How to choose a surge protection device

Selecting a Surge Protection Device: Tips & Steps The appliances we employ at home and in business industries like televisions, computers, Refrigerators, and HVAC systems require a constant flow of electricity. The appliances also get damaged in case of power surges. Lightning bolts, changes in electric power usage, inadequately wired circuits, and many other factors can cause damage to the sensitive equipment that we own due to power surges. This is where surge protection devices are implemented. In this article, we will discuss how to choose a surge protection device and the most important factors in SPDs, and the role they play in our lives. Surge Protection Device (SPDs) Overview SPDs eliminate the risk posed to electrical devices in the case of voltage spikes. These voltage spikes can occur at any time, during switching of electric circuits, lightning bolts, or even power outages. SPDs work by intercepting excessive voltage by grounding the excess voltage, ensuring that your electric equipment only receives voltage at safe levels. Important Elements to Consider When Selecting Your SPD 1. Clamping Voltage Another name for clamping voltage is let-through voltage. This describes the voltage level at which the SPD will start redirecting excess voltage to the ground. Protection is better when the let-through voltage is lower. For example, a clamping voltage of 330V is good for 120V AC devices. 2. Joule Rating The energy absorption capacity of an SPD is measured using the joule rating. A higher joules rating indicates that the device is capable of absorbing more energy before collapsing device failure. Surge protectors with a rating of 1000 joules or greater are recommended for residential use. 3. Response Time Response time describes the level of change in a device due to a surge.. A lower value for response time further ensures that the device ...