overvoltagea

Overvoltagea is a term used in electrical engineering to describe a condition in which voltage exceeds the normal operating range or the equipment’s rated limits. It encompasses both short, temporary spikes and longer-lasting elevations that can stress insulation and electronic components.

Causes include transient events such as lightning strikes and switching operations on power grids, faults in transformers or cables, and induction from large motors. In electronic systems, power supply transients and poor regulation can also produce overvoltagea events. Insulation aging and ground faults can contribute to sustained cases.

Effects vary with magnitude and duration but can include insulation breakdown, accelerated aging, semiconductor damage, capacitor failure, nuisance tripping of protective devices, and increased fire risk in extreme cases.

Protection and mitigation rely on a layered approach: surge protection devices (MOVs, gas discharge tubes, and TVS diodes), properly rated fuses and circuit breakers, voltage regulators and uninterruptible power supplies for sensitive equipment, robust grounding and bonding, and insulation coordination following relevant standards.

Related topics include overvoltage, surge protection, insulation coordination, and transient voltage suppression.