What is an SPD?

Issue:
Definition of SPD.

Product Line:
Surge Protective Devices

Environment:
EMA, EBA, HWA, TVSS, SPD

Product Line:
Surge Protective Devices (SPDs)

Resolution:
Surge Protective Devices (SPD) were previously referred to as a Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) or secondary surge arrester. Effective September 29th, 2009, the designations of Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) and Surge Arrester for use on AC systems 1,000 V and below changed to Surge Protective Device (SPD) and are covered within the same standard. Standards that referred to surge arresters, secondary surge arresters or TVSSs are now out of date and obsolete. SPDs protect electrical equipment from very high peak voltage impulses (transients) by diverting or limiting the current and providing a path of least resistance to ground. These devices are used to protect sensitive electronics from the effects of lightning induced transients, substation switching transients and internally generated transients resulting from inductive and/or capacitive load switching.

Released for:Schneider Electric Canada