Whether a surge reserve protector needs to be replaced after a lightning strike or surge depends on the extent of the damage and changes in performance. The specific analysis is as follows:
I. Situations requiring replacement
Permanent damage to components
Core components of surge surge protectorsuch as MOV varistors and GDT gas discharge tubes, can heat up, lose performance or break down after absorbing surge energy. If detected:
Increased MOV leakage current, heat, or resistance short circuit;
GDT ignition voltage drift, response delay, or glass tube body darkening with metal deposits residue between electrodes;
When the fuse melts (the actual surge current exceeds the rated value), replacement components or the entire surge protector are required.
Performance slumps
Even in the absence of a significant fault, prolonged exposure to surging waves or harsh conditions (such as high temperatures, humidity and salt fog) can cause components to age as follows:
Limit voltage capacity decrease (e.g. U1mA by more than 10%);
Response times become longer and surge energy is not discharged in time.
At this time, professional tests (such as measuring residual voltage and leakage current) should be conducted to confirm performance. If it exceeds the standard range, it should be replaced immediately.
Appearance or structure damage
If the surge protector's shell melts, deforms, indicator light is not working properly or the installation environment causes component corrosion (e.g. coastal salt fog infiltration), it needs to be replaced to ensure safety.
II. Temporary irreplaceable situation
Normal automatic reset function
Some high-quality surge protectors can quickly return from low resistance to high resistance after a single impact, and the fact that the surface indicator window doesn't change color (e.g., from green to red) means they still work and don't need to be replaced immediately.
Not reaching design lifespan
surge protector are typically designed to last 3-5 years (some products can last up to 10 years). If use is short and there are no frequent surge impacts, even a single lightning strike may not require replacement, but follow-up monitoring should be strengthened.
III. Sentencing and replacement recommendations
Periodic inspection and recording
Visual inspection at least once a year to see if the exterior is damaged and the indicator light is normal;
During the rainy season, it is important to check and record the maintenance history of the surge protector and understand the ageing of the surge protectors.
Professional testing
Parameters such as residual voltage and leakage current are measured using specialized equipment. If the parameters exceed the standard range (e.g. leakage current > 20μA), they should be replaced immediately.
Preventive replacement
Thunderstorms are recommended to be replaced every 3 to5 years in areas where they are frequent, such as in the south;
Even if these parameters are合格, they should be considered for replacement after 5 years of operation to ensure reliability of protection.
Environmental adaptability maintenance
In high temperature, humidity and corrosion environment, shorten the inspection cycle and strengthen protective measures (such as installing protective boxes);
If problems occur in grounding system (such as high grounding resistance), timely maintenance should be carried out to avoid the fault of surge protector due to poor grounding.