Data & Signal Surge Protectors

More Information about Data and Signal Surge Protection

Surge protection extends well beyond power lines; it is also taken care of along data lines, which may be even more critical since the vast majority of us send and receive data all day, every day. Most of our network equipment either receive or send a signal, for which they require a surge protector if they are to stay healthy. Any protector works on the principle of diverting the surge to Earth. But since this is also happening with a signal (not just "on" or "off," but also with many variations in between), the protector also has to maintain "signal integrity."

FAQs

Can data line surge protection create intrinsically safe circuits?

Yes, data line surge protection can contribute to creating intrinsically safe circuits by limiting transient voltage spikes and preventing excessive energy from causing sparks or damaging sensitive components in hazardous environments.

Surge Protection Basics

What causes power surges? 

Lightning strikes are one of the most common causes of power surges and can affect an electrical system even if the strike occurs miles from the electrical source. Conductors buried underground can still transmit the energy of the strike to electrical equipment located indoors. Lightning rods and other grounding equipment can help, but do not completely eliminate the risk.

Switching equipment such as motors, transformers and other equipment can cause a sudden change in load, power loss and disconnection of circuit breakers. This sudden switching can cause overvoltage, leading to power surges. The closer the switching occurs to the electrical system, the more threat it will pose to the equipment.

Operations that a user performs can cause surges, but typically have a very short duration. Examples include: starting a motor, opening circuit breakers and welding equipment.

What is the best way to stop power surges? 

By using transient surge suppressors, the problems associated with most transient surges can be eliminated. They provide protection by either blocking or shorting the voltage over its operating limit to ground, protecting circuits downstream of the suppressor. The best way to approach this is in tiers.  

Tier 1 – The protection is closest to the incoming power source. This is the main protection for a particular location.

Tier 2 – This is in an area that will be protecting multiple devices that have branch protection. An electrical control panel would be an example of this type of application.

Tier 3 – Individual protection. In the case of an industrial control panel, this would be protection for each instrument entering the panel.