The SANS approved Saltek devices are available in single phase (SLP-275 VD/1+1) and in three-phase (Saltek SLP-275 VD/3+1) with a 40kA-rating. These are ‘Class 2’ surge protection devices, i.e. the devices must be fitted to the electrical distribution board by a qualified electrician. 

The client may install any SANS approved surge protection device to the main electrical distribution board or sub distribution board feeding the equipment that meets the following requirements: 

• 40 kA (8/20) Class 2
• Wired in terms of SANS 10142-1, Connection Type 2
• With mechanical fault indication (i.e. not with flashing lights)

Refer to the Ordering Your Surge  Protection Device document

The client is responsible for appointing a qualified electrician to install the device and the client is responsible for the payment of the installation. Surgetek only distributes devices and does not have an installation capability.

Clients can locate electricians by referring to the Electrical Contractors  Board website www.ecbsa.co.za or the Electrical Contractors Association website www.ecasa.co.za; or contact SED Partners at 0861 SED SED / 0861 733 733 or e-mail surge@sedpartners.co.za.

The surge protection device protects electrical equipment from spikes in electrical currents caused by lightning, electrical faults or following power disruptions. Different types of protective devices are required for data lines, telephone lines, CCTV systems, etc. These are also available from Surgetek and other reputable providers.

From experience these units hardly ever require maintenance or replacement due to lightning or surge but mainly due to electrical faults (stolen wiring or transformer faults and incorrect electrical maintenance). Good practice would be to check the units once a month at least and after severe storms. Refer to the Taking Care of Your Surge Device document.

Hollard does not accept UPS devices as surge protection. In all cases where UPS devices are deployed surge arresters should be installed. The sole function of a UPS device is to supply uninterrupted power to the connected equipment. Surge protection may be a function, depending on the type of UPS device. In most cases only specific equipment is supplied with electricity through the UPS device. Therefore, most equipment will not be protected against power surges or lightning. Installing surge protection devices in the electrical distribution board ensures all electrical equipment connected to that board will be protected. 

Hollard often receives queries from clients asking if their Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) qualifies as suitable protection against power surges and lightning. The answer is no, we do not accept a UPS as sufficient surge protection.

In most cases only specific equipment is supplied with electricity through the UPS device. Therefore, most equipment will not be protected against power surges or lightning. Installing surge protection devices in the electrical distribution board ensures all electrical equipment supplied by that board will be protected.

The sole function of a UPS device is to supply uninterrupted power to the connected equipment. In addition there are some extra benefits depending on the type of UPS device installed. One of the claimed benefits is normally surge protection, but this could be a typical “Class 3” level of protection which is inadequate unless “Class 2” surge arresters are installed upstream in the electrical distribution board. These “Class 2” devices are available from Surgetek.
 
1.0 Off-line UPS

These devices are normally the cheapest option. As the name implies, the devices are purely a battery backup in the event of a power failure. They switch on when required but allow all surges to go through to the equipment.

2.0 Line Interactive UPS

These devices are more sophisticated and contain power filters which stabilise power supplied to equipment, typically voltage fluctuations such as dips and low   intensity spikes.

3.0 On-line UPS

These devices are considered best and are more costly. Normal power is absorbed to charge batteries which in turn regenerate the power by means of an inverter. However, surges may reach the downstream equipment where the neutral conductor goes straight through. 

Surge protection devices are designed specifically to protect electrical equipment against high voltage. These high energy impulses are electrical disturbances of a short duration (spikes) typically generated by lightning or switching surges. Hence in all cases surge arresters should be used in conjunction with UPS devices. In some cases surge arresters are fitted to the output of the UPS to prevent damage from surges coming in through long cables feeding equipment.

Hollard does not accept plug-in surge protection devices as adequate protection. Plug-in surge protection devices (often red) are available from many retailers and are plugged into electrical wall outlets. These plug-in devices must be used in conjunction with surge protection devices fitted in the electrical distribution board for adequate protection. This is in line with the SANS Code.

Hollard does not accept lightning masts as adequate protection. Mast and other external lighting protection must be used in conjunction with surge protection devices fitted in the electrical distribution board for adequate protection. 

During installation, the insured is required to take a ‘before picture’ of their electrical distribution board with the wiring exposed, i.e. open distribution board before the electrician installs the device. Once installed, the electrician should fill in the Proof of Installation form supplied with the surge protection device. The insured should then take an ‘after picture’ of the open distribution board and email the form and the pictures to their broker.

Refer to the Proof of installation Form 

Hollard does not accept plug-in surge protection devices as adequate protection. Plug-in surge protection devices (often red) are available from many retailers and are plugged into electrical wall outlets. These plug-in devices must be used in conjunction with surge protection devices fitted in the electrical distribution board for adequate protection.  This is in line with the SANS Code.

Refer to the How to identify single-phase versus three-phase distribution document .