An 8/20 µs lightning current waveform characterizes type 2 surge protective device SPD SLP40 series.
These Type 2 surge protective devices SPD SLP40 series are designed to be installed at the service entrance of low voltage systems or close to sensitive equipment to protect against transient overvoltages.
This DC surge protective device SPD Type 2, isolated DC voltage systems with 600V 1000V 1200V 1500 V DC have a short-circuit current rating up to 1000 A.
Type 2 surge protective device SPD is characterized by an 8/20 µs lightning current waveform.
A surge protective device, also known as a surge protector or SPD, is designed to safeguard electrical components against surges in voltage that might happen in the electrical circuit.
Whenever a sudden increase in current or voltage is produced in the electrical circuit or communication circuit as a consequence of outside interference, the surge protection device may conduct and shunt in a very short period of time, preventing the surge from damaging other devices in the circuit.
Surge protective devices (SPDs) are a cost-effective method for preventing outages and enhancing system reliability.
They are typically installed in the distribution panels and play an important role in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted operation of electronic devices in a wide range of applications by limiting transient overvoltage.
In electrical distribution systems, transient voltages occur due to a sudden increase in the amplitude of the voltage or current of the circuit. It is also known as spikes or voltage surges.
These voltage fluctuations can be caused by lightning strikes, switching operations, or the operation of large motors due to high inrush starting current or other equipment.
One common type is a lightning transient, which occurs when lightning strikes nearby electrical lines or equipment. This can cause a sudden spike in voltage, which can damage equipment and cause power outages.
Another type of transient voltage is called a switching transient, which occurs when a large electrical load is switched on or off. This can cause a sudden surge in voltage, which can damage nearby equipment.
Therefore, surge protection equipment is required in electrical systems to lessen the effects of transient voltage, they redirect excess voltage away from the connected system.
Surge protective devices (SPDs) are essential in protecting electronic equipment from the harmful effects of transient overvoltage that can cause damage, system downtime, and data loss.
In many cases, the cost of equipment replacement or repair can be significant, particularly in mission-critical applications such as hospitals, data centers, and industrial plants.
Circuit breakers and fuses are not designed to handle these high-energy events, making additional surge protection necessary.
While SPDs are specifically designed to divert transient overvoltage away from the equipment, protecting it from damage and prolonging its lifespan.
In conclusion, SPDs are essential in the modern technological environment.
The basic principle behind SPDs is that they provide a low impedance path to ground for excess voltage. When voltage spikes or surges occur, SPDs work by diverting the excess voltage and current to the ground.
In this way, the magnitude of the incoming voltage is lowered to a safe level that doesn’t damage the attached device.
To work, a surge protection device must contain at least one non-linear component (a varistor or spark gap), which under different conditions transitions between a high and low impedance state.
Their function is to divert the discharge or impulse current and to limit the overvoltage at the downstream equipment.
Surge protection devices function under the three situations listed below.
A. Normal Condition (absence of surge)
In case of no surge conditions, the SPD has no impact on the system and acts as an open circuit, it remains in a high impedance state.
B. During voltage surges
In case of voltage spikes and surges, SPD moves to the conduction state and its impedance decreased. In this way, it will protect the system by diverting the impulse current to the ground.
C. Back to normal operation
After the overvoltage has been discharged, SPD shifted back to its normal high impedance state.
To learn more about how SPD functions, please visit our webpage: https://lsp.global/how-does-surge-protection-work/
There are three main categories of surge protective devices based on their level of protection defined by the current IEC 61643-11:2011/EN 61643-11:2012 standards:
Understanding the various SPD kinds and the corresponding applications is made easier by the table below:
Surge Protective Device Types | Category | Description | Waveform | Applications |
Type 1 | Primary | Install in the primary distribution board at the origin of the electrical | 10/350μs | Critical infrastructure, healthcare facilities, data centers, high lightning frequency areas |
Type 2 | Secondary | Install at the sub-panel or Distribution board level. They provide protection against surges that may have passed through a Type 1 SPD but can still cause damage to sensitive electronic equipment. | 8/20μs | Residential & commercial applications |
Type 3 | Point-of-use | Protect individual electronic devices plugged into a wall outlet. Type 3 SPDs are typically built into power strips or plug-in surge protectors | combination of voltage waves (1.20/50μs) and current waves (8/20μs) | Power strips, plug-in surge protectors, electronic devices |
Surge protective devices (SPDs) have a number of features in common that make them efficient at shielding electronic equipment from power surges.
Uc: Maximum continuous operating voltage
Up: Voltage protection level
In: Nominal discharge current of Type 2 SPDs with 8/20 μs waveform.
Imax: Maximum discharge current of Type 2 SPDs with 8/20 μs waveform.
Iimp: Impulse current of Type 1 SPDs with 10/350 μs waveform.
You may choose the suitable surge protection for your unique needs by being aware of the various types and classifications of surge protectors, whether you need them for a large building, a distribution board, or a single device.
For more information about SPD types, visit our webpage: https://lsp.global/surge-protection-device-types/
Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) are essential components of electrical networks. However, choosing a suitable SPD for your system might be a difficult issue.
Key considerations to keep in mind include the following:
EN 61643-11:2012 | IEC 61643-11:2011 | In (80/20μs) | Imax (8/20μs) | Iimp (10/350μs) | Uoc (1.2/50μs) |
Type 1 | Class I | 25 kA | 100 kA | 25 kA | / |
Type 1+2 | Class I+II | 20 kA | 50 kA | 7 kA | / |
12.5 kA | |||||
Type 2 | Class II | 20 kA | 40 kA | / | / |
Type 2+3 | Class II+III (or III) | 10 kA | 20 kA | / | 20 kV |
5 kA | 10 kA | 10 kV |
Maximum continuous operating voltage (UC)
The rated voltage of SPD should be compatible with the electrical system voltage to offer appropriate protection to the system. A lower voltage rating will damage the device and a higher rating will not divert transient properly.
Response Time
It is described as the time of SPD reacts to the transients. The quicker SPD responds, the better the protection by the SPD. Usually, Zener diode based SPDs have the fastest response. Gas-filled types have a relatively slow response time and fuses and MOV types have the slowest response time.
Nominal discharge current (In)
SPD should be tested at 8/20μs waveform and the typical value for residential miniature-sized SPD is 20kA.
Maximum impulse discharge Current (Iimp)
The device must be able to handle the maximum surge current that is expected on the distribution network to ensure that it does not fail during a transient event and the device should be tested with 10/350μs waveform.
Clamping Voltage
This is threshold voltage and above this voltage level, SPD starts to clamp any voltage transient that it detects in the power line.
Manufacturer and Certifications
Selecting an SPD from a well-known manufacturer that has certification from an impartial testing facility, such as UL or IEC, is crucial. The certification guarantees that the product has been examined and passes all performance and security requirements.
Understanding these sizing guidelines will enable you to select the best surge protection device for your needs and guarantee effective surge protection.
For additional information about choosing a single-phase or three-phase SPD, visit the website listed below:
Download the AC Surge Protection Device Installation Manual in PDF format.
Download the DC Surge Protection Device Installation Manual in PDF format.
To learn more about correct surge protective device installation and wiring diagram, please visit our webpage: https://lsp.global/surge-protection-device-wiring-diagram/
Following these steps when installing an SPD in a distribution system:
Only electricians with a license or other technicians with the necessary education and training should install SPDs.
To maintain continuous security, the SPD should also go through routine testing and maintenance.
Surge protective device (SPD) coordination refers to selecting and coordinating multiple SPDs, to ensure comprehensive protection against voltage surges in an electrical system.
When it comes to coordination of surge protecting devices, keep the following points in mind:
Consideration | Explanation |
Location | Determine the location of all essential equipment and systems in the grid firstly, then determine the type of SPD necessary |
Voltage Levels | SPDs need to be rated based on the voltage level that they can effectively protect to ensure optimal protection. |
Nominal Discharge Current (In) | The In value must match the expected surge level |
Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage (Uc) | The Uc rating should be higher than the system voltage |
Coordination Devices | Using coordination devices like fuses and circuit breakers can also be used to ensure optimal protection. |
In electronic circuits, if the surge protection device exceeds its limitation capacity, it may be destroyed by short-circuiting itself. SPDs along with circuit breakers or fuses are arranged in such a way as to minimize the risk of overvoltage and interference effects.
It is essential for effective protection against overload caused by SPD degradation, high-intensity short circuits brought on by transient voltages, and low-intensity short circuits brought on by overload.
A circuit breaker for SPD performs the following functions:
We list a table below for your general reference:
Main Circuit Breaker | Dedicated Circuit Beaker | Surge Protective Device | SPD Selection Reference |
< 40A or 63A | 20A – 32A | 10-20kA (Type 2) | SLP20 series |
63A or 100A | 32A – 40A | 20-40kA (Type 2) | SLP40 series |
125A | 63A | 20-50kA (Type 2) 7kA (Type 1) | FLP7 series |
250A | 125A | 20-50kA (Type 2) 12,5kA (Type 1) | FLP12.5 series |
315A | 250A | 25-100kA (Type 2) 25kA (Type 1) | FLP25 series |
One of the primary causes of SPD failure is overvoltage, overvoltage can occur due to lightning strikes, power surges, or other electrical disturbances. Make sure to install the right type of SPD after proper design calculations according to location.
Due to environmental conditions including temperature and humidity, SPDs have a limited shelf life and might deteriorate over time. Furthermore, SPDs can be harmed by frequent voltage spikes.
Misconfigured, such as when a wye-configured SPD is linked to a load that is connected via a delta. This may expose the SPD to greater voltages, which could result in SPD failure.
SPDs contain several components, such as metal oxide varistors (MOVs), that can fail due to manufacturing defects or environmental factors.
For an SPD to operate properly, grounding is necessary. An SPD can malfunction or possibly become a safety concern if it is improperly grounded.
The cost of a surge protection device may vary depending on the elements mentioned in the subsection above, such as the device’s kind, the desired level of protection, and the application.
The price range for AC SPDs typically lies between $10 and $150 per unit. The type, brand, and features of the particular device affect the pricing.
It is critical to take the necessary amount of protection parameters into account while choosing an SPD. The highest level of protection is provided by a Type 1 SPD, however, it may cost more than a Type 2 SPD.
There might be additional expenses of installation, other than the price of the item itself. To guarantee that the device is placed correctly and adjusted for maximum safety, it is crucial to make sure that the installation is carried out by a certified electrician.
Despite the fact that initially they may appear to be an additional investment, the price of fixing or replacing broken equipment may be far more than the price of setting up an SPD.
Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) play a critical role in protecting electrical and electronic equipment and to ensure proper protection, it is essential to follow guidelines for selecting and installing SPDs.
Here are a few guidelines for using surge protective devices:
For more information about surge protective device guidelines visit our webpage:
Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) find extensive applications in a wide range of industrial, commercial, and domestic areas.
They protect electrical and electronic equipment against voltage surges and transients that can damage or degrade their performance.
Commercial areas such as shopping malls also rely on Low Voltage SPDs to protect critical equipment against electrical disturbances. SPDs are installed in residences to safeguard electronic devices such as computers, TV, and home appliances from voltage surges.
Visit https://lsp.global/industrial-surge-protection/ for more information.
In the emerging market of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging applications, SPDs play a critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of EV charging systems. These SPDs protect the charging station from voltage spikes and surges that can damage the equipment and pose a safety risk to users.
Visit https://lsp.global/surge-protection-for-ev-charging/ for more information.
Photovoltaic applications also require SPDs to protect against lightning strikes and other electrical disturbances that can damage or degrade the performance of solar panels and other components in the system.
SPDs are installed between the solar panels and inverters and between the inverters and the grid.
Visit https://lsp.global/surge-protection-device-for-solar-application/ for more information.
LSP’s reliable surge protection devices (SPDs) are designed to meet the protection needs of installations against lightning and surges. Contact our Experts!
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