Type 1,2 and 3 surge protection protects against malfunctions and defects caused by overvoltages, in the absence of effective protection, high costs are likely due to system failures. In the worst-case scenario, the affected equipment will need to be repaired or replaced. The multi-stage concept from Phoenix Contact provides effective protection for systems and devices.
The SEC (Safe Energy Control) product family is synonymous with exceptional durability and maximum performance in the field of lightning and surge protection. With technologically leading spark gaps, we ensure the uninterrupted protection of your system.
The direct coordination between spark gap and varistor in the special combined lightning current and surge arrester ensures that your sensitive devices are given the maximum protection – even in the event of dynamic overvoltages.
At the same time, the family offers the first type 3 surge protective device in the world to feature Push-in connection technology for quick and easy installation. The uniform, compact design and operation without the need for a backup fuse completes the SEC family.
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.
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 (SPDs) are generally installed in sub-distributions or machine control cabinets.
They form the second protection level in a three-stage surge protection concept.
Type 2 SPDs must be able to safely discharge overvoltages 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.
Technologies with fast response behavior, such as varistor technology, have proven effective here.
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:
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.
