Did you know that many of the systems modern dairy farms depend on every day can be affected by power surges?
Today’s dairy operations rely on automated milking systems, cooling equipment, monitoring systems, and other electronic controls to keep things running smoothly. While these technologies improve efficiency, they can also be vulnerable to electrical surges.
Many people associate surges with lightning strikes, but they can also be caused by utility power fluctuations, generators, large motors, and equipment cycling on and off throughout a facility.
Surge Protection Devices (SPDs), formerly known as Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS), are designed to help protect sensitive electrical and electronic equipment from damaging voltage spikes.
Why Is This Important?
Modern dairy equipment is a significant investment. A damaged controller or drive can lead to downtime, service calls, and costly repairs.
As dairy operations continue to add more automation and electronic controls, protecting those systems becomes increasingly important.
How Can Surge Protection Help?
Surge protection devices are designed to help divert damaging voltage spikes away from sensitive equipment.
A protection strategy may include devices at the service entrance, distribution panels, control panels, and other critical points throughout a facility.
Many Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) are evaluated to UL 1449, the industry safety standard for surge protective devices. The National Electrical Code (NEC) has also expanded its focus on surge protection in recent editions. NEC 230.67 addresses surge protection for services supplying dwelling units, while NEC 215.18 addresses surge protection for feeders supplying dwelling units. These requirements reflect the growing importance of protecting sensitive electronic equipment from damaging transient voltage events. While these specific NEC requirements apply to dwelling-unit installations, they highlight the increasing recognition of surge protection as an important part of modern electrical system design.
Did You Know Chirico Scientific Offers Surge Protection Solutions?
Chirico Scientific can help identify surge protection solutions for dairy operations and many other applications.
Whether you’re upgrading an existing facility or planning a new installation, we’re available to discuss options that fit your application.
Additional Resources
Network and Communications Protection
MTL Surge Protection Video Series
For additional information, contact info@chiricoscientific.com.
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