Different types of voltage protection for your appliance

In the Philippines, we’ve all suffered the after effects of a voltage surge/deficit – a rise or drop in voltage supply caused by multiple factors: brownouts/blackouts, living near industrial areas or areas with high-powered equipment, to name a few. This sudden rise/drop in electricity (in the form of increased or decreased voltage beyond the acceptable range) can damage appliances. That’s why many people invest in AVRs, which regulates the output voltage from your local power supply company (e.g., Meralco) to make sure the voltage supplied is within the acceptable range for your appliance

But did you know? There are two different types of voltage issues you should be aware of: voltage fluctuation and voltage surge

Voltage fluctuations

Voltage fluctuations are repetitive or random variations that occur throughout the day. These variations do not greatly exceed the normal supply voltage

These occurs due to:

• Presence of loads that exhibit continuous rapid variations, e.g., arc furnaces, arc welders, installations with frequent motor starts (air conditioners), equipment with excessive motor speed changes (wood chippers), motor drives with cyclic operations (mine hoists, rolling mills)
• Near squatter areas where they use jumpers to disrupt your electricity supply
• Rural areas due to long distance traveled by electricity

Effect on appliance: Short-term, there will be no noticeable impact. However, the constant fluctuations will result in degradation of sensitive electronic components if proper protection isn’t put in place

Voltage surge

Voltage surge is a sudden increase in the flow of electricity that is significantly beyond the designated rating for your appliance

These occurs due to:

• Power rushing in post-power outage
• Sudden shutdown of multiple loads in your vicinity (e.g., when industrial factory shuts down their machines for the day)

Effect on appliance: A sustained spike in voltage received by your appliance could fry its electronic components and result in permanent damage to the appliance

Depending on your situation and the level of protection you want to provide your appliances, you can choose amongst the different product series Panther has to offer. Keep in mind that the more comprehensive the protection, the more expensive the item will be as well, due to the additional electronic components involved

Panther Voltage Protection Product Line