EM offers latest surge-protection technology to cope with grid instability
Having an effective surge-protection device installed is crucial. Most people associate surge protection with lightning protection. While the latter is important, especially if you live in an area where this is needed, it is not the only form of surge that can damage equipment.
Overvoltage events are now much more common, warns EM Product Manager Christo van Rensburg. This not only damages equipment, but reduces the lifespan of infrastructure and incurs costly downtime for repairs.
CPT Cirprotec’s class-leading lightning and surge-protection devices are at the forefront of innovation and design. Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, the company has invested in two purpose-built surge-protection test laboratories, and has conducted over 30 000 tests to date.
It also employs a team of electrical engineers, is represented on key international standard committees, and invests significantly in research and development, all of which translate into world-class products and solutions. This enables CPT Cirprotec to offer a product range complying with IEC, UL, and NFC standards.
CPT Cirprotec solutions are available from EM for a range of industries, from transportation to energy, water treatment, commercial buildings, data centres, and industrial and residential installations. The brand is a key component of EM’s low-voltage product offering.
Products include modular plug-in Type 2 and combined Type 1 and 2 surge-protection devices. With the increasing demand in photovoltaic (PV) installations, EM also offers a PV (DC voltage) surge-protection range from CPT Cirprotec.
Latest developments available from EM include the SAFEGROUND® range. This is thought to be the first protection device on the market that, in addition to indicating it is properly wired, guarantees an adequate path to ground, which is essential if the protection device is to shunt the energy peaks to ground effectively.
In addition, the unit can also indicate, depending on the colour and flashing sequence, whether the installation is permanent undervoltage (<195 V), permanent overvoltage (>275 V), or high potential neutral ground.
“Nobody knows what percentage of surge-protection devices are properly installed to provide effective protection,” van Rensburg cautions. Here SAFEGROUND® stands to play a vital role, especially as it is based on the impedance loop technology already patented, sold, and implemented by CPT Cirprotec in thousands of protection solutions.
It is a known fact that electronic equipment is more sensitive to overvoltage (Ue = 1.5 kV). Due to this, it is highly recommended that surge-protection devices are installed in these type of applications.
It is also recommended that surge-protection devices are protected against any short circuits by DF fuses or Hager circuit breakers. “This ensures that, as a complete solutions provider, we can cater for all of our customers’ requirements,” van Rensburg concludes.
Ends
Notes to the Editor
To download hi-res images for this release, please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the ElectroMechanica link to view the company’s press office.
About ElectroMechanica
ElectroMechanica was established in 1984 by David van den Berg as a specialised direct importer and wholesale distributor of high-end industrial electrical products, motor control switchgear and electronic automation products. A wholly-owned South African company, ElectroMechanica offers its clients state-of-the-art products, sourced from leading local and international brands, all complying with recognised international safety standards and performance specifications.
ElectroMechanica Contact
Karen Zotter
Phone: (011) 249 5000
Fax: (011) 496 2779
Email: karenz [at] em [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.em.co.za
Media Contact
Thapelo Phukuje
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867 7763
Fax: 086 512 3352
Cell: 079 425 4914
Email: thapelo [at] ngage [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
Browse the NGAGE Media Zone for more client press releases and photographs at http://media.ngage.co.za