Bridging Surge Protection Standards and Real-World Practices
Novaris recently hosted a Surge Protection Masterclass in collaboration with The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), bringing together consulting engineers and industry professionals for a technical knowledge-sharing session focused on surge protection standards, design considerations and practical application.
The session began with opening remarks from Ir. Shamila A/P Ariaratnam, Chairman of the Electrical Engineering Technical Division (EETD), IEM, followed by the technical seminar led by Mr. Phillip Tompson, Managing Director of Novaris and Ms. Josephine Winnie, Solutions Architect.
The masterclass explored the principles and practical considerations behind effective surge protection — from understanding the latest standards and selecting the appropriate Surge Protective Devices (SPDs), to protection coordination and addressing real-world challenges.
Key Focus Areas:
Understanding IEC 61643 Standards
The session covered key excerpts from IEC 61643-11 and IEC 61643-12 for selection and application of SPDs for low-voltage power systems. Participants were also briefed on the upcoming IEC 61643-06 standard addressing SPD-specific disconnectors.
Selecting the Right SPD
Choosing an appropriate SPD requires understanding the specification requirements and protection objectives. The session explored practical considerations for selecting SPDs for different power system applications.
SPD-Specific Overcurrent Protection
The masterclass examined the role of overcurrent protection associated with SPDs, including the advantages of SPD-specific disconnectors in providing safer disconnection and improved coordination compared with conventional overcurrent protection devices.
Installation Challenges and Best Practices
Effective surge protection extends beyond component selection. Practical installation considerations, including cable inductance effects, were discussed alongside real-world design scenarios and examples to highlight how installation practices can influence the effectiveness of surge protection.
Bridging Standards with Real-World Application
As electrical power systems continue to evolve to meet modern-day demands, effective surge protection is no longer just about compliance – it is a critical part of resilient and reliable power system design.
The session provided an opportunity for consulting engineers and industry professionals to explore how standards and engineering principles can be translated into practical surge protection solutions. The active participation, insightful questions and real-world experiences shared by participants contributed to meaningful technical discussions throughout the masterclass.
Novaris would like to thank The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) and all participating engineers and industry professionals for their active engagement and contribution to the discussion.
We look forward to continuing these technical knowledge-sharing initiatives and supporting the engineering community in advancing safe, reliable and effective surge protection practices.
