Why type 2 surge protection devices Are critical for data centers and IT infrastructure

 

Data centers and second chances? Not possible!

Even a single second of voltage failure can cause corrupted data or interrupt digital services. But people are so engaged in countering other problems like cooling, redundancy, and power backup that many have forgotten the one silent threat: electrical surges. 

That’s where Type 2 Surge Protection Devices come in. This acts as the one protective layer between sensitive IT equipment and the unpredictable electrical environment around it. In this blog, we will discuss why these devices are inevitable for modern data centers and IT infrastructures.

Let’s begin.

1. Data centers face constant internal surge activity
What causes surges? Lightning? Yes, but lightning is not the only reason. In data centers, surges come from within. They come from: 

• Power switching
• UPS systems
• Generators
• Large cooling equipment 

A surge protection device (SPD) installed at distribution panels absorbs spikes and prevents them from reaching network switches, servers, and storage systems. This protection is crucial to avoid slow degradations of electronics and unexpected failures. 

2. Type 2 SPDs protect sensitive and high-value IT equipment

Servers, routers, firewalls, and storage units are extremely sensitive to voltage fluctuations. Even minor disturbances can damage power supplies, motherboards, or interface cards.

A surge protection device type 2 is designed to clamp medium-level surges and divert excess energy safely to ground. This keeps critical IT equipment operating within safe voltage limits and protects long-term performance.

3. They help maintain uptime and service continuity
Downtime in a data center is not just inconvenient. It is expensive and often damaging to a reputation. Type 2 SPDs reduce the risk of unexpected outages by preventing surge-related equipment failures.

When power quality is stable, IT teams spend less time responding to emergencies and more time optimizing performance and capacity. For data centers that operate around the clock, this stability is essential.

4. Improved safety for power and network infrastructure
Surges can cause insulation breakdown, overheating, or even sparks inside electrical panels. In environments packed with power and data cables, this becomes a serious safety risk.

Type 2 SPDs create a safer electrical environment by limiting overvoltages before they escalate. This helps protect not just IT equipment, but also power distribution units, busbars, and cabling systems throughout the facility.

5. Type 2 SPDs work seamlessly with layered protection strategies

Modern data centers use layered protection. External lightning protection, main incoming SPDs, and internal panel protection all work together.

Type 2 SPDs are installed at sub-distribution levels, making them the perfect bridge between primary protection and sensitive loads. This layered approach ensures surges are handled at every stage, from grid entry to server rack.

The bottom line
In this crazy digital age, it's simply imperative that data centers and IT infrastructure get protected from electrical threats. That's why data centers rely on Type 2 Surge Protection Devices. They are the unsung heroes that keep the lights on, ensure uptime, and safeguard all that expensive gear.

Losing focus on surge protection is a risk no organisation can afford. With the right SPDs in place, data centres can run more smoothly, safely and with far less hassle.

With Axis, give your data centre’s power system the defense it needs.

If you are either setting up a new data centre or looking to give an old one a bit of an upgrade, then investing in reliable Type 2 surge protection is one of the smartest moves you can make. Choose our surge protection solutions, proven in high-performance IT environments.

Contact us now.