Overview

Damage to electronic installations is increasing due to the following factors: (i) the increasing use of electronic equipment and systems, (ii) the lower signal levels, which means higher sensitivity, and (iii) the increasing use of networks that cover large areas. Although the concomitant destruction of electronic components is not often spectacular, interruptions to operations in most cases are rather long. Thus, the consequential damage is often considerably higher than the damage to the hardware (Figure 2 a).

Figure 2 a: Computer board damaged by lightning surges

2.1 Damage Statistics

One important electronic insurance company in Germany reported that the costs of compensation for surge damage due to electromagnetic disturbances on electronic systems and equipment, such as communication systems, computers, measuring devices and medical appliances, have quadrupled within a period of ten years (Figure 2.1 a). In 1984 8.5% of all damage adjustments were caused by surges. In 1993 34.6%, in 1994 35.5%, in 1995 33% out of 11 000 cases of damage and in 1996 26.6% and in 1997 31.68% out of 8722 cases of damage were caused by surges (Figure 2.1 b).

Figure 2.1 a: Development of the percentage of damage due to surges compared with the total damage sum

Figure 2.1 b: Electronics sector damage in 1997 (analysis of more than 9600 cases of damage)

In the former Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) in 1990, damage costs to electronic equipment and systems caused by surges may have exceeded one billion DM. Surge damage analysis has shown...