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SPD stands for Surge Protection Device, previously referred to as Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) or secondary surge arrester. It is a critical aspect of electrical protection for any facility. SPDs are used for electric power supply networks, telephone networks, and communication and automatic control buses. They are designed to protect electrical systems and equipment from sudden voltage spikes, diverting surge currents and limiting transient voltages. SPDs are categorized by type or test class, with the recommended classification depending on the location and the magnitude of surge currents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Surge Protection Device |
| Previous Name | Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) or secondary surge arrester |
| Types | Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 |
| Type 1 Installation | Between the secondary of the service transformer and the line side of the service disconnect |
| Type 2 Installation | On the load side of the service disconnect overcurrent device (service equipment) |
| Type 3 Installation | Minimum 10 meters from the electrical service panel to the point-of-utilization |
| Type 2 SPD Characteristic | 8/20 µs current wave |
| Type 3 SPD Characteristic | Combination of voltage waves (1.2/50 μs) and current waves (8/20 μs) |
| Nominal Discharge Current | 5 kA |
| Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage (MCOV) | 25% above the nominal supply voltage |
| Applicable Standards | IEC 61643-11, ANSI/IEEE C62.41, VDE Classification |
| Use Cases | Electric power supply networks, telephone networks, communication and automatic control buses, power distribution panels, process control systems, communication systems, heavy-duty industrial systems |
| Circuit Types | Single-phase, TN-C, TN-S |
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What You'll Learn
- Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) are used to protect electrical equipment from voltage surges
- SPDs are installed in tap-off configuration (in parallel) between live conductors and the earth
- There are three main SPD circuits: single-phase, TN-C, and TN-S
- SPDs are categorised by type (UL) or test class (IEC) by industry standards
- SPDs are indispensable for protecting electronic equipment from lightning strikes
Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) are used to protect electrical equipment from voltage surges
SPDs are made up of various components, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The class or type of SPD defines its application, and industry standards specify the levels of performance that a given SPD must meet. There are three main SPD circuits: single-phase, TN-C, and TN-S. These circuits are generally composed of two metal rods exposed to the air, separated by a certain gap. When an instantaneous overvoltage occurs, the gap is broken down, and the overvoltage charge is introduced into the ground, preventing voltage increase on the protected equipment.
There are different types of SPDs available, such as Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Type 1 SPDs are installed at the origin, such as the main distribution board, and are permanently connected. Type 2 SPDs are the main protection system for low-voltage electrical installations and are installed in each electrical switchboard. They prevent the spread of overvoltages and protect sensitive loads. Type 3 SPDs, also known as point-of-utilization SPDs, are installed at a minimum conductor length of 10 meters from the electrical service panel.
SPDs are commonly used in power distribution panels, process control systems, communication systems, and other heavy-duty industrial systems. They are suitable for any facility or load with a voltage of 1000 volts or below. By preventing equipment damage due to transients and surges, SPDs help improve system and data reliability while also preventing costly downtime.
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SPDs are installed in tap-off configuration (in parallel) between live conductors and the earth
Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) are critical for safeguarding electrical systems and equipment from power surges and voltage spikes. They are typically installed in tap-off configuration, also known as a parallel configuration, between live conductors and the earth. This strategic placement allows SPDs to effectively divert surge currents and limit transient voltages, thereby protecting sensitive electronic equipment.
In this configuration, SPDs are connected in parallel to the power supply circuit of the loads they protect. When a transient overvoltage occurs, the high impedance of the SPD decreases, allowing the surge current to pass through the SPD instead of the sensitive equipment. By diverting the surge current to earth, SPDs limit the amplitude of the overvoltage, ensuring it remains within a safe range for the electrical installation.
The tap-off or parallel configuration is a standard installation method for SPDs, ensuring their effectiveness in mitigating power surges. This configuration enables SPDs to rapidly respond to voltage spikes, preventing damage to electronic equipment and instruments, as well as communication lines. By conducting and shunting the excess current in a short time, SPDs provide essential protection against external interference and lightning strikes.
SPDs are available in different types, including Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3, each suited to specific applications. Type 1 SPDs are installed at the origin, such as the main distribution board, while Type 3 SPDs are installed close to the protected load. Type 2 SPDs, which are commonly used for low-voltage electrical installations, are installed in electrical switchboards to prevent the spread of overvoltages and protect sensitive loads.
The selection of the appropriate SPD type and installation configuration is crucial for effective surge protection. By installing SPDs in tap-off configuration between live conductors and the earth, facilities can benefit from improved system reliability, equipment protection, and elimination of costly downtime due to surge events.
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There are three main SPD circuits: single-phase, TN-C, and TN-S
SPD stands for Surge Protection Device. These devices are used to protect electrical systems and equipment from power surges, which can be caused by lightning or the switching of electrical loads. SPDs are a critical aspect of electrical protection for any facility. They are connected in parallel on the power supply circuit of the loads that they protect.
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SPDs are categorised by type (UL) or test class (IEC) by industry standards
SPD stands for Surge Protection Devices, which are used for electric power supply networks, telephone networks, and communication and automatic control buses. They are a critical aspect of coordinated electrical protection for any facility. SPDs are designed to protect electrical systems and equipment from voltage surges by limiting transient voltages and diverting surge currents.
The UL 1449 standard specifies requirements for SPDs used in electrical systems in North America. According to this standard, SPDs are classified into four types. Type 1 SPDs are permanently connected and hard-wired, intended for installation between the secondary of the service transformer and the line side of the main service equipment. Type 2 SPDs are also permanently connected and hard-wired, intended for installation on the load side of the main service equipment overcurrent protective device. Type 3 SPDs, also known as 'Point of Utilization SPDs', are installed at a minimum conductor length of 10 meters from the electrical service panel. Type 1, 2, 3 Component Assembly SPDs are intended to be factory installed into electrical distribution equipment or end-use equipment.
The IEC 61643-11 standard applies to devices for surge protection against the indirect and direct effects of lightning or other transient overvoltages. These devices are packaged to be connected to 50/60 Hz a.c. power circuits, and equipment rated up to 1000 V r.m.s. IEC 61643-31:2018 is applicable to SPDs intended for surge protection against indirect and direct effects of lightning or other transient overvoltages in photovoltaic installations.
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SPDs are indispensable for protecting electronic equipment from lightning strikes
Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) are indispensable for protecting electronic equipment from lightning strikes. SPDs are a critical aspect of coordinated electrical protection for any facility. They are designed to protect electrical systems and equipment from lightning strikes by limiting transient voltages and diverting surge currents.
SPDs are electronic devices that provide safety protection for various electronic equipment, instruments, and communication lines. They are typically installed in power distribution panels, process control systems, communication systems, and other heavy-duty industrial systems. SPDs are connected in parallel on the power supply circuit of the loads they protect. This allows them to have a high impedance, which decreases when a transient overvoltage appears in the system, driving the surge current through the SPD and bypassing sensitive equipment.
There are three main types of SPD circuits: single-phase, TN-C, and TN-S. Type 1 SPDs are installed at the origin, such as the main distribution board, and are permanently connected between the secondary of the service transformer and the line side of the service disconnect. Type 2 SPDs are the main protection system for all low-voltage electrical installations and are installed in each electrical switchboard. They prevent the spread of overvoltages and protect sensitive electronics and microprocessor-based loads against residual lightning energy. Type 3 SPDs are installed close to the protected load and can be cord-connected, direct plug-in, or receptacle type.
The importance of SPDs in lightning protection cannot be overstated. Without them, lightning strikes and other transient events can cause costly damage to electronic equipment and result in downtime. By installing SPDs, facilities can prevent such damage and ensure the continued operation of their electronic equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
SPD stands for Surge Protection Device.
A Surge Protection Device (SPD) is an electronic device that provides safety protection for various electronic equipment, instruments, and communication lines. SPDs are designed to protect electrical systems and equipment from power surges by limiting transient voltages and diverting surge currents.
Surges can originate externally, most intensely by lightning, or internally by the switching of electrical loads. The sources of these internal surges, which account for 65% of all transients, can include loads turning on and off, relays and/or breakers operating, heating systems, motors, and office equipment.
There are three main types of SPDs: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Type 1 SPDs are installed at the origin, such as the main distribution board. Type 2 SPDs are the main protection system for all low-voltage electrical installations and are installed in each electrical switchboard. Type 3 SPDs are installed close to the protected load and must be used as a supplement to Type 2 SPDs.
