Surge Protection Device

Overvoltage Protection Devices appear under different names in our country. In general, Internal Lightning Protection System, Low Voltage Surge Arrester, Surge Arrester, Protection Box, and Overvoltage Protection Unit are the most common terms encountered. LV Surge Arrester systems are strategically important products that provide great economic benefits and ensure sustainability in energy and product production. While preventing damage to panels and inverters in a solar power plant, they protect automation systems and production machines in industrial facilities, and in daily life they safeguard all our electrical infrastructure such as computers and televisions. In terms of security, camera systems, card access systems, and communication systems are prone to frequent failures; with overvoltage protection devices, we can protect all of them. Most importantly, by performing a damping function against arcs that may occur in panels, they eliminate the fire risk that may arise from lightning temperatures reaching up to 28,000 degrees Celsius. Overvoltage protection devices are effective against all sudden overvoltage impulses such as lightning strikes, grid surges, harmonics, voltage drops and rises, coupling impulses, and switching impulses.

An energy line damaged due to overvoltage

LV surge arrester products are basically divided into 4 main groups, and within these groups there are thousands of product types depending on technology and system characteristics. These groups are Class B LV Surge Arresters, Class C LV Surge Arresters, Class D LV Surge Arresters, and Class B+C LV Surge Arresters. Products are classified according to selection criteria such as system continuous voltage (Uc value), maximum discharge current (Imax value), protection voltage level (Up), grounding system type (TT–TN–TNS–TNC–IT), installation location (risk management), and number of phases (3p+n, 1p+n). Therefore, a site survey must be carried out and the product must be selected according to system characteristics by an expert engineer.

As Lightning Protection Center, we continue our site survey and product selection activities throughout Türkiye and always strive to maintain the principle of selecting the right product for the right point. Especially for Class D products, many parameters such as automation system cabling structure, communication module type (RS232–RS485–RS422), CAT–RJ45–POE module characteristics, coaxial connector types (F connector, BNC connector, etc.), satellite system operating frequency, and UPS characteristics must be evaluated together. In summary, our partner brands offer approximately 3,500 different products, and the most suitable one must be selected and recommended for the system.

When we look at product technologies, varistor-based products are prominently positioned in the market. Varistor technology is fast and effective but tends to be damaged easily. Therefore, high-durability products should be preferred especially in remote sites. Spark gap (chemical damping) products are durable, and products with gas discharge tubes are also robust; however, they may not react as fast as varistors. For this reason, the most accurate technology is VG technology, which combines both varistor and chemical damping, providing both high speed and maximum durability.

In addition to product selection, application and installation require great expertise. Cable cross-sections, grounding line arrangements inside panels, and connections that prevent arc formation and do not increase protection levels are critically important for correct system operation.

In summary, whether your external lightning protection system is a lightning rod or a Faraday cage, we must install low-voltage overvoltage protection devices in our systems against all impulses, especially lightning. In the light of IEC 62305 Standards, implementing this for facility and equipment safety provides significant economic and safety benefits.

As Lightning Protection Center, with our expert engineering staff, we provide services to our customers in LV surge arrester products including product selection, supply, design, and application tailored to their facilities and systems. You can always contact us for your questions and opinions on this subject.