Current surges are sudden increases in current caused by voltage imbalances. They can be internally generated by capacitor surge current or externally generated by lightning strikes. Surge protectors are available for all types of signals, and predicting peak current is important for building reliable equipment.
A current surge is a sudden increase in current usually caused by a voltage imbalance. In general terms, a spike is a sudden increase, and electric current is the rate of charge flows. Current is usually measured in amperes (A). If a direct current (DC) power cable carries 20A during constant load conditions, a current surge of approximately 50A during transient conditions, such as during power-up, may be possible. Voltage unbalance is an electrical potential difference that causes current spikes.
There are many ways to avoid equipment failure due to power surges. This current can be generated internally or externally. An internally generated surge current is usually the result of capacitor surge current, which occurs when a capacitor or capacitor is previously discharged, followed by a sudden flow of current that is intended to equalize the capacitor voltage to the source circuit .
An externally generated surge current usually comes from a lightning strike. Despite attempts to protect sensitive equipment from lightning strikes, there is always a way such currents can be induced into live equipment. Live equipment may have power supplies and miscellaneous cables, such as interface cables and signal cables that carry radio, audio or data frequencies.
In radio frequency systems, the antenna, usually on an antenna tower raised above the ground, is always where the signal level is best. The same ideal place to intercept the radio frequency signal is also the place where lightning is most likely to occur. Lightning rods are placed at the top of these towers to “capture” most of the lightning pulse, but some of the pulse energy finds its way into the electronic equipment.
The surge protectors available in the market include surge protectors and signal surge protectors. 110 volt alternating current (VAC) equipment can usually handle a voltage spike that causes the input voltage to rise to a maximum of about 150 VAC. There are also surge protectors available for all types of signals. These include radio frequency surge protectors and audio and data surge protectors.
A prediction of peak current is also important to keep electronic and electrical equipment running. Circuit designers must anticipate all possible overvoltage conditions to build reliable equipment. These transients are capable of overloading circuit components to the point of total or partial failure.
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