4 Types of Surge Protectors to Consider in Your Business
The average cost that insurers paid on surge protector claims has increased between 2017 and 2019, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). More than $900 million in lightning claims were paid out in 2019 to nearly 77,000 policyholders.
Surge protectors are a great device to have for your equipment. They allow you to run multiple types of equipment at once, while protecting your outlets from becoming overloaded, and protecting your equipment from power outages or blackouts ensuring they are not damaged/fried. When searching for an adequate surge protector for your business, the key things you should look for are:
- Surge protection rating (measured in joules)
- The amount of outlets included on the equipment, including it’s max capacity
- High energy absorption rating
- Clamping voltage
There are 4 types of surge protectors your business can select to protect your equipment from future storms, to keep you and your business safe:
Type 1:
A Level I surge protector, better known as a service entrance surge protector, is the largest and strongest type of surge protector. This type acts as the first line of defense for your business. They are installed near the utility pole where electricity enters your main breaker panel. This type of surge protector is typically located outdoors, and it helps keep your equipment safe from the external power surge that can occur from lightning. Many of these are equipped with some form of alarm system to alert you when it needs to be replaced.
Type 2:
A Type 2 surge protector is used to protect sensitive electronics. These units are often housed inside the main breaker panel. They can protect your business from both small and large surges, and they are manufactured for commercial, industrial, and even residential use.
Type 3:
A Type 3 surge protector is one of the most commonly used. This type of protector is a power strip that helps block surges that occur on a lower level. These are great to implement when you utilize TVs, appliances, computers, etc. Although they do a great job at protecting your devices and equipment, you should consider the use of a stronger surge protector in addition to the type 3 surge protector for better overall protection from power surges.
Type 4:
A Type 4 surge protector is broader than the previous types. It is mainly used to provide wired-in surge protection for both commercial and industrial equipment devices. These surge protectors are great at protecting devices such as a servo, motors drives, PLCs, etc. They are also available in both standard wall mounted and DIN mounted layouts to provide a different use for what you need.
Whether you run a small office or a large manufacturing facility, the use of surge protectors are a great way to protect your devices in the event of a severe storm.
