Surge Protectors (SPs) are used to safeguard electronic devices in electrical systems from the harm of surge voltages. Surge voltage refers to a sudden and sharp increase in voltage, forming spike pulses. The causes include lightning strikes, power system failures, or other factors. Such voltage spikes can lead to damage or malfunctions in electronic equipment.
Table of Contents
Working Principle of Surge Protectors with Remote Signaling Function
Surge protectors usually rely on the remote signaling function to achieve protection. Remote signaling is an electrical signal that indicates whether the protector is in normal operation or a surge event has occurred.
1. Voltage Monitoring
Surge protectors continuously monitor voltage changes in the power system. When the detected voltage exceeds the set surge protection level, the protector will respond.
2. Triggering Protective Action
Once the voltage exceeds the set surge protection level, the surge protector will trigger a protective action, usually by introducing a low – impedance path to direct the overvoltage to the ground.
3. Sending Telecommunication Signals
After the protective action is triggered, the surge protector indicates its own status through a telecommunication signal. This telecommunication signal can be a switching signal to show whether the protector has triggered a protective action.
4. Monitoring Telecommunication Signals
Electronic devices or systems can monitor this telecommunication signal to understand the status of the surge protector. If the telecommunication signal indicates that the protector has triggered a protective action, the device can take appropriate measures, such as disconnecting from the electrical system or warning the operator.
It should be noted that the implementation of telecommunication for specific surge protectors may vary depending on different devices and systems. Telecommunication signals can be transmitted in various ways, such as through electrical signals, network communications, or other means of communication. Therefore, the specific implementation details may differ among different surge protectors.
Working Principle of Surge Protectors without Telemetry Function
Surge protectors without the telemetry function are usually based on a passive protection mechanism. Their main function is to suppress the impact of surge voltages by limiting the current flowing through the equipment. The following is the general working principle of such surge protectors:
1. Components of Surge Protectors
A surge protector generally consists of one or more surge suppression components, such as Gas Discharge Tubes (GDTs) or Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs). These components have high – voltage response characteristics and will provide a low – impedance path when the voltage exceeds their operating thresholds.
2. Overvoltage Detection
Surge protectors monitor voltage changes in the power system. When the voltage exceeds the operating threshold of the surge protector components, the protector will respond.
3. Limiting Current Flow
Once the surge protector detects an overvoltage, it will respond quickly and provide a low – impedance path to direct the current to the ground. This can limit the passage of overvoltage through the equipment or system’s circuitry, protecting subsequent electronic devices from surge voltages.
4. No Telemetry Feedback
Surge protectors without the telemetry function usually do not provide feedback signals about their status or protective actions. This means that other devices or systems cannot directly obtain the trigger status or health condition of the protector.
It should be noted that surge protectors without the telemetry function are generally regarded as a basic level of protection, and their main function is to achieve the suppression and limitation of surge voltages. For situations where a higher level of monitoring and feedback is required so that the equipment or system can take appropriate measures in response to surge events, surge protectors with telemetry functions can be selected. Such protectors can provide real – time status information, enabling the equipment or system to better respond to and manage surge events.
The Role of Status Indicator Lights on Surge Protectors
Even without a telecommunication terminal, some surge protectors are equipped with indicator lights to determine whether they need to be replaced.
1. Normal Operation Status Indication
When the surge protector is operating normally, the indicator light may turn on or show a green color, indicating that the protector is in a normal state and can effectively suppress surge voltages.
2. Fault or Expiration Indication
Some surge protectors have a service life or expiration date. The indicator light may turn red or go out to indicate that the protector has malfunctioned or exceeded its recommended service life. This means that the protector needs to be replaced to ensure effective surge protection.
3. Fault Status Indication
If the surge protector malfunctions or is subjected to excessive surge voltage surges, the indicator light may flash or turn red, indicating that the protector is in a fault state and needs to be repaired or replaced.
These indicator lights can help users or maintenance personnel quickly understand the working status of the surge protector, providing a certain degree of feedback and guidance. However, it should be noted that these indicator lights usually provide limited information and cannot detail the specific protective capabilities of the surge protector or the details of the surge event. For more precise monitoring and feedback requirements, using a surge protector with telemetry capabilities may be more appropriate.
About LEEYEE:
Established in 2009, LEEYEE is a specialized manufacturer of surge protective devices (SPDs). We own the certificates of CE, CB, ISO9001, and TUV. In addition, we support customization options for color appearance, parameters, and logos. Welcome to consult for product catalogs and inquiries, you can contact us via email atdevin@cnspd.com.
