Surge Protection: Guide To Devices, Systems & Installation
Surge protection systems are essential in today’s increasingly electrified and tech-driven environments. Whether it’s safeguarding your home, commercial building, or critical infrastructure, implementing the right surge protection devices (SPDs) can prevent costly downtime, damaged equipment, and even fire risks.
What is Surge Protection?
Surge protection refers to the deployment of electrical devices or systems designed to protect equipment from transient over-voltages, commonly known as power surges. These surges can be caused by:
- Lightning strikes
- Utility / Power Grid switching
- Faulty wiring
- Appliance load switching (e.g. air conditioning units)
- Industrial machinery or HVAC systems
- Static electricity or electromagnetic interference
A surge lasting only microseconds can cause irreversible damage to electronic components, appliances, and critical infrastructure. Surge protection solutions work by diverting excess voltage away from sensitive components, ensuring safety, continuity, and equipment longevity.
Did you know? Even small surges (under 10 volts) degrade electronics over time. Without protection, they can drastically shorten the lifespan of your electrical infrastructure.
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Where Should Surge Protection Be Installed?
Surge protection is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It involves a layered approach that integrates protection at different points in the electrical system, typically across:
- Main distribution boards
- Sub-distribution panels
- Individual sockets or outlets
The goal is to reduce the impact of voltage spikes at various levels to prevent cascade damage. Modern buildings and infrastructures, especially those supporting critical IT equipment, smart devices, or industrial control systems are increasingly vulnerable, making surge protection essential rather than optional.
Types of Surge Protection Devices (SPDs):
Surge Protective Devices are the cornerstone of any surge protection system. They are categorised into three main types according to their application within the power distribution architecture:
1. Type 1 SPD (Lightning Current Arresters)
- Installed at the service entrance or main panel.
- Protects against direct lightning strikes or high-energy surges.
- Common in industrial or commercial premises exposed to overhead power lines.
2. Type 2 SPD (Main Panel Protection)
- Installed downstream of Type 1, typically on sub-distribution panels.
- Protects against residual lightning energy or switching surges.
- Ideal for protecting appliances and operational equipment.
3. Type 3 SPD (Point-of-Use Protection)
- Installed close to sensitive equipment like computers, AV systems, or PLCs.
- Works in conjunction with Type 1 and 2 SPDs for comprehensive protection.
- Often takes the form of surge-protected sockets or plug-in adapters.
Surge Protection Benefits:
Asset protection: Prevents equipment damage and data loss.
Reduced downtime: Minimises system interruptions due to electrical faults.
Fire prevention: Mitigates risks of surge-induced fires.
Cost savings Avoids: expensive repairs and equipment replacements.
Compliance: Meets IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022) for surge protection in commercial buildings.
Surge Protection Applications:
Surge protection is applicable across a range of settings, including:
Residential Homes: Protect smart home systems, white goods, and charging stations.
Commercial Offices: Safeguard IT networks, servers, and lighting control systems.
Industrial Facilities: Ensure continuity of operations for automation systems and machinery.
Healthcare Settings: Protect life-saving diagnostic equipment and sensitive laboratory instruments.
Retail Environments: Maintain uptime of POS systems, digital signage, and CCTV.
Data Centres & Comms Rooms: Preserve integrity of servers and ensure data security.
Additional Surge Protection Considerations:
Improper installation or poor device selection can lead to ineffective protection or worse, false security. Certified electrical engineers understand the intricacies of fault currents, system voltage ratings, and risk assessments, ensuring your investment offers genuine protection.
True surge resilience extends beyond SPDs. A holistic strategy should also consider:
- Earthing and bonding: Proper grounding is fundamental for dissipation of surge energy.
- Cable routing and shielding: Reduces inductive coupling and improves signal integrity.
- Transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSS): Particularly useful for data and communication lines.
- UPS and voltage regulators: Offer additional stability for mission-critical applications.
- Routine maintenance and inspections: Surge devices degrade over time and require testing.
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Testimonial:
"We recently had a surge protection device installed across our workshop, and the difference has been remarkable. Not only did the installation team work quickly and professionally, but the peace of mind it’s given us is priceless. Since the install, we’ve had two storms pass through and not a single piece of equipment was affected. It’s clear the SPD is doing its job and protecting our vital machinery from power surges that would’ve cost us thousands."
Darren M., Operations Director, Apex Metalworks Ltd.
Testimonial:
"Our facility has seen a noticeable improvement in power stability since the surge protection system was put in place. We’d been experiencing sporadic downtime due to minor surges, but that’s now a thing of the past. The installation was seamless and the team took time to explain how the system worked. It’s reassuring to know our electrical infrastructure and sensitive equipment are now fully shielded from unexpected spikes."
Lisa T., Facilities Manager, Southgate Business Centre
Get In Touch for Surge ProtectionSolutions
We specialise in end-to-end surge protection, from site assessment and design to installation and ongoing support. Whether you’re safeguarding a residential property or an entire industrial estate, we’ll ensure your systems stay powered, protected, and compliant. Contact us for a free site survey and quote within 24 hours.
Call us on 0800 567 7273
Email us at info@kingspowersolutions.co.uk
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