How to choose a suitable surge protector for your device?

2025.04.21



When choosing a surge protector that suits your device, you need to consider the following aspects:


Determine the protection level and installation location 1:


First level protection: usually installed in the building's main distribution box or main distribution cabinet, used to deal with direct lightning or strong lightning current impact, suitable for Class I testing surge protectors, with high discharge current capability requirements.


Second level protection: generally installed in subsequent protection areas such as distribution boxes and machine room distribution boxes, mainly to protect against induced lightning and small lightning surges, using surge protectors tested in Class II.


Third level protection: Installed near the terminal equipment, using Class II or III test surge protectors to protect against low amplitude lightning surges or operating overvoltages.


Select the main parameter 1 based on the protected equipment:


Impulse current capability: The first level protection requires Iimp (10/350 μ s waveform) to withstand strong lightning current impulse; Subsequent protection requires that the nominal discharge current of In (8/20 μ s waveform) meet the requirements.


Protection level (Up): The limiting voltage (Up) of the surge protector should be lower than the impulse voltage (Uw) of the protected equipment. It is recommended to choose a surge protector with Up ≤ Uw.


Rated operating voltage (Uc): The rated voltage of the surge protector should be greater than or equal to the operating voltage of the line and meet the system type, such as single-phase, three-phase, or DC.


Considering the length of the circuit and the decoupling device 1: If the length of the circuit between the voltage switch type and the voltage limiting type surge protector is less than 10 meters, or the length of the circuit between the voltage limiting type surge protector is less than 5 meters, a decoupling device needs to be installed. If the surge protector has the function of automatic energy coordination, the length of the circuit is not limited and the decoupling device can be omitted.


Pay attention to installation details 1: The connecting wires should be as short and straight as possible, with a total length of ≤ 0.5 meters, to reduce the influence of inductance. Surge protectors should also be equipped with overcurrent protection devices and have degradation indication functions for easy detection and maintenance.


Reference lightning protection level 1: Select the appropriate surge protector based on the lightning protection zone (LPZ) and specific requirements of the system. For example, for Class I surge protectors from LPZ0A to LPZ1, the impulse current (Iimp) is generally required to be above 25kA; The Class II surge protector at the back end of the distribution line has a nominal discharge current (In) of around 20kA; The protection level (Up) of Class III surge protectors for terminal devices should be as low as 1.5kV.


Consider special requirement 1: If it is a DC power supply system, a suitable DC surge protector should be selected according to the DC voltage level (such as 48V, 110V). For special environments with humidity, dust, or corrosive gases, surge protectors with protection levels (such as IP rating) or corrosion resistance characteristics should be selected.


Choose common models and brands: Surge protectors produced by well-known brands and reputable manufacturers provide better quality and performance assurance. Selection can be made based on specific needs and budgets, taking into account the product characteristics and technical parameters of different brands. At the same time, professional electrical engineers or technicians can also be consulted for more professional advice and guidance.




Hebei Yunhai Zhicheng Electric Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise dedicated to technological innovation, product innovation, and management innovation in the power electronics industry, integrating product research and development, production, sales, and service in the power electronics industry.


Main products: Emergency Power Supply (EPS), Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), Fire automatic inspection cabinet, lead-acid battery, lithium battery pack, photovoltaic inverter power supply, fire emergency lighting system, AC/DC screen SDP surge protectors, photovoltaic combiner boxes/grid connected cabinets and other new energy electronic and electrical products.


The company has passed the IS09001 international quality management system certification, IS014001 environmental management system certification, IS045001 health system certification, AAA enterprise credit certification. Its products have obtained national product type inspection reports, 3 ℃ certificates, China Energy Conservation Certification, and multiple patent certificates and software copyright certificates. In 2023, it was recognized as a technology-based small and medium-sized enterprise and a national high-tech enterprise certification in Hebei Province.


In response to the national "the Belt and Road" policy, a new energy company was established in Shenzhen in 2024: Shenzhen Yunhai Power Technology Co., Ltd. to better serve domestic and foreign customers; Based in Shenzhen and looking globally, the company is expanding its overseas business comprehensively.


In the future, we will further expand our market share and promote the company's development into broader fields. We sincerely look forward to establishing long-term and stable cooperative relationships with domestic and foreign customers, working together for common development and creating a better future,


wen@yhzhch.com
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