Surge Arrester – How does it protect from Voltage Surges?

In this modern age, we have to admit that we are heavily dependent on technology, particularly electronic devices, at every step of our lives. From smartphones to home appliances and industrial machinery, such devices form an integral part of the modern world. However, these electronic devices are susceptible to damage caused by surge voltage, which can occur due to lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, or other electrical disturbances. Surge arresters play a crucial role in protecting our valuable equipment from the ravages of power surges.

In this blog, we shall delve into the world of surge arresters, understanding what is surge absorber or arrester, how they work, and why all of us need them. Read on for a comprehensive idea of these wonderful protective devices that can keep your electrical equipment, home, and your family safe.

What is a Surge Arrester?

A surge arrester, also known as a surge protector, is a protective electrical device that safeguards electronic devices from sudden voltage spikes and surges. It acts as a shield between the power source and the devices connected to it, intercepting excessive electrical energy and redirecting it to the ground. Surge arresters remain dormant during normal times when the usual amount of voltage flows through a system. They become active and start to conduct excess energy to the ground only during voltage spikes.

Surge arresters are typically installed at the entry point of electrical systems, such as distribution panels, to protect the entire system from potential electrical damage caused by sudden surges. Surge arrestors come in various types, depending on the surge arresters' function, such as those for industrial machinery and telecommunications, and including scaled-down versions for use in residential apartments.

Pro Tip: Surge arresters are not the same as lightning arresters. The former cannot absorb lightning and does not protect devices against a direct lightning strike. They help limit the enormous surge voltage caused by lightning and thereby safeguard the devices connected to the panel.

How Does a Surge Arrester Work?

Surge arresters utilise a simple yet effective mechanism to offer protection against power surges. The surge arrester function consists of two key components:

1. A metal oxide varistor (MOV)

2. A Spark Gap

When a voltage surge occurs, the MOV acts as the primary line of defence. It is made up of a ceramic material that exhibits a non-linear-voltage-current characteristic. Under normal operating environments, the MOV has high resistance, thereby permitting a normal flow of electricity. However, when there is surge voltage with the excessive flow of electricity, the MOV's resistance decreases dramatically, helping it to divert excess energy away from the connected devices and towards the ground.

In scenarios where the MOV’s response is not quick enough to neutralize the excess energy flow, the functions of the spark gap become operational. The spark gap provides a secondary level of protection by creating a short-lived spark or arc when the voltage exceeds a certain threshold. This arc provides a low resistance path to divert the excess energy, thereby ensuring that it is harmlessly discharged to the ground.

Are Power Surges Common and How Much of Danger do they Pose?

Power surges are a very common occurrence in many areas, especially in India where voltage fluctuations are quite a common occurrence. On the other hand, daily use electrical appliances that are common to every household have an optimum voltage range. They remain unaffected as long as the voltage remains within this range. However, when excess energy flow causes the voltage that surpasses this optimum range, the equipment can be seriously damaged and can be irrevocably broken. The risk factor is even more for sensitive equipment. Lightning strikes and flaws in wiring are some of the prevalent causes of hazardous power surges. Such power surges not only damage appliances but pose a threat to your home too.

Read Also: Effective Ways of Protecting Your House from Voltage Surge

Why do we Need Surge Arresters?

Voltage surges can cause significant damage to electronic equipment, leading to expensive repairs, downtime, and data loss. Here are eight reasons why investing in suitable surge arresters is essential for any individual or business:

1. Protection against lightning damage

   Lightning strikes are a common cause of voltage surges. Even if your business or home is not directly struck by lightning, the electromagnetic field generated by a nearby lightning strike can induce surges in your electrical system. Surge arresters are designed to deal with lightning-induced surges and protect your devices from damage.

2. Safeguarding against Power Grid Fluctuations

   power grids are susceptible to fluctuations due to various factors such as external disturbances, equipment failures, and switching operations. These fluctuations can lead to voltage spikes that travel via the power lines and harm connected devices. Surge arresters act as barriers to prevent excess current from reaching the equipment and thereby ensure their longevity.

3. Ensuring Equipment Longevity and Reliability

   Most electronic devices are quite expensive. They are investments that must be protected for their intended lifespan. Surge arresters act as a first line of defence, safeguarding devices from the ravages of voltage surges. In doing so, these protective devices help preserve and extend the lifespan of electronic equipment. This also enhances their reliability and is extremely cost-effective in the long run.

4. Ensuring Data Protection

   Data protection is a matter of great importance in today’s digital age. Voltage surges can not only damage hardware but also corrupt data stored on devices such as computers, storage systems, and servers. Surge arresters play a crucial role in safeguarding these devices from the dangers posed by surge voltage, ensuring protection and ready availability of data. Businesses and individuals can thwart devastating experiences of data loss and its consequences including financial losses, compromised customer trust, and operational disruptions by investing in surge protectors.

5. Protecting Sensitive Equipment

   Individuals or businesses may possess certain highly sensitive devices such as medical equipment, telecommunications systems, and laboratory instruments. This delicate equipment requires additional safeguarding from voltage surges to ensure their accuracy and functionality. Surge arresters provide specialized protection for these sensitive electronics, safeguarding them from potential damage and ensuring their longevity.

6. Prevention of Fire Hazards

   Voltage surges can lead to excessive heat in electrical systems, thereby posing a fire hazard. Surge arresters can help in the prevention of such dangerous incidents by diverting excess energy generated by a surge into the ground. This reduces the risk of electrical fires. When you invest in a surge arrester, you invest in the safety of your home and/or business.

7. Insurance Compliance

   Many insurance companies today mandate the installation of surge arresters as a condition for coverage against equipment damage caused by surge voltage. By deciding to install surge protectors, you not only protect your valuable equipment but also fulfil insurance requirements, which shall give you peace of mind in case of unforeseen events.

8. Cost-effective Solution to the Hazards of Surge Voltage

   Surge arresters pose a cost-effective solution when compared to the estimated costs of equipment replacement, repair, the fixing of operational disruptions, and downtime associated with a potential surge voltage hazard. These protective devices are relatively inexpensive and provide a robust defence against voltage surges. By investing in surge arresters, you ward off the risks of financial losses due to equipment damage and ensure the smooth functioning of your devices.

   Power surges may pose a serious threat to your electronic devices. Surge arresters act as the first line of defence against these surges. Through an understanding of what surge arresters are, what surge arrester function, and why you need them, you can take proactive steps to protect your valuable equipment. Investing in surge protectors protects electronic devices, ensures data protection, extends equipment longevity, and ensures reliable functionality. Make surge arresters an integral part of your electrical system, and rest assured with the knowledge that your devices are shielded from the harmful effects of voltage surges.

Read Also: Know More About Voltage Surge Protector

Purchasing the Best Quality Surge Arresters for Your Home and Business at the Schneider Electric eShop

Now that you know all about the significance of surge arresters as protective devices, it is time to study the market to identify the best surge arrester that suits your needs. Schneider Electric eShop is one of the most reliable and celebrated places in India where you can buy high-quality surge arresters that can help you to protect your electrical equipment and extend its lifespan by years! Schneider Electric eShop is proud to offer heavy-duty surge arresters with high joule ratings and the latest features in the market including attractive warranty options. If you are looking for surge arresters that are custom-made to meet Indian power surge conditions, you need not look any further than the Schneider Electric eShop.

A wide variety of surge protectors for home and organisational requirements are available to browse at the Schneider Electric eShop. Choose the surge arrester best suited to your needs. Schneider Electric eShop guarantees quick delivery and installation. If you need more information, have queries, or require expert help contact the store or visit the website today.