Circuit and Surge Protection Key Terms

Review circuit and surge protection key terms and features before choosing electrical items

By Deneatra Harmon

Circuit and surge protection must be in place when working with or storing electrical wiring, equipment and local area networks (LAN). These devices protect electrical equipment from damage caused by overheating, power outages or lightning strikes. Circuit and surge protection devices are known for their automatic shutoff features, as well as monitoring, balancing and controlling capabilities that help to maintain electrical equipment safety. Whether you need switches, chargers or insulators, refer to circuit and surge protection key terms to find solutions for your company’s electrical safety.

Auto transfer switch (ATS)

An auto transfer switch (ATS) automatically moves power from one source to another to prevent electrical overloads.
Try: Examine the features of various automatic transfer switches at Electric Generators Direct. General Electric has brochures and articles about auto transfer switches. More information about automatic transfer switches is available at Caterpillar. Read brochures, buying guides and other documentation on automatic transfer switches at Cummins Power Generation.

Circuit breaker

Also called a fuse, a circuit breaker device protects facilities from power overloads and short circuits.
Try: Study the different types, parts and features of circuit breakers at Tyco Electronics. GlobalSpec also presents basic information about circuit breakers. Steps for installing a circuit breaker can be found at HammerZone.

Electronic ballast

Electronic ballasts provide fluorescent lighting for commercial and industrial applications with the help of an electronic circuit.
Try: Advance explains different types of electronic ballasts and operating modes. Locate general electronic ballast specifications at Universal Lighting Technologies.

Digital multimeter (DMM)

A digital multimeter is an instrument that measures and displays electric current, voltage and resistance to ensure normalcy in automated and electromechanical equipment.
Try: Fluke Corporation describes digital multimeters at its website. Learn about digital multimeter accessories at Agilent Technologies. View handbooks about digital multimeters and other circuit and surge protection tools at Keithley Instruments.

Interconnection system

An interconnection system permits electrical energy to transfer between two power systems.
Try: Cisco features technical details concerning interconnection systems and standards. The site also includes information on operating procedures.

Surge arrester

A surge arrester protection device limits high surge voltages. Surge arresters are used in some underground and overhead applications.
Try: Cooper Power Systems features information on different surge arresters and components. ABB posts technical information about its surge arresters. Gain knowledge about surge arrester performance at the American Power Conversion website.