Power surges can happen in a second, yet the damage they cause to your assets can be long-lasting. A number of factors can lead to surges including bad wiring, overloaded circuits, lightning, and power grid failure. Remember that power surges always happen after a power outage, so quick response time is important.

Here are some of the basics to help keep your assets safe from power surges.

Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) are electrical components used for voltage protection in power supply circuits and electrical distribution networks. When there’s an unusual increase in voltage, surge protectors redirect electricity away from your devices, preventing equipment damage and lost production time.

Using a Mersen SPD on your electrical distribution panel ensures a high degree of surge protection. Features include:

• LED protection indicator
• Easy installation and minimal investment
• Thermally protected components ensure surge protection
• Surge protection for Lighting (LED installation)

Surge bars are essential for protecting your electronic equipment. The Leviton 5500-190 provides point-of-use surge suppression. It features six protected duplex receptacles, an easy-access on/off switch, and a resettable circuit breaker to protect against overloading and power supply failure. To avoid unnecessary equipment switching, you can opt for one without a switch. 

While you can’t stop storms and power grid failures, you can take these steps to prevent power surges and damage in your commercial space:

• Get a licensed electrician to install a main service panel suppressor, and make sure it’s inspected regularly. 
• If possible, unplug all electrical devices during storms.
• Use and understand commercial or industrial-grade surge protectors.
• Hire a licensed electrician to do regular wiring inspections.
• Use energy-efficient equipment to reduce electricity consumption.
• Make sure you have equipment breakdown insurance, just in case you need it.

Surge protection is a key priority for your industrial facility, too. You can achieve this with:

• Automation and control help you manage systems and prevent damage to your critical components
• Heavy equipment and instrumentation suppress excess voltage
• Motion controls block or short voltage over operating limits 
• LED lights cut back on energy use (but have sensitive electronic parts vulnerable to power surges)
• Programmable logic controls act as the brains of your control panel
• Protecting your facility’s main circuit breaker and equipment both indoors and outdoors in advance can help you prepare for unexpected surges
• Comprehensive low-resistance grounding resistor systems protect power transformers and generators from damaging fault currents
• Data line and power protection keeps your electronic equipment connected during a crisis

Whether you’re looking for support for your commercial or industrial project, our team of experts can help keep your assets safe. Get in touch for support today!