Our isolating spark gap adopts robust spark gap technology to safely equalize the potential between the high-voltage and low-voltage sides of AC power systems, as well as across insulated sections such as pipeline flanges.
This isolating spark gap is suitable for use in indoor as well as outdoor applications, such as pipelines, and industrial and commercial facilities.
Our isolating spark gaps, with fast response, reliable operation in harsh or explosive environments, and minimal maintenance requirements, ensure continuous, safe, and efficient system performance.
The function of an isolating spark gap is to protect electrical systems and equipment from overvoltage, lightning strikes, and transient surges while maintaining electrical isolation under normal conditions. It remains non-conductive during standard operation, but when voltage differences exceed safe limits, it instantly conducts, safely shunting the excess energy to ground. This prevents equipment damage, flashovers, and system downtime, and ensures reliable operation in pipelines, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and hazardous environments.
An isolating spark gap protects pipelines and insulated flanges by safely diverting high-voltage surges away from sensitive insulating joints. During a transient overvoltage or lightning strike, the spark gap instantly conducts, preventing flashovers, insulation breakdown, and potential equipment damage. Once the surge subsides, the gap returns to its non-conductive state, maintaining electrical isolation while ensuring the system continues to operate safely and reliably.
Unlike standard SPDs, which constantly conduct small surges to protect equipment, isolating spark gaps maintain electrical isolation under normal operating conditions. They only conduct when a transient overvoltage or lightning surge exceeds a predefined threshold. This allows sensitive systems, such as pipelines with insulating joints or cathodic protection, to remain electrically separated while still being safeguarded against dangerous surges.
Isolating spark gaps are commonly used in pipelines, industrial plants, commercial facilities, and hazardous or explosive environments. They are particularly suitable for systems with insulating joints, cathodic protection, or long metallic pipelines, where overvoltage or lightning-induced surges could otherwise cause insulation failure, flashovers, or equipment damage.
Yes, isolating spark gaps are designed to discharge high-voltage surges without creating sparks that could ignite explosive atmospheres. This makes them suitable for use in petrochemical plants, gas pipelines, and other potentially explosive locations. They provide reliable protection while maintaining safety standards required for hazardous environments.
Isolating spark gaps can be installed inline, across flanges, or on grounding bars, depending on system requirements. Proper installation ensures that the device effectively shunts surges while maintaining electrical isolation. Installation should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, including grounding practices, spacing, and environmental considerations, to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Isolating spark gaps are generally maintenance-free due to their simple, robust design. However, periodic inspection is recommended to verify system integrity, ensure proper grounding, and check for any signs of wear, corrosion, or mechanical damage that could affect performance.
Isolating spark gaps typically comply with international standards such as IEC for surge protection and ATEX for explosive environments. Other certifications may include UL, CE, or manufacturer-specific testing to ensure reliability, safety, and performance under high-voltage and hazardous conditions.
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