Power surges silently damage systems, disrupt production, and shorten equipment life. LEEYEE provides industrial-grade protection solutions with superior SPD parameters to prevent catastrophic electrical failures.
A surge electric event is a sudden, temporary spike in voltage that can damage or destroy electrical systems. It often originates from lightning or switching operations. Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) help mitigate this risk by instantly clamping excess voltage. Industrial applications demand certified, fast-response SPDs to ensure safety and system longevity.
Let’s explore what surge electric means, its consequences, and how to prevent these costly electrical threats properly.
What is a surge in electricity?
A surge in electricity—commonly referred to as a surge electric event—is a sharp, brief increase in voltage that exceeds the standard operating range of a power system. For example, in a 220V system, any spike exceeding 250V qualifies as a surge. These surges typically last microseconds but can inflict permanent damage on sensitive components like microprocessors, relays, or inverters. Common causes include lightning strikes, grid switching, capacitor bank operations, or faulty grounding. IEEE Std 1100-2005 identifies internal switching surges as the leading cause of equipment degradation in industrial environments. Recognizing this threat is vital for designing effective protection strategies.
How to fix an electrical surge?
After an electrical surge occurs, restoring system functionality requires both assessment and repair. First, check for visible signs of damage in control boards, fuses, or transformers. Surge-damaged components often exhibit burn marks or total failure. Replace affected parts immediately and inspect grounding connections. However, fixing isn’t just about replacing parts—it’s about upgrading surge protection. Install or upgrade Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) rated for your system voltage and load. For industrial and solar systems, choose SPDs with high nominal discharge current (In ≥ 20kA), fast response times (<25ns), and low clamping voltage (Up < 1.8kV) to prevent future incidents.
What happens if there is a sudden surge of electricity?
A sudden electrical surge injects excess energy into a system faster than the insulation or internal components can withstand. Sensitive electronics—such as inverters, sensors, and PLCs—may short-circuit or overheat instantly. In some cases, fire hazards can develop due to arcing or overheating wires. Moreover, recurring small surges, even if unnoticed, gradually weaken internal circuitry, causing long-term reliability issues. In PV systems, DC-side surges often damage MPPT circuits or junction boxes. Data centers, on the other hand, risk loss of critical data and system downtime. Thus, even momentary surges can result in hours—or days—long lost productivity and high repair costs.
How to avoid an electric surge?
Preventing surge electric damage requires a layered protection strategy. First, install Type 1 SPDs at the main service entrance to handle lightning-induced surges. Next, place Type 2 SPDs at distribution panels to block residual surges from internal switching. For terminal devices, Type 3 SPDs offer precision protection. Ensure your grounding system maintains resistance below 10 ohms to facilitate safe voltage redirection. Keep conductor lengths short (≤0.5m) to reduce impedance. Additionally, maintain insulation integrity and avoid overloaded circuits. In high-risk regions like Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, regular inspection of SPD status indicators or remote monitoring is essential for operational safety.
Conclusion
A surge electric risk is manageable—choose certified SPDs, follow best practices, and protect your assets proactively.
Why LEEYEE?
LEEYEE is a professional manufacturer in the surge protection industry, offering advanced solutions tailored for power distribution, solar systems, and automation equipment. Specializing in Surge Protection Devices (SPDs), LEEYEE provides products with 20kA–100kA discharge capacity, <25ns response time, and TUV, CB, CE, and ISO9001 certifications. These parameters rank among the best in China. With over 8,000m² of factory space, OEM/ODM support, and global logistics experience, LEEYEE ensures fast delivery, stable quality, and technical reliability trusted by electrical professionals worldwide.
FAQs: Surge Electric
Q1: What is a surge electric event?
A surge electric event is a sudden voltage spike that exceeds the normal system range and may damage equipment.
Q2: How does a surge electric happen?
It’s caused by events like lightning strikes, grid switching, or faulty wiring.
Q3: Are all surges dangerous?
Yes. Even small, frequent surges degrade system performance over time, while large surges can cause immediate failure.
Q4: How do SPDs protect systems?
They redirect excess voltage to ground, clamping the surge to a safe level within nanoseconds.
Q5: Can I use one SPD for all devices?
Not recommended. Use coordinated SPDs—Type 1, 2, and 3—based on location and sensitivity.
Q6: Do I need SPDs for solar systems?
Absolutely. PV systems are highly vulnerable to DC surges, and protection is critical on both DC and AC sides.
Disclaimer:
This article is for general information. Please consult a licensed electrical engineer for site-specific surge protection system design.