Choosing the Best 3 Phase Surge Protection Devices: A Buyer’s Guide

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Electricity in industries and manufacturing facilities has great importance. Today, in this modern era, the majority of units transit themselves from getting energy from fossil fuels to safer and cheaper electricity. 

This guide will enable to learn about 3 phase surge protection devices.

The industrial and manufacturing sector requires more power to operate than our household electric current offers. That’s the reason industrialists use 3-Phase Electric Current than the ordinary 2-Phase current. 

Let us dig a little bit into the 3 Phase surge protection devices. 

Electricity has vast applications in the manufacturing-related sector. The growth of industrial and manufacturing-related areas directly depends on the ease of proper electricity disbursement. 

Why Industries Use 3 Phase Current?

The industrial and manufacturing sector requires more power to operate than our household electric current offers. That’s the reason industrialists use 3-Phase Electric Current than the ordinary 2-Phase current. 

Let us dig a little bit into the 3 Phase surge protection devices. 

What Is 3 Phase Current?

Understanding 3-Phase Current: 

A three-phase power system is a multiphase system that uses three conductors to deliver three different independent AC currents. 

Let’s take one conductor as a reference, the other two currents vary by one-third and two-thirds of a sequence. The current may also get separated by 120°

In simpler terms, 3-phase current offers at least double power than our normal household power.

Apart from all these benefits of heavy electricity, there is a threat to the machinery from it. That threat is Surges. 

As we all know, surges are short and severe spikes in electric current that can damage your pieces of equipment. Let us view this topic from a technical perspective. Power surges are 3-phase AC events where the voltage magnitude significantly increases. They can exceed the voltage line by two times in magnitude and last for only a couple of minutes. 

Possible Damages to your equipment by surges:

Power surges can damage your pieces of equipment and affect your productivity by increasing machinery downtime. A sudden increase in voltage spike significantly exceeds the standard flow of electricity. Power surges can damage your machinery and even damage the power outlets connected to them. 

Surges are your sudden enemies and can be heavy on your pocket. Running an industry can be a lot more difficult when surges happen. A wise industrialist will not take the unnecessary risk.

Here the next question is, 

How to takedown the problems of surges? 

The answer is using a Surge protectorpretty simple right? It doesn’t matter if you are at the home, office, using a generator, or in any industry, power surges might become that royal pain for you. 

In case you didn’t know what a surge protector is? Here you go!

What Is a Surge Protector? 

A surge protector is an electric protection device coated with metal oxides that takedown excess charge towards the ground. As a result, it saves your pieces of equipment from burning out.  

It is the best investment one makes to save his day. Some milliseconds of high-intensity surges can cost you all appliances or machinery. It is better to invest in a high-quality surge protector than to buy all things over again. 

If you are an industrialist or own a manufacturing business, you should invest in a high-quality 3-phase surge protector. 

Here are some shreds of evidence to support my statement. I bet you won’t regret reading it.

 Protect your equipment and your pocket:

The statement is pretty much self-explanatory. A surge protector bears and block the bad current and give your machinery a second chance to live. 

Cost-effective in all cases:

Here is a question every big-brainer should ask himself. Which is easier and cheaper to buy? A good 3-phase surge protector or a whole new set of machinery after the previous one burnt down due to some spikes in current. The answer is clear and visible. 

Now, after you realized the importance of investing in a strong-resistance 3-phase surge protector, the next big problem is selecting a suitable surge protector for ourselves. 

Selecting a surge protector varies differently and can be tricky sometimes. Here are some key points you should keep in mind prior to buying a surge protector. 

Surge protector buying guide: 

  1. In the first go, you should know these 3 things. What am I protecting? How many outlets do I need? Where I am installing my surge protector? These simple questions make up to 50% of our buying guide. Choose your desirable equipment according to your answer. 
  2. Warranty. Here is a simple equation for this. ”The longer the warranty is, the better the deal.” Choose a surge protector which offers a much longer or even a lifetime warranty. 
  3. NEMA Enclosure Type. It is basically a rating system to measure the resistance against environmental hazards like lightning, water, dust, and oil, etc. A good NEMA rating is preferred. Meanwhile, NEMA stands for National Electric Manufacturers Associations. 
  4. UL Rating. Ul rating is another big thing as it is an independent organization namely Underwriters Laboratory which is recognized worldwide. Its current standard is UL 1449 (3RD Edition). Your surge protector should keep up the UL standards. 

These are some main factors to keep in mind while buying a surge protector. 

Here are some top picks in the 3-phase surge protector category. You should check the recommendation made by our experts. 

Some Top Picks: 

Leviton 51120-3 120/208 Volt 3 Phase WYE Panel Protector. 

    • 4 modes of protection & 120/240-volt panel protector
    • Real-time diagnostics and visual display.
    • Metal Enclosure.
Leviton 51120-3 120/208 Volt 3 Phase WYE Panel Protector
3 Phase Surge Protection Devices

 

 

 

SQUARE D BY SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SDSA3650 SURGE SUPPRESSOR.

    • Voltage Protection Rating 1800V (L-N), 3000V (L-L)
    • Max. Continuing Operating Voltage 510V AC
    • Nominal Discharge Current 10 kA
  • Number of Wires: 4
  • Max. Surge Current per Phase 40 kA 

    Buy on Amazon
SQUARE D BY SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SDSA3650 SURGE SUPPRESSOR
3 Phase Surge Protection Devices

 

Read Also: Can a Power Surge Damage a Furnace

Conclusion about 3 Phase Surge Protection Devices: 

In conclusion, selecting the best 3 Phase Surge Protection Devices is of paramount importance when it comes to safeguarding your electrical systems from damaging power surges. This buyer’s guide has provided you with valuable insights and considerations to make an informed decision.

By understanding the significance of surge protection and the unique requirements of three-phase electrical systems, you can effectively protect your sensitive equipment, minimize downtime, and avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Choosing the right 3 Phase Surge Protection Device involves considering factors such as surge protection rating, response time, clamping voltage, and durability. It’s crucial to prioritize devices that meet industry standards, undergo rigorous testing, and offer reliable protection against transient voltage spikes.

Read Also: How to test a Surge Protection Device

Investing in high-quality surge protection devices not only ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your electrical equipment but also provides peace of mind, knowing that you have taken proactive steps to prevent potential damage or data loss.

Remember, the consequences of a power surge can be severe, leading to downtime, equipment failure, and financial losses. By following this buyer’s guide and selecting the best 3 Phase Surge Protection Device for your specific needs, you can safeguard your electrical infrastructure, increase system reliability, and maintain uninterrupted operations.

Read Also: Symptoms of Power Surge

Stay proactive in protecting your electrical systems by making an informed decision when choosing a surge protection device. Your investment in a reliable and effective 3 Phase Surge Protection Device will pay off in the long run, ensuring the safety and continuity of your critical equipment in the face of unpredictable power surges.

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