Surge protection devices help to protect devices and equipment against changes in the electrical current running through the system. Current spikes or transients can cause significant damage to equipment and is also a safety hazard. You can learn more in our guide to industrial surge protection.

What are surge protection devices used for?

Surge protection devices involve the use of surge suppressors or protectors and surge arresters.

Suppressors protect equipment from voltage spikes. They block or short to ground the current in, for instance, power distribution panels, process control systems and heavy industrial systems.

Arresters protect machinery from external occurrences that cause over-voltage transients like lightning strikes or switching events. These are installed in power transmission and distribution systems.

Types of surge protection devices

Four primary types of industrial surge protection exist:

Secondary surge arresters fixed to the line side of the service panel to protect against current surges from lightning or switching events.
Branch surge panels are fixed to the load side of the main service entrance and offer protection against motor driven and internally generated surges.
Power strips protect sensitive electronics with lower voltage and ampere capabilities by blocking current spikes.
Surge protection modules provide point-of-use protection by protecting against overvoltage and current spikes.