Ylijännitepiikkejä

Ylijännitepiikkejä, often translated as transient overvoltages or voltage surges, are sudden, short-duration increases in voltage that exceed the normal operating level of an electrical system. These events can be caused by a variety of factors, both internal and external to a facility. Internal causes often include the switching of large inductive loads, such as motors or transformers, within the electrical system. When these loads are turned on or off, the rapid change in current can induce a voltage spike. External causes are frequently related to lightning strikes. Even if lightning does not directly hit a structure, nearby strikes can induce significant voltage surges onto power lines and communication cables.

The duration of these overvoltage peaks can range from microseconds to milliseconds, but their magnitude can be many times the normal supply voltage. This rapid and significant increase in voltage can have detrimental effects on electrical and electronic equipment. Sensitive components, particularly microprocessors and integrated circuits found in modern electronics, are highly susceptible to damage from overvoltage. This damage can manifest as immediate failure, or more subtly as a shortened lifespan of the device.

To mitigate the risks associated with ylijännitepiikkejä, various protective measures are employed. Surge protective devices (SPDs) are commonly installed at different points within an electrical system, from the main service entrance to individual outlets, to divert excess voltage away from sensitive equipment and safely to the ground. Proper grounding of electrical systems and equipment is also crucial for dissipating surge energy. Understanding the nature and sources of ylijännitepiikkejä is the first step in implementing effective protection strategies for electrical infrastructure and electronic devices.