Power quality is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of modern electrical distribution systems. Fluctuations such as surges, sags, transients, and harmonics can significantly disrupt operations, damage sensitive equipment, and result in costly downtime. With the increasing complexity of electrical infrastructure and reliance on digital systems, ensuring clean and consistent power is no longer optional—it’s essential.

The Hidden Costs of Poor Power Quality

Power disturbances, especially surges, can have a dramatic impact on both residential and industrial environments. According to an Electrical Safety Foundation International research survey:

• 34% of unplanned outages are caused by power surges and unexpected resetting or misoperation of equipment.
• 79% of facilities report that the use of surge protective devices (SPDs) has significantly reduced downtime and equipment failure.

Power surges, whether from lightning strikes, switching operations, or internal load fluctuations, introduce high voltage spikes that can quickly damage connected loads. This is particularly dangerous in environments running sensitive electronics, automation systems, HVAC controls, or IT infrastructure.

How Surges Compromise Electrical Loads

When a power surge strikes, the sudden influx of voltage can:

• Degrade insulation and circuitry in equipment,
• Cause unexpected shutdowns or system reboots,
• Lead to overheating and even fires in extreme cases,
• Shorten the lifespan of expensive devices.

Without proper protection in place, even small, frequent surges (often undetectable to humans) can have a cumulative effect on equipment health and reliability.

CITEL’s M50-120T-A: A Reliable and Powerful Solution Against Surges

To combat these issues, the CITEL M50-120T-A surge protector stands out as a robust and reliable solution. Designed for use in 120 VAC electrical panels, this surge protector device offers critical  protection at the point where power enters the distribution system.

Key features of CITEL’s M50-120T-A include:

• High surge capacity: Engineered to handle high-energy surges from both external (e.g., lightning) and internal (e.g., motor start-up) sources.
• Thermal disconnection and fault indicators: Ensures that any compromised module is safely disconnected without affecting the rest of the system.
• Compact, panel-mount design: Easy integration into existing panels for both new and retrofit installations.
• UL 1449 5th Edition Type 1 Listed: Meets stringent safety and performance standards for surge protection. NEMA 6 Rating, plus 10-year warranty.

Applications:

UL508A Control Panel:

• Protecting power supply in motor control center
• Protecting PLC AC Power input
• UL508A control panel applies to industrial applications

By deploying the CITEL M50-120T-A, facilities can drastically reduce the impact of power surges, improve operational continuity and extend the lifespan of sensitive equipment.

A Proactive Step Toward Electrical Reliability

As systems become increasingly digitized and sensitive to power disturbances, addressing power quality must be part of any comprehensive facility management strategy. Surge protection is not just an add-on—it’s a must-have.

For facilities looking to prevent equipment damage, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure uptime, the CITEL M50-120T-A is a strategic investment that pays off in reliability and peace of mind.

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