How to select the right SPD for solar, EV & smart building installations
What is that one common thing between solar plants, EV charging stations, and smart buildings? They all rely on sensitive electronics! So, electronic technologies make a system smarter; they also make it vulnerable to electrical disturbances, such as voltage surges. Per the U.S. National Lightning Safety Institute, lightning and power surges cause billions of dollars in damage to electrical equipment each year. Hence, it is critical to pick the correct surge protection device (SPD) for modern installations. Let us discuss how to choose the right SPD for your system. Where do surges come from? Is lightning the only cause? No. In reality, most surges originate inside the facility itself. Yes, shocking, right? Studies show that switching operations in motors, transformers, and power electronics generate frequent transient spikes. This makes it crucial to protect the system not just from external lightning, but also fr...