Protection of low-voltage electrical and electronic equipment and systems from lightning strikes and other power surges is vital for computing, telecommunications, transportation, power grids, distributed energy and charging installations. This systematic treatise covers surge causes, risk assessment, and protective measures.

Lightning protection, Surge limiters, Overvoltage protection, Electrical testing, Low voltage, Electrical protection equipment, Surge protection

Surge protection, Low voltage, Electrical protection equipment, Surge limiters, Electrical testing, Lightning protection, Overvoltage protection

This brief develops a data collection plan to assess loss related to electrical surges in homes, and explores the potential impact devices that prevent these surges could have in mitigating these losses. Key topics such as surge sources, surge effects and residential surge protection are clearly defined. Recent fire safety codes proposed a requirement that every dwelling unit be fitted with a surge protection device, as every year there is property damage to electrical and electronic equipment resulting from electrical surges. These proposals have not been implemented due to a lack of reliable data, which this brief seeks to change. The authors evaluate surge phenomena and their sources, surge protection methods, surge protection strategies and industry standards in order to present a data plan that can accurately assess loss related to electrical surges in homes.

Surge protection, Low voltage, Electrical protection equipment, Surge limiters, Electrical testing, Lightning protection, Overvoltage protection