In conditions of today’s electric power industry, one of the challenges remains voltage surges, which can lead to significant consequences. Systems of alternating current, widely applied in various industries, are especially sensitive to these anomalies. This extensive article will analyze the causes of voltage surges, their influence on components of alternating current, and available options for protection. For prevention of similar situations, it is important to conduct a service by Awal Experts to reduce the risk of damage to equipment.
Dynamics of abnormal changes of voltage in electrical networks
Voltage surges or brief fluctuations of levels of voltage – phenomenon complex, depending on numerous factors. According to estimates by specialists, up to 80% of surges in electrical networks are caused by errors in equipment. Main causes include:
- Thunderstorm discharges: According to statistics, about 24,000 lightning strikes per one thunderstorm day cause spikes of energy in electrical networks.
- Switching of equipment: Sudden changes in 40% of cases caused by large industrial installations, creating fluctuations in networks.
- System malfunctions: Failures and short circuits in devices – about 20% of all incidents.
Even short-term surges, lasting less than a second, can disrupt the functioning of systems of alternating current, as shown by studies conducted on an example of 5,000 enterprises of small businesses. More about lightning and their influence can be read on Wikipedia.
Vulnerability of key components of alternating current
- Transformers: More than 65% of failures of transformers are related to excessive voltage, especially in older models.
- Capacitors: They have the risk of explosions during overloads; such incidents make up about 30% of all malfunctions.
- Resistors: Although more resistant, at exceeding nominal, overheating occurs, which happens in 10% of cases.
Each of these components plays a critical role in ensuring the stable operation of systems. Conducted tests showed more frequent breakdowns in recent models of equipment without proper measures of protection.
Effects of voltage surges and examples from industry
These surges are accompanied by two main consequences:
- Physical damage: For example, 40% of breakdowns of components are to blame for deformations of insulation.
- Electrical failures: Among the main causes of their problems – is the loss of up to 50% of data in computers.
In 2003, the largest blackout in North America affected 50 million people; its causes were surges and violations in the network. In household appliances, for example, more than 30% of breakdowns are caused by similar impulses. More about this event can be learned in Wikipedia.
Effective methods of protection from voltage surges
- Voltage stabilizers: Devices which protect electronics, reducing in 2 times probability of failure.
- Network filters: They prevent penetration of up to 90% of interferences in the network, effectively blocking surges.
- Protective relays: Interrupt power supply in danger, preserving equipment. Measurements showed a reduction of risk of breakdowns by 70%.
- Lightning protection devices: Provide resistance to lightning, protecting 95% of installations from powerful emissions.
These measures allow the creation of reliable systems and minimize risks, prolonging the service life of equipment. About how to protect electrical devices can be read on u.ae.
Ensuring the safety of electrical systems in long-term perspective
Understanding and prevention of voltage surges – key aspects of increasing reliability of electrical systems. Studies show that the use of modern protective measures can reduce the number of emergency situations by 75%. Regular diagnostics and updating of equipment strengthen safety in a long-term perspective, thereby minimizing financial and time losses. Combined use of modern technologies can reduce the number of failures by 4 times, thereby ensuring stability and continuity of work.
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