Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)

Electronic systems now pervade almost every aspect of our lives, both at work and at home. As a society, we are heavily reliant on the continuous and efficient running of computers, electronic process controls and telecommunications networks.

One of the most common causes of damage to these systems are transient overvoltages - short duration, high magnitude voltage peaks with fast rising edges, commonly referred to as surge. Lightning strikes are the most common source of extreme transient overvoltages, however electrical and electronic equipment is also continually stressed by hundreds of transients that occur every day on the power supply network through switching.

Transient overvoltages, whether caused by lightning or by electrical switching, have similar negative effects such as system downtime, data loss, damage to critical equipment and, in extreme cases, loss of life. Therefore, IEC/BS EN 62305 takes account of protection measures against lightning and switching transients on metallic service lines using surge protection devices (SPDs).

Safeguard electrical systems from transient overvoltages with Furse

To ensure continuous operation of critical systems even in the event of a direct strike, SPDs are essential and should be suitably deployed based on the source of surge and its intensity using the Lightning Protection Zones (LPZ) concept within recognised standard IEC/BS EN 62305.

The SPDs' characteristics at the boundary of each given zone or installation location need to take account of the surge energy they are to be subjected to, as well as ensure the transient overvoltages are limited to safe levels within the respective zone.

All Furse Electronic Systems Protection (ESP) products are designed to provide simple system integration whilst achieving the highest levels of protection against transients. The Furse ESP range of SPDs (mains power, data and telecom) are widely specified in all applications to ensure the continuous operation of critical electronic systems, helping to form a crucial part of a complete lightning protection solution to IEC/BS EN 62305.