Today’s industrial facilities depend more on electrical equipment than ever before. Variable frequency drives, PLCs, industrial networking equipment, automation systems, sensors, and connected devices all help manufacturers improve productivity and efficiency. However, they also create a growing challenge: protecting sensitive electrical equipment from damaging power surges.
That’s why surge protection has become an essential part of modern electrical system design, and it’s why companies across industrial markets rely on Mersen’s comprehensive surge protection solutions to help safeguard critical assets.
The Impact of a Power Surge
A power surge is a temporary increase in voltage that travels through an electrical system. Some surges originate outside the facility from lighting strikes or utility switching events. Others are generated inside the plant by motors, drives, switching operations, and other electrical equipment.
Most surges occur in fractions of a second. However, even brief voltage spikes can damage sensitive electronics, shorten equipment lifespan, create expensive downtime, and lead to costly repairs. As facilities continue investing in automation and digital technologies, protecting those systems becomes increasingly important.
Why a Single Surge Protective Device Isn’t Enough
One of the most common misconceptions about surge protection is that a single surge protective device (SPD) can protect an entire facility. In reality, effective surge protection is often built around a layered strategy.
As voltage surges move through an electrical system, they can enter at multiple points and affect equipment throughout the facility. That’s why surge protection is most effective when installed at multiple levels of the electrical distribution system.
This layered approach helps reduce surge energy as it travels downstream while providing protection closer to the equipment that needs it most.
Mersen’s Layered Approach to Protection
Mersen has developed a broad portfolio of surge protection solutions designed to support this layered protection strategy.
Service Entrance Protection
The first line of defense is located where power enters the facility.
Type 1 surge protective devices help protect electrical systems from external surge events before they can propagate throughout the facility. These devices are commonly installed at service entrances and other critical points where incoming power enters the electrical system.
Distribution-Level Protection
Once power enters a facility, additional protection may be required at distribution panels and downstream equipment.
Type 2 surge protective devices help further reduce surge energy before it reaches sensitive loads. These solutions provide an additional layer of defense that helps improve overall system reliability.
Equipment-Level Protection
Some equipment requires protection as close to the load as possible. Type 3 surge protection solutions help protect sensitive electronics, controls, communications equipment, and automation systems that can be particularly vulnerable to transient voltage events.
How Mersen Stands Out
Mersen’s surge protection portfolio is designed to help customers implement protection throughout the electrical distribution system, rather than relying on a single device or install point. This comprehensive approach allows OEMs, panel builders, contractors, and maintenance teams to develop solutions tailored to their specific applications and operating environments.
Combined with Mersen’s extensive history of electrical protection expertise, the result is a portfolio designed to help improve reliability, reduce downtime, and protect valuable technology investments.
Building the Right Protection Strategy with Agilix Solutions
While surge protection is critical, selecting the right solution isn’t a straightforward, one-size-fits-all task. Different facilities face different risks based on their electrical infrastructure, equipment mix, operating environment, and reliability requirements. That’s where Agilix Solutions can help.
As a trusted partner to OEMs, panel builders, MRO teams, and electrical contractors, Agilix Solutions works closely with customers to evaluate their applications and identify the Mersen surge protection solutions that best fit their needs. Whether you’re protecting a new installation, upgrading your existing system, or developing a facility-wide protection strategy, our team can help connect you with the right products and expertise.
To learn more about Mersen surge protection solutions, contact your Agilix Solutions Account Manager or visit your local Agilix branch.