24
Making the Right Surge-Suppression Technology Choices
"It can be said that
the production
costs of inserting
adequate protections
should always be
commensurate with
the cost of returns from
the field, as well as with
the level of customer
satisfaction."
Ivan Fumagalli,
Project Manager,
Robertshaw
Within each technology type is a range of components that vary in their voltage, power,
operating temperature ranges, and other electrical specifications. To choose the right
surge protection components for a given application, you must minimally determine the
following elements:
• Maximum continuous operating voltage; maximum reverse working voltage.
Choose a component with a maximum rated voltage that is higher than the line voltage.
• Peak current. Choose a value larger than the maximum current that will flow during a
surge event; measured in amps.
• Peak power. Choose a value larger than the peak power that a surge event generates;
measured in watts.
• Clamping voltage. Choose a value that is below the minimum voltage that the
downstream circuitry can withstand during a surge event.
In practice, these calculations are complex. Also, most surge-suppression solutions work
in conjunction with other surge- and current-limiting technologies installed internally and
externally to a facility. Because of the many physical and economic factors involved in
choosing the right technology, consider support from a component vendor so that you can
make the best choices.
