Surge Protection
Think about how much we depend upon electrical equipment. Computerized components, or small scale electrical devices form an integral part of everything from fire safety systems, computers servers, proprietary equipment and machinery, all the way to automated processes within power stations or refineries. We need these electrical elements in order for our organizations to function, and to remain safe.
Now imagine all of those electrical elements failing with less than a second to warn or prepare.
This nightmare scenario can happen at any time as a result of fault electrical current or lightning activity. Traditionally we consider surge protection devices to address the threats of low-scale over voltages transmitted from a power supplier. In industrial zones the hazard of electrical surges is more likely to be caused by switching processes or variable speed drives. In buildings within close proximity to light or heavy rail networks travelling carriages may result in fluctuations to service, which can damage sensitive electrical equipment. In truth there are numerous potential causes for transient over voltages which can compromise the serviceability and safety of a building.
The most dramatic element that can cause surge hazards is the least predictable; being lightning. Lightning can vary in intensity, frequency and duration. If a building does not have effective surge protection measures and is unfortunate enough to be struck by a powerful bolt of lightning, or be within its sphere of electromagnetic influence, it will easily destroy electrical elements within. Unlike proximity of a structure to a facility or system which may cause transient over voltages, it is impossible to state where lightning will strike. With that being said, just because lightning is erratic does not mean that the threats that it poses cannot be managed effectively.
The applicable lightning protection standard IEC BS EN 62305:2006 demands that surge protection devices be incorporated into a system in order to obtain compliance. The FM Sudafix Group can provide a fully compliant coordinated surge protection system to support your existing safety provision or to be integrated within your IEC BS EN 62305:2006 lightning protection system.
All surge protection system designs are supported by devices available in the FM Sudafix product range.
