A single storm cell can do more than trip a breaker. In industrial sites, a surge event can take out drives, PLC I/O, communications hardware, instrumentation and power supplies in seconds, then leave maintenance teams chasing intermittent faults for weeks. That is where Novaris lightning surge protection devices fit - as a practical part of plant protection, not an optional extra.
For industrial operators, the issue is not just direct lightning strike exposure. Most damage comes from transient overvoltages induced onto incoming power, signal and communications lines, or transferred between systems with different earthing conditions. In facilities with distributed assets, long cable runs, outdoor equipment and sensitive electronics, the exposure can be significant even when a strike lands well away from the site.
Where Novaris lightning surge protection devices are used
Novaris equipment is commonly specified where electrical infrastructure and electronic control systems need dependable surge protection across power and data paths. That includes switchboards, sub-distribution boards, control panels, remote field devices, communications cabinets, instrumentation loops and security systems.
In mining, water, wastewater, processing and infrastructure projects, surge protection is rarely confined to one point in the installation. A main switchboard may need high-energy diversion at the service entrance, while downstream automation panels require tighter protection levels for PLCs, HMIs, sensors and network hardware. Outdoor assets such as pump stations, conveyors, weather monitoring stations and remote telemetry units often need a more layered approach again because exposure is spread across both power and communications cabling.
This is why selection should be driven by the installation architecture rather than a generic device swap. The right solution depends on where the surge enters, what equipment sits downstream, how the earthing system is arranged and what level of continuity the process demands.
What makes Novaris surge protection suitable for industrial sites
Novaris is well regarded in the Australian market for surge and lightning protection products designed for local conditions and practical installation requirements. For industrial users, that matters because specification is rarely about a headline rating alone. It is about matching device performance to the real electrical environment.
A suitable surge protection device needs to handle expected transient energy, limit let-through voltage to a level the connected equipment can tolerate and coordinate properly with upstream and downstream protection stages. It also needs to be appropriate for the system type, whether that is mains power, DC supplies, analogue signals, serial communications, Ethernet or other low-voltage services.
Novaris lightning surge protection devices are typically selected because they offer coverage across these different system layers. That allows project teams to apply a coordinated protection strategy instead of treating each cabinet or cable as an isolated problem. In practice, that can mean combining service entrance protection with dedicated protection for control circuits, instrumentation and communications links.
Why layered surge protection matters
One common mistake is assuming that installing a single SPD at the main board solves the problem everywhere else. In some simple installations it may reduce risk, but in most industrial environments it is not enough.
Transient energy does not behave neatly. It can enter from utility supply, subcircuits, field cabling, metallic communications paths and induced coupling between adjacent conductors. Even where the main incoming supply is protected, downstream electronics may still be exposed to residual voltages or surges entering through data and signal lines.
A layered design addresses this by placing the right protection at key boundaries. At the incoming supply, higher-capacity devices deal with larger surge currents. At local panels, secondary devices reduce residual energy closer to sensitive loads. At instrument and communications interfaces, dedicated protectors help prevent damage to lower-voltage electronics.
The trade-off is cost and complexity. More devices mean more coordination, more panel space and more attention to installation detail. But for sites where downtime carries real production or safety consequences, the additional protection is usually justified.
Power, control and data all need different treatment
Not all surge protection devices do the same job. This is a critical point in specification.
For AC power systems, the device class, surge current capacity, nominal system voltage and connection mode all need to align with the installation. Service entrance protection may differ substantially from what is suitable inside a machine control panel. Short-circuit rating, backup protection requirements and fault indication also need review.
For DC systems, the operating voltage and normal line characteristics become more sensitive. A protector that is acceptable on one 24 VDC circuit may not suit another if the equipment has tighter tolerances or if line current and signalling behaviour differ.
For data and communications, the selection becomes more application-specific again. Ethernet, serial links, telemetry circuits and analogue loops each have different electrical characteristics. Choosing a protector simply because the connector fits is a poor shortcut. The device must preserve signal integrity while still clamping transient energy effectively.
This is often where local technical support adds value. Industrial buyers do not just need a catalogue number. They need confidence that the selected device will protect the equipment without creating nuisance issues in normal operation.
Installation quality affects SPD performance
Even a well-specified device can underperform if it is installed poorly. Surge protection is highly sensitive to conductor length, routing and earthing practice. Long leads, unnecessary loops and weak bonding can increase the effective let-through voltage seen by downstream equipment.
In practical terms, the SPD should be mounted as close as possible to the point of entry or the equipment being protected, depending on its role in the protection scheme. Connection lengths should be kept short and direct. Earthing must be low impedance and consistent with the broader system earthing design.
Panel builders and contractors sometimes treat SPDs as accessories fitted wherever space is available. That approach can compromise performance. In a control panel, for example, placement, cable separation and earth bar arrangement all influence how well the protection works during a real transient event.
Routine inspection also matters. Many devices include status indication, and this should be checked as part of maintenance. An SPD that has reached end of life may leave the circuit exposed while appearing physically intact.
Typical applications for Novaris lightning surge protection devices
In industrial and infrastructure projects, Novaris devices are often applied in a few recurring scenarios. One is main switchboard and distribution board protection where incoming mains transients need to be diverted before they propagate further into the facility.
Another is automation and process control protection. PLC racks, remote I/O, SCADA equipment, VSD-associated controls and instrument power supplies are all vulnerable to surge-related upset or failure, particularly where field wiring extends outside buildings.
Remote assets are another obvious application. Pump stations, bore fields, conveyors, tank farms and telemetry sites can be exposed through long cable runs and isolated earthing arrangements. These installations often benefit from combined power and signal line protection rather than a single-point device.
Communications infrastructure is also a common focus. Networks linking plant areas, security systems and remote monitoring equipment can provide a path for transient transfer unless protected appropriately.
When standard protection is not enough
Some sites have a higher surge risk profile than others. Facilities in storm-prone areas, sites with extensive outdoor infrastructure and operations with high-value continuous processes usually need a more deliberate design review.
It also depends on the consequence of failure. If a surge event means a non-critical reset and quick restart, the acceptable level of protection may be different from a site where instrument failure can halt production, disrupt water services or damage expensive machinery. That is why surge protection should be assessed against business impact, not just electrical theory.
For larger projects, it makes sense to review the single line diagram, control architecture and field device layout before final device selection. That helps identify exposure points early and avoids piecemeal protection later.
A practical surge protection strategy is not about over-specifying every panel. It is about protecting the points that matter, with devices matched to the system and installed properly. Novaris lightning surge protection devices are a strong fit where industrial users need coordinated protection across power, control and communications infrastructure. If the site has sensitive automation, outdoor assets or costly downtime exposure, taking surge protection seriously is usually cheaper than learning the lesson after the next storm.