allows for the replacement of protection modules as needed, offering flexibility and scalability. If your home or office has various different types of electronic devices (e.g., televisions, computers, telephones, etc.), you might choose to use a modular surge protector, as you can replace or add protection modules as needed.

 

 

Difference Between AC and DC

Surge protectors are power protection devices that effectively prevent voltage transients and current overloads from damaging equipment. Surge protectors come in various types, suitable for different protection needs and system types.

Characteristics of AC and DC Systems

In AC systems, surge protectors are typically used to protect power lines and equipment, while in DC systems, surge protectors are typically used to protect power lines and charging equipment. This is because the voltage and frequency of AC and DC systems are different, and different surge protectors are needed for protection.

Internal Structure of SPD

The most important component in a surge protector is the SPD (Surge Protective Device) varistor chip. The SPD varistor chip is a type of variable resistor that can divert overvoltage and overcurrent to the ground wire or other safe paths through a secure channel, protecting electrical equipment from overvoltage and overcurrent. The internal structure of the SPD varistor chip includes the following parts:

1. Varistor: The core component of the SPD varistor chip, made from materials like zinc oxide. When the voltage reaches a certain range, the varistor becomes a conductive path, diverting overvoltage and overcurrent to the ground wire or other safe paths to protect electrical equipment.
2. Conductive layer: Directs voltage and current to the varistor.
3. Encapsulation material: Seals and fixes all parts of the SPD varistor chip.

In addition to the SPD varistor chip, the internal structure of a surge protector includes other components and assemblies, such as:

1. Fuse: When the current exceeds the rated value, the fuse will break the circuit to protect the device from current overload.
2. Discharge tube: During voltage transients, the discharge tube automatically conducts, diverting overvoltage and overcurrent to the ground wire or other safe paths to protect the device from overvoltage.
3. Capacitor: During voltage transients, the capacitor can stabilize the voltage to prevent damage to the device from too high or too low voltage.
4. Wires and circuit boards: Connect all components to form a complete surge protector circuit.

 

 

What do T1, T2, T1+T2, T3 represent?

1. T1: Indicates that the surge protector is installed on the power supply side, protecting electrical equipment from overvoltage and overcurrent on the power supply side. T1 is typically used in situations where the power line is longer, there are more electrical devices, or the voltage level of the electrical device is higher.
2. T2: Indicates that the surge protector is installed on the device side, protecting electrical equipment from overvoltage and overcurrent on the device side. T2 is typically used in situations where the power line is shorter, there are fewer electrical devices, or the voltage level of the electrical device is lower.
3. T1+T2: Indicates that surge protectors are installed on both the power supply side and the device side to provide more comprehensive and effective protection. T1+T2 is typically used in scenarios where there are high safety requirements for electrical equipment, such as in medical, aviation, maritime, and other application fields.
4. T3: Indicates that the surge protector is installed on the signal line or communication line to protect signal and communication devices from overvoltage and overcurrent.

 

 

How to Choose a Surge Protector

When choosing a surge protector, please consider the following factors:

Surge Protection Level: Different surge protectors have different surge protection levels, indicating the maximum surge voltage and current level that the protector can withstand. Choose a surge protector with a rating that matches the needs of the protected device.

Type of Device to be Protected: Different types of devices need different types of surge protectors. For example, a computer may need a surge protector with a higher surge protection level than a television.

Number of Outlets: Choose a surge protector with enough outlets to accommodate all the devices that need protection.

Clamping Voltage: Clamping voltage is the voltage at which the surge protector begins to limit the surge. Choose a protector with a lower clamping voltage for better device protection.

Response Time: Response time is the time it takes for the surge protector to start limiting the surge. Choose a surge protector with a fast response time for better device protection.

Brand Reputation: Choose a surge protector from a well-known brand that has a history of manufacturing high-quality surge protectors.

Warranty: Look for a surge protector with a warranty to ensure you're protected if the surge protector fails to protect your equipment.

Summary

As an essential part of your home or office, electrical equipment and appliances require adequate surge protectors to prevent damage caused by power spikes and fluctuations. Choosing a high-quality surge protector and determining the best location for installation are two of the most important steps in protecting your electronic equipment. There are many surge protectors available on the market at different price points, and you need to choose one that fits both your needs and your budget. By choosing wisely and following best practices, you can provide your electronics with the protection they need.