Surge Protective Devices (SPDs)
Surge Protective Devices for Industrial Equipment and Panel Protection
Surge protective devices are used to help protect electrical and electronic equipment from transient voltage spikes caused by lightning events, switching activity, or other power disturbances. In industrial environments, they are commonly installed in distribution panels, control panels, and equipment enclosures to help limit the amount of excess voltage that reaches connected devices. By diverting or suppressing surge energy before it can damage sensitive components, these devices help support system reliability and reduce the risk of unplanned equipment failure.
Different surge protective devices are designed for different levels of exposure and different parts of the electrical system. Some are selected to help protect incoming power distribution equipment, while others are used closer to controls, instrumentation, or communication hardware, where smaller voltage transients can still cause disruption or damage. The right solution depends on where surge protection is needed, how sensitive the connected equipment is, and how much surge energy the device must be able to handle.
Galco offers surge protective devices for a range of industrial electrical applications where voltage spike protection is important. Choosing the correct device depends on system voltage, surge current capacity, response characteristics, installation location, and the needs of the equipment being protected. Proper selection helps support equipment longevity, reduce nuisance failures, and improve protection across power and electrical systems.
What to Consider When Selecting Surge Protective Devices
Selection starts with the electrical system that the device will be protecting. System voltage and installation point must match the application, but it is also important to consider how much surge exposure the location may experience and how sensitive the connected equipment is to transient events. A device used at the service entrance or distribution level may need a different surge-handling capability than one installed to protect controls, instrumentation, or communication equipment deeper in the system.
Protection level, response behavior, and application environment should also be considered. Industrial installations may involve heavy machinery, switching loads, or sensitive electronics that require different levels of surge protection performance. In some systems, surge protective devices are selected alongside related components such as power supplies, electronic filters, and panel-mounted electrical hardware depending on the broader power quality and equipment protection strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a surge protective device do?
A surge protective device helps limit excess voltage caused by transient spikes before it reaches connected equipment. It is used to help protect electrical and electronic systems from damage caused by lightning-related events, switching disturbances, or other sudden voltage changes.
How do I choose the right surge protective device?
Start by matching the device to the system voltage and the location where protection is needed. Then consider the level of surge exposure, the sensitivity of the equipment being protected, and whether the device will be used at the distribution level or closer to controls, instrumentation, or other connected components.
When do I need heavier-duty surge protection instead of a smaller protective device?
Heavier-duty surge protection is typically used where the system is exposed to larger incoming surge events or where major equipment and distribution hardware need protection. Smaller protective devices are often used closer to sensitive controls, electronics, or communication equipment where even lower-level transients can cause disruption or damage.