Phoenix Contact AC Line Surge Protection

AC surge protectors, also known as surge protection devices (SPDs) or transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSSs), are devices that are inserted into the alternating current (AC) line to protect electrical, data communication and telecommunication equipment from damage caused by lightning and electrical transient surges. The AC surge protector short-circuits to electrical ground any transient voltage that goes above a certain threshold while allowing the flow of normal current to remain unaffected.

Phoenix Contact Type 1+2 Combined Lightning Current and Surge Arresters fulfills the high requirements in terms of discharge capacity as a type 1 current arrestor, as well as providing type 2 surge protection. 

Phoenix Contact Type 1+2 SPECIAL Combined Lightning Current and Surge Arresters differ from type 1+2 in that the SPECIAL Combined Lightning and Surge Arresters contain two independent protective devices that are connected in parallel. The voltage-switching spark gap (SPD type 1+2) works ideally in combination with a voltage-limiting varistor (SPD type 2). When combined, the two autonomous protective devices in one block ensure optimum response, optimal system protection and a long service life.

Phoenix Contact Type 2 SPDs are typically installed in machine and sub-distribution control cabinets. They perform the second protection level in a three-stage surge protection solution. Type 2 SPDs must be able to safely discharge overvoltages from switching operations or indirect lightning strikes. Overvoltages caused by switching operations are often highly dynamic and occur much more frequently than overvoltages cause by indirect lightning strikes. 

Phoenix Contact Type 3 SPDs are typically installed immediately upstream of the end devices that need protecting, therefore, they are also referred to as “device protection.”