Lighting System Surge Protection

Why Surge Protect Lighting Systems?
So much of our lives depend on electricity and the convenience it provides. We expect equipment powered by electricity, like lighting, HVAC, and even our vehicles, to work when we want them to. However, if these systems become damaged from surges or lightning because they were not protected with panel mounted surge suppression, they will not work as expected. This leads to unexpected costs of repairs, downtime, and a lot of inconvenience.

How to
Protect Landscape Lighting Pathways
• Place a DIN2 unit on each individual circuit that leaves a building and exposes a smart lighting switch or smart lighting module.
• If there is a transformer, one DIN2 unit may be used to protect the lighting system inside the building on the line side of the transformer.

If the transformer needs to be protected, all pathways coming back into the transformer should be protected. This may not be necessary depending on the cost of the transformer and how many connections/pathways are feeding outdoor pathways.

Protect Breaker Panels Feeding Lighting Panels
• To protect a lighting system, it is necessary to protect the breaker panel feeding the lighting system equipment first.
• One TPX-1S240-F or TPX-1S240-F100 surge suppressor at each panel will protect against incoming and cross-circuit transients generated by equipment internal to the house, no matter how many circuits are feeding the lighting system.

Place Additional Protection at the Lighting Panel
• For lighting systems that have a common bus and breaker, an additional TPX-1S240-F or TPX-1S240-F100 surge suppression unit can be installed parallel to the system.

When there is a common bus that is feeding lighting loads, an additional surge suppressor can be installed in parallel to the system. This not only gives additional protection to the system from upstream panels, but also protects and filters the lighting system from cross-circuit transients generated by the lighting loads.

Protect Lighting System Keypads, Programmable Links, and Dimming Buses
• Place a TPD-LIT model on each keypad, dimming bus, sensor, power supply and contact closure wire pathway as they enter or leave a building.

This usually means there are unprotected 24V, 120V or 240V pathways coming into your dimming modules from outside the structure. TPD recommends additionally protecting equipment in problem areas and/or long runs connecting network equipment powered from a separate breaker panel. If lightning surges connect with the dimming modules, they can quickly spread throughout the home and damage lighting and home automation systems on the way to ground. The fix is easy! Use the TPD-LIT series on copper pathways entering or leaving the facility and between systems with long runs over 200 feet away

How It Works
It is common knowledge to protect computers and TV sets with rack mount or plug-in strip surge suppression. Hardwired Crestron controls operating home lighting systems have the same type of sensitive circuit boards and chips as found in new computers and HDTVs; however, these controls cannot be protected with plug-in suppression devices. A strategic TPD system will protect these systems! Start with a power filter model TK-TTLP-1S240-FL panel mount suppressor, which can be installed easily on the panel feeding the lighting controls. This unit will also protect the homeowner’s investments in LED lights, home automation systems, and all other equipment fed from the panel once protected. The processor should also be protected from surges coming in on the landscape lighting system or on remote interface wires.

Benefits
Power utility companies supply us with power to run light bulbs and motors, but they are not responsible for supplying computer-grade power to smoothly run electronics. Power utility companies are also not responsible for electrical problems between equipment inside of the building. It is extremely beneficial for everyone on the job, including the client, to understand this. No electrical system is perfect, and there are additional external and internal forces like lightning damage and internally generated transients that take a toll on electronics over time. When the customer is made aware of all the pathways on which lightning can enter the facility, surge protection becomes a natural solution. Eliminate problems like system failure and damage, and it will not take long for the customer to realize that being protected is better than being exposed!

The Importance of Surge Protecting Lighting Systems

Transient Protection Design surge protection for lighting systems is a critical consideration for ensuring uninterrupted illumination and preserving the beauty, safety, and functionality of outdoor spaces in residential and commercial applications. Surge protection has a pivotal role in safeguarding lighting systems, promoting equipment longevity, and enhancing energy efficiency for both homes and businesses.

Uninterrupted Illumination
Lighting systems are indispensable for creating safe, inviting, and visually appealing environments. Surge-induced failures can compromise safety. TPD surge protection shields against electrical damage, ensuring uninterrupted illumination. Whether you're at home or in a commercial setting, surge protection guarantees consistent access to light, enhancing safety and productivity.

Safeguarding Valuable Equipment
Lighting systems encompass valuable components, including fixtures, LED drivers, bulbs, and control systems. Surge-induced damage can lead to costly repairs or replacements of these components. TPD surge protection guards the system and its components, reducing the risk of electrical damage and extending the lifespan of your lighting equipment in both residential and commercial applications.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
In both residential and commercial environments, efficient LED lighting systems contribute to energy savings and sustainability goals. Surge-induced equipment failures can lead to increased energy consumption, negating the benefits of energy-efficient lighting. TPD surge protection helps maintain energy efficiency, aligning with sustainability goals in both contexts.

Cost Savings
Repairing or replacing lighting equipment can strain budgets. Surge protection acts as a financial barrier against electrical damage, mitigating the risk of unexpected repair expenses. Whether it's optimizing your home's lighting or ensuring uninterrupted business operations, surge protection contributes to cost savings.

Operational Continuity
In commercial settings, lighting systems are integral to various operations, including safety, productivity, and customer experiences. Surge-induced failures can disrupt business activities and sporting events, impacting operations and customer satisfaction. TPD surge protection for lighting systems plays a pivotal role in maintaining operational continuity, ensuring consistent illumination for both businesses and clients.

Environmental Resilience
Sustainable lighting practices are essential for reducing environmental impact. Surge-induced equipment failures can result in increased waste. TPD surge protection helps maintain the resilience of lighting equipment, aligning with sustainability goals and ensuring the reliability of lighting systems.

Transient Protection Design surge protection for lighting systems is essential for preserving uninterrupted illumination, protecting valuable equipment, promoting energy efficiency, enhancing aesthetics and safety, achieving cost-efficiency, ensuring operational continuity, and promoting environmental resilience in both residential and commercial applications. It provides peace of mind, reliability, and beautifully lit indoor and outdoor spaces for homeowners and businesses alike, ensuring that spaces remain safe, inviting, efficient, and free from disruptions, day and night.