22 Siemens · 10/2015
Configuration
Overvoltage Protection Devices
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More information
Rated arrester voltage U
C
The highest continuous voltage (maximum permissible opera-
tional voltage) is the r.m.s. value of the maximum voltage that
can be applied under field conditions to the terminals of the
overvoltage protection device as specified on the respective
terminal. It is the maximum voltage that can be applied to the
arrester in a defined, non-conductive state that, after it has
tripped and discharged, still ensures that this state can be
restored. The value of U
C
is based on the rated voltage of the
system to be protected and the specifications of the installation
regulations (DIN VDE 0100-534).
Break time t
a
The break time is the time required to automatically switch off the
power supply in the event of a fault in the electrical circuit or
equipment being protected. The break time is an application-
specific value, which is derived from the level of fault current
flowing and the characteristic of the protective device.
Response time t
A
Response times largely characterize the response behavior of
the individual protective elements used in arresters. Depending
on the rate of rise du/dt of the surge voltage or di/dt of the surge
current, response times may change within specific limits.
Versions for Austria
The standard ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8001-1 is generally applied in
Austria – with relevant supplements.
The key difference for implementation of devices of type 2 is that
these have to have a higher rated voltage (335 V AC, 440 V AC).
Breaking capacity, follow current discharge capacity I
fi
The breaking capacity is the prospective r.m.s. value of the
follow current that can be extinguished by the overvoltage pro-
tection device on its own when U
C
is applied. This is proven in
the operating duty test according to EN 61643-11.
Operating temperature range
The operating temperature range specifies the range within
which the devices can be used. In the case of devices without
self-heating, this is identical to the ambient temperature range.
The temperature rise in devices with self-heating must not
exceed the specified maximum value.
Lightning impulse current I
imp
The lightning impulse current is a standardized surge current
curve with waveform 10/350
μ
s. With its parameters (peak value,
load, specific energy) it simulates the load of natural lightning
currents. Lightning and combination surge arresters must be
capable of repeatedly discharging these types of lightning im-
pulse currents.
Insertion loss a
E
At a specified frequency, the insertion loss of a overvoltage
protection device is described by the ratio of the voltage value
at the installation site before and after insertion of the over-
voltage protection device. Unless otherwise specified, this is
based on a 50 Ω system.
Frequency range
The frequency range characterizes the transmission band or let-
through frequency of the arrester, depending on the described
damping characteristics.
Limit frequency f
G
The limit frequency describes the frequency-dependent be-
havior of an arrester. The limit frequency is the respective fre-
quency that produces an insertion loss under specific test
conditions (a
E
) of 3 dB (see EN 61643-21). Unless otherwise
specified, this is based on a 50 Ω system.
Categories according to IEC 61643-21 (DIN VDE 0845-3-1)
In order to test the current carrying capacity and the voltage
limitation during pulse interference, the standard IEC 61643-21
(DIN 0845-3-1) describes a range of surge voltage and surge
current impulses. All Siemens overvoltage protection devices
exceed these values in the depicted categories. For this reason,
the explicit value for the surge current carrying capacity is
derived from the specified rated discharge surge current (8/20)
and lightning impulse current (10/350).
Combined surge U
oc
The combined surge is produced by a hybrid generator
(1.2/50
μ
s, 8/20
μ
s) with a fictitious impedance of 2 Ω. The no-
load voltage of this generator is indicated as U
oc
. The specifica-
tion of U
oc
is primarily achieved with arresters of type 3.
Short-circuit strength
The value of the prospective short-circuit current that can be
controlled by the overvoltage protection device if the respective
back-up fuse is connected.
Maximum discharge surge current I
max
The maximum peak value of the surge current with the waveform
8/20
μ
s that the device can safely discharge.
Rated discharge surge current I
n
The rated discharge surge current is the peak value of a surge
current of the waveform 8/20
μ
s for which the overvoltage pro-
tection device is designed in accordance with a specified test
program.
Rated load current (rated current) I
L
The rated load current is the highest permissible operational
current that can be continuously routed over the terminals with
this specification.
Rated voltage U
N
This corresponds to the rated voltage of the system to be pro-
tected. In the case of information systems, the rated voltage
usually serves as the type rating. In the case of AC voltage, it is
specified as the r.m.s. value.
Line-side overcurrent protection/discharge back-up fuses
An overcurrent protection device (e.g. fuse or miniature circuit
breaker) that is located outside the arrester on the infeed side
and serves to interrupt the line-frequency follow current if the
breaking capacity of the overvoltage protection device is
exceeded.
PH_06.book Seite 22 Freitag, 5. Februar 2016 11:41 11
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