Annually, Brazil is struck by 77.8 million lightning bolts. According to the Atmospheric Electricity Group, the ELATAccording to the National Institute for Space Research, “the explanation is geographical: it is the largest country in the planet’s tropical zone – a central area where the climate is warmer and therefore more favorable to the formation of storms and lightning.”
Given that the country’s geography favors the occurrence of natural phenomena, such as electrical discharges that can cause instability in the power grid, individuals and companies that use electrically powered appliances should be concerned about protecting their equipment.
How can I protect equipment connected to the electrical grid?
One way to protect equipment connected to the electrical grid is by using uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). “UPS systems help prevent or at least minimize the effects of lightning strikes on critical equipment, as they have components for surge protection, in addition to isolating the equipment from direct contact with the electrical grid,” explains Wilton Padrão, Technical Director of Engetron, a company focused on the mission-critical energy segment.
The director further explains that the behavior of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) is similar to that of modern cars in terms of safety. “Modern automobiles offer efficient braking systems, complemented by ABS systems. If these still fail, the UPS kicks in.” airbags“The UPS plays a similar role in relation to the equipment it is protecting: under normal conditions, it guarantees the continuity of power supply. In the case of lightning or other disturbances in the electrical grid, the UPS will absorb them, preventing them from reaching the critical equipment it is powering,” he adds. Wilton Padrão also mentions that, in cases of disturbances with a high degree of severity, the UPS may suffer damage, but in any case, “minimizing the effects on the critical load, very similar to the survival cell in automobiles,” he emphasizes.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): protection for electronics
Investing is crucial to avoid losses – The cost of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) varies depending on the required autonomy and the reality of the business’s infrastructure. One of the questions to ask is: “If my business stops during a storm, what will my losses be?”
Studies by ELAT reveal that, in Brazil alone, losses related to lightning strikes reach approximately R$ 1 billion. Furthermore, lightning is the main cause of power outages, resulting in downtime for 40% of Brazilian companies, which translates into data loss and compromised productivity and profitability, among other factors.
Investing in a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is always a small expense when compared to the peace of mind and security it provides against storms and lightning.
How do I buy an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)?
Before purchasing a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), it is necessary to analyze the power infrastructure and determine the appropriate solutions for the specific applications. It is also crucial to assess whether the supplier offers after-sales service, including technical assistance, and what the scope of their coverage is.
In all these aspects, Engetron is a benchmark in the energy market. “We stand out for the innovation and quality of our products and services, logistical efficiency, speed of after-sales service, and the qualification of our authorized technical assistance network, present throughout the national territory,” says Wilton Padrão.
Engetron: protection for energy systems
Engetron offers a complete line of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) with IoT technology to meet the needs of power systems, whether residential, protecting audio and video equipment, for example, or corporate, connected to robust and complex infrastructures.
Discover our portfolio of products and services: www.engetron.com.br.
Some tips related to energy during storms:
Unplug electrical equipment from the wall socket;
– Do not use electrical appliances during a severe storm (such as: using a cell phone plugged into an outlet);
If you need to make a call, use your mobile phone instead;
Do not use the shower, electric faucet, or other appliances (hair dryer, hair straightener, etc.);
– If you come across a broken cable, never approach or touch it;
– Install surge protection devices and ground the electrical network in homes, buildings, and businesses. Devices such as line filters and voltage stabilizers are palliative measures;
– Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) provide a complete protection solution for electronic devices.
Brazil’s Numbers (Year)
- 8 million lightning bolts
- One in 50 deaths from lightning strikes worldwide
- Approximately 110 deaths and 200 injuries.
- Losses in the order of R$ 1 billion.
- Approximately 70% of outages are in transmission and 40% in distribution.
