
The SPD sits in parallel with the loads and remains an open circuit during normal operation, then provides a low impedance path to ground to divert overvoltage current.
Show how a metal oxide varistor (mov) acts as a fast, voltage-dependent resistor that clamps overvoltage surges by diverting excess energy to ground, protecting circuits and equipment.
Install a surge protection device in single-phase and three-phase systems by wiring it in parallel to line and neutral, with earth as the discharge path during overvoltage.
Learn how an SPD indicator shows end-of-life status for surge protective devices, with green/red indicators and LED status on each cartridge, enabling targeted replacement of failed cartridges in 3-phase systems.
Explore lightning waveforms and direct versus indirect strikes, explain air breakdown at 30 kV/cm, and relate peak currents up to 200 kA to surge protective design.
Explain lightning voltage and current waveforms, including rise time, time to peak, and time to 50%, and distinguish direct (10/350) and indirect (8/20) impulse types per IEC 660.
Explore three surge protection device types—type one, two, and three—and their use with or without a lightning protection system, addressing direct and indirect lightning strikes.
Explore surge protective device technologies, including spark gaps, metal oxide varistors, gas discharge tubes, and internal protective devices, and learn type 1, type 2, type 3 configurations and external-internal breakers.
Explore surge protective device specifications via vi characteristics, including in, iimp, and ub, and learn to select type 1, type 2, or combined spd for single- and three-phase systems.
Select the surge protective device operating voltage (Uc) by earthing system and a minimum Uc table, using 1.1 Ue/√3 for line-to-neutral connections and determine how many poles are required.
Select the voltage protection level by category: category one sensitive loads and category two domestic loads, using IEC tables to match nominal voltage and limit UP to impulse withstand.
Learn to select and coordinate SBDs—type one, two, or both—based on lightning protection, exposure level, risk, and per-pool short-circuit ratings.
Coordinate SPDs by explaining wave reflection in cables, when to deploy type three devices, and how type one, two, and three protect loads.
Explore overcurrent protection for surge protective devices, including why SBDs fail as short circuits, and how circuit breakers and fuses provide safe isolation and backup protection.
Minimize total wire lengths L1, L2, and L3 to under 50 cm, or 35 cm for integrated SPD, to limit overvoltage across the surge protective device and protected load.
Assess the conductor cross-sectional area entering an SBD, per IEC 6364, and explain how the integrated SBD and circuit breaker minimize D1 at the connection.
Learn conductor rules for surge protective device installation, minimizing loop surface and avoiding coupling, with proper isolation of incoming feeders, earthing, and enclosure considerations under IEC 60 439-1.
Protect your electrical systems like a pro!
Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) are essential for ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance in modern power systems. Whether you're an electrical engineer, technician, student, or contractor, this course will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to select, install, and maintain SPDs with confidence.
In this comprehensive training, you'll learn about surge protection—from the fundamental science of transient overvoltages and lightning strikes to the technical intricacies of SPD technologies, device ratings, coordination strategies, and real-world installation practices.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to design surge protection systems that meet international standards and protect critical electrical infrastructure from costly damage.
What You’ll Learn
Understand what causes electrical surges and how SPDs protect systems from them
Learn the working principles of SPDs, including MOVs, spark gaps, and indicator cartridges
Differentiate between Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 SPDs, and where to apply each
Master SPD selection based on voltage, current capacity, and protection level
Apply industry best practices for correct wiring, placement, and conductor sizing
Ensure proper overcurrent protection and device coordination
Understand how to troubleshoot and maintain SPD systems
This is not just theory — it’s a practical, career-enhancing guide to one of the most important aspects of modern electrical systems.
Join now and become an expert in surge protection!