Offering the Best Solutions for Commercial & Industrial Buildings
Adding power surge protection for your commercial building is a smart investment. Trust Ideal Electric for the best solution to protect your equipment and earnings potential in the event of a power surge. Our electrical contractors consider the existing machinery and appliances in your facility to develop a custom solution. Contact us for a quote on a surge protection system for your commercial building.
Surge Protection for Commercial Buildings: What it is + Types
What is a Power Surge?
A power surge, known as an electrical surge, is a sudden increase in voltage in an electrical circuit. Power surges can happen from lightning strikes, power outages, and inconsistencies in the electrical grid. These surges can last for a few nanoseconds to several minutes and can range in magnitude from a few volts to several thousand volts. A surge in power can occur on either the AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) side of the electrical system.
Power surges can harm electrical devices and equipment, such as damaging the internal components of the device and causing it to malfunction or stop working altogether. They can also be a safety hazard with the potential to cause electrical fires or electrocution.
Why is a Surge Protector for Commercial Properties a Smart Investment?
Power needs and demands vary greatly from one business to another. Power surges can cause thousands of dollars in damage to any machine relying on electrical components including machining tools, molding machines, industrial robots, and more. Not only will broken machinery cost your business money in repairs, but it will also cost you lost productivity and revenue-generating opportunities. Taking the safe bet and having a commercial surge protection system added to your building is a wise investment.
How does Surge Protection Work?
Commercial surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage away from the protected equipment and into the ground, where the voltage can safely dissipate. They typically consist of a metal oxide varistor (MOV) or a series of MOVs, known as devices that conduct electrical current when the voltage reaches a certain level. In the event of an electrical surge, the MOVs in the surge protector conduct the excess voltage away from the protected equipment and into the ground.
The number, type, and age of your electronic devices are considered when choosing a surge protection system. All commercial surge protection devices installed by our team meet ANSI and NFPA 79 standards for industrial machinery. Choosing Ideal Electric for commercial electrical services such as surge protection means you’re getting a safe, compliant, and effective solution installed by local professionals.
Types of Surge Protection
Whole-building surge protection: Also called point-of-entry surge protectors, whole-building surge protectors are installed at the main electrical panel of a building. They are designed to divert excess voltage away from the building’s electrical system and into the ground. This type of surge protector is best for protecting devices that cannot be hooked into a surge protection power strip and for comprehensive protection of a building’s entire electrical system.
Point-of-use surge protection: Also known as a plug-in surge protector, point-of-use surge protectors are installed at a single outlet and protect all electrical equipment plugged into it. Power strips are the most common point-of-use surge protector.
Outdoor surge protection: A surge protection device designed to protect outdoor electronic equipment such as irrigation systems, landscape lighting, and outdoor security cameras from electrical surges. Outdoor surge protectors are designed to provide the same protection as a surge protection power strip would but are waterproof and able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
What are the Benefits of Surge Protectors?
Power surges are not always caused by severe weather or power outages. Another common cause is overloading your electrical panels and circuits. Depending on the severity, electrical surges can shorten the lifespan of your electrical equipment, cause irreparable damage or even start a fire. Installing surge protection in your commercial or industrial facility has several benefits including:
Superior protection for every electrical appliance in the whole building
Reduced risk of lost profits from broken machinery
Frequently Asked Questions on Commercial Surge Protection
What is a commercial surge protector?
A commercial surge protector is a device designed to protect electronic equipment in a commercial setting, such as an office building or warehouse, from electrical surges. Commercial-grade surge protectors can keep a business and its equipment protected in the event of a power surge from power outages, lightning strikes, or hiccups in an electrical grid’s operation.
Is surge protection required for commercial property?
Surge protection in a commercial building is not required by law but is strongly recommended as best practice. Electrical surges can damage electronic equipment and machines, costing a business not only money but time and revenue-generating opportunities. Surge protection can protect your business from the unthinkable, such as electrical fires and electrocution due to power spikes.
Should I pay for surge protection?
Paying for surge protection in your building is added insurance against unpredictable power surges. You should pay to have a surge protector installed in your business if you have electronic equipment or machines sensitive to power surges, where losing them would mean costly repairs and lost revenue.
How much does it cost to get a surge protector installed?
The cost to have a surge protector installed in your commercial building can depend on several factors, including the type of surge protector, the size of the building/property, and any complexities with installation. Expect to pay at least $250 in most cases. Whole-building surge protectors tend to cost more than point-of-use surge protectors since they protect all electronics in the building.
Contact Ideal Electric for a quote and opinion on a fully commercial power surge protection system for your building.
Ideal Electric, Inc. is a residential electrician providing services including electrical panel and circuit breaker repair, high voltage electrical, generator installation, home EV charging station installation, whole home surge protection, and more for clients in Wisconsin near West Bend, Cedarburg, Grafton, Saukville, Port Washington, Mequon, Slinger, Hartford, Germantown, Menomonee Falls, Brown Deer, Glendale, Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Waukesha, and the surrounding communities.
