Surge Arrester Installations: Complete Professional Guide
Surge arrester installations are essential protective measures for modern electrical systems, safeguarding buildings and equipment from transient overvoltages caused by lightning strikes and electrical disturbances. At Earthing Equipment Supplies Southern Ltd, we provide professional surge protection device (SPD) installation services across the South of the UK, ensuring comprehensive protection for residential, commercial and industrial facilities.
Understanding Surge Arrester Installation Requirements
Proper surge arrester installations begin with understanding your electrical system requirements. According to IET standards, surge protection is mandatory for healthcare facilities, public services, and commercial buildings. The installation process requires assessment of supply type (single or three phase), current capacity (below or above 125A), and building characteristics to determine appropriate protection levels.
Types of Surge Arresters for Installation
Professional surge arrester installations utilise three main types of surge protection devices. Type 1 surge arresters are designed for buildings with lightning protection systems or overhead supplies, capable of discharging direct lightning strikes with 10/350 microsecond current waves. These are essential for industrial buildings and facilities with meshed cage protection.
Type 2 surge arresters provide main protection for low voltage installations and are installed in electrical switchboards. With 8/20 microsecond characteristics, they protect against induced lightning currents and grid surges. Type 3 devices offer supplementary protection for sensitive equipment, installed within ten metres of protected loads, often in trailing sockets or deep mounting boxes.
Installation Methods for Different Supply Types
Surge arrester installations for overhead supplies require Type 1 devices with CT2 connection methods for TT or TNCS networks. Gas tubes in neutral poles prevent earth faults. These installations protect caravan parks, yacht marinas and rural properties with overhead power lines.
Underground supplies serving UK buildings through PME or TNS/TNCS systems use CT1 connection methods. When the supply type is uncertain, CT2 devices work safely for both configurations, though CT1 devices cannot be used in TT supplies due to RCD tripping risks.
Coordinated Protection Strategy
Effective surge arrester installations implement coordinated protection following the lightning protection zone concept. Type 1 or Type 2 arresters are installed at main incomers, Type 2 at sub-boards, and Type 3 near sensitive equipment. This cascaded approach manages let-through voltages effectively.
Professional installations protect all building services, including telephone lines, data cables and solar connections. All devices should be from the same manufacturer for proper coordination and IET standards compliance.
Professional Installation and Maintenance
Earthing Equipment Supplies Southern Ltd delivers ATLAS-accredited surge arrester installations across the South of the UK. Our services include risk assessment, supply verification, device selection, installation, testing and commissioning. We ensure compliance with IET wiring regulations and BS EN 62305 standards for residential, commercial, industrial and healthcare facilities.
Regular maintenance ensures optimal protection. Our services include inspection of status indicators, connection verification, backup device testing, and module replacement. Proper maintenance prevents failures and ensures continuous protection against transient overvoltages.
Contact us on 0118 976 0239 for professional surge arrester installations, risk assessments and maintenance services. Our specialists provide tailored protection solutions for comprehensive electrical system safety.
Service Areas
The South of England (Reading & Berkshire)
Woodley, Wokingham, Crowthorne, Bracknell, Newbury, Maidenhead, Slough
Greater London
All boroughs with same-day emergency response
Surrounding Counties
Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire
Get Your Free Consultation
Call: 0118 976 0239
Mobile: 07768 566889
Email: sales@earthingequipcom
Address: Earthing Equipment Supplies Southern Ltd, Lavender House, Church Lane, Arborfield Near Reading, RG2 9JA
