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The popularity of solid-state electronic devices has grown dramatically over the last few decades. This is true for all market segments: consumer, commercial and industrial. In fact, roughly half the electrical power produced worldwide passes through such a device. Proliferation of Solid-State Electronic Devices Just consider today’s typical home. It is filled with all manner of electronic gadgetry. Televisions, VCRs, microwave ovens, stereo equipment, home computers… the list goes on. It’s easy to see why solid-state electronic devices are so popular. The devices are small in size. They are convenient to use. They are very precise in their function, offering superior performance. And, with no moving parts, they are exceptionally durable and long-lasting.
Figure 2. Solid-State Electronic Devices The Downside of Solid-State Electronic Devices However, solid-state electronic devices have a downside. To provide the precise, dependable function people have come to expect, these devices require an equally dependable source of power. Microprocessors rely upon digital signals, which are fast on/off coded sequences. If the sequences are distorted, the signals could be disrupted. Performance could be hampered or even stopped. In the case of a major Voltage surge (100V-20kV), these devices could be damaged or even destroyed, resulting in potentially very expensive equipment replacement costs. Clearly, this problem must be addressed. Because it is impossible to prevent voltage surges from either entering a building or from occurring inside a building, surge protection was invented. The function of the surge protector is to stop (or at least limit) the effects of less-than-perfect Power Quality on solid state electronic devices. Surge protection is a cost-effective solution to prevent downtime and equipment damage. It is suitable for any facility or load (600 volts and below). Surge protection should be applied not only to the AC power system, but also to the incoming telephone, cable and other communication lines.
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