As our reliance on electrical equipment increases, so does the need for reliable surge protection. One such device that provides this protection is a surge protector. Surge protectors are designed to prevent damage to electrical equipment from electrical surges caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or other electrical disturbances. This blog will focus on the importance of using surge protectors for subpanels in various environments.
The sub-panel serves as a secondary distribution board branching off from the main electrical panel. Subpanels can be found in commercial and residential settings to manage the distribution of electricity throughout a building. When installing a subpanel, you must consider adding a surge protector to prevent electrical damage from electrical surges.
There are different classes of surge protectors, including Class I and Class II. Type I surge protectors are designed to protect against direct lightning strikes and are typically used in outdoor environments. Type II surge protectors protect against transient voltage surges and are often used indoors. In the case of subpanels, a Class I+II/Class 1+2 surge protector is recommended to ensure the highest level of protection.
Be sure to follow specific precautions when installing and using surge protectors. Surge protectors must be pluggable so they can be easily replaced without interrupting electrical service. Additionally, surge protectors must comply with IEC 61643-31:2018 EN 50539-11:2013+A1:2014 guidelines. It is also important to ensure that the protective element of the surge protector is a high energy MOV.
When installing a surge protector on a subpanel, attention must be paid to the protection mode: (DC+) - PE and (DC-) - PE. This feature ensures that the surge protector detects and neutralizes any surges that may occur on the positive or negative side of the current flow.
Finally, it is important to pay attention to the surge rating when choosing a surge protector. The surge rating determines how much energy a surge protector can absorb before failing. According to industry standards, surge protectors should have a surge rating of In = 20 kA (8/20 μs). It is critical to choose a surge protector with an adequate surge rating to ensure effective protection of equipment during power surges.
In conclusion, using a surge protector for your subpanel is essential to protect your electrical equipment and prevent damage from electrical surges. When selecting a surge protector, the product's environmental use, precautions for use, and compatibility with the subpanel's electrical setup must be considered. Additionally, following industry standards for surge protectors will help ensure the highest level of protection and safety.
Post time: May-16-2023