Industrial Surge Protection in Six Steps - LC Automation Help to Make it Easy for You
Power Surges are an important issue for UK manufacturing companies. They can lead to component failures and extended periods of downtime - a killer for any manufacturer. And you may be surprised to know that most are not caused by lightning strikes!
If you supply control panels into the manufacturing industry, that means it is also an important issue for you - and there are legal requirements that back that up in the 2nd Amendment of the 18th Edition Wiring Regs.
Read; Do I Need Industrial Surge Protection in the UK? 
So, if you're new to Surge Protection, how do you get started? As usual, LC Automation has your back with a simple 6-step plan. Click here to download your copy
Step 1: System Assessment
Identify if surge protection is already in place. Type 1 protection should usually be installed where power enters the building at the meter to reduce the impact of external surges. Check if that is the case.
Assess the system to determine vulnerable areas where surges are more likely to occur. In the UK, lightning strikes will probably be less important than other factors, such as the result of a power failure, or electrical disturbances from within the building.
Calculate the overall power requirements of your system. Ensure your surge protection solution can cope with the voltage levels and current specifications of your requirement.
Step 2: Risk Analysis and Production Selection
Based on the system assessment, conduct a risk analysis to prioritise areas that require surge protection the most. Consider the potential impact of surges on equipment functionality, downtime costs, and the overall safety of the system.
Select reliable surge protection devices (SPDs) from a trusted supplier, we recommend the excellent Weidmuller VARITECTOR range . Pay attention to factors such as voltage ratings, response times, and compatibility with the system's characteristics. Ensure your chosen SPDs cover all critical points in the system to provide comprehensive protection.
Step 3: Installation Planning
Your SPD's need to be installed at strategic points within your control panel to protect your critical components depending on the pathway of electrical lines and potential entry points for surges. Where you have cable runs of 10m or more from the mains SPD, you will also need additional surge protection to protect against internally generated transients.
Proper grounding is also essential for diverting excess energy safely to prevent damage to your connected equipment. Always follow the manufacturers guidelines for grounding.
Step 4: Installation and Testing
Follow the manufacturer installation guidelines, and make sure you adhere to the latest wiring regulations during installation. Properly secure your SPDs and check your connections to enhance their effectiveness.
After installation, perform functional testing of the surge protection system. Verify the SPDs are operating & provide the expected level of protection. Address any issues straight away.
Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance
Schedule regular monitoring and maintenance checks to inspect the surge protection system and ensure all components are in good condition. Address any wear and tear, corrosion, or damaged components.
Educate your customers on the importance of surge protection and how to recognise any potential issues. Provide guidance on reporting unusual electrical behaviour or equipment malfunctions promptly.
Step 6: Get in Touch with LC Automation
This 6-step process is designed to get you started with surge protection, or as a checklist for more established users. But LC Automation, backed by Weidmuller experts, are still here to support you, answer questions, or help to specify the right surge protection for your panel.
We are here to help you to establish a robust surge protection system that not only safeguards your customers equipment but also contributes to long-term reliability and customer satisfaction. Remember, the LC Automation team is available for support and guidance throughout the entire process, just give us a call on 01254 685900.
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