Protecting Industrial Machinery from Transient Surges Using Type 2 SPDs

Unexpected shutdowns are common in factories. But why? Even after using the best equipment in the market! The cause behind this is invisible but destructive: transient voltage surges. 

These microsecond spikes can damage sensitive machinery, corrupt automation systems, and shorten the life of industrial assets. That’s why industries must choose Type 2 surge protection devices (SPDs) for protecting machines from unpredictable electrical disturbances.

In this blog, we will discuss their importance and why you must implement them in your safety strategy.

Let’s start!

 

What are transient surges, and why do they happen?

Transient surges may come from motor switching, large inductive loads, lightning events, or VFDs. They are sudden, short electric bursts.

Direct strikes are rare on buildings, but even a nearby lightning strike or faulty grounding can still affect your system through dangerous spikes. This can be harmful for motors, control panels, and PLCs.

1. Type 2 SPDs protect against the most common surges

A surge protection device type 2 acts as the second line of defense in an industrial electrical network. Installed at distribution boards, MCC panels, and sub-panels, these SPDs suppress medium-level surges, especially the ones caused by switching operations and indirect lightning.

They keep your equipment safe by diverting excess voltage to the earth before it reaches connected devices.

2. They extend the life of industrial machinery

Surges do not damage electronic equipment instantly, but they cause slow degradation that is invisible initially. 

A surge protection SPD protects the device from wear and tear, resulting in extended operational life of sensitive parts like robotics, VFDs, servo motors, and power electronics.

3. SPDs prevent costly downtime and production losses

Sudden voltage spikes can lead to unexpected failures, which can disrupt entire production lines, causing downtime. Thus, it is essential to prevent these voltage spikes from reaching machinery. 

Type 2 SPDs offer smooth operations, save maintenance costs, and prevent chain reaction breakdowns across interconnected systems.

4. Enhanced safety for operators and infrastructure

Transient surges don’t just affect equipment; they can trigger sparks, insulation failure, and even small fires inside panels.

Using SPDs reduces these risks significantly, helping maintain a safe working environment. Your electrical infrastructure stays more stable, reducing hazards for technicians, operators, and maintenance teams.

5. Complements external lightning protection systems

Even when facilities use lightning arrestors, internal surges can still sneak in through power lines or data cables. Knowing the ESE lightning arrester price or installing the best external protection won’t be enough unless internal circuits are also guarded.

SPDs form an internal protection layer that complements external systems, preventing residual surge energy from damaging control panels. Partnering with the right lightning arrester manufacturer ensures that both external and internal protections work together as a complete system.

Wrapping up

Industrial environments are getting more digitally connected, where downtimes can be expensive. This makes Type 2 SPDs essential as these devices offer a consistent electrical system, protection to sensitive connections, and ensure uninterrupted operations. 

Ready to safeguard your equipment?

Axis offers reliable surge protection solutions, Type 2 SPDs, lightning arrestors, grounding systems, and panel protection. We help industries choose the ideal setup for their facility.

If you are looking for reliability, reach out today and take the first step toward safer, surge-proof industrial operations.