Analysis Of The Main Functions Of Surge Protectors And Power Surge Protectors

The difference between surge protectors and current surge shields isn't significant; the main difference lies in their functional application. In modern electrical equipment and systems, surge protective device and current surge shields are two common terms that often lead to confusion. The following section details the differences between the two.

Surge Protectors

surge protector are a specific type of current surge shield, primarily used to protect sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, communication equipment, and household appliances. surge protection device are typically designed as plug-in devices, inserted between a wall socket and the device, or integrated into a power strip.

The principle of surge protectors is similar to that of current surge shields, but they generally focus more on suppressing smaller surges, especially those small voltage spikes caused by motor starting or stopping, switching operations, etc. Components in surge protectors also include MOVs and TVSs, but due to their application environment, the design may be more compact.

Current Surge Shields

The main function of current surge shields is to protect electrical equipment from damage caused by instantaneous high voltages. These high voltages are typically caused by lightning strikes, power grid switching, or other electrical interference. SPDs are typically installed on switchboards, control panels, or inside equipment to divert surge energy to ground, thereby protecting the equipment.

Surge protectors operate by using components such as varistors (MOVs), gas discharge tubes (GDTs), or transient voltage suppressor diodes (TVS). When a high voltage is detected, these components rapidly reduce their resistance, diverting current to ground. SPDs have extremely fast response times, typically on the order of nanoseconds, ensuring equipment is protected from transient overvoltages.