INTRODUCTION

Voltage Surge (Voltage Spikes): A voltage surge is a voltage impulse or wave which is superposed on the rated network voltage

When the increase lasts three nanoseconds (billionths of a second) or more, it's called a surge. When it only lasts for one or two nanoseconds, it's called a spike.

A power surge, or transient voltage, is an increase in voltage significantly above the designated level in a flow of electricity. If the voltage rises above specified volts of equipment, there is a problem, and a surge protector helps to prevent that problem from destroying your equipment. To understand the problem, it is helpful to understand something about voltage. Voltage is a measure of a difference in electric potential energy. Electric current travels from point to point because there is a greater electric potential energy on one end of the wire than there is on the other end. This is the same sort of principle that makes water under pressure flow out of a hose -- higher pressure on one end of the hose pushes water toward an area of lower pressure. You can think of voltage as a measure of electrical pressure. If the surge or spike is high enough, it can inflict some heavy damage on a machine. The effect is very similar to applying too much water pressure to a hose. If there is too much water pressure, a hose will burst. Approximately the same thing happens when too much electrical pressure runs through a wire -- the wire "bursts." Actually, it heats up like the filament in a light bulb and burns, but it's the same idea. Even if increased voltage doesn't immediately break your machine, it may put extra strain on the components, wearing them down over time.

Factors causing electrical transients (Surge)

Fast, short duration electrical transients (overvoltage) in the electric potential of a circuit are typically caused by

Lightning strikes Power outages Tripped circuit breakers Short circuits Power transitions in other large equipment on the same power line Malfunctions caused by the power company

TYPES OF SURGE PROTECTORS

A surge protector (or surge suppressor) is an appliance designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes. A surge protector attempts to limit the voltage supplied to an electric device by either blocking or by shorting to ground any unwanted voltages above a safe threshold. Two major types of protection devices are used to suppress or limit voltage surges they are referred to as primary protection devices and secondary protection devices. Primary protection devices (protection of installations against lightning) 1. The lightning conductor: The lightning conductor is a tapered rod placed on top of the building. It is earthed by one or more conductors (often copper strips)

2. Overhead earth wires These wires are stretched over the structure to be protected (see Fig. J9). They are used for special structures: rocket launch pads, military applications and lightning protection cables for overhead high voltage power lines.

3. The meshed cage (Faraday cage) This principle is used for very sensitive buildings housing computer or integrated circuit production equipment. It consists in symmetrically multiplying the number of downstrips outside the building. Horizontal links are added if the building is high; for example every two floors (see Fig. J). The down conductors are earthed by frogs foot earthing connections. The result is a series of interconnected 15 x 15 m or 10 x 10 m meshes. This produces better equipotential bonding of the building and splits lightning currents, thus greatly reducing electromagnetic fields and induction.

Secondary protection devices (protection of internal installations against lightning)

Following secondary surge protectors are generally used to protect the electrical & electronics equipments:

Metal oxide varistor (MOV) Transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode Thyristor surge protection device (TSPD) Gas discharge tube (GDT) Selenium voltage suppressor Carbon block spark gap overvoltage suppressor Quarter-wave coaxial surge arrestor

Important specifications

Clamping voltage better known as the let-through voltage. This specifies what voltage will cause the surge protector to conduct electricity to the ground line. A lower clamping voltage indicates better protection, but a shorter life expectancy. The standard let-through voltage for 120 V AC devices is 330 volts. Joules This number defines how much energy the surge protector can absorb without failure. A higher number indicates longer life expectancy because the device will divert more energy elsewhere and will absorb less energy. More joules conducting the same surge current means a reduced clamping voltage. Its often said that lower joule ratings is undersized protection since harmful spikes are significantly larger than this. Better protectors exceed 1000 joules and 40,000 amperes. If properly installed, for every joule absorbed by a protector, another 4 or 30 joules may be dissipated harmlessly into ground. Response time Surge protectors dont kick in immediately; a slight delay exists. The longer the response time the longer the connected equipment will be exposed to the surge. However, surges dont happen immediately either. Surges usually take around a few microseconds to reach their peak voltage and a surge protector with a nanosecond response time would kick in fast enough to suppress the most damaging portion of the spike.

Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV)

MOV is the most commonly used type of varistor. It is called so as the component is made from a mixture of zinc oxide and other metal oxides like cobalt, manganese and so on and is kept intact between two electrodes which are basically metal plates. MOVs are the mostly used component to protect heavy devices from transient voltages. A diode junction is formed between each border of the grain and its immediate neighbour. Thus an MOV is basically a huge number of diodes that are connected parallel to each other. They are designed to be in the parallel mode as it will have better energy handling ability. But, if the component is meant for providing better voltage rating, it is better to connect them in series. A reverse leakage current appears across the diode junctions of each border when an external tiny voltage is applied across the electrodes. The current produced will also be very small. But, when a large voltage is applied across the electrodes, the diode border junction breaks down as a result of the combination of electron tunnelling and avalanche breakdown. Thus the device is said to show a high level of non-linear voltage current characteristics. From the characteristics, it should also be noted that the component will have low amount of resistance at high voltages and high resistance at low voltages. The only problem with this component is that they cannot withstand the transient voltage more than the exceeded rating. They tend to deteriorate after a certain level. If so, they will have to be replaced at times. When they absorb the transient voltage they tend to dissipate it as heat. When this process continues repetitively for some time, the device begins to wear out due to the excessive heat. They can be connected in parallel for increased energy-handling capabilities. MOVs can also be connected in series to provide higher voltage ratings or to provide voltage rating between the standard increments.

Working of Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV)

Working of Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) The working of a MOV is shown in the figure above. The resistance of the MOV is very high. First, let us consider the component to have an open-circuit as shown in figure 1(a). The component starts conducting as soon as the voltage across it reaches the threshold voltage. When it exceeds the threshold voltage, the resistance in the MOV makes a huge drop and reaches zero. This is shown in the figure 1(b). As the device has very small impedance at this time due to the heavy voltage across it, all the current will pass through the metal oxide varistor itself. The component has to be connected in parallel to the load. The maximum voltage that will pass through the load will be the sum of the voltage that appears across the wiring and disconnect given for the device. The clamp voltage across the MOV will also be added. After the transient voltage passes through the component, the MOV will again wait for the next transient voltage. This is shown in the figure 1(c).

MOV Performance
The varistor is mainly used to perform as a line voltage surge suppressor. The device does not conduct when the voltage across it is below the clamping voltage. But, if a high surge (lighting) that

is higher in rate that a varistor can handle is passed through it, the component will not perform. The resulting current will be so high that it will damage the MOV. The performance of the varistor will slow down with time even if small surges pass through it. The life of a MOV will be explained through the manufacturers chart. The chart will have graphs and readings between the current, time and also the number of transient pulses that passes through the varistor. Another main reason that affects the performance of a MOV is the energy rating. When there is an increase in the energy rating, there will be an exponential change in the life of the varistor. Thus, there will be a change in the transient pulses that the device can manage. This increases the clamping voltage when each transient breaks down. The performance can be increased by connecting more varistors in parallel. An increase in rating will also help in the process. One of the best features of the MOV is its response time. The spikes are shorted through the device within nanoseconds. But the response time can be affected by the mounting design method and inductance of component leads.

Application
Equipment Protection against Line Transient Damage Protection of Components Switching Inductive Load Transient Protection of Solid State Circuit Extend the Life of Relay Contacts IC Protection against Electro-static Discharge(ESD) Noise Suppression

TRANSIENT VOLTAGE SUPPRESSOR (TVS) DIODE

A TVS diode is a type of Zener diode, also called an avalanche diode or silicon avalanche diode (SAD), which can limit voltage spikes. These components provide the fastest limiting action of protective components (theoretically in picoseconds), but have a relatively low energy absorbing capability. Voltages can be clamped to less than twice the normal operation voltage. If current impulses remain within the device ratings, life expectancy is exceptionally long. If component ratings are exceeded, the diode may fail as a permanent short circuit; in such cases, protection may remain but normal circuit operation is terminated in the case of low-power signal lines. Due to their relatively limited current capacity, TVS diodes are often restricted to circuits with smaller current spikes. TVS diodes are also used where spikes occur significantly more often than once a year, since this component will not degrade when used within its ratings. A unique type of TVS diode (trade names Transzorb or Transil) contains reversed paired series avalanche diodes for bi-polar operation. TVS diodes are often used in high-speed but low-power circuits, such as occur in data communications. These devices can be paired in series with another diode to provide low capacitance as required in communication circuits.

TVSs are designed, specified and tested for transient voltage protection, while a Zener diode is designed and specified for voltage regulation. For transient protection, the designers choice is a TVS. The surge power and surge current capability of the TVS are proportional to its junction area. Surge ratings for silicon TVS families are normally specified in kilowatts of peak pulse power (PPP) during a given waveform. Early devices were specified with a 10/1000 s waveform (10 s rise to peak and 1000 s exponential decay to one half peak), while more recent product introductions are rated for an 8/20s test waveform. Power ratings range from 5 kW for 10/1000 s, down to 400 W for 8/20 s. This power is derived from the product of the peak voltage across the TVS and the peak current conducted through the device.

Operation
When a transient voltage greater than the breakdown voltage of the TVS is applied, the device routs the current generated to ground. This is a similar operation as performed by a clamper circuit. In fact, a TVS diode is considered a clamper. When the voltage returns to levels below the breakdown voltage, the TVS diode ceases to conduct current to ground and the circuit returns to normal operation. Some TVS diodes work in both current directions. Accordingly, we classify the TVS diodes as unidirectional or bidirectional: Unidirectional. The TVS diode provides protection when current moves in only one direction. Bidirectional. The TVS diode provides protection when current moves in both directions.

Application:
Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diodes are useful in protecting electronic circuits from electrostatic discharge (ESD). The TVS diodes used for ESD protection are silicon-avalanche diodes. With a high impedance at the stand-off voltage and low impedance at the breakdown voltage, silicon-avalanche diodes are well suited for ESD protection.

THYRISTOR SURGE PROTECTION DEVICE (TSPD)

The TSPD or Thyristor Surge Protection Device are specialized silicon based overvoltage protectors, used to protect sensitive electronic circuits from damaging overvoltage transient surges caused by induced lightning and powercross conditions. The TSPD protects by switching to a low on state voltage when the specified protection voltage is exceeded. This is known as a crowbar effect. When an overvoltage occurs, the crowbar device changes from a highimpedance to a lowimpedance state. This lowimpedance state then offers a path to ground, shunting unwanted surges away from the sensitive circuits. This crowbar action defines the TSPDs two states of functionality: Open Circuit and Short Circuit. Open Circuit The TSPD must remain transparent during normal circuit operation. The device looks like an open across the two wire line. Short Circuit When a transient surge fault exceeds the TSPD protection voltage threshold, the devices switches on, and shorts the transient to ground, safely protecting the circuit.

The current amplitude diverted by the ThyZorb(TSPD) is significantly higher than with the TransZorb(TVS). The let-through voltage is also significantly less with the ThyZorb(TSPD) than with the TransZorb(TVS). Both devices switch on at the same voltage, but the ThyZorb(TSPD) continues to divert surge current long after the TransZorb(TVS) stops conducting. APPLICATION The main application for the of ThyZorb(TSPD) is in providing secondary-level protection to telephone, analog and digital line card circuits from the effects of lightning and accidental cross coupling of the telecommunication lines with the electrical distribution system.

Gas Discharge Tubes - GDTs / Gas Plasma Arrestors

A gas discharge tube (GDT) is a sealed glass-enclosed device containing a special gas mixture trapped between two electrodes, which conduct electric current after becoming ionized by a high voltage spike. GDTs can conduct more current for their size than other components. Like MOVs, GDTs have a finite life expectancy, and can handle a few very large transients or a greater number of smaller transients. The typical failure mode occurs when the triggering voltage rises so high that the device becomes ineffective, although lightning surges can occasionally cause a dead short. GDTs take a relatively long time to trigger, permitting a higher voltage spike to pass through before the GDT conducts significant current. It is not uncommon for a GDT to let through pulses of 500 V or more of 100 ns in duration. In some cases, additional protective components are necessary to prevent damage to a protected load, caused by high-speed let-through voltage which occurs before the GDT begins to operate. GDTs create an effective short circuit when triggered, so that if any electrical energy (spike, signal, or power) is present, the GDT will short this. Once triggered, a GDT will continue conducting (called follow-on current) until all electric current sufficiently diminishes, and the gas discharge quenches. Unlike other shunt protector devices, a GDT once triggered will continue to conduct at a voltage less than the high voltage that initially ionized the gas; this behavior is called negative resistance. Additional auxiliary circuitry may be needed in DC (and some AC) applications to suppress follow-on current, to prevent it from destroying the GDT after the initiating spike has dissipated. Some GDTs are designed to deliberately short out to a grounded terminal when overheated, thereby triggering an external fuse or circuit breaker.[28] Many GDTs are light-sensitive, in that exposure to light lowers their triggering voltage. Therefore, GDTs should be shielded from light exposure, or opaque versions that are insensitive to light should be used. The CG2 SN series of surge arrestors formerly produced by C P Clare, are advertised as being non-radioactive, and the datasheet for that series states that some members of the CG/CG2 series (75-470V) are radioactive. Due to their exceptionally low capacitance, GDTs are commonly used on high frequency lines, such as are used in telecommunications equipment. Because of their high current handling capability, GDTs can also be used to protect power lines, but the follow-on current problem must be controlled.

Application-Specific and Fail Safe Devices

High-voltage gas tubes are used to protect transformers and switch-gears. Theyre also used in communications networks and with industrial and commercial electronics. Some gas discharge tubes are equipped with fail-safe devices for situations when the GDT produces excess thermal energy. To prevent heat damage to the magazine or the devices terminal block, the arrester is fitted with a back-up short-circuit fail-safe device.

Selenium Suppressors

Used as semiconductor in rectifiers and suppressors for many years, selenium occurs naturally on the earth. Its popularity as a rectifier is fading in favor of its silicon equivalent. However, demand for selenium suppressors continues. Depositing the elements on a metal substrates surface produces selenium cells. This provides the cells with good thermal mass and energy dissipation as well as self-healing characteristics, allowing the device to survive energy discharges in excess of the rated value. Seleniums crystalline structure gives it the ability to continue functioning after a burst of energy in excess of its short pulse width rating. Its suppressor operation is comparable to a pressure relief valvewhen the pressure rises, the relief valve opens, releases the pressure, and then resets itself. Because of its unique properties, the selenium suppressor remains viable in many applications. Special clamping capabilities enable the selenium suppressor to find its own niche as transient voltage suppressor. Because of its ability to continuously dissipate power and handle long surges, its better than MOVs or silicon uppressors for some applications. The selenium suppressor can absorb energy levels in excess of its rated capability while maintaining its clamping characteristics on the next cycle. The layering of the suppressor onto the aluminum plate allows the suppressors energy capabilities to follow that of a heat sink curve. This heat sink capability allows steadystate power dissipation up to 40 times that of an MOV. For a 130V suppressor, the selenium product allows steady-state dissipation of 2.5W to 80W, compared with an MOV that allows only 0.1W to 2.5W. The photo shows several selenium cells.Manufacturers produce selenium suppressor cell plates in sizes varying from 1 in. x 1 in. to 12 in. x 16 in. that can function at a temperature of 0C to 55C ambient without any derating. The voltage of a selenium suppressor cell starts at 26Vrms or 22.5Vdc per cell plate. Users must keep the suppressor to 75V maximum due to the dielectric ceiling of the cell. The capacitive nature of the plate allows placement in series to attain higher voltage levels. Other suppressors can handle high current, short pulse widths in the microsecond range, but the selenium suppressor

can handle milli-second pulse width currents, making it a more robust suppressor than silicon devices. It has a typical response time of less than 1 ms and is capable of handling pulses with long decay times as seen in large DC motors or any inductive loads with L/R ratios in the 100 ms range. Power conditioning systems, generators, and AC controllers are typical selenium suppressor pplications. Suppressor applications are specifically used on the DC side of a rectified generator output, across SCRs on large controllers, across DC motors, and on transformers for line-to-line transient suppression.

Typical applications for selenium suppressors include: On the DC side of a rectified generator output. Across the SCRs on large controllers. Across DC motors. On transformers (for line-to-line suppression) Power conditioning (i.e. from power strips to service entrance). For some devices, an MOV or a TVSS is better suited, and for others, a combination of suppressors is best. owever, to the surprise of many electrical engineers, the capabilities unique to the selenium suppressor have enabled it to retain a firm place in todays market.

Carbon block spark gap overvoltage suppressor

Carbon block spark gap overvoltage suppressor an older technology still found in telephone circuits. A carbon rod is held with an insulator a specific distance from a second carbon rod. The gap dimension determines the voltage at which a spark will jump between the two parts and short to ground. Carbon block suppressors are similar to a gas arrestor but with the two electrodes exposed to the air.

The original offering in the spark gap surge suppression family was a carbon blocks. The carbon block suppressor used the principle of a voltage arcing across an air gap. The air gap breaks down at approximately 150V per thousands of an inch. The minimum size gap was used to provide the lowest level of protection without disturbing regular system operation. When a transient overvoltage occurred in the system, the air gap in the carbon block would ionize and break down. The breakdown of the gap forms a very low impedance path to ground thus diverting the surge away from the equipment. As soon as the overvoltage condition was removed, the air gap is restored and system operation is continued. The disadvantage of carbon block spark gap technology was that short duration pulses pitted the surface of the carbon blocks, thus removing small pieces of the face material. This material builds up after a number of surges, eventually causing a permanently shortened gap resulting in the need for protector replacement. This had a very adverse effect on the maintenance and replacement costs of the protection circuit. Another disadvantage of this technology was the difficulty in exactly controlling the breakdown characteristics over a wide variety of operating conditions. In an effort to overcome the disadvantages of the carbon block, a sealed spark gap was developed which uses an inert gas in a sealed ceramic envelope. This technology is known as a gas tube surge arrester.

Quarter-wave coaxial surge arrestor

Used in RF signal transmission paths, this technology features a tuned quarter-wavelength short-circuit stub that allows it to pass a bandwidth of frequencies, but presents a short to any other signals, especially down towards DC. The passbands can be narrowband (about 5% to 10% bandwidth) or wideband (above 25% to 50% bandwidth). Quarter-wave coax surge arrestors have coaxial terminals, compatible with common coax cable connectors (especially N or 7-16 types). They provide the most rugged available protection for RF signals above 400 MHz; at these frequencies they can perform much better than the gas discharge cells typically used in the universal/broadband coax surge arrestors. Quarter-wave arrestors are useful for telecommunications applications, such as Wi-Fi at 2.4 or 5 GHz but less useful for TV/CATV frequencies. Since a quarter-wave arrestor shorts out the line for low frequencies, it is not compatible with systems which send DC power for a LNB up the coaxial downlink.

Applications: Tower Mounted Amplifiers (TMA) Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Antenna Systems Tower Top Electronics (TTE) Transmitters and Receivers