How to avoid overvoltage or surges (2024)

Overvoltage is quite common both in electrical distribution lines and in telephone or data lines. Its causes are the following:

• Atmospheric phenomena. Specifically, as an effect after a lightning strike, capable of generating a current of many thousands of amperes. These surges are the most serious and damaging.
• Commutation. That is, when there are alterations in the electrical supply due to improper handling or due to the connection and disconnection of high-power devices. In each case, the origin of the problem means that overvoltages can be classified as one type or another.
• Transient overvoltages. Those which do not last long. They are usually the ones that take place after atmospheric phenomena. They cause damage to the electrical network and can lead to irreparable faults in equipment and system circuits.
• Permanent overvoltages. Those which are maintained over time. They are generally due to a voltage imbalance and consequent overload. In these cases, any damages are more significant and devastating.

"Overvoltage is quite common and is due to atmospheric phenomena or alterations in supply.”

Why is overvoltage so harmful?

When an increase in voltage occurs in the electrical circuit, greater than the usual maximum values, we run the risk of damaging our electrical and electronic equipment.

Today, devices and appliances are much more sensitive, complex, small and delicate, so that, in the event of a power surge, the risk of serious damage is greater.

Faced with the danger of overvoltage, we must anticipate any unforeseen event and protect our equipment.

Types of damage it can cause

The main damage is that caused to your pocket, since fixing or replacing damaged devices entails significant costs. In addition to any personal or professional damage caused by the interruption of electricity service.

Based on the level of damage to devices and systems, three types of harmful effects can be mentioned.

• Failures due to disruption. These derive from interruptions in the electrical system, giving rise to losses of data and errors in the operation of computers and equipment.
• Failures due to deterioration. After being exposed to overvoltage, the useful life of devices is shortened.
• Destruction of equipment. These are the most serious, causing irreparable damage to boards and installations, which usually affect computers and electronic devices. When such an unfortunate event occurs, there is even the possibility that a fire might start with the subsequent danger this may entail for people’s safety.

"The main damage is economic due to the replacement of devices, in addition to any personal and professional damage caused by the interruption of electricity service.”

The key? A surge protector

Seeing the damage that an overvoltage and its subsequent interruption of the electrical service can cause, it is clear that it pays to anticipate and avoid such unwanted unforeseen events.

The solution is to install a surge protector, which will act as a safety shield for the equipment, against any unwanted voltage spike.

It is a simple device capable of reacting with impressive speed to any possible overvoltage. Specifically, its activation is caused by the slightest indication in just 100 nanoseconds at most. When it identifies voltage spikes, it regulates the voltage by earthing it and blocks its access to any of the appliances.

This system is suitable for protecting all types of equipment.

• It protects your personal devices. Any of those that are part of your home, from appliances to computers.
• It protects your professional equipment. It takes care of devices and the information they contain, to ensure any work flow is not affected and that the material necessary for carrying out this work flow is not lost.
• It protects industrial machinery. Thus it avoids you having to substitute or replace very expensive equipment, which, at the same time, is essential to ensure the continuity of the production process in each sector.

In general, they manage to prevent devices from overheating, they increase their useful life, and prevent service interruptions, destruction of equipment and also serious fires. But, above all, they guarantee you enjoy your day to day routine, with complete peace of mind.