Surge protectors | Protection from direct lightning current impact

Technical Specifications

Principle of Operation: Surge protectors absorb and redirect excess energy (from lightning or other surge impacts) into the ground. Protection against direct lightning strikes is typically achieved using resistance and grounding technologies, which quickly and efficiently dissipate the energy.
Maximum Operating Voltage Range: Surge protectors typically operate within voltages ranging from 230V to 400V, depending on the model and application.
Network Protection Class: Protection classes may vary depending on whether the protector is designed for smaller devices (e.g., residential electrical networks) or larger industrial installations. Protection levels range from IP20 to IP65 (considering moisture and dust protection).
Direct Lightning Current Redirection: Devices designed to handle direct lightning strikes have greater capacity to withstand lightning energy (up to 100 kA or more) and safely redirect it into the ground.
Installation: Surge protectors are generally installed in electrical distribution boxes or at primary protection points (e.g., at the main device entry).
Device Speed and Sensitivity: Fast response time: less than 1 microsecond, ensuring rapid surge absorption and energy diversion. Sensitivity is set based on the model to protect devices when voltage exceeds a certain threshold, without compromising the integrity of the power supply system.

Usage

Residential and Commercial Installations: Surge protectors are commonly used in residential electrical networks to protect devices from lightning strikes. They are also widely used in commercial buildings where device safety is critical, especially with electronic devices and expensive systems.
Industrial Installations: High-power industrial installations, such as factories, power transmission stations, and oil, gas, and chemical industries, where direct lightning protection is essential.
Infrastructure Protection: Protection points are used in critical infrastructures such as power transmission lines, communications, and IT equipment protection.
Protection from Overvoltage: Used in both private and public electrical networks to protect electronic devices, including computers, televisions, household appliances, and other sensitive electronics from sudden voltage spikes.
Advantages

Direct Lightning Protection: These devices provide essential protection against direct lightning strikes and voltage spikes, preventing severe damage and failure of devices.
Fast Response Time: Surge protectors react very quickly (in less than 1 microsecond), ensuring instant protection.
Protection from Various Voltage Fluctuations: In addition to lightning, these protectors also safeguard against other voltage fluctuations, such as excessive voltage spikes related to electrical network issues.
Durability and Reliability: Properly selected and installed protectors can serve for a long time, as they are designed to protect against frequent and severe electrical fluctuations.
Compact Device: Surge protectors are compact and can be easily installed in various locations of the electrical installation, ensuring complete protection.
Disadvantages

Dependence on Proper Grounding: For surge protectors to function effectively, they must be correctly connected to the ground. Incorrect grounding can cause malfunctioning of the protection system.
High Cost: High-quality surge protectors, especially those designed for direct lightning protection, can be expensive, particularly for high-power industrial systems.
Need for Regular Maintenance: Although protectors are often long-lasting, they still require periodic checks to ensure their effectiveness. Failure to identify damage in time can reduce the effectiveness of the protection.
Component Wear: Some surge protectors may have components that wear out over time and may need replacement to ensure the device continues to operate effectively.
Surge protectors designed to protect electrical installations and devices from lightning-induced and other surge impacts are essential devices for ensuring the safety of the electrical system. They effectively protect against voltage spikes and lightning strikes, preventing device failures and reducing potential losses. Although these devices can be more expensive, their longevity and the protection they provide from lightning strikes and voltage fluctuations make them a worthy investment in both industrial and residential systems.