.png)
Key Summary
Frequent Malaysian thunderstorms cause voltage spikes, risking electronics and power systems.
Surge protection devices (SPDs) are vital for safeguarding electronics and preventing outages in LV switchboards.
SPDs redirect excessive voltage, blocking, or grounding above safe levels.
SPD types: Type 1 for external (lightning), Type 2 for internal, and Type 3 for both.
Malaysia needs Type 1 SPDs due to storms; install them at entry points.
Regular maintenance: check voltage, response, and current; replace worn SPDs.
Essential SPDs in Malaysia: select, install, and maintain for protection.
Malaysia is a country that is prone to frequent thunderstorms, which can cause significant damage to electronic equipment and power systems. These thunderstorms can generate voltage spikes and surges that can destroy circuit boards, processors, and other components in electronic equipment, leading to costly repairs and replacements.
In addition, voltage surges can also cause power outages, leading to significant losses for businesses and other organizations. To protect against these issues, it is crucial to install surge protection devices (SPD) in low-voltage (LV) switchboards. SPDs are designed to limit the voltage supplied to an electrical device by either blocking or shorting to ground any unwanted voltage above a safe threshold. This helps to divert excess voltage away from sensitive electronic equipment, preventing damage and power outages.
There are various types of SPDs available on the market, each with its own unique characteristics. Type 1 SPDs are primarily used to protect against external transients, such as lightning strikes. Type 2 SPDs are designed to protect against internal transients caused by switching loads and other equipment. Type 3 SPDs provide protection against both external and internal transients, and are commonly used in critical applications where protection against both types of surges is required.
In Malaysia, due to the frequent thunderstorms, it is particularly important to use Type 1 SPDs to protect against external transients. These SPDs should be installed at the point of entry for the electrical supply, such as at the utility meter or at the main service panel. This helps to ensure that voltage spikes and surges are diverted away from electronic equipment before they can cause damage.
In addition to selecting the right type of SPD and installing it in the appropriate location, it is also important to regularly check and maintain the SPD to ensure that it is functioning properly. This includes checking the voltage rating, the response time and the current rating to ensure the SPD is adequate for the application. And if the SPD is showing signs of aging or damage, it should be replaced to ensure proper protection.
In summary, Surge protection devices (SPD) are crucial to protect electronic equipment and prevent power outages in low voltage (LV) switchboards in Malaysia, where frequent thunderstorms can cause voltage spikes and surges that can damage electronic equipment and cause power outages. It is important to select the right type of SPD, such as Type 1 SPDs for external transients, and to install it in the appropriate location, like the point of entry for the electrical supply, and to maintain it properly, check and replace it if necessary to ensure proper protection.
