Power Panels & Critical Equipment Surge Protection

How To Surge Protect Service Entrance, Distribution, Critical Equipment Panels and Circuits

Main Electrical Service Entrance: TK-TTLP-3Y208-FL
As the primary defense against external surges, the main service entrance is crucial.

Surge Protect Distribution Panels: TPX-3Y208-F-100
Surge protectors at secondary panels or distribution boards provide added protection, especially panels feeding rooftop or other outside equipment. Also, filtering protects equipment from transients generated by equipment fed from the distribution panels.

Surge Protect Critical Equipment Panels: TPX-3Y208-F-100
Panels dedicated to critical or sensitive equipment, like server rooms, medical equipment, or manufacturing controls, should have their own surge protection.

Surge Protect Lighting Panels: TPX-3Y308-F
Surges can find their way into any system from any direction. Surge protection is required at the lighting panel to ensure adequate protection for the LED lighting system, including processor and lighting circuitry.

Surge Protect Disconnects and Transfer Switches: TPX-3Y208-CN
Some equipment such as HVAC equipment and transfer switches not only need protection for their own electronics but require protection so it does not affect the rest of the building.

The Importance of Surge Protection for All Power Panels and Critical Equipment

Integrating surge protection throughout a commercial building's power system from the service entrance to individual branch circuits is a comprehensive approach to protecting not only the critical equipment but also the entire electrical infrastructure. This approach ensures optimal performance, reduces downtime due to equipment failure, and extends the lifespan of both critical and everyday operational systems. Layering surge protection is an investment in both the protection and the efficiency of the building's operations.

Main Electrical Service Entrance
The main service entrance is the first line of defense against external surges, such as lightning or power grid fluctuations. Installing a Type 1 or Type 2 SPD here can significantly reduce the risk of surge-related damage to the entire electrical infrastructure. By mitigating surges at the source, this level of protection safeguards not just the critical equipment but also the everyday operational systems, extending equipment lifespan and reliability.

Distribution Panels
Surge protectors at distribution panels add a second layer of defense. This is particularly important for areas that are physically far from the main service entrance, as surges can be generated or magnified within the building's own wiring. These panels often serve various zones or floors, so their protection ensures that all connected equipment, from office appliances to HVAC systems, benefit from reduced surge risk.

Critical Equipment Panels
Panels feeding critical or sensitive equipment like server rooms, medical labs, and manufacturing controls require high performance surge protection with transient filtering designed for critical systems. This is because these systems are often more vulnerable to even minor fluctuations and can represent significant financial or operational losses if damaged. By protecting these panels, businesses ensure that their most crucial operations remain uninterrupted and perform at their best, which is vital for overall productivity and safety.

Branch Circuits
Installing surge protection at the branch circuit level allows for targeted protection of specific high-value or sensitive equipment. This is crucial in scenarios where equipment requires a higher degree of protection that what is provided at the panel level. By minimizing the risk of electrical surges to these critical points, the longevity and performance of the equipment are significantly enhanced.