May June 2020 Electric.ie Magazine

ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 15 Phoenix Contact Type 2 [T2] / Class 2 SPDs The typical installation locations for this kind of SPDs are the main distribution cabinet (of facilities supplied by buried cables and without external lightning protection system) or sub- distribution cabinets. Type 2 SPDs have a medium-high discharge capacity (surge-current impulse In [8/20 µs]). Typical surge-protective components used in Type 2 SPDs are medium-sized varistors and medium-sized GDTs. FIGURE 9.56: Pluggable Type 2 SPD with three varistors (between L and N) and one gas-discharge tube (between N and PE); for the diversion of surge currents (8/20 µs); four modes of protection; suitable for the protection of three-phase five-wire systems. Type 3 [T3] / Class 3 SPDs The typical installation location for this kind of SPDs is a location close to sensitive equipment. Type 3 SPDs have a relatively low discharge capacity (combination wave impulse, 1.2/50 µs, 8/20 µs, 2 ohm, UOC). Typical surge-protective components used in Type 3 SPDs are small varistors, small GDTs and sometimes suppressor diodes. Testing and maintenance In IEC 62305-3 and IEC 62305-4, it's stipulated that lightning protection systems shall be inspected periodically. During a visual inspection, it is not possible to assess the status of an SPD properly. A proper assessment is only possible by carrying out measurements in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. To be able to test SPDs comfortably and in a safe way, it is recommended to use pluggable SPDs. A high-voltage test device is needed for the proper testing of SPDs. FIGURE 9.57: Pluggable Type 3 SPDs; left: suitable for single-phase three-wire systems; right: suitable for three-phase five-wire systems. Further information • To get a free copy of “Lightning and surge protection basics” please email info@phoenixcontact.ie • For advice on your project or application please contact our office on 01 205 1300 FIGURE 9.58: Phoenix Contacts CHECKMASTER 2, a fully automatic high- voltage test device for the touch-safe electrical testing of pluggable SPDs. Why use Phoenix Contact surge protection devices… Phoenix Contact are the world leaders and innovators in Surge Protection research and development. We continually innovate our product portfolio to meet the demand of our industry partners. Phoenix Contacts range of SPD cater to all applications for domestic and industrial installations and for the power supply, telephone systems, instrumentation, control and data communication. 1.5 billion contacts like this Push-in connection technology – by Phoenix Contact only Push-in, the connection technology of the future: This is many years of experience in development, and Phoenix Contact know-how. Benefit from the advantages of easy, consistent wiring realized through our wide range of Push-in products, from the terminal block to the controller. Push-in – the original by Phoenix Contact. T 2017 For additional information call +49 52 35 3-00 or visit phoenixcontact.com