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Grounded Protection vs Surge Protection

Grounded Protection vs Surge Protection

Created by: Glen Zhu | Updated Date: January 10th, 2025

Grounded Protection vs Surge Protection

Grounding Protection and Surge Protection

Definition of Grounded Protection

Grounded protection refers to a protective wiring method that reliably connects the metal parts of electrical equipment that are normally not energized but may become energized after insulation damage or other conditions (i.e., metal structural parts insulated from the energized parts) with a ground body using a conductor. Its purpose is to prevent the electrically charged endangerment of personnel and equipment by the metal casing of electrical devices, distribution device frameworks, and line poles.

Classification of Grounded Protection

1. Protective grounding: Connecting the metal casing or framework of electrical equipment to the ground body to prevent electric shock accidents caused by human contact with damaged insulated electrical equipment. Protective grounding is suitable for power devices in low-voltage power grids where neutral points are not directly grounded.
2. Protective zero connection: In 10kV distribution transformers with direct neutral point grounding systems, connecting the non-energized metal parts (such as casings) of electrical equipment directly to the neutral line (zero line) of low-voltage distribution systems under normal conditions to prevent electric shock accidents caused by human contact with damaged insulated electrical equipment.

Application for Grounded Protection

Grounded protection is generally used in supply systems where transformer neutral points are not directly grounded (three-phase three-wire system) to ensure that when an electrical device leaks due to insulation damage, the voltage generated does not exceed safe limits.

Definition of Surge Protectors

A Surge Protection Device (SPD), also known as a surge protector, is specifically designed to protect electronic devices and systems from transient overvoltage events (surges). Surges refer to instantaneous high voltages or currents in power systems that can pose serious threats due to various reasons such as lightning strikes, power system switch operations, electrostatic discharge.

Surge protectors respond quickly during surges through their unique circuit design and protective components, limiting overvoltages below safe levels and ensuring normal operation of devices and safety for individuals. The main principle involves using nonlinear elements like varistors, gas discharge tubes, transient suppression diodes etc., which absorb excess energy during surges. When system voltage is normal, surge protectors remain in high impedance state without affecting system operation; however they rapidly respond during transient overvoltages by becoming low impedance state releasing excess voltage into ground thus protecting electrical equipment.

Classification of Surge Protectors

Surge protectors can be classified based on different criteria:
1. Based on operating principles:
  • Switch type: Quickly conducts during surges directing overvoltage into earth.
  • Voltage limiting type: Limits overvoltage below safe levels through internal components.
  • Current limiting type: Protects devices by restricting surge current size.
2. Based on application scenarios:
  • Power line protection type: Mainly used for protecting lines within power systems.
  • Signal line protection type: Used for safeguarding communication lines & data transmission lines.
  • Combination type: Possesses both power & signal protections functions simultaneously.
3. Based on level classification:
  • Level 1 Surge Protector provides highest level defense mainly at LPZ0-LPZ1 boundary preventing direct conduction into LPZ1 zone from surged voltages;
  • Level 2 & Level 3 Surge Protectors offer progressively lower defense levels further securing equipments against damages.

Difference between Grounded Protection and Surge Protection:

Grounded Protection:

  • Purpose: To safely divert faults like short circuits or lightning strikes away from sensitive electronics reducing risks while providing secure path guiding fault currents towards earth;
  • Principle includes ground systems like rods conductive materials electrodes designed redirect excessive current/fault conditions safely towards earth;
  • Applications typically found in residential commercial industrial buildings’ installations crucial maintaining operational safety electricity networks;
  • Limitations include being unsuitable addressing momentary voltage fluctuations/surges caused by lightning grid switching etc..

Surge Protection:

  • Aimed at shielding electronic equipment against transient voltage spikes triggered via lightning grid switching other sudden fluctuation sources;
  • Operates utilizing SPDs such as arresters suppressor filters installed within electricity networks absorbing/diverting surplus energy before reaching sensitive equipment;
  • Essential safeguard sensitive electronics industrial telecommunication setups among others preventing potential damages/shortening lifespan due surged voltages ;
  • Limitations do not address systemic faults nor provide continuous current protections distinctively differing from grounds;

Key Differences :

  • Functionality: Grounding ensures safety during faults whereas Surge protects gears against instantaneous voltage spikes damaging them;
  • Focus Points: Ground focuses fault currents/electrical security while Surging concentrates on fluctuating voltages/device protections;
  • Complementary Relations: Both Ground/Surge Protections usually work together; former ensures any surges/fault currents safely discharged latter prevents surged voltages reaching sensitive gears;
In summary, Ground provides safety measures during faults whereas Surging specializes in guarding against instantaneous voltage.

Application Scenarios

Grounded protection is mainly used in power supply systems where the neutral point of distribution transformers is not directly grounded, suitable for various scenarios that require preventing electrical equipment leakage from endangering personal and equipment safety.

Surge protection is widely used in various electrical systems, especially in areas with frequent lightning activity and high voltage, large current industrial environments. Surge protectors can be installed at key locations such as power lines, signal lines, etc., to prevent damage to the system caused by lightning and overvoltage during operation.

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