Protection for North American power supply systems
Surge protection for power supplies
From feed-in to the end device, we offer you the right surge protection for a multi-level protection concept. Depending on the installation location and requirements, surge protective devices are normatively divided into different types: type 1, type 2, and type 3. This type classification is based on various tests. If more than one test is passed, they are referred to as combined lightning current and surge arresters.
Your advantages
- Powerful components enable use in all common power supply systems
- Spark gap technology with no line follow current delivers superior system availability
- Consistent protection across all protection stages with coordinated protective devices
- Narrow design enables space-saving and inexpensive installation
- Know what’s happening in advance with the predictive testing of pluggable protective devices
- Surge protection for power supplies is part of the COMPLETE line system
New products
Type 1+2 combined lightning current and surge arresters FLASHTRAB FLT-SEC-PLUS
Every type 1 lightning current arrester fulfills the high requirements in terms of discharge capacity. At the same time, it is also a type 2 surge protective device (SPD). The fact that a type 1 lightning current arrester satisfies test class II is redundant information and does not constitute an additional qualification. Therefore, such protective devices are called combined lightning current and surge arresters (SPD type 1+2). A combined lightning current and surge arrester is a protective device that fulfills both test classes.
Type 1+2 special combined lightning current and surge arresters FLASHTRAB FLT-SEC-T1+T2
The type 1+2 special combined lightning current and surge arrester differs fundamentally from the type 1+2 version. This is because the type 1+2 special combined lightning current and surge arrester contains two independent protective devices that are connected in parallel in a very small space. The voltage-switching spark gap (SPD type 1+2) works ideally in combination with a voltage-limiting varistor (SPD type 2). In this combination, two autonomous protective devices in one compact block ensure optimum response behavior, optimal system protection, and a long service life for the components.
Type 2 surge protective devices
Type 2 surge protective devices (SPDs) are generally installed in subdistribution stations or machine control cabinets. They form the second protection level in a three-stage surge protection concept. SPDs of type 2 must be able to protect against surge voltages from indirect lightning strikes or switching operations. Overvoltages caused by switching operations are often highly dynamic and occur much more frequently than overvoltages caused by lightning. Technology featuring a fast response behavior – such as varistor technology – has proven itself here.
Type 3 device protection
Type 3 surge protective devices are generally installed immediately upstream of the end devices to be protected. Thus, they are also referred to as “device protection”. Type 3 SPDs are available in a wide range of designs to suit different installation environments:
- Devices for DIN rail mounting
- Devices for insertion in sockets
Surge protection for all applications
With the right surge protection, you ensure the availability of your application. Whether for regenerative and thus clean energy generation or for the mobility of the future, the right protection against overvoltages is simply essential. Networked buildings, industrial systems, and the associated infrastructure are the basis for automated value creation.
To keep your equipment and investments available and productive, we provide you with the ideal surge protection products for almost all applications and supply system configurations.
The difference between type 1, type 2, and type 3 surge protection
Type 1 combined lightning current and surge arresters are used in unmetered areas. They must satisfy the most stringent requirements, as they are supposed to protect against the effects of direct lightning strikes. The demand placed on the short-circuit current rating is very high in a typical main distribution installation environment. In order to be able to meet these requirements, powerful technology, such as spark gap technology, is required.
Type 1+2 combined lightning current and surge arresters are lightning current arresters which, in addition to the lightning current test, also fulfill the required tests of type 2 surge protective devices. The Type 1+2 special combined lightning current and surge arrester offers a special feature. It combines powerful spark gaps directly with varistor-based surge protective devices.
Type 2 surge protective devices with a low discharge capacity are installed in the metered area. They are generally installed in subdistributions or machine control cabinets. These surge protective devices must be able to discharge induced overvoltages from indirect lightning strikes or switching operations, but do not have to handle direct lightning strikes. Discharge technology with fast response behavior – such as varistor technology – has proven itself here.
Type 3 surge protective devices with the lowest discharge capacity, also known as device protection, are installed as close as possible to the end device. Special surge protective devices are needed for signal lines. These are also installed immediately upstream of the end devices to be protected. The devices are available in a wide range of designs to suit the various different installation environments. In addition to standard DIN rail mounting, there are products for installation in sockets or for direct mounting on a PCB of the end device.
Technologically speaking, type 3 surge protection is similar to type 2, which is based on varistors, but the requirements concerning discharge capacity are even lower compared to type 2. Type 2/3 surge protection is provided above all on cables that lead into a building from the outside.