1. Definition and necessity of surge protector

• A protective device that prevents damage to equipment and electrical devices by blocking momentary overvoltage (surge) that occurs externally (lightning, power line inflow, etc.) and internally (switching, etc.).

• A key element in preventing failures and malfunctions of major equipment such as PCS (power conversion system) and UPS (uninterruptible power supply).

2. Step-by-step installation location of surge protector

3. What is a Surge Black Box?

• The surge black box is a diagnostic and recording device that is linked to a surge protector and constantly records and monitors surge events (history of voltage spikes, etc.).

• Automatically stores and monitors information such as surge inflow time, surge current, inflow direction, and leakage current of commercial frequency.

• Useful for tracking the cause of equipment abnormalities through data analysis, and for rapid facility inspection and maintenance.

Key Features

• Real-time monitoring and alerting capabilities

• Save surge event history (time of occurrence, size, direction, leakage current, etc.)

• Remote data query and management possible

• Preemptive detection of SPD abnormalities (such as internal deterioration)

4. Example of integrated installation of surge protector and surge black box

[system]

↓

[Transformer secondary side/main panel (SPD + surge black box)]

↓

[PCS (Input SPD + Surge Black Box)] --- [UPS (Input SPD + Surge Black Box)]

↓

[Precision load (SPD if required)]

5. Precautions during installation and operation

• For both SPD and surge black box, the grounding system is important, and compliance with standards and installation guidelines is essential.

• It is necessary to check the SPD rating/specification and surge black box interlock compatibility for each facility.

• Regular inspections and preventive maintenance based on surge history data are recommended.

6. System protection effect

• Minimizing damage to equipment caused by surges when applying step-by-step SPD + surge black box

• Identify the cause of a problem and prevent recurrence of an accident by detecting and recording abnormal events

• Improve management efficiency and enhance facility reliability

The optimal facility protection strategy is to install surge protectors in stages at the power inputs and system inlets of major facilities such as PCS and UPS, and to add surge black boxes at each location to strengthen surge history management and preventive maintenance.