What is a SCADA System?
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems help operators monitor and control remote equipment from a central location. These systems are widely used in natural resources, oil and gas, pipelines, utilities, factories, and industrial automation environments where real-time data is critical. Many SCADA installations rely on wireless radios, antennas, and outdoor cabling, which can expose sensitive equipment to lightning, surges, and other transient events.
Key Protection Components and Strategies for SCADA Systems and Applications
SCADA systems need protection at the points where surge energy can enter the system, including antennas, coaxial RF lines, control wiring, power feeds and remote monitoring equipment. Properly selected coaxial lightning arrestors installed in line with the radio help prevent surge-related damage and support maximum uptime across the system. NexTek RF surge and lightning arrestors are designed to protect radio and coaxial RF transmission applications while maintaining low RF losses and strong surge performance.
Technical Recommendations for SCADA Systems and Applications
For remote SCADA sites, protection should be selected based on frequency range, connector type, impedance, mounting style, exposure level, and system voltage. Outdoor radios and antennas should use properly grounded coaxial surge arrestors installed as close as practical to the equipment entry point. In addition, engineers should review grounding, bonding, and cable routing to reduce the risk of surge energy reaching radios, controllers, or monitoring equipment. NexTek RF arrestor families support a broad range of connector types, frequency ranges and threat types, including lightning, static, and high-speed EMP events.
Benefits of SCADA Systems
SCADA systems help operators improve visibility, reduce response time and maintain control across remote or hard-to-access infrastructure. In pipeline, oil rig, factory, and production facility environments, wireless monitoring can provide critical data without requiring constant on-site inspection. When paired with high-performance surge protection, SCADA systems can support reliable data flow, reduce costly downtime, and limit the need to send technicians to remote locations after surge events.
Common Applications
NexTek surge protection solutions are well-suited for SCADA systems that depend on outdoor antennas, remote wireless links, and continuous monitoring. These applications often operate in areas exposed to lightning, electrical disturbances, and harsh field conditions.
- Pipeline monitoring
- Oil and gas field monitoring
- Remote telemetry systems
- Wireless SCADA networks
- Industrial automation systems
- Factory and production facility monitoring
- Remote pump and valve control
- Utility and natural resource infrastructure
- Outdoor radio and antenna installations
- Remote sensor networks
Recommended Products
PTI Series:
The PTI-BB50 Series provides robust surge protection for SCADA communications links requiring DC blocking. Featuring gas discharge tube (GDT) technology, these arrestors help protect remote monitoring and control systems from lightning-induced transients while maintaining reliable RF performance.
PTR Series:
The PTR-NFx-xxx Series combines broadband surge protection with DC pass capability, making it well-suited for SCADA networks that power remote radios, amplifiers, or monitoring equipment through the coaxial line. Replaceable GDT technology supports long-term protection in exposed utility and industrial environments.
QSS Series:
QSSNFNx0500 Series arrestors utilize quarter-wave shorted stub technology to deliver high-performance surge protection without the wear mechanisms associated with traditional GDT designs. Ideal for SCADA communications systems operating in lightning-prone environments, these arrestors provide reliable protection while preserving signal integrity across critical RF links.
Related Information
RF Arrestors Catalog
Comprehensive overview of NexTek RF surge and lightning arrestors, including product specifications, connector options, and protection solutions for RF communication systems.
General Mounting and Grounding Instructions for Coaxial Surge Protectors
Installation guide covering proper mounting, grounding practices, and recommended installation techniques for coaxial surge protection devices.
Selecting Coaxial Lightning Protectors
Technical guide explaining key considerations for selecting coaxial lightning protectors based on frequency, connector type, and application requirements.
NexTek Coaxial Lightning & Surge Protection: A Selection Guide
Product selection guide comparing NexTek coaxial surge protection solutions for wireless, SCADA, GPS/GNSS, and communication systems.
Transient Ratings for Coaxial Connectors
Reference guide detailing transient handling capabilities and performance characteristics of common coaxial connector types.
Gas Discharge Tube Maintenance
Technical note describing inspection, maintenance, and replacement procedures for gas discharge tube (GDT) surge protection devices.
Coaxial Lightning Protection in Hazardous Environments
Technical guidance for implementing reliable coaxial lightning protection in hazardous, outdoor, and industrial environments.
RF Surge and Lightning Arrestor Product Category
Browse NexTek's complete range of RF surge and lightning arrestors for wireless communications, SCADA, GPS/GNSS, telecom, and other RF applications.
Common Standards
- NEC
- NFPA
- SCTE
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