With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the sensitivity of LED electronics, robust surge protection is no longer an optional extra but a fundamental design requirement, especially for outdoor and industrial lighting. Leading manufacturers are building multi-stage, joules-rated protection directly into drivers and system controllers to safeguard against lightning-induced surges and power grid fluctuations. This includes protection not just on the power line (line-to-ground) but also on data/control lines. This engineering focus dramatically improves the longevity and reliability of lighting installations in harsh electrical environments, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures continuous operation for critical infrastructure like streetlights, tunnel lighting, and airport runways, where failure is not an option.
