Surge Protection Devices: Types, Components and How it works

What is Surge Lightning?

Surge lightning is the phenomenon where lightning current, after striking the grounding system, transfers part of its energy through electrical and signal lines into a building, causing overvoltage spikes that can damage electronic equipment.

What is surge lightning?

Causes of Surge Lightning:

• Direct lightning strikes to the building: The lightning current concentrates at one point and spreads through the electrical wiring.
• Lightning strikes to nearby conductive objects: This causes electromagnetic induction, generating voltage spikes.
• Electromagnetic induction caused by lightning: Lightning strikes nearby objects, creating a strong magnetic field that affects the electrical wiring.

Damages of Surge Lightning:

• Damage to electronic devices: Computers, telecommunications devices, control systems, etc.
• Fire and explosion risks: Due to the heat generated from overvoltage current.
• Disruption of operations: Affects business activities and daily life.

What is Surge Protection Devices?

What is surge protection?

Surge protection is a safeguard designed to minimize damage caused by power surges resulting from lightning strikes. When lightning strikes a certain location, it can generate powerful electrical surges that travel through nearby power or signal lines, potentially damaging electronic devices and electrical systems.

What is a Surge Protection Device (SPD)?

An SPD (Surge Protection Device) is a specially designed electrical device used to protect electronic devices and electrical systems from the harmful effects of sudden overvoltage surges. These surges are typically caused by events such as direct or indirect lightning strikes, sudden voltage changes in the power grid, or other electromagnetic interferences.

Types of Surge Protection Devices (SPD)

Types of surge protection devices

According to the EN 61643-11 and IEC 61643-11 standards, surge protection devices are classified into 3 levels as follows:

Type 1 Surge Protection Device (Type 1 SPD)

• Main function: Protects the electrical system from direct lightning strikes.
• Installation location: Usually installed at the entry point of the electrical system, right after the electric meter or main distribution panel.
• Capacity: Can withstand very high surge currents, typically in the tens or hundreds of kiloamperes.
• Protection level: Provides the highest level of protection, minimizing damage from direct lightning strikes.
• Applications: Industrial buildings, factories, high-rise buildings, areas with high lightning strike risk.

Type 2 Surge Protection Device (Type 2 SPD)

• Main function: Protects sensitive electronic devices from overvoltage surges caused by indirect lightning strikes.
• Installation location: Typically installed after Type 1 SPD, at secondary distribution panels or near important electronic devices.
• Capacity: Can withstand medium surge currents, typically in the kiloampere range.
• Protection level: Provides moderate protection, safeguarding electronic devices from damage.
• Applications: Residential buildings, offices, shopping centers.

Type 3 Surge Protection Device (Type 3 SPD)

• Main function: Protects highly sensitive electronic devices, such as computers and telecommunications equipment.
• Installation location: Installed close to the device being protected, just before the power enters the device.
• Capacity: Can withstand low surge currents, typically in the hundreds of amperes.
• Protection level: Provides the highest protection for sensitive electronic equipment.
• Applications: Industrial electronics, control systems, medical equipment.

Components of a Surge Protection Device

A surge protection system consists of several important components, each playing a vital role in protecting equipment and structures from damage caused by lightning. Below are the main components:

1. Lightning Cutoff and Surge Filter Devices: These devices prevent lightning-induced electrical surges from entering the electrical system, protecting sensitive electronic devices.
2. Earthing System: This includes ground rods and conductors to safely direct lightning current into the earth.
3. Surge Discharge Cable: Used to connect grounding points and direct lightning current from these points into the ground. The cable is typically made of copper or copper alloys.
4. Lightning Counter: Records the number of lightning strikes on the system, helping to monitor and assess the danger level in the area.
5. Earth Resistance Meter: Used to measure the resistance of the grounding rods, ensuring the proper functioning of the earthing system.
6. Resistance Testing Box: This device helps to adjust and check the resistance of the grounding system, ensuring overall system safety.
7. AC Power Surge Protection Device: Protects electronic devices from sudden voltage fluctuations caused by lightning strikes.

How do Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) work

Principle of working of surge protection system

A surge protection system operates based on the principle of absorbing and safely directing lightning current into the ground while preventing voltage surges from entering the electrical system, protecting electronic devices from damage.

The operation process is as follows:

• When lightning strikes: When a lightning strike hits the system, it creates an extremely large and sudden voltage surge.
• Surge protection devices activate: This voltage surge activates the surge protection devices (SPD) installed in the system.
• Directing lightning current to the ground: These SPDs quickly direct the powerful lightning current into the ground through the grounding conductors, protecting electrical devices from damage.
• Filtering interference: At the same time, SPDs also filter smaller surges, helping to protect sensitive electronic devices.

Features of Surge Protection Devices

Surge protection systems are essential for protecting electrical equipment from lightning damage. These systems have many outstanding features that ensure the safety of electrical systems and devices. Key features include:
Multi-layer protection:

• External protection: Lightning rods and earthing systems directly receive the lightning current and direct it into the ground.
• Internal protection: SPDs are installed at critical points within the electrical system to protect devices from voltage surges.

Fast response: When lightning strikes, SPDs activate almost instantly, directing the lightning current to the ground and minimizing damage to equipment.
High reliability: SPDs are manufactured to international standards, ensuring durability and high reliability.

Easy installation: The compact design allows for easy installation at electrical distribution points.

Long lifespan: Made from premium materials and modern technology, SPDs have a long service life.

Flexibility: There are various types of SPDs with different protection levels, suitable for various devices and electrical systems.

High efficiency: Effectively reduces lightning surges and minimizes interference, protecting electrical devices from damage.

Benefits of Using Surge Protection Devices

Using a surge protection system offers several important benefits, including:

• Protecting Electronic Devices: This system helps prevent damage to sensitive devices such as computers, control systems, and industrial machinery during lightning strikes.
• Reducing the Risk of Fire and Explosion: By controlling electrical surges and sudden voltage spikes, the system helps reduce the risk of fires and explosions in buildings and structures.
• Enhancing Electrical System Reliability: The surge protection system helps maintain stable operation of electrical equipment, improving reliability and operational efficiency.
• Lowering Maintenance and Repair Costs: By protecting devices from electrical faults, users can save on repair and replacement costs for equipment.
• Increasing Asset Value: Properties equipped with surge protection systems tend to have higher value due to better protection from natural damage.
• Protecting Communication Networks: This system also protects networking and telecommunication devices from electrical surges, ensuring stable and continuous connections.

Applications of Surge Protection Devices

Surge protection systems have several important applications in protecting devices and structures from lightning damage. Here are some key applications:

• Residential and High-Rise Buildings: Surge protection systems are installed to protect electrical and electronic devices in homes and high-rise buildings, preventing damage from lightning strikes.
• Industrial Facilities: In factories, plants, and industrial zones, this system protects production equipment and control systems from lightning-induced electrical surges.
• Telecommunication Systems: Surge protection devices are used to protect communication towers, servers, and network equipment, ensuring continuous and stable connections.
• Solar Power Systems: Solar power systems, including solar panels and energy converters, are also protected by surge protection systems.
• Critical Infrastructure: Facilities such as hospitals, data centers, and transportation infrastructure also require surge protection to ensure continuous and safe operation.
• Sensitive Electronic Devices: Devices such as computers, medical equipment, and automation systems need protection from lightning-induced electrical surges.
• Public Areas: Public areas such as airports, seaports, and amusement parks also use surge protection systems to safeguard both people and equipment.

Surge Protection Devices Brands

There are many brands on the market offering surge protection devices. Below are some of the leading brands:

SineTamer: SineTamer is a brand specializing in providing surge protection devices, known for its products designed to protect electrical and signal systems in various applications.

ABB: As one of the leading brands in the electrical and automation industry, ABB offers high-quality surge protection devices (SPDs) that help protect electrical systems from sudden electrical surges. ABB’s equipment is commonly used in industrial and commercial applications.

Schneider Electric: This brand is famous for its electrical protection solutions, including surge protection devices. Schneider offers a wide range of high-performance SPDs that help protect electrical and electronic devices from damage caused by lightning and overvoltage.

Siemens: Siemens is also a major brand in the electrical technology and automation field. They provide effective surge protection solutions designed to protect electrical systems and sensitive devices.

Mitsubishi: Known for its electrical and automation products, Mitsubishi also offers surge protection devices. Mitsubishi provides protection solutions for industrial and commercial applications.

Surge Protection Device Installation Guide

Surge protection sevice installation guide

To ensure protection effectiveness and safety, the surge protection system installation must follow these steps:

1. Identify installation location:

• Install surge protection devices near the power supply input of the electrical system.
• Install in a location that allows easy inspection and maintenance.

2. Choose surge protection devices:

• Select devices appropriate for the current, voltage, and type of construction.
• Prioritize high-quality, standard-compliant products.

3. Proceed with installation:

• Parallel connection: Surge protection devices are connected in parallel with the incoming power lines.
• Series connection: Combine with low-pass filters to reduce surge voltage.
• Connect to the grounding system: Ensure proper lightning current discharge to the ground.

4. Inspection and maintenance:

• Regularly inspect connections and surge protection devices.
• Replace damaged devices.

Servo Dynamics specializes in providing and consulting for comprehensive surge protection devices for construction projects. With a team of experienced engineers and quality products, we are committed to delivering optimal solutions that ensure the safety of your projects and equipment.

Contact us!

Surge Protection Standards and Regulations

In Vietnam

TCVN 9385:2012: This is the national standard for lightning protection for buildings, based on the IEC 62305 standard. This standard provides detailed guidelines on:

• Protection Principles: Determines the required level of protection based on the risk of lightning strikes.
• Risk Assessment: Evaluates potential damages that may occur due to lightning strikes.
• System Design: Designs the lightning protection system, including lightning rods, conductors, and grounding points.
• Inspection and Maintenance: Performs regular checks to ensure the system operates effectively.

Other Standards: In addition to TCVN 9385:2012, there are other industry standards such as TCN 68-140, TCN 68-167, TCN 68-174 related to over-voltage, over-current, and protection of electronic devices.

International Standards

• IEC 62305: An international standard for lightning protection for buildings. This standard is referenced and applied by many countries worldwide, including Vietnam.
• NFPA 780: A standard from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the United States, providing requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of lightning protection systems.
• BS 6651: A British standard for lightning protection for buildings.

Servo Dynamics – Official Distributor of SineTamer in Vietnam

Servo Dynamics is the official distributor of SineTamer in Vietnam. With over 17+ years of experience in providing and installing electrical protection equipment, Servo Dynamics offers high-quality surge protection solutions from SineTamer, helping protect equipment and buildings from lightning damage.

Our services include:

• Consultation: Providing suitable lightning protection devices for each building.
• Design: Creating projects and design drawings for lightning protection devices.
• Installation: Performing professional installation of the system.
• Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance to ensure system stability.

Servo Dynamics is the official distributor of SineTamer in Vietnam

For more detailed advice on selecting and installing surge protection systems, please contact Servo Dynamics.