October 31, 2016
Hardwired Surge Protection Installation
Surge Protector For Dallas Homeowners
Many homeowners believe that adequate surge protection begins and ends with plugging their computer into a power strip. Unfortunately, that’s seldom the case. First of all, not all surge protectors live up to their name; some are little more than glorified extension cords. Second, a surge will follow any wire into a house — phone and cable lines included — and threaten fax and answering machines, televisions, satellite systems, computers, and modems.
Protecting your whole house from electrical surges is very important. Either install one yourself or have it done for you.
Correct Installation of Hard-Wired Surge Protective Device
It is very important to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Pay particular attention to fuse or breaker requirements and lead lengths.
It is also important that the electrical distribution system be grounded and bonded per the National Electrical Code®. Failure to do so may result in damage to the surge protective device (SPD).
The performance of parallel-connected transient voltage SPDs is affected by the connecting leads. Both the wire size and length used to connect the SPD will influence its performance.
Connecting Leads:
Transients have fast-rising wave-fronts. Typically the rate of rise of the current (di/dt) associated with surges can be 100 amps per microsecond or faster. The self-inductance (L) of the connecting wiring is significant (0.1 uH per foot) and can hinder suppression of high voltages during passage of the wavefront.
The voltage drop (V = L di/dt) across the connecting leads is added to the voltage across the suppression elements thus degrading the SPD’s performance by increasing the residual voltage.
Example of Manufacturer’s Installation Procedure:
Locate the SPD as close as possible to the panel to be protected.
Drill and punch a hole in the SPD housing in a position to minimize the length of the connecting wires from the lugs of the SPD to the circuit breaker in the adjacent panel (or fused disconnect lugs).
Where possible, use a close-nippled connection with wires going directly to the first breaker at the top of a panel. This ensures optimum protection of all loads connected to the panel.
Use AWG #10 stranded wire or larger (which is readily available and easily installed) to connect between the SPD and the breaker panel. Avoid sharp bends and excess length in the wiring. Neat and tidy installations are not necessarily the most effective ones. Short direct connections are best.
SPDs should be connected through an appropriately rated circuit breaker not into the main lugs of the panel. Where circuit breakers are unavailable or impractical, a fused disconnect switch should be used to connect to the lines and facilitate servicing of the SPD.
NOTE: This example represents one of many acceptable ways to install hard-wired SPDs. Check with the manufacturer for suggested installation procedures.
The three types of SPD:
- Type 1 SPD
The Type 1 SPD is recommended in the specific case of service-sector and industrial buildings, protected by a lightning protection system or a meshed cage.
It protects electrical installations against direct lightning strokes. It can discharge the back-current from lightning spreading from the earth conductor to the network conductors.
Type 1 SPD is characterized by a 10/350 µs current wave.
- Type 2 SPD
The Type 2 SPD is the main protection system for all low voltage electrical installations. Installed in each electrical switchboard, it prevents the spread of overvoltages in the electrical installations and protects the loads.
Type 2 SPD is characterized by an 8/20 µs current wave.
- Type 3 SPD
These SPDs have a low discharge capacity. They must therefore mandatorily be installed as a supplement to Type 2 SPD and in the vicinity of sensitive loads.Type 3 SPD is characterized by a combination of voltage waves (1.2/50 μs) and current waves (8/20 μs).
Tips About Surge Protector
Surge protectors monitor the electrical power in your home continuously and instantaneously disconnect when a surge is detected, preventing damaging voltage from reaching sensitive electronics. Surge protection is available at two levels: point-of-use and whole-house. Call (214) 238-8353 us for your home service and repair needs,
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