Surge protection devices

What are Surge Protective Devices? 

Surge protection devices (surge protectors) are key components in systems to protect electrical installations from sudden voltage surges that can damage electronic equipment. Surges can be caused by lightning, short circuits in the network, as well as other electrical anomalies. Surge protection devices protect the infrastructure, minimising the risk of damage and providing long-term protection for equipment. 

What are the types of surge protection devices? 

• Lightning arrestors (surge protectors) - Lightning arresters are devices that protect electrical installations from surges caused by lightning. They are installed in the main distribution boards of buildings and are the first line of defence against strong surges. 

• PoE protectors - Specialist devices designed to protect network equipment using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. They protect network infrastructure from surges that can damage both cables and connected devices such as IP cameras, access points or VoIP phones. 

How do I choose the right surge protector? 

1. Maximum surge current 
   When choosing a lightning arrester, pay attention to its maximum surge current, which determines how strong an overvoltage the device can effectively discharge to earth. For example, M40B2 Lightning conductor offers protection at up to 40kA surge current, which is suitable for smaller installations. If you need more protection, i M60B4 Lightning conductor provide protection of up to 60kA, making them more suitable for larger installations or areas with higher surge risk. 

2. Security of network equipment 
   If you want to protect network equipment that uses PoE, choose a specialist PoE protector such as the following Lightning conductor POE6-48. This model offers protection for 1000Mbps networks, which is ideal for protecting modern high-speed Ethernet networks from surges. 

3. Application and location 
   Consider where you plan to install the surge protector. Surge protectors are designed to be installed in distribution boards, where they protect the entire electrical installation. PoE protectors, on the other hand, should be installed close to network equipment that requires additional surge protection. 

4. Compatibility with installation 
   Make sure that the device you choose is compatible with your electrical or network installation. For example, lightning arresters with higher ratings, such as Lightning conductor M60B2 are more suitable for installations with a higher risk of overvoltage.