Überspannungsschutzschaltung

Überspannungsschutzschaltungen, often referred to as surge protectors, are electrical devices designed to protect sensitive electronic equipment from voltage spikes and surges. These transient overvoltages can be caused by external events such as lightning strikes or internal events like the switching of heavy machinery.

The primary function of an Überspannungsschutzschaltung is to divert excess voltage away from the connected equipment. This is typically achieved using non-linear components such as Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) or Gas Discharge Tubes (GDTs). When a voltage surge occurs, these components rapidly change their impedance, creating a low-resistance path to ground. This allows the excess current to flow safely to the earth, preventing it from reaching and damaging the connected devices.

Überspannungsschutzschaltungen are crucial for maintaining the reliability and longevity of electronic systems. They are commonly found in power strips for consumer electronics, as well as in more robust industrial applications. The effectiveness of a surge protector is often rated by its joule rating, which indicates how much energy it can absorb before failing, and its clamping voltage, which is the voltage level at which it begins to divert excess current. Regular inspection and replacement of surge protectors may be necessary as they can degrade over time or after absorbing significant surges.