Knowing what is surge, how it impacts and how the devices are to be protected is of paramount importance for electrical engineers. A surge is a sudden rise in the voltage usually called a high rise spike that can originate due to lightning strikes, faulty wiring, switching operations, tripped breakers etc.
From power grids to high-speed communication networks, electrical surges significantly threaten hardware and data integrity. That is where surge protection technology comes into play!
This blog acts as a catalogue, briefly explaining the essential aspects of mastering surge protection by means of electrical and electronic devices.
Resilient Electrical Network for Surge Immunity Testing
In real-world applications, even a brief surge, lasting a few microseconds, can damage industrial machinery, medical devices or communication systems, leading to costly downtime. Engineers design networks with reinforced grounding, SPDs, and properly shielded cables to absorb excess energy.
Surge protection technology involves simulating real-world surge conditions in a controlled lab setting to ensure that electrical networks can withstand the impact. By designing and testing resilient electrical networks, engineers can help protect critical infrastructure, prevent costly downtime, and ensure the reliable delivery of electricity to homes, businesses and industries.
Surge Protection Technology for High-Frequency Digital Circuits
High-frequency digital circuits like those in microprocessors, communication systems and high-speed data lines are especially vulnerable to voltage surges. Even a small transient spike can disrupt signal integrity, cause data loss or permanently damage delicate components.
These are the reasons why surge protection for these circuits goes beyond traditional methods. It involves fast-acting TVS (Transient Voltage Suppression) diodes, low-capacitance SPDs and proper PCB layout techniques to minimise electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Advanced Protection Techniques for Hybrid and Multi-Surge Suppression
When safeguarding electrical systems from surges, a single line of defence isn’t always enough. Hybrid and multi-surge suppression techniques combine multiple protection layers to handle a wide range of transient threats through surge protection technology.
Lightning-induced surges or internally generated switching spikes, the approach to diminish their negative effect often integrates MOVs (Metal Oxide Varistors) for energy absorption, TVS diodes for rapid response to fast transients and gas discharge tubes (GDTs) for long-lasting durability.
Best Practices for Surge Protection in Electrical System Design
Designing an electrical system with strong surge protection is not just about adding a few SPDs; it takes smart planning from the ground up. Best practices include a layered protection strategy at key entry points, ensuring proper grounding and bonding to direct surges safely into the earth.
Printed Circuit Board or PCBs are designed to minimise noise and interference. For example, engineers often install surge arresters in commercial buildings at the main power supply and protection for sensitive equipment like servers and medical devices. Regular maintenance and surge testing also play a crucial role in keeping systems resilient over time.
Sources:
- https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-pc/technologies/surge-protection-technology#:~:text=An%20innovation%20example:%20Development%20of,current%2C%20is%20also%20very%20durable
- https://www.eprmagazine.com/exclusive/advancements-in-surge-protection-devices-catalyse-power-infrastructure-resilience/
- https://www.techwinspd.com/signal-surge-protector-technology.html#:~:text=The%20next%20frontier%20in%20signal,enhanced%20device%20safety%20and%20longevity
