FEATURE: SURGE PROTECTION

PROTECTION SURGE

JAKE HARDCASTLE

Electrical Lecturer Leeds College of Building Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) are installed to protect the electrical installation and electronic equipment (e.g. games consoles and televisions) from transient overvoltages due to switching of transformers or motors or by lightning strikes.

F E A T U R E

To watch this video explaining how SPDs work and why we need them,

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QUIZ

1. A power surge can damage any electrical equipment in your home. True or false?

Answer:

2. It is up to the client to decide if they want a surge protection device installed. True or false?

Answer:

Go to sparks-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free. BS7671:2018 stipulates that unless a risk assessment is carried out, protection against transient overvoltage shall be installed where the consequence could:

■ Result in serious injury to, or loss of, human life; or

■ Result in interruption of public services and/or damage to cultural heritage; or

■ Result in interruption of commercial or industrial activity; or

■ Affect a large number of co-located individuals