10kV vs 20kV Surge Protection Compared

Surge protection guards LED drivers from voltage spikes and lightning. 10kV is the standard baseline for most sports fixtures; 20kV is recommended for tall poles, open fields, and lightning-prone regions where exposure is higher. Upgrading to 20kV is inexpensive insurance against costly driver failures.

This comparison helps you choose the surge rating.

At a glance

How to choose

Choose 10kV for low-exposure, budget-sensitive sites with typical conditions. Choose 20kV for tall, exposed, or lightning-prone locations, where poles act like antennas for lightning-induced transients and grid surges. The economics favor the upgrade where risk is real: 20kV adds a small amount to the fixture cost, far less than the cost of replacing a failed driver (parts, a crane, and labor at height) plus the downtime of a field that goes dark before an event. Surge protection is one pillar of reliability alongside quality drivers and thermal design. Duvon offers high-surge (20kV) configurations.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between 10kV and 20kV surge protection?

Both guard drivers from spikes and lightning; 10kV is the standard baseline, 20kV is for tall, exposed, or lightning-prone sites.

When is 10kV enough?

For low-exposure, budget-sensitive sites with typical conditions.

When should I choose 20kV?

For tall masts, open or exposed fields, and high-lightning regions.

Is 20kV worth the extra cost?

Yes for exposed sites — it's small relative to replacing failed drivers and the downtime of a dark field.

Does a nearby strike matter if it's not a direct hit?

Yes — even a nearby strike induces a damaging surge, which is why exposed sites benefit from higher protection.

Ask about surge options with a free design. Get it at duvonlighting.com/free-quote.