Surge Protection System (SPM)
SPM - measures taken to protect internal systems against the effects of LEMP.
The installation of a lightning and surge protection system (SPM) for electrical installations represents the latest state of the art and is an indispensable infrastructural condition for the trouble-free operation of complex electrical and electronic systems without consequential damage.
The design of SPM should be carried out by experts in lightning and surge protection who possess a broad knowledge of EMC and installation practices.
Permanent failure of electrical and electronic systems due to LEMP can be caused by:
- Conducted and induced surges transmitted to equipment via connecting wiring.
- Effects of radiated electromagnetic fields impinging directly onto equipment itself.
Failures due to electromagnetic fields impinging directly onto the equipment can be considered negligible.
In general, equipment is required to comply with the relevant EMC product standards therefore SPM consisting of a coordinated SPD system is usually considered sufficient to protect such equipment against the effects of LEMP. The threat of directly conducted or induced lightning current is dealt with a lightning protection zone concept, where the boundaries defined are used to either bond incoming services directly or with a suitable SPD.