Upgrading Your Lighting: Essential Steps to Boost Surge Protection in NEMA Controllers
This era of technology demands efficient lighting systems in all parts of the city. NEMA (National Electric Manufacturers Association) interface lighting controllers help make lighting across various applications. They work well in industrial and commercial settings. Controllers should be reliable enough to provide adequate illumination levels throughout the day.
Yet, there is a significant threat to the lighting systems, it is the electrical surges that occur due to power outages, and lightning strikes. Such issues can destroy your lighting systems, so we need to take some adequate measures to protect them. In this guide, we will look into some practical steps to upgrade the surge protection of NEMA interface lighting controllers.
What is Surge protection?
Before we start, let’s have a brief look into what surge protection is. Electrical surges are brief and sudden spikes in the voltage. It exceeds the normal operating voltage. These surges can vary in magnitude and duration. External surges include surges from lightning strikes or any other natural phenomenon, while internal surges come from the machinery itself. Surge protection is the measure used to protect your system against these spikes in voltage.
Assessing Current Surge Protection
Before you go into upgrading the surge protection measures, you should know the effectiveness of the existing protection. This assessment helps to identify any weakness and guide you in selecting the appropriate upgrades.
Before you begin you need to have some tools that will aid you in the assessment process;
- Surge testers: It is specialized surgeon equipment to simulate the surge events. It measures the response of your SPDs. It tells you if they can absorb and dissipate the excess energy or not.
- Voltage Monitors: They continuously track the voltage elves and identify transient events. It gives you valuable data.
- Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect the surge protection devices for physical damage or any sign of degradation. Check the connections and enclosures.
These tools will assist you in the assessment process. You have to focus on two major points, the inspection of current surge protection devices and identifying their weak points. Examine the type placement and conditions of existing SPDs by looking for any sign of damage. Check if there is any area prone to electrical surges such as unprotected entry points.
Pick the Right Surge protection device
Once you are aware of your current system and its reliability, you need to choose a device for it. A reliable surge protection device can save your whole system. It protects the NEMA interface lighting system against sudden voltage spikes. It will decrease the risk of damage and enhance its functionality.
Criteria for Selection
- Voltage rating: The voltage rating of SPD should match or exceed the nominal voltage of your system. Incorrect voltage rating can cause damage to the device itself.
- Energy Absorption Capacity: SPDs should have a high energy absorption capacity that is measured in joules. It indicates the amount of energy the device will absorb before it fails.
- Response Time:Pick SPDs that have the highest response times. It is ideally in nanoseconds. A quick response time means that SPD will react immediately to the surge.
- Clamping Voltage: It is the voltage where SPD starts to conduct and divert surge energy, Lower clamping voltage will give you better protection.
- Mode of protection: SPDs have different types of modes of protection, and some provide multiple modes. We have line-to-neutral, line-to-ground, and neutral-to-ground modes commonly available. Pick a device that includes all of them together.
Practical Tips for selection of SPDs
- Choose an SPD that is specifically designed for lighting systems. It should be compatible with the NEMS interface controllers.
- The selected SPD should be suitable for the environmental conditions where they will be installed. Consider factors such as temperatures, humidity, and exposure to dust or chemicals.
- Select SPDs that comply with the relevant standards. Compliance ensures that your device has been tested for performance and safety.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for SPD selection and installation. This will confirm adequate protection.
Types of Surge protectors Suitable for NEMA controllers
Different types of SPDs provide various levels of reaction and are suited to different applications. Here are the most common types of surge protectors.
Metal Oxide Varistors
As a result, they can absorb a huge amount of energy, while remaining cost-effective at the same time. They have a fast response time and high absorption capacity. however, they may degrade over time with frequent surges.
Gas Discharge Tubes
GDTs are ultimately an inert gas that will conduct surge energy when a specified voltage threshold is exceeded. They can handle high currents. It is suitable for high energy surges and they have a long life span. Their response time is slower in combination with metal oxide varistors.
Transient Voltage Suppression diodes
TVS diodes provide precise clamping voltage and fast response times. It makes them an ideal choice for protecting sensitive electronic systems. The response time is very fast. It works well with low-energy surges.
Hybrid Devices
Hybrid SPDs combine multiple technologies such as MOVs, GDTs, and TVS diodes. This will provide exceptional protection as it utilizes various technologies. This is usually more expensive than a single technology SPD, but the amount of protection you get is insane.
Final Thoughts
Surge protection devices are an essential component of lighting systems that work with the NEMA interface. If you are not using SPDs, your entire lighting system can fail. It will cause a huge loss of resources and time. So, before this happens, choose a compatible surge protection device. It will make your system efficient and reliable, You will not need to worry about its failure from electrical surges. You can include these devices in your existing systems but make sure you check their compatibility before purchasing!
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