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

Stay Safe with Surge Protection Devices

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)

How Surge Bars Help

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. 

Commercial Surge Prevention Tips

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.

Industrial Surge Protection Tips

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

Get In Touch

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!

The post How to Prevent Industrial and Commercial Power Surges appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.

If you work in communications and distribution networks, you’re already aware of the critical role Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) play in maintaining system functionality. While SPDs are commonly used for power supply and communication networks, they are also crucial for protecting your lighting systems. If you’ve invested in energy-efficient LED lighting, it’s essential to safeguard that investment. Ensure your LED fixtures are protected by installing surge protection at the distribution panel. LEDs contain sensitive electronics that can be vulnerable to surges, and proper surge protection can help mitigate potential damage and preserve your system’s longevity.

Surge Protection Devices also protect Residential Homes

Mersen’s Surge-Trap® STXH surge protective device adds a critical layer of surge protection for your entire home. From your family room to your office, and your kitchen, your entire electrical system is protected. This simple whole house solution is installed at your load center – out of sight, out of mind.

Featuring Mersen’s industry leading TPMOV® Technology inside, Mersen’s Surge-Trap® SPDs meet the rigorous safety requirements of the UL 1449 4th edition safety standard and need no additional overcurrent protection.

PD Term Definitions

Nominal system voltage

The voltage assigned to a system during regular operation. The surge protector device should match this nominal system voltage.

MCOV

The Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage, this is the maximum voltage the device can withstand before conduction (clamping) begins. It is typically 15-25% higher than the nominal system voltage.

VPR

Voltage Protection Rating. VPR limits the voltage that passes through the SPD during a surge. A lower VPR will protect your devices better. VPR is a clamping voltage measurement that is rounded up to one of a standardized table of values. The standard VPR ratings include 330, 400, 500, 600, 700, etc. As a standardized rating system, VPR allows the direct comparison between like SPDs (i.e. same Type and Voltage).

Nominal Discharge Current (In)

It allows an SPD to resist and function at a peak value of current without damage after repetitive surges (15 total surges). The manufacturer selects the peak value from a predefined level (3kA, 5kA, 10kA, or 20kA) UL has set. This value is used to test the product, having the SPD subject to 15 surges at the chosen curret, 1 minute apart, with rated voltage applied between surges.

SCCR

Short Circuit Current Rating. It is the maximum current an SPD can withstand during a short circuit, allowing to safely disconnect from the power source, without jeopardizing the equipment.

How to Select The Right Surge Protection Device

To select a SPD, there are several considerations to take into account. Here are some advice that will guide you in your search for an SPD.

1. Average design lifespan of electrical equipment should be roughly 30 years, thus SPD selection should fall within this design parameter.

2. Identify what you are trying to protect and the value of the equipment. This will give you an understanding of the level of protection your equipment needs.

3. Locate where the device will be installed. Knowing the location will help you identify the type of SPD needed: Type 1 (service entrance), Type 2 (sub panel), or Type 3 (point of use)

4. Make sure the device has outlets for all your equipment and displays the UL 1449 (safety standards for every SPD) on the box.

Regarding performance ratings, don’t forget to:

1. Specify the appropriate SPD with the highest Nominal Discharge current rating available (i.e., 10kA or 20kA)

2. Specify the appropriate SPD with the highest Peak Surge current rating. This is provided by the SPD manufacturer. The higher the number, the higher longevity SPD has.

3. Specify the appropriate SPD with a high Short Circuit Current rating to match the system’s available short circuit current level

4. Specify the appropriate SPD with Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage, higher than normal voltage fluctuations. This way, it does not exceed the MCOV rating of the SPD. (i.e. 120V system = 150VMCOV)

Why Nominal Discharge Current (In) Matters

If Surge protection devices are OVERVOLTAGE protection . . . then why need to look at Nominal Discharge Current (In) ratings of SPD ?

In UL 1449 3rd edition, it was determined that ALL SPD manufacturers have their product tested to prove performance characteristics. In order to provide standard testing, Nominal Discharge Current (In) rating was chosen for a measure of how robust or rugged an SPD performs. While the SPD is an OVERVOLTAGE protection device, the I2t (discharge energy) that the SPD can handle safely without damage is selected by the manufacturer for the test. Typically Type 1 = 10kA or 20kA, Type 2 = 3kA, 5kA, 10kA or 20kA.

When selecting or specifying an SPD, looking at all other performance characteristics, one should select/specify an SPD with highest Nominal Discharge Current (In) rating. This will provide the greatest degree of longevity for the SPD (based on ACTUAL test results).

Looking at I2t :

• 10kA (In) rated SPD will ONLY take 25% of energy that a 20kA (In) rated SPD will handle
• 5kA (In) rated SPD will ONLY take 6.25% of energy that a 20kA (In) rated SPD will handle
• 3kA (In) rated SPD will ONLY take 2.25% of energy that a 20kA (In) rated SPD will handle

Peak Surge Current rating is a measure of how large, or expected longevity of an SPD is, as given by the manufacturer. Peak Surge Current is NOT a UL 1449, 3rd edition, tested parameter. Rather it is information that each manufacturer determines for their given product.

Mersen Surge Protection Devices in Stock at E.B. Horsman & Son

Did you know? 80% of surges occur WITHIN your own facility! Utilizing a Mersen Surge Protective Device on your electrical distribution panel ensures a high degree of surge protection!

Features:

• ✓ LED indicator to show when protected!
• ✓ Easy Installation
• ✓ TPMOV technology ensures a high level of SURGE protection for minimal investment\

The post Surge Protection Devices Guide appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.

National Plan for Vacation Day, celebrated on the last Tuesday of January, encourages individuals to plan their vacations for the year. It emphasizes the physical and mental health benefits of taking time off and recognizes the positive impact on productivity and overall well-being. Start planning your vacations worry-free with these products available at E.B. Horsman & Son.

Essentials for powering up your Vacations

Smart home automation can be a game-changer for anyone looking to make the most out of their vacation. Ensure that your home is secure, energy-efficient, and ready to welcome you back from your vacations and let electrical innovation be your trusted companion on the journey.

Stay Connected with Smart Cameras and Doorbell Cameras:

Keep an eye on your home from any corner of the globe with smart cameras and doorbell cameras. Receive real-time alerts and video footage directly to your smartphone, ensuring you stay informed about any unusual activities. The Broan NuTone Knock Smart Video Doorbell Camera offers convenience, allowing you to interact with visitors from anywhere in the world.

Enhance Security with Smart Lighting Systems:

Create the illusion of an occupied home by automating your lights. Smart lighting systems like Lutron Caséta can be programmed to mimic your daily routines, turning lights on and off at specific times. This not only enhances security but also deters potential intruders by giving the impression that someone is home.

Ensure Uninterrupted Power with UPS Systems:

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems and generators guarantee that essential appliances remain operational during power outages. If you’re a business owner, Vertiv UPS systems, in particular, deliver a dependable and uninterrupted power supply. This safeguards your equipment even in your absence, ensuring the seamless operation of your business.

Elevate Safety with Mersen’s Advanced Surge Protection Devices:

Elevate your home safety with Mersen Surge Protection Devices. Protect your valuable electronics and appliances from power surges, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your devices. Whether you’re away for a weekend retreat or an extended vacation, these devices act as vigilant guardians, preserving the integrity of your connected devices.

So, go ahead, plan that dream vacation while ensuring that your home is a haven of safety and comfort, even when you’re miles away. Or contact one of our specialists and they will guide you through our variety of products.

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