Surge protection enhances electrical infrastructure safety

“Optimal selection and installation of lightning and surge protection devices enhance electrical safety, promoting compliance.“

Real-time monitoring and diagnostics in modern smart surge protection solutions enable proactive protection against equipment damage, says Vikas Almadi, Director & CEO of Dehn India Pvt. Ltd., in an interview with EPR magazine.

What are the prevalent challenges and vulnerabilities in surge protection systems?

Lack of awareness of the subject causes Improper selection of SPDs, improper sizing of wires, and backup OCPDs are major challenges.

There is a need for increased awareness among consumers. So as responsible manufacturers, we need to increase the scale of our awareness programmes. Also, the industry should work with regulatory and inspection agencies to ensure the proper selection of devices and accessories.

What are the key considerations in designing and implementing robust protection in different regions?

A proper risk assessment is the first step towards designing a robust lightning protection system. The next step is identifying the right method of air termination for the structure. We have seen designers choose the mesh method regardless of the type of building. Designers should put more effort into designing the right type of air termination for a structure. Care shall also be placed on separation distances as required. The down conductor system, earth termination system, and equipotential bonding system shall also be chosen accordingly. It is preferable always to use a Type B earth termination system. The selection of SPD has to be done based on the lightning protection system, geographical area, associated risk to service or asset, and the available electrical and earthing systems.

What are the emerging trends and prospects in surge protection technology?

With penetrating digitalisation on the cards, emerging trends in surge protection technology include:

• Advanced analytics and monitoring capabilities.
• Compact and versatile solutions.
• Adaptations for high-speed data networks and renewable energy systems.

The modern smart surge protection solution can offer real-time monitoring and diagnostics, enabling proactive measures to be taken before surges cause damage to sensitive equipment. The need for improved reliability, increased efficiency, and protection of sensitive electronics in various applications drives these trends. The selection concerning the existing electrical network is also made easy by the new “external fuse-independent SPDs.”

How can India stay ahead in adopting these advancements to ensure the resilience and reliability of its electrical infrastructure?

Most of our standards are now on par with various international standards. This is mainly due to massive efforts by agencies like BIS. The sector where we need to improve the most is enforcing these standards. For this, the industry should work in tandem with regulatory and inspection agencies. Applying the standards correctly in various applications is the responsibility of the users, and that’s where awareness counts the most.

What are the regulatory frameworks, standards, and guidelines in place for SPD in India to prioritise safety and compliance?

The SPDs are an integral part of lightning protection and, otherwise, of equipment protection. Various standards, including IS/IEC 62305, IS 16463 series, IS 732, and SP 30, have laid the framework for SPDs in India. They are detailed and highly informative. 

For more details, visit: https://www.dehn.in/en-in