Surge Protectors Support Alternative Energy Sources

The new Surge Protection line from Thomas & Betts provides premium protection for alternative energy sources from the damaging effects of electrical power surges. The products, which include Joslyn surge protective devices, provide protection from the component level up to complete facility coverage.

T&B Surge Protection products are available with optional EMI and RFI filters to protect sensitive control systems from interference caused by variable frequency equipment. The line includes individually fused MOVs to provide protection from extended surge events. Available surge ratings are 400 kA, 240 kA, 160 kA and 100 kA per phase. DIN rail mounting is also available with these devices. By combining two or more T&B Surge Protection units in an electrical system, the product warranty is extended from 10 to 15 years.

“These alternative energy sources – wind farms, solar panels and solar collectors – are typically installed in remote locations, making them more susceptible to lightning strikes and power quality abnormalities,” said Jonathan Rodriguez, Thomas & Betts product manager for alternative energy surge protective devices. “In fact, lightning damage is the single largest cause of unplanned downtime in wind turbines.”