Summer Storm Prep: How To Protect Industrial Electronics From Power Surges
Summer invariably brings thunderstorms. And these storms pose a significant threat to industrial facilities — particularly to sensitive electronics. Power surges caused by lightning strikes can damage or destroy critical equipment, leading to costly downtime and production delays.
Let’s walk through a few ways to safeguard industrial electronics from the wrath of summer storms. With just a few preventive measures, you can minimize the impact of power surges and ensure your facility continues to operate smoothly throughout the season.
Understanding power surges
Power surges are temporary spikes in voltage that exceed normal operating levels. These spikes can be caused by a variety of factors, but lightning strikes are the most common culprit in industrial settings. When lightning hits a power line, it can create a surge that travels through the electrical grid, potentially reaching your facility.
Even small voltage spikes can damage delicate electronic components. This damage might not be immediately apparent, but it can lead to premature equipment failure and costly repairs over time. In the worst-case scenario, a powerful surge could completely destroy critical equipment, causing significant downtime and production losses.
Protect your industrial electronics
Power surges are inevitable, but the damage they cause doesn’t need to be. Here are some key steps you can take to protect your industrial electronics from power surges:
- Surge protection devices (SPDs): These are your first line of defense against power surges. Install high-quality SPDs at the main service entrance and at critical subpanels throughout your facility. SPDs divert surge energy away from sensitive equipment, effectively grounding it. Choose SPDs with UL 1449 certification to ensure they meet safety standards.
- Grounded power systems: Ensure your facility’s electrical system is properly grounded. A proper grounding system provides a safe path for surge current to dissipate, preventing it from damaging equipment. Regularly inspect and maintain your grounding system to ensure its effectiveness.
- Power conditioning equipment: Consider installing power conditioners or line conditioners. These devices regulate incoming power, filtering out voltage fluctuations and spikes. While not a replacement for SPDs, conditioners offer an additional layer of protection for highly sensitive equipment.
- Surge suppressors: While not as robust as SPDs, surge suppressors can offer additional protection for individual workstations or specific pieces of equipment. Choose surge suppressors with high joule ratings to handle the potential surge current.
- Preventive maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your industrial electronics. This includes checking for loose connections, dust buildup, and any signs of overheating. Early detection of potential problems can help prevent them from becoming major issues during a power surge.
Beyond protecting equipment from surges, it’s also important to have a backup plan in place in case your equipment is damaged. Regularly back up critical data and develop a disaster recovery plan outlining steps to get your operations back online as quickly as possible.
Go beyond the basics
In addition to the measures outlined above, here are some additional tips for comprehensive summer storm protection:
- Monitor weather forecasts: Stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings. If severe storms are predicted, consider taking additional precautions, such as shutting down nonessential equipment.
- Invest in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS): A UPS system provides temporary power during a power outage, allowing you to safely shut down equipment and prevent data loss.
- Employee training: Train your employees on the importance of storm preparedness and ways to identify potential electrical hazards.
By taking proactive measures to protect your industrial electronics from power surges, you can minimize downtime, safeguard your equipment, and ensure your facility continues to operate efficiently throughout the summer storm season. Investing in proper surge protection today can ensure the smooth operation of your industrial facility tomorrow, through the summer season and beyond.
