Surge Protection for Commercial LED Lighting: Why Power Spikes Destroy Lighting Investments
Commercial LED lighting has a strong reputation. The fixtures use less power, run cooler, and are rated to last for many years. So why do some buildings replace brand new lights after only two winters? Very often, poor quality is not the cause. A short burst of extra voltage is. A power surge can last less than a blink, yet it can burn the tiny electronic parts inside a fixture. This guide explains how surges hurt your lights, how to spot the damage early, and how to protect your lighting budget. What Is a Power Surge and Where Does It Come From? Standard building power stays near a set voltage, such as 120 or 277 volts. A surge is a quick jump above that level. Picture a garden hose. If someone opens the tap all the way in one second, the water hits hard. Electricity can do the same thing inside your wires. Here are the most common sources: Lightning strikes, even ones that land miles away Utility companies switching power on a grid Large machines starting up, such as elevators, pumps...