Introduction
There are two types of surge: those generated by a lightning impact and those resulting from electrical switchgear switching operations.
Surges resulting from lightning strokes
Surges resulting from lightning strokes (see figure below) can affect all electrical installations. Consequently, they are without doubt the main source of nuisance tripping of electrical protection devices.
In most cases an earth leakage protection device will trip. The incomer circuit-breaker, if it is of the residual current kind, is the first concerned as it affects the entire electrical installation. Should lightning fall on a line or an electrical installation, it will cause a potential build-up that will lead to arcing to the earth resulting in tripping of earth leakage and/or thermal magnetic protection devices.
Operating Overvoltage
Operating overvoltage (see figure below) result from opening or closing of switchgear on the electrical network (current switching on a high power network).
The phenomenon that creates most disturbance is that generated by surges occurring on the network when a protection device cuts an electric current. The electrical power transmitted by this second surge category is markedly less energetic than that transmitted by a lightning stroke occurring close-by.
Surges resulting from breaking of the neutral conductor
In three-phase systems, breaking of the earthed neutral conductor connection results in a potential rise of the neutral (according to load unbalance).
Phase-to-neutral voltage is also affected and can increase by 70% (U0√3).
Home Surge Protection (VIDEO)
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Resource: Schneider Electric – Increasing availability of LV electrical networks
Copyright Notice
This technical article is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of PDF version of this technical article to websites such as Linkedin, Scribd, Facebook and others without written permission of the sponsor is illegal and strictly prohibited.© EEP-Electrical Engineering Portal.
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Edvard Csanyi
Hi, I'm an electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal. I worked twelve years at Schneider Electric in the position of technical support for low- and medium-voltage projects and the design of busbar trunking systems.I'm highly specialized in the design of LV/MV switchgear and low-voltage, high-power busbar trunking (<6300A) in substations, commercial buildings and industry facilities. I'm also a professional in AutoCAD programming.
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