Surge protection

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Surge arrestors, also known as surge protectors or transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSS), are protective devices designed to safeguard electrical equipment from voltage spikes and surges. These sudden and excessive increases in voltage can be caused by various factors, including:

• Lightning strikes: Even indirect strikes can induce powerful surges in electrical systems.
• Power grid fluctuations: Switching operations, equipment failures, or other disturbances on the utility grid can cause voltage spikes.
• Internal switching events: Large appliances or machinery turning on and off within a building can create smaller, but still potentially damaging, surges.

Here's a breakdown of what surge arrestors do:

1. Divert Excess Voltage: During normal operation, a surge arrestor remains inactive, allowing the standard flow of electricity. However, when a voltage spike occurs, the surge arrestor instantly provides a low-resistance path for the excess current to flow safely to the ground.
2. Limit Voltage Levels: By diverting the surge, the arrestor clamps or limits the voltage that reaches connected equipment to a safe level. This prevents the overvoltage from damaging sensitive electronic components.
3. Act as a Voltage-Controlled Switch: Internally, many surge arrestors utilize components like Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) or Gas Discharge Tubes (GDTs). These components act like voltage-dependent switches. They have a specific voltage threshold. Below this threshold, they act as insulators, but when the voltage exceeds it, they become conductive, allowing the surge current to pass through to the ground.
4. Protect Connected Equipment: The primary function of a surge arrestor is to protect valuable and sensitive electrical and electronic devices such as: 
   • Computers and peripherals
   • Televisions and home entertainment systems
   • Refrigerators and other appliances
   • Medical equipment
   • Industrial machinery
   • Communication systems

1. Prevent Damage and Extend Lifespan: By mitigating the impact of voltage surges, surge arrestors help prevent immediate damage like burnt-out components. They also help extend the lifespan of your electrical equipment by reducing the stress caused by repeated exposure to smaller surges over time.
2. Reduce Fire Hazards: Severe voltage surges can generate excessive heat in electrical wiring and equipment, potentially leading to fires. Surge arrestors help minimize this risk by safely diverting the excess energy.

Important Considerations:

• Surge arrestors don't "absorb" energy indefinitely. They have a limited capacity to handle surges and can degrade over time, especially after experiencing significant events.
• Different types of surge arrestors exist for various applications, from whole-house protection installed at the electrical service entrance to point-of-use protectors for individual devices.
• Proper grounding is crucial for a surge arrestor to function effectively. The diverted surge needs a safe path to the earth.

In summary, Energen Electric, as a reliable electrical contractor in Deerfield Beach, Florida, would emphasize that surge arrestors are essential devices for protecting your property and valuable electronics from the damaging effects of power surges, contributing to safety and the longevity of your electrical systems, especially in an area prone to unpredictable weather.