Überspannungsschutzgeräte

Überspannungsschutz, often translated as surge protection, refers to devices and measures designed to protect electrical and electronic equipment from transient overvoltages. These overvoltages, also known as surges or spikes, are temporary increases in voltage above the normal operating level. They can be caused by various sources, including lightning strikes, switching operations in the power grid, or the activation of high-power electrical devices within a building.

The immediate effects of a surge can range from minor malfunctions to complete destruction of sensitive electronic components. Over time, even smaller, repeated surges can degrade electronic circuitry, leading to premature failure. Überspannungsschutz aims to mitigate these risks by diverting or absorbing the excess energy.

Common types of surge protection devices include surge protective devices (SPDs) installed at the main electrical panel, point-of-use surge protectors (power strips with surge suppression), and specialized protection for data lines and communication networks. The effectiveness of surge protection is often measured by its ability to clamp or limit the voltage to a safe level and to dissipate a certain amount of energy. Proper installation and selection of appropriate surge protection are crucial for safeguarding valuable equipment and ensuring system reliability. In many regions, regulations and standards exist to guide the implementation of Überspannungsschutz in buildings.