Origin and effect of surges

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) engineering usually proceeds from an interference model consisting of a source of interference (transmitter), a coupling mechanism (path) and a potentially susceptible equipment (receiver). Electrical systems with electronic devices as potentially susceptible equipment are endangered by conducted interferences and interfering radiation from the following six sources of interference: i.) direct and close-up lightning discharges; ii.) power technical switching operations; iii.) power technical system perturbation; iv.) electrostatic discharges; v.) low and high frequency transmitters; and vi.) nuclear explosions. In the following sections, lightning discharges and switching operations as sources of interference are described according to their priority.