Surge breaker

A surge breaker, also known as a surge arrester or surge diverter, is a device designed to protect electrical equipment from voltage surges, spikes, and other forms of electrical stress. Its primary function is to absorb or divert the energy of a surge, thereby preventing it from reaching the electrical equipment and causing damage.

Here's how it works:

  1. When a surge occurs, the surge breaker detects the sudden increase in voltage and rapidly responds by diverting the surge energy away from the electrical equipment.
  2. The surge energy is absorbed by the surge breaker's internal components, such as gas-filled tubes or metal oxide varistors (MOVs).
  3. The surge breaker's internal components are designed to withstand the surge energy and dissipate it harmlessly, preventing it from reaching the electrical equipment.

Surge breakers are commonly used in a variety of applications, including:

  1. Power distribution systems: Surge breakers are often installed in power distribution systems to protect against voltage surges caused by lightning strikes, grid faults, or other external sources.
  2. Industrial equipment: Surge breakers are used to protect industrial equipment, such as motors, generators, and transformers, from voltage surges and electrical stress.
  3. Telecommunications: Surge breakers are used in telecommunications systems to protect against voltage surges caused by lightning strikes, power grid faults, or other external sources.
  4. Residential and commercial buildings: Surge breakers are often installed in residential and commercial buildings to protect against voltage surges caused by lightning strikes, power grid faults, or other external sources.

Surge breakers are available in various forms, including:

  1. Panel-mounted surge breakers: These are installed in electrical panels and provide surge protection for individual circuits or entire panels.
  2. Plug-in surge breakers: These are designed for use with individual devices, such as computers or televisions, and provide surge protection for a single device.
  3. Whole-house surge breakers: These are installed at the main electrical service entrance and provide surge protection for the entire house.

In summary, surge breakers are an essential component in protecting electrical equipment from voltage surges, spikes, and other forms of electrical stress. They are widely used in various applications to ensure the reliability and integrity of electrical systems.