Surge Protection Highlights – Video Short
From 2017 to 2023, surge protective devices (SPD) have undergone major changes in the requirements set by the National Electrical Code. These changes are designed to better protect people and equipment from power surges. In 2017, surge protection was required for emergency elevators, dumb waiters, escalators, moving walks, platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, and fire pump […]
Prevent Facility Downtime with Surge Protective Devices – Video Short
A recent survey by ESFI and NEMA found that power surges are responsible for over 1/3 of unplanned outages and downtime in facilities across the country. Nearly ¾ of facilities experience unexpected downtime multiple times a year because of power surges. And we all know that downtime can have a significant impact on your bottom […]
Magnetic and Inductive Coupling Surges – Video Short
Power surges can happen anywhere. But 60 to 80% of them originate from equipment inside our buildings and facilities. Power surges can be caused by magnetic and inductive coupling from elevators, HVAC systems, variable frequency drives, computers, and more. Be aware that magnetic and inductive coupling can cause power surges and take steps to protect […]
Healthcare Surge Protection – Video Short
Surge protective devices (SPD) are required for emergency systems and for areas of nursing homes and limited care facilities used exclusively as patients’ sleeping rooms. SPDs protect critical infrastructure that help patients and also prevent the 3 D’s of power surges: destruction, disruption, and degradation. It’s important to be aware of the causes of […]
Common Surge Internal Causes – Video Short
Power surges can happen anywhere. But 60 to 80% of them originate from equipment inside our buildings and facilities. These damaging surges are typically caused by large electrical loads switching off and on like HVAC systems and elevators. Power surges can be caused by switching electrical loads from contactors, relays, and breakers, as well as […]
Common Surge External Causes – Video Short
Power surges can happen anywhere. But 60 to 80% of them originate from equipment inside our buildings and facilities. However, external sources are also known to cause havoc. Indirect lightning events, power grid switching, and damage to power lines or transformers are all capable of causing power surges in your facility. It’s important to be […]
Benefits of Surge Protective Devices – Video Short
Voltage surges can damage equipment and lead to unexpected downtime. While GFCIs, fuses and breakers, and consumer UPSs help meet your facility’s safety requirements, only surge protective devices (SPD) can prevent the three D’s of power surges: destruction, disruptions, and degradation. A power surge can happen so fast that a typical circuit breaker cannot detect […]
Free Webinar – Surge Protective Devices: Protecting Businesses and Homes
ESFI and the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association’s (NEMA) Low Voltage Surge Protective Devices Section present this free webinar, Surge Protective Devices: Protecting Businesses and Homes. For more information on surge protective devices, visit nemasurge.org and esfi.org.
Surge Protective Devices Misconceptions
A recent survey of facility professionals revealed mixed results on the knowledge of surge protection. Only surge protective devices, also known as transient voltage surge suppressors, protect against power surges. Fuses and breakers, GFCIs, wiring, low-cost uninterruptable power supplies, and typical power strips do not. A recent survey found that 79% of facility owners estimated […]
Understanding Surge Protective Devices Survey
In 2021, the Electrical Safety Foundation International surveyed industrial and commercial facility professionals, including managers, owners, building engineers, heads of maintenance, and related occupations. These professionals provided insights regarding power surge incidents and effects, as well as usage of Surge Protective Devices in the facilities they manage. SEE FULL SURVEY RESULTS Common Voltage Surge Causes: […]
What are Surge Protective Devices
Surge protective devices protect against downtime, improve system and data reliability, and reduce electrical failures. Electrical surge damage can be experienced in a single event or as the result of an accumulation of power surges. Lightning and external sources cost the U.S. economy an estimated $5-6 billion per year. A common source of power surges inside […]
What are Power Surges
Surges, or transients, are brief overvoltage spikes or disturbances of a power waveform that can damage, degrade, or destroy electronic equipment within any home, commercial building, or industrial and manufacturing facilities. Transients can reach amplitudes of tens of thousands of volts. Most equipment is designed to handle minor variations in their standard operating voltage. However, surges can […]
