How to Install 3 Phase Surge Protection Device

Three Phase Surge Protection Device Installation

Created by: Glen Zhu | Updated Date: September 11th, 2024

How to Install 3 Phase Surge Protection Device

Installing a three-phase surge protection device (SPD) requires careful attention to safety standards, the type of installation, and the correct wiring process. Here’s a step-by-step guide for installation:

Tools and Materials Needed:

  • Three-phase SPD (appropriate for the application and voltage level)
  • Screwdriver and pliers
  • Multimeter for voltage and continuity checks
  • Circuit breakers or fuses (if needed)
  • Insulated gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE)

Step-by-Step Installation:

3 phase surge protection device Wiring Diagram & installation 

1. Turn Off Power

  • Safety first: Disconnect the power at the main breaker before performing any electrical work.
  • Use a multimeter to ensure that the power is completely off at the installation site.

2. Identify the Connection Points

  • Identify the phases (L1, L2, L3), neutral (N), and ground (PE) terminals in the distribution panel.
  • The 3 phase surge protection device will need to be connected to all three phases and the neutral (if applicable). Some installations may require a connection only between phases and ground (depending on the system type: TT, TN, or IT).

3. Install Circuit Protection (Optional)

  • Install a circuit breaker in front of the 3 phase surge protection device device for additional protection. Ensure that the breaker rating corresponds with the current handling capacity of the 3 phase surge protection device.

4. Mount the 3 Phase Surge Protection Device

  • Install the 3 phase Surge protection device near the main distribution board to minimize the lead length between the 3 phase surge protection device device and the connection points.
  • Shorter lead lengths improve the effectiveness of the 3 phase surge protection device by reducing response time to surges.

5. Connect the 3 Phase Surge Protection Device to the Panel

  • Phase Wires (L1, L2, L3): Connect the three-phase inputs from the power system to the respective terminals on the SPD (L1, L2, L3).
  • Neutral (N): If your 3 phase surge protection device is designed for neutral, connect the neutral wire from the system to the SPD’s neutral terminal.
  • Ground (PE): Connect the ground terminal of the 3 phase protection device to the grounding system of the panel.

3 Phase Surge Protector wiring diagram Installation

  • Remote Signaling Terminals (Optional):Connect the remote signaling terminal of the 3 phase protection device device to the panel indicator.

Wiring Diagram for Green Light on a FLP25-275/3S+1

Wiring Diagram for Red Light on FLP25-275/3S+1

Tip: Keep all connecting wires as short and direct as possible to reduce impedance and improve protection.

6. Test the Installation

  • Verify connections with a multimeter to ensure there are no loose wires or shorts.
  • Turn on the power and check that the 3 phase surge portection device is functioning correctly. Many SPDs have an indicator light to show if the protection is active.

7. Label the Installation

  • Clearly mark the SPD’s location on the panel for future reference. This is important for maintenance and safety purposes.

Important Considerations:

  • Lead Length: Shorter connection leads from the surge protection device SPD to the panel reduce the chance of voltage buildup during surges.
  • Coordination: Ensure the surge protection device is properly coordinated with upstream and downstream protective devices to avoid unnecessary tripping.
  • Maintenance: Regularly check the SPD’s status indicators, and replace it after a significant surge event, if necessary.

Following these steps will ensure that the 3-phase SPD is installed correctly and effectively protects against overvoltage or transient surges.

How to Install 3 Phase Surge Protection Device

3 Phase Surge Protection Device Installation Guide

Type 1 Three Phase Surge Protection Device (SPD)  are heavy-duty devices designed to be installed at the origin of AC installations equipped with a Lightning Protection System (LPS).

Type 1 Surge Protective Device SPD Installation Guide, Wiring Diagram, Application

How to Install 3 Phase Surge Protection Device

Wiring Diagram Installation of a 3 Phase Surge Protection Device on a 3 Phase Energy Meter

AC Type 1 Three Phase Surge Protector Device (SPD) is characterized by a 10/350 µs lightning current waveform.

DIN-Rail AC Type 1 Three Surge Protector Devcie installed at the load center’s main circuit breaker, e.g. main distribution board.

FLP12,5-275/3S+1 for 3 Phase Energy Meter Connection Wiring Diagram Installation

FLP7-275/3S+1 for 3 Phase Energy Meter Connection Wiring Diagram Installation

SLP40-275/3S+1 for 3 Phase Energy Meter Connection Wiring Diagram Installation

SLP20-275/3S+1 for 3 Phase Energy Meter Connection Wiring Diagram Installation

How to Install 3 Phase Surge Protection Device

Wiring Diagram for Remote Signaling Terminals on a 3 Phase Surge Protection Device

An AC Three Phase Surge Protector Device with remote signaling terminals is designed for remote monitoring and management.

These terminals facilitate real-time monitoring of the SPD’s operational status, provide alerts in case of faults, and enhance system safety by enabling quick response to issues.

Wiring Diagram for Green Light on a FLP25-275/3S

Wiring Diagram for Red Light on FLP25-275/3S

Wiring Diagram for Green Light on a FLP25-275/4S

Wiring Diagram for Red Light on a FLP25-275/4S

When to Use 3 Phase Surge Protection Device?

3 phase surge protector  is usually used in a three-phase network.

For example:

Wiring Principles for 3 Phase Surge Protection Devices

In practical applications, the wiring of a three-phase surge protection device should follow these basic principles:

1. Symmetry Principle: The wiring of the three-phase surge protector should be symmetrical to ensure consistent protection for each phase, preventing equipment damage caused by asymmetric protection.
2. Short Distance Principle: The connection between the surge protector and the protected equipment should be as short as possible. This minimizes voltage drops along the conductor, thereby enhancing the protective effect.
3. Low Impedance Grounding Principle: The grounding wire of the surge protector should have as low an impedance as possible to ensure that surge currents can be quickly discharged to the ground. The grounding wire should be as short as possible and use cables with a large cross-sectional area to reduce inductance and resistance.

4. Clearance and Creepage Distance: When installing a three-phase surge protector, it is important to consider clearance and creepage distance to ensure the safety and reliability of the device under different operating conditions.

Wiring Methods for 3 Phase Surge Protection Devices

The wiring method of a three-phase surge protector varies depending on the power system and equipment. Here are some common wiring methods:

1. Wiring Method in TN Systems

In TN systems, three-phase surge protectors are typically installed at the power supply entry point to protect downstream equipment. The specific wiring methods are as follows:

  • Three-Phase Four-Wire System (TN-C System): The surge protector is connected to the L1, L2, L3 phase lines and the PEN line, protecting the voltage between the three-phase lines and the PEN line.

  • Three-Phase Five-Wire System (TN-S System): The surge protector is connected to the L1, L2, L3 phase lines, the N line, and the PE line, protecting the voltage between the three-phase lines and the neutral line (N line), as well as between the phase lines and the protective earth line (PE line).

2. Wiring Method in TT Systems

In TT systems, the surge protector mainly protects the voltage between the phase lines and the neutral line. The ground terminal of the surge protector is usually connected to an independent grounding device to ensure that surge currents can be quickly discharged.

3. Wiring Method in IT Systems

Wiring surge protectors in IT systems requires special attention. Since the neutral point in an IT system is either not grounded or grounded through high impedance, the surge protector is typically installed between the phase lines and the ground line to protect the equipment on the phase lines.

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