Power supply can be a risk for companies that do not have protective equipment and technologies to compensate for the failures of their systems.
Schneider Electric answers the most important questions for selecting storm protection systems that can minimize the risk of damage during the rainy season.
U.S. power companies estimate that power quality problems amount to $80 trillion annually; including the costs resulting from transient surges. These figures do not include the cost of direct damage to distribution systems, electronic equipment, software and tools, as well as the high cost of lost productivity caused by factory shutdowns, loss of information, loss of orders, among others.
What are the most commercialized thunderstorm protection systems?
Since the 70s, transient surge suppressors and secondary lightning rods have been used to protect sensitive electronic products.
As part of Schneider Electric's solutions, lightning rods are included in its substation panels for MT, and BT has a wide range of transient surge suppressors, recognized in the market by Square D's Surgelogic brand (SPD's Surge Protective Device).
In addition, it offers energy quality measurement and analysis equipment, which is part of a complete solution focused on the prevention, correct selection and optimization of systems.
How do they work and what regulations apply for each system?
Our transient surge suppressors operate with metal oxide varistors technology, which have a behavior that we can describe as variable resistances. By detecting an event they become more conductive and derive that surge to ground, allowing equipment and processes to remain constant, and operating under better power quality.
These equipment are regulated by NOM-003-SCFI (generic standard for electrical products); in addition to the UL 1449 standard, a reference published by Underwriters Laboratories®, and commonly used in Mexico for the design and testing of this equipment.
In the aspect related to its installation, the NOM-001-SEDE in its current edition provides guidelines for the installation and connection of these equipment. Likewise, the standards NOM-022-SCFI, NMX-J-549-ANCE-2005 and NMX-J-603-ANCE-2003 serve as support for the correct application and verification of this regulation.
Do they require specialized labor for their installation? Why?
Thanks to their design varieties, Surgelogic transient surge suppressors are very easy to install. Our offer includes equipment adapted to facilitate its installation in our boards and distribution equipment, which also guarantees its optimal performance. However, it must be remembered that electrical installations must be executed, in all cases, by qualified people and with approved products, this is a basic safety rule that is embodied in current regulations and must always be followed.
What space should be considered in the electrical installation when placing these systems?
It depends on the electrical installation and its design. In cases where the use of internal suppressors is considered, the equipment does not take up additional space to that of the load center or distribution equipment itself; if this is not the case, it is possible to use external equipment whose dimensions depend on the protection needs. To speak of a specific case, a suppressor of 480 kA of suppression capacity, with its own board and with integral disconnect, measures 650 x 398 mm.
What considerations should be assessed when selecting the type of suppressor?
For its correct selection it is important to consider both conditions of the place of installation, and of the installation itself that is being protected. It is recommended that the selection of the same arises as a result of a serious study of energy quality at the site of installation.
To select this equipment the most important parameters to consider are the required current suppression capacity and the voltage level. However, it is important to take into account the nominal voltage of protection (VPR Voltage Protection Rating) that the equipment gives us, since the suppression capacity indicates the "endurance" of the equipment, while the VPR can be interpreted as the protection that is being provided to the installation, and the lower it is, the better.
What are the after-sales services offered by Schneider Electric?
As with all Schneider Electric equipment, warranty and general counsel services are offered over the course of a year, with the support of our CCC and business partners. It is important to consider that we are interested in providing a comprehensive solution, so we have a complete offer of solutions for each stage of the life cycle of the facilities: evaluation of facilities (analysis and electrical studies), maintenance contracts, services on demand (commissioning, supply of spare parts, training, etc.), modernization of facilities and end of life of the installation.
Surgelogic – Main features of all models
* Type of thunderstorm protection system marketed: SPD.
* Coverage radius: Not applicable.
* Maximum working voltage without lightning: According to the nominal voltage of the system.
* Applications: Electrical distribution systems (from residential to industrial and specialized as data centers).
* Materials that compose it: MOV's with independent fuses to ensure the safety of people and facilities at the end of life.
* Standards or certifications: NOM-003-SCFI, UL 1449 3a, Ed. CSA C22.2
* Service life: Tested service cycles of 10,000 and 20 pulses (depending on model).
* Maintenance: Minimum according to the life cycle of the electrical installations.
* Warranty: 1 year.
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