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SURGE PROTECTION |
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The purpose of surge protection is to protect sensitive electronic
equipment from excessive rises in the voltage of the power that feeds
them, as well as in some cases to protect individuals using an
installation. Such surge (otherwise known as transient) voltages can
be huge and last for a very short time and are caused by disturbances
occurring/propagating in electricity supply networks. Although short
in timescale, such surges can be expensive; damaging electronic
equipment to the point where it no longer functions. |
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The nominal ‘mains’ supply voltage in the UK is 230 volts AC (400V AC
between phases). A surge transient occurring in the feed to an
installation can see that voltage rise suddenly by many thousands of
volts, potentially inflicting serious damage on equipment and
introducing risk to persons using the installation. The IET 18th
Edition Wiring Regulations require that consideration be given to the
risk presented by voltage transients on both persons and connected
equipment in a given installation. In reality, it is recommended that
surge protection is installed in an installation as standard to
implement this enhanced protection. |
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The good news is that electrical installations can easily be protected
against such damaging voltage surges by surge protection devices (SPDs). |
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There are 3 types of surge protection device that can be installed
into electrical installations to protect people and electrical
equipment. These are: |
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| TYPE 1: |
This type of surge protection is deployed to
protect against voltage surges caused by lightening. |
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| TYPE 2: |
This type of surge protection is
deployed to prevent the propagation of surge voltages in an
electrical installation and to protect sensitive connected
equipment. |
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| TYPE 3: |
This type of surge protection is installed as
supplementary protection to Type 2 protection in the very near
vicinity to sensitive connected equipment. |
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The most common type of surge protection installed into electrical
installations is Type 2 and it is normally installed in either a
distribution board or consumer unit at the head of the installation.
This type of surge protection will implement separate SPDs between: |
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LIVE and PROTECTIVE EARTH (L-PE) |
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NEUTRAL and PROTECTIVE EARTH (N-PE) |
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In 230V AC installations. In a 3-phase 400V AC installation, each LIVE
conductor is separately protected to earth as well as the NEUTRAL
(L1-PE, L2-PE, L3-PE & N-PE) |
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SURGE PROTECTION IMAGES |
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(Click to Enlarge) |
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AETCS Electrical Contractors can deliver effective surge protection
systems to your installation by: |
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Conducting an assessment of what
surge protection is required. |
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Conducting an assessment of the
quality of earthing in your installation. |
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Advising you on the correct surge
protection solution to meet your installation’s requirement. |
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The design and installation of agreed
surge protection solution(s). |
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Contact AETCS Electrical Contractors today, to discuss your surge
protection requirements. |
