How does surge protection relate to switchgear?

Surge protection plays a critical role in the functioning and longevity of switchgear by safeguarding it, as well as any downstream equipment, from voltage spikes. Voltage spikes can occur due to various reasons, such as lightning strikes, switching operations, or sudden changes in load within the power system. These sudden increases in voltage can cause significant damage to the internal components of switchgear, leading to failures or malfunctions.

When surge protective devices are integrated into the switchgear system, they can effectively divert the excess voltage away from sensitive components, ensuring that only the designed voltage levels reach the switchgear and attached devices. This increases reliability and reduces the risk of costly repairs and downtime caused by equipment damage. Hence, selecting surge protection that adequately addresses potential voltage peaks is essential for maintaining safe and reliable operations in electrical systems.