Know more about Voltage Surge Protector
Electricity is such an important part of our daily lives, that it is next to impossible for us to imagine life without it. From powering lights and fans to charging smartphones and laptops, cooking and entertainment, life in the 21st century revolve majorly around the utilities of electricity. However, unless kept under supervision, electricity can pose significant risks to connected electrical devices. Often the voltage of the electricity supplied to our home fluctuates and surges to unprecedented levels. This can adversely affect devices like lights, television, refrigerators, and more, and can often cause permanent damage. So, it is always advisable to use circuit overload protection to prevent device burnouts. Voltage surge protectors are popularly used in households to prevent electrical devices from being harmed by the sudden rise or drop in voltage.
Electrical surges can be caused by several things like poor wiring, lightning, or electrical overloading when high-powered devices are connected to the electrical outlet. The quality of a surge protector depends on the response time it takes - the faster, the better. A good surge protector can react almost instantaneously, as soon as a spike is detected in the incoming electrical supply. Clamping voltage is the limit to which the surge protector can efficiently correct electrical overcharges, making it suitable for any connected device. For the surge protector to function optimally, lower clamping charges are preferred.
What are voltage surge protectors?
 A voltage surge protector is one of the most beneficial and important electrical safety devices that is essential for households or offices. It is used as a precautionary measure against power surges and voltage fluctuations. If the electrical voltage crosses the threshold of 120V, the surge protector blocks the voltage for electrical safety. Other than preventing further damage to connected devices, the voltage surge protector also ensures the devices have a longer lifespan and are able to operate optimally.
It is difficult to understand that a power surge has taken place until it is too late, or when the device stops working abruptly. The internal circuitry can heat up during power surges and malfunction, or cause the device to stop working altogether. With voltage surge protectors installed, electrical overcharges or voltage surges are prevented before they can flow into the connected device, causing damage.
How do Voltage Surge Protectors work?
A surge protector guards the electrical device and protects them from damage. Currents from electrical outlets are passed through the surge protector before it is redirected to any connected electrical device. A surge protector is equipped with a metal oxide varistor, or Metal-Oxide Varistor (MOV) which redirects the extra voltage (above 120V) and makes sure the device receives a consistent power supply.
Most voltage surge protectors are easy to use; they have an on-off switch that can be operated manually, and an indicator light that fuses when it overheats. This causes the surge protector to disrupt the power supply and safeguard the device.
Difference between Lightning Protector and Surge Protector
Lightning protectors and surge protectors serve distinct purposes in safeguarding electronic equipment from electrical disturbances. A lightning protector is specifically designed to mitigate the potentially catastrophic damage caused by lightning strikes. It typically involves a system of conductors and grounding to direct the immense energy from a lightning strike safely into the ground, preventing it from reaching and damaging connected devices.
On the other hand, a surge protector, or surge suppressor, is a broader term encompassing devices designed to manage and limit voltage spikes or surges. Surges can result from various sources, including lightning but also from internal factors like power grid fluctuations or turning on/off high-power electrical devices. Surge protectors divert excess voltage away from connected equipment, preventing damage. They often use components like metal oxide varistors (MOVs) or gas discharge tubes to absorb and redirect excessive voltage.
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Lightening Protector |
Surge Protector |
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Usage |
It protects the complete facility and structures from direct strike |
It protects the device against damages from surge currents |
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Flow Capacity |
Higher due to lightening overvolatge protection |
Lower due to insulation level of electronic equipment |
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Application field |
High volatge application |
Low voltage applications |
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Insulation levels |
Matches the lower withstand voltage level of electronic equipment |
Matches the higher withstand voltage level of electrical equipment |
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Material |
The main material here is zinc oxide |
Main material here is according to the anti-surge level and graded protection |
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Nominal Discharge Current |
From 1.5kV, 2.5kV, 5kV, 10kV, 20kV |
From 5kA, 10kA, 0.5kA, 20kA, 30, 20, 120kV |
In summary, while both lightning protectors and surge protectors aim to safeguard electronic devices, lightning protectors focus specifically on the colossal energy of lightning strikes, providing a dedicated defense against this extreme threat. Surge protectors, in contrast, offer a more general defense against various types of voltage surges, making them essential for everyday protection against power fluctuations.
Advantages of having voltage Surge Protectors
Voltage surge protectors are efficient devices for electrical protection around the house. In addition to electrical protection, it also comes with other benefits including:
- Effectively manages the voltage levels.
- It is super easy to install.
- The Surge Protectors are not only an essential but also a very affordable investment.
- The maintenance and restoration costs are very minimal.
Voltage Surge Protectors from Schneider Electric
For electronic devices such as computers and refrigerators, the TeSya GV2 PCMB overload protector can prove to be very efficient. This overload protector has some exceptional benefits such as shutters that protect users from accidentally contacting the outlets. It also comes with a fault indicator that warns the user if there is any wiring problem. The TeSys GV2 PCMB voltage overload and surge protector is easy to install and operate.
This provides the best safety with VidiSafe that helps in securing operation and maintenance work on circuits. It is equipped with fully immune add-on residual current devices which guarantees better continuity of service. It is flexible, easily upgradeable, and user-friendly. The push-button control type makes this voltage overload protector easy and convenient to operate.
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APC Line-R 1200VA Automatic Voltage Regulator:
The APC Line-R 1200VA comes with utmost efficiency for your household. The APC Line-R voltage regulator is available in 500 and 800VA variants that can work with most digital networks and is extremely easy to install. It is conveniently adaptable for all modern homes and can be used on any AC or DC current line.
Get the best voltage surge protectors at Schneider Electric
If you are looking for the best circuit overload protection for your house, Schneider Electric store has you covered. The online Schneider Electric store has an excellent collection of different electrical devices and components which ensure the best security for your household electronic devices. Schneider Electric's online store lets you enjoy the most amazing deals and offers on any electrical device. With the voltage surge protector from Schneider Electric, you can assure absolute electrical protection for your house.
Read More:- Effective ways of Protecting your house from voltage surge
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