For surge suppression to be effective, which component must be known?

For surge suppression to be effective, the ground connection must be known because a proper grounding system is essential for redirecting excess electrical energy away from sensitive equipment during a surge. A surge can occur due to several reasons, such as lightning strikes or sudden electrical changes in the system. Establishing a reliable ground allows surge suppressors to safely dissipate this excess voltage.

If the grounding is inadequate or not well understood, the surge suppressor may not function effectively, which could result in damage to connected devices. Understanding the grounding requirements ensures that the surge protection system is correctly installed and can perform its role in protecting equipment from voltage spikes. This connection plays a critical role in the overall effectiveness and reliability of surge suppression measures.