DC Surge Protectors
Direct current surge protectors are specialized devices designed to provide critical surge protection for systems that operate on direct current. Examples include solar power arrays, battery storage setups, and direct current telecommunications infrastructure. Surge protectors for these systems must be tough enough to survive the voltage spikes created by a lightning strike, but also intelligent enough to know when to "throttle back" the voltage when spikes (not caused by lightning) happen. These spikes can be caused by switching events, faults in the equipment, or faults in any of a number of systems that are part of what's called the "power chain" for direct current installations.
Surge protection is very critical in DC power environments because of the constant current and high energy available from large battery banks or solar arrays. DC surge protectors are usually found at critical points in the system, such as between photovoltaic panels and inverters or inside power distribution panels. These surge protective devices (SPDs) are installed where they can absorb or divert the excess energy that results from sudden surges, thereby preventing delicate control systems, monitoring electronics, and the like from being damaged by overvoltage. Fortunately, many DC surge protection devices are made for easy installation inside compact enclosures and control cabinets.
Phoenix Contact DC Line Surge Protection
Polyphaser DC Line Surge Protection
Transtector DC Line Surge Protection
FAQs
Do DC surge protectors ensure reliable operation and reliable protection for critical systems in industrial applications?
Yes, DC surge protectors ensure reliable operation and provide reliable protection for critical systems in industrial applications by safeguarding equipment from voltage spikes and maintaining system stability.
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.