When you have a lot of electronic equipment plugged in and storms happen, you usually run to unplug everything to avoid problems. The idea of this text is to help you understand what a DPS is, a device that can help a lot to protect your electrical network.
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But what is DPS?
The acronym DPS refers to Electrical Surge Protection Device. It is an equipment capable of avoiding an overload in your electrical network, preserving the useful life of your electronic devices. Thus, it acts to inhibit the burning of your appliances and other energy-related products.
An electrical surge can occur for several reasons, which include atmospheric discharges, such as lightning that falls directly into the system, and large electric motor starts, for example. Thus, protecting the power grid is essential, showing the importance of DPS.
In a simple way, it monitors a possible excess of voltage in the system, and if it occurs, it diverts the electric current to the grounding system of your home. In this way, it also helps to avoid, in addition to burning devices, a potential fire in the house.
There are three classes of DPS
DPS are divided into three classes, with different applications. Class I ones are generally the most robust in terms of their current discharge capacity, being effective in situations of direct discharges. Therefore, installation should generally be performed at the point of entry into the system. They are recommended for peripheral or rural urban areas, precisely because of their greater vulnerability to direct lightning strikes.
Class II SPDs, on the other hand, are designed to protect against indirect discharges, and are often used in homes and smaller commercial properties, often helping to protect against Class I ones. In this case, they are installed directly on the distribution board.
Finally, the Class III ones have an even more complementary function, generally being installed close to the equipment in which you want to give more protection. Examples include air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines.