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30 September 2024, 16:01
Safety in electrical systems has always been one of the most important issues. Sudden fluctuations in electrical current can cause significant damage to devices and even lead to risky situations such as fires.
These situations are usually caused by lightning strikes or voltage fluctuations in the electrical grid. This is where surge protectors come into play. These devices, or overvoltage protectors, are designed to protect electrical circuits from sudden overvoltages.
Connected in parallel to electrical circuits, these devices remain passive under normal conditions. However, when there is a sudden voltage increase or a lightning strike, they activate and direct the excessive voltage to the ground. This prevents electrical devices and systems from being damaged.
Surge protectors are produced in various types for the safety of electrical systems and cater to different usage areas. Generally, they are divided into three main categories: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. These categories are preferred according to the protection needs of electrical systems.
Type 1 Surge Protectors
These devices are used to protect against direct lightning strikes. With high energy discharge capacity, these types of surge protectors are used in main distribution panels and building entrances. They are particularly preferred in areas with high lightning and storm risks. These devices protect the system by transferring large voltage surges in the electrical grid to the ground.
Type 2 Surge Protectors
These protect against medium-level overvoltages in electrical systems. They provide protection against internal overvoltages caused by grid fluctuations. Type 2 surge protectors are commonly used in electrical installations and commercial buildings and are mounted at connection points. They play an important role in ensuring safety in medium and small-scale electrical systems.
Type 3 Surge Protectors
These devices are installed behind power outlets to protect low-voltage devices. They provide extra security for sensitive electronic devices such as computers, televisions, and other equipment, neutralizing voltage surges that may escape the previous protection layers.
Surge protectors activate when they detect sudden overvoltages in electrical circuits. These devices are normally connected passively to the electrical circuit and do not play an active role. However, when there is a sudden voltage increase due to voltage fluctuations or external factors like lightning, these devices activate and direct the voltage to the ground.
Surge protectors prevent sudden rises in current, thereby preventing damage to the system and connected devices. Once the voltage returns to normal, the surge protector becomes passive again, and the system continues its normal operation. These devices play a crucial role in ensuring safety in electrical circuits.
Choosing the right product is very important for the safety of electrical systems. Some important factors to consider when selecting a surge protector are:
Voltage Value: A model that matches the voltage value of the electrical grid where the device will be used should be selected. Different surge protectors are designed for different voltage ranges, and using them at the correct voltage ensures effective protection of the system.
Protection Level: The protection requirement may vary depending on the risk of lightning and the frequency of grid fluctuations. If there is a direct lightning risk, a Type 1 surge protector should be preferred. For internal voltage fluctuations, a Type 2 surge protector is a better solution.
Grounding: For effective operation, the system must have proper grounding. These devices, which work by directing the voltage to the ground, cannot provide sufficient protection if grounding is inadequate.
Short-Circuit Resistance: The short-circuit resistance of a surge protector shows how much overvoltage it can withstand. Devices with high short-circuit resistance make the system safer.
Surge protectors are used in various areas of electrical systems. They are preferred in a wide range of environments, from industrial plants to homes. Below are some of the most common areas of use for these devices, also known as energy transmission lines.
Industrial Plants
In industrial plants operating with high voltage, Type 1 and Type 2 surge protectors are used to prevent damage from lightning and overvoltages. These devices ensure the safe operation of large machines and prevent damage to production lines.
Commercial Buildings
In commercial buildings, these products, placed in the main electrical distribution panels, provide protection against overvoltages that may occur throughout the building. These devices, used in medium voltage systems, ensure the safety of the electrical system and provide additional protection against external factors like lightning.
Homes
Electronic devices used in homes are often vulnerable to sudden voltage fluctuations. Therefore, low-voltage surge protectors are used at the outlet level to protect sensitive devices like computers and televisions. These devices neutralize smaller voltage surges to prevent damage to the devices.
Renewable Energy Systems
Renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind energy systems, need protection from overvoltages. Surge protectors activate in case of sudden voltage changes in energy transmission lines and ensure the safety of the system.
While these devices protect the system by activating during each overvoltage event, their functionality may diminish over time. The lifespan of a surge protector decreases depending on the frequency and magnitude of the overvoltage surges it experiences. Therefore, it should be checked regularly and replaced when necessary.
Devices with indicators, especially, show the status to the user and provide information on when they need to be replaced. Once the lifespan of these devices expires, replacing them is essential to maintain the protection of the electrical system.
Surge protectors play a critical role in protecting electrical systems from overvoltage. Sudden voltage surges can cause significant damage to devices, leading to high costs. Therefore, selecting the right device and ensuring regular maintenance is crucial for enhancing the safety of electrical systems. Surge protector types should be determined according to the system's needs, and it must be ensured that the device is compatible with the grounding system.