Why Surge Protection Devices Are More Essential Than Ever

The Increased Need for SPDs

Electrical devices of all types have evolved greatly over the last few decades. They have become increasingly digitalized, providing an amazing array of new functions and features. But those advances come at the cost of increased sensitivity to power fluctuations. Older devices could shrug off most surges, but the more sophisticated circuitry of today’s equipment makes it much more prone to surge damage. Those surges may be more frequent than you imagine.

If you’ve ever noticed a slight dimming of lights when a piece of equipment is switched on, you’re seeing a power surge. These surges may be relatively low in intensity, but they have a cumulative effect. They add up over time, degrading and damaging electrical equipment.

Changing Code Requirements

NEC code has long ensured appropriate surge protection for critical electrical applications like emergency facilities, renewable energy sites, and elevators. Recognizing the increased sensitivity of much modern electrical equipment, the 2020 NEC code expanded SPD requirements to include eight additional applications or types of equipment. Not all states have adopted the 2020 version, but it is only a matter of time until they do. The fact that all new homes being built must include surge protection indicates the value of these protective devices.

New Applications, New SPD Needs

With more sensitive electrical devices located throughout most commercial buildings and facilities, engineers are increasingly taking a cascading protection scheme. Rather than a single SPD located at the service entrance, multiple SPDs are located throughout the system, for example at each motor control center or panelboard, and sometimes at specific pieces of equipment.

Facility managers are rapidly moving away from costly, high maintenance lighting types, replacing them with brighter and far more efficient LEDs. These LEDs, like other current generation electrical devices, are more sensitive to voltage fluctuations than older technology. A great example of the value of SPDs was the deployment of LED parking lot lighting by a national retailer. While the project delivered the promised energy savings, those were offset by the increased maintenance costs, much of it due to surge related failures. The company subsequently added SPDs, reducing lighting maintenance costs by 90%, with a six month return on their investment in surge protection.

Added Features

SPDs may include features to indicate their status or condition. Some have a counter that tallies surge events. However, the parameters for measurable events vary between manufacturers. Some count even slight variations in power levels. This enables the manufacturer both to overstate the importance of the SPD and to encourage premature replacement.

In fact, most line voltage has frequent but inconsequential voltage changes. That may make this an unreliable way of knowing the actual remaining useful life of the SPD. Before relying on these counters to assess the remaining life of the SPD, inquire about the parameters used to identify a “countable” power event.

An alternative, and more reliable, feature is an end-of-life indicator located on the front of the SPD that provides at-a-glance confirmation that the SPD needs to be replaced.

In some applications, the availability of auxiliary contacts on the SPD can be valuable. They enable maintenance or operations managers to remotely monitor the device status, reducing the need to physically visit and assess SPD condition. This also adds safety by preventing the need for a maintenance person to open a panel or piece of equipment to check the SPD.

Some SPDs are designed with a “consumable” element, a pluggable cartridge that contains the actual sensor. In applications where SPDs require frequent replacement, the cartridges can be quickly replaced, while the base and wiring remain intact. This makes replacement a simple and speedy maintenance task.

For basic applications where downtime doesn’t create a major problem, a lower-cost essential system will serve your needs well. For motor starting that requires more sophisticated features and functions, the added cost of an enhanced or advanced design is more than recovered in reduced risk to people, processes and assets..

USPDs for All Applications

SPDs are moving from the realm of “accessories” toward “necessities.” The ever-increasing number of more sophisticated and more power quality sensitive electrical devices is driving a surge in the demand for SPDs. The additional investment is consistently paid back in the protection it provides for equipment. Beyond the repair or replacement cost for surge damaged equipment, there’s also the associated maintenance cost, as well as the downtime involved.

OEMs and panel builders should consider a more proactive approach in their equipment and panel designs, building in the protection offered by SPDs. Doing so will often save significant costs and headaches down the line.

Whatever your application or customer needs, Wesco and ABB can connect you with the right SPDs from top manufacturers. If you could use help understanding how to incorporate SPDs into your products, our technical experts can also provide valuable training and expertise.