Our electronic equipment at home are sometimes subjected to unexpected disturbances that can cause them to break down earlier than we expect them to. Lightning strikes, power transmission line transfers, short circuits (among others) may cause a power surge and ruin the sensitive wiring and various components of our electronics, causing possible damage to the machine and even risk to human life due to fire and electrocution risks. Surge protection should be installed to prevent such possible results.

What are the different surge suppression strategies available?

There are certain circuits designed to redirect or stop the excessive electrical energy before it damages the electronic devices, called surge suppressors. Their components either divert this energy to the ground or the neutral terminal depending on their function. These suppressors are defined by the voltage at which they start to direct the excesses to the ground (let-through voltage), the amount of energy that it can absorb without breaking down (surge capacity), and the speed with which the circuit will react on the extra load measured (response time).

What are the different surge suppression strategies available?

Surge suppressors are characterized by its specifications and the types, both of which are important considerations in considering which surge suppression strategy to install in your home. Primary suppressors are capable of withstanding large amounts of energy and can protect the whole house and its electrical equipment. They are installed in the main electrical line that enters a house.

Secondary surge suppressors, on the other hand, have smaller capacities than primary ones and are installed inside the house. They are usually cover a particular electric line, bay, or a sensitive piece of electronic equipment. Different secondary surge suppressors have different behaviors in the event of a spike, which also has to be considered when thinking of a surge suppression strategy. A shunt mode protector acts to divert surge to the ground. They are simple and commonly available, but since the protector acts to direct the excess energy to the ground the protection is limited to the outlet it is installed in and may damage other equipment attached to the common ground. A series mode protector, on the other hand, does not redirect the excess voltage to the ground terminal, but blocks the excess voltage and dissipates it in the way of the neutral terminal.

For a surge suppression strategy to be effective, the location has to be considered, as some areas in the country are more prone to storms than the others. It would be a wise investment to have a primary surge suppressor installed that would protect the entire house from power spikes caused by lightning strikes, electric pole accidents and such. The addition of secondary suppressors depends on how much sensitive equipment one has in one’s home, since more suppressors mean more monetary input. True, having surge suppression systems may cost a considerable amount of money, but it’s still a small price to pay for the safety of one’s home.

It would be wise to consult an electrician for strategies that are suitable for your own home, such as NJ electricians, who can answer your questions on NJ surge protection .

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