The History of Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)
Since Benjamin Franklin invented the lightning rod, people have looked for ways to protect homes and electrical systems from lightning and power surges. Early electrical equipment used vacuum tube technology, which was relatively immune to power disturbances. However, the invention of the transistor by Bell Labs in 1947 launched the modern electronics era and introduced sensitive solid-state components that are far more vulnerable to surge overvoltage.
Modern electronics are far more efficient and capable than vacuum tube technology, but they are also much more vulnerable to surge overvoltage events. Electronics within today’s homes rely heavily on integrated circuits (ICs) and microelectronics for HVAC systems, appliances, entertainment, security, lighting, and smart home technology. These components are delicate and sensitive to electrical spikes caused by lightning, utility switching, brownouts, and other disturbances, making surge protection devices (SPDs) essential for protecting modern equipment and improving system reliability.
Most surge protectors use Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) technology, developed in Japan in 1968, to absorb and redirect dangerous surge energy and limit voltage reaching sensitive electronics. The MOV quickly became a popular, cost-effective device capable of handling large surge energies that was able to protect sensitive electronics. Over time, organizations such as the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers), founded in 1965, developed standards to evaluate SPD performance such as the C62 Surge Standard to evaluate the surge withstand capability of equipment and other standards surrounding component testing, SPD design, and application installation. The NEC (National Electrical Code) requires surge protection for electrical services supplying residential and healthcare occupancies under Article 230.67. The NEC and OSHA (Office of Safety and Health Administration) require that surge protectors be Listed for Purpose by a NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) certified by OSHA. The listing standard for SPDs is ANSI/UL 1449. This standard requires certain information about the device’s performance and safety testing should be on product identification labels.
When selecting a surge protector, it is important to choose products certified to ANSI/UL 1449 and listed by a NRTL such as UL, ETL, or CSA. These certifications verify the device has passed rigorous safety and performance testing. There are many standards, practices, and codes behind SPDs. Manufactures of SPDs have to spend considerable time and resources to comply with the industry and government requirements outlined in the above. If their name is on a listed product, it is reasonable to assume that the product is what it says it is and it should perform as advertised. Properly tested surge protection devices are not “smoke and mirrors”, they are proven electrical safety technologies designed to help protect valuable electronics and extend the life of modern electrical systems. If the device is listed as a surge suppressor, UL requires the Voltage Protection Rating (VPR) be listed on the label. If there are no VPR numbers, the device is not listed as a surge suppressor. You would also normally see “1449” on the label.
Questions about SPDs and how they can protect your sensitive electronics? Contact us at info@tpdsurge.com or 888-281-7856. We will be happy to talk with you!
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