Phoenix Contact DC Line Surge Protection
DC surge protectors are devices that are designed specifically for direct current lines. Unlike AC, that oscillates back and forth, DC remains at a constant voltage. This makes arcing a bigger hazard and the surge protection device must be designed with additional arc extinguishing measures.
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.
More Information about Phoenix Contact DC Line Surge Protection
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.”
Surge Protection Basics
What causes power surges?
Lightning strikes are one of the most common causes of power surges and can affect an electrical system even if the strike occurs miles from the electrical source. Conductors buried underground can still transmit the energy of the strike to electrical equipment located indoors. Lightning rods and other grounding equipment can help, but do not completely eliminate the risk.
Switching equipment such as motors, transformers and other equipment can cause a sudden change in load, power loss and disconnection of circuit breakers. This sudden switching can cause overvoltage, leading to power surges. The closer the switching occurs to the electrical system, the more threat it will pose to the equipment.
Operations that a user performs can cause surges, but typically have a very short duration. Examples include: starting a motor, opening circuit breakers and welding equipment.
What is the best way to stop power surges?
By using transient surge suppressors, the problems associated with most transient surges can be eliminated. They provide protection by either blocking or shorting the voltage over its operating limit to ground, protecting circuits downstream of the suppressor. The best way to approach this is in tiers.
Tier 1 – The protection is closest to the incoming power source. This is the main protection for a particular location.
Tier 2 – This is in an area that will be protecting multiple devices that have branch protection. An electrical control panel would be an example of this type of application.
Tier 3 – Individual protection. In the case of an industrial control panel, this would be protection for each instrument entering the panel.