Spenningsspisser

Spenningsspisser are brief, high-amplitude disturbances in electrical voltage or current that occur in power systems and electronic circuits. They are typically short in duration and can vary from nanoseconds to a few milliseconds, yet they may reach substantial levels relative to the nominal supply. The term is used in discussions of power quality and electromagnetic compatibility to describe transient events that deviate from normal operation.

Causes of spenningsspisser include switching of inductive or capacitive loads, motor starting, faults in the distribution network, lightning strikes, and other grid disturbances. In electronic devices, fast switching of semiconductors and load changes can also generate transient spikes. Their frequency content can span a wide range, from very low to very high frequencies, depending on the source and circuit.

Impact and significance vary with the magnitude and duration of the spike. Potential effects include insulation stress, degradation of dielectric materials, upset or damage to sensitive electronics, nuisance tripping of protective devices, and interference with proper operation of equipment. In critical systems, uncontrolled spenningsspisser can lead to reliability problems and increased maintenance costs.

Measurement and protection are central to managing spenningsspisser. High-speed oscilloscopes and transient recorders are used to characterize spikes, documenting metrics such as peak amplitude, rise time, duration, and energy. Standards and practices for mitigation are found in power-quality and EMC guidelines, including surge protection devices (SPDs), transient voltage suppressors (TVS), proper grounding and bonding, filtering, and, where appropriate, isolation transforms and shielding. Key references include IEC 61000 series on EMC and power-quality phenomena.