Resource Center
The Use of Surge Protection Devices in IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) Applications
The ratification of IEEE Standard 802.3at, also known as Power over Ethernet+ (PoE+), increases the power available to Ethernet ports. Outdoor applications, especially in open-air, unshielded environments, need to be protected from surge events using a surge protective device (SPD). Outdoor environments increase the devices' susceptibility to electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Why Surge Protection is Necessary
Surges are a natural result of any electrical activity. Today's sensitive electronics equipment is very vulnerable to damage from surges including lighting and other internal and external surges. Therefore, surge protective devices (SPD) should be used to protect sensitive electrical equipment from harmful surges. In fact, an estimate by utility industry experts suggests that power-related problems cost U.S. companies more than $80 billion a year, when evaluated from a system level and effects on business.
This white paper covers information about surges, what they are, how surges cause damage and why surge protection is necessary.
Maximize Your Uptime: Reducing Risk of Power Supply Failure White Paper
Single- and three-phase power systems efficiently transmit power. They also efficiently transmit damaging electrical noise and surges created by typical industrial processes. These "mini" surges are commonly responsible for the premature failure of AC to DC power supplies used in control cabinets.
Common symptoms are:
- Power supplies failing early in the product life expectancy (for example, lasting three to six months instead of five years)
- Frequent failure of units placed in a specific area, such as where welding or large motors and drives are located
- No issues are found in power quality audits. These surges are very short (less than one microsecond) and low power. They are not likely to be recorded by monitoring equipment
This paper discusses how installing surge protection in front of an AC to DC power supply will increase uptime and reduce the failure rate.
900 MHz Wireless Radio Warranty Extension
Wireless I/O (900 MHz) radios are a reliable solution to reduce labor and installation cost, as well as eliminate conduit and wiring in harsh industrial environments. Wireless radios have two paths for a damaging surge to enter and cause damage; the input power and antenna.
ValueLineIPC Warranty Extension
Phoenix Contact will extend the existing, comprehensive two-year warranty on the ValueLine IPC to 5 years when used with a Phoenix Contact-recommended surge protection solution and Phoenix Contact power supply.
Surge Protection for DeviceNetT Networks
The MCR-PLUGTRAB PT consist of a header (PT PE/S+1x2-BE) and a plug (PT PE/S+1x2-24-ST). The header (base unit) attaches to standard DIN rail and the replaceable plug fits into the header (see Figure 1). The MCRPLUGTRAB PT provides ideal protection for DeviceNetT networks.
Protecting Industrial Bus (Data) Signals
The PT.-HF. products feature a unique hybrid circuit with specially arranged components to minimize circuit capacitance. This ensures that there will not be any attenuation of the data signal for even the fastest of bus networks.
120 V AC I/O Digital Signal Protection using PT PLUGTRAB
120 V AC digital I/O signals require surge protection to ensure the PLC/controller is not damaged by surges. This document explains why PLUGTRAB is recommended, how it is wired and how to remotely monitor the status.
Instrumentation and Control Surge Protection
Protect Discrete/Digital signals
Protect discrete/digital signals using PLUGTRAB signal line surge protection from Phoenix Contact. This application note provides information about proper wiring and grounding for installation of surge protection used to protect I/O signals to and from control devices such as PLC's on PC's.
Power Supply Warranty Extension
Increasing uptime begins with a high-quality power supply from Phoenix Contact. Reducing vulnerability to surges further increases uptime and extends the life expectancy of the power supply. Phoenix Contact's TRABTETCH surge protection devices (SPD) protect the power supply from damaging surges, increasing uptime.
Phoenix Contact extends the warranties offered on the MINI, STEP, QUINT, and TRIO power supplies to 5 years unconditional when using phoenix Contact's recommended surge protection solution.
Sensor Surge Protection
The PLUGTRAB signal line surge protection from Phoenix Contact protects three- and four-wire sensor signals, such as Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD) and strain gage sensors from surges. The component cost for these devices may be relatively low, but the cost of replacing one can be quite significant. This is especially true when the device is embedded deep within equipment. This application note outlines proper installation and product recommendation for sensors.
Analog Signal Surge Protection
Protect your analog signal (4-20 mA current loop) using PLUGTRAB signal line surge protection from Phoenix Contact. This application note provides information about proper wiring and grounding for proper installation of surge protection.
Instrumentation and Control Device Surge Protection
The PLUGTRAB signal line surge protection from Phoenix Contact offer protection from the toughest surges caused by direct or close by lighting events. For surge protection to be effective, it must be properly grounded with a low impedance connection. This application note shows the best practices of grounding and bonding for surge protection used on signal lines.