Surge protection for the power supply

Within the framework of an efficient and comprehensive protection concept against surge voltages, the first step is to take the power supply into account. Dangers are present not only in a storm! Luckily, surge voltages as a result of lightning, whether a direct or distant strike, are most uncommon. More frequent and therefore more dangerous are surge voltages caused by switching operations. It makes no difference whether these switching operations are due to large machines or switching on kitchen appliances. In all these cases, surge voltages are coupled into the power supply network.

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An effective, multi-stage protection can be created with protection devices such as lightning arresters, surge arresters and device protection. Powerful components, such as spark gaps or varistors are used in these protective devices. Typical points of installation for the various protective devices are main distribution, subdistribution and the power connection of terminal equipment.

It is therefore advisable to implement multiple stage protection for the power supply to match the requirements and technical conditions. One thing is certain - without effective protective measures against surge voltages, one must expect high costs for repairing or replacing the facilities affected.

Phoenix Contact therefore recommends a multiple stage protection concept.

Level 1:
Point of installation - Main distribution.
Recommended protection module:
FLASHTRAB compact or FLASHTRAB

Level 2:
Point of installation - Subdistribution.
Recommended protection module:
VALVETRAB compact or VALVETRAB

Level 3:
Point of installation - Before the device.
Recommended protection modules:
MAINTRAB, BT-SKT..., or similar

The new product lines, FLASHTRAB compact and VALVETRAB compact, offer a host of advantages. In addition to convenient and space-saving installation, the arresters in FLASHTRAB compact are coordinated following the AEC (Active Energy Control) principle. The lightning current arresters and surge arresters function absolutely autonomously and do not require any additional decoupling inductors. The advantage is that the VALVETRAB can be dispensed with for close subdistributions.

For systems in which a direct threat from lightning is not to be expected, a two-stage concept consisting of VALVETRAB compact and equipment protection is sufficient.