Chapter J

Overvoltage protection

1 Overvoltage of atmospheric origin

1.1 Overvoltage definitions ........................................................................................................J2
J2

1.2 Overvoltage characteristics of atmospheric origin .............................................................J3

1.3 Effects on electrical installations...........................................................................................J3
1.4 Characterization of the lightning wave ................................................................................J6

2 Principle of lightning protection

2.1
J7
General rules.........................................................................................................................J7
2.2 Building protection system...................................................................................................J7
2.3 Electrical installation protection system................................................................................J9
2.4 The Surge Protection Device (SPD)....................................................................................J10

3 Design of the electrical installation protection system

3.1
J13
Design rules........................................................................................................................J13
3.2 Elements of the protection system.....................................................................................J14
3.3 Common characteristics of SPDs according to the installation characteristics ...............J16
3.4 Selection of a Type 1 SPD .................................................................................................J19
3.5 Selection of a Type 2 SPD..................................................................................................J19
3.6 Selection of external Short Circuit Protection Device (SCPD)...........................................J20
3.7 SPD and protection device coordination table ..................................................................J22

4 Installation of SPDs J24

4.1 Connection..........................................................................................................................J24
4.2 Cabling rules.......................................................................................................................J26

5 Application J28
5.1 Installation examples...........................................................................................................J28
J1
5.2 SPD for Photovoltaic application..........................................................................................J29

6 Technical supplements
6.1 Lightning protection standards...........................................................................................J32
J32

6.2 The components of a SPD..................................................................................................J32

6.3 End-of-life indication ...........................................................................................................J34
6.4 Detailed characteristics of the external SCPD...................................................................J34
6.5 Propagation of a lightning wave.........................................................................................J36
6.6 Example of lightning current in TT system.........................................................................J37

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 J - Overvoltage protection
1 Overvoltage of atmospheric origin

1.1 Overvoltage definitions

Various types of overvoltage
An overvoltage is a voltage pulse or wave which is superimposed on the rated
voltage of the network (see Fig. J1).

Voltage

DB422460_EN.eps
Lightning type impulse
(duration = 100 µs)

"Operating impulse"
type dumped ring wave
(F = 100 kHz to 1 MHz)

Irms

Fig. J1 Examples of overvoltage

This type of overvoltage is characterized by (see Fig. J2):

b the rise time tf (in μs);
b the gradient S (in kV/μs).
An overvoltage disturbs equipment and produces electromagnetic radiation.
Moreover, the duration of the overvoltage (T) causes an energy peak in the electric
J2 circuits which could destroy equipment.

Voltage (V or kV)
DB422461_EN.eps

U max

50 %

t
Rise time (tf)
Voltage surge duration (T)

Fig. J2 Main characteristics of an overvoltage

Four types of overvoltage can disturb electrical installations and loads:

b Switching surges:
high-frequency overvoltages or burst disturbance (see Fig. J1) caused by a
change in the steady state in an electrical network (during operation of switchgear).
b Power-frequency overvoltages:
overvoltages of the same frequency as the network (50, 60 or 400 Hz) caused
by a permanent change of state in the network (following a fault: insulation fault,
breakdown of neutral conductor, etc.).
b Overvoltages caused by electrostatic discharge:
very short overvoltages (a few nanoseconds) of very high frequency caused by
the discharge of accumulated electric charges (for example, a person walking
on a carpet with insulating soles is electrically charged with a voltage of several
kilovolts).
b Overvoltages of atmospheric origin.

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J - Overvoltage protection
1 Overvoltage of atmospheric origin

1.2 Overvoltage characteristics of atmospheric

origin
Between 2000 and 5000 storms are constantly undergoing formation throughout
Lightning strokes in a few figures: the world. These storms are accompanied by lightning strokes which represent a
Lightning flashes produce an extremely serious hazard for persons and equipment. Lightning flashes hit the ground at an
large quantity of pulsed electrical energy average of 30 to 100 strokes per second, i.e. 3 billion lightning strokes each year.
(seeFig. J4) The table in Fig. J3 shows some lightning strike values with their related
b of several thousand amperes (and probability. As can be seen, 50% of lightning strokes have a current exceeding
several thousand volts), 35 kA and 5% a current exceeding 100 kA. The energy conveyed by the lightning
b of high frequency (approximately 1 stroke is therefore very high.
megahertz),
b of short duration (from a microsecond to Cumulative probability Peak current
(%) (kA)
a millisecond).
95 5
50 35
5 100
1 200
Fig. J3 Examples of lightning discharge values given by the IEC 62305-1 standard (2010 - Table A.3)

Lightning
DB422462_EN.eps

current
Arc leader
l Subsequent arcs

l/2

t1 t2 t3 Time

Fig. J4 Example of lightning current J3

Lightning also causes a large number of fires, mostly in agricultural areas

(destroying houses or making them unfit for use). High-rise buildings are especially
prone to lightning strokes.

1.3 Effects on electrical installations

Lightning damages electrical and electronic systems in particular: transformers,
electricity meters and electrical appliances on both residential and industrial
premises.
The cost of repairing the damage caused by lightning is very high. But it is very
hard to assess the consequences of:
b disturbances caused to computers and telecommunication networks;
b faults generated in the running of programmable logic controller programs and
control systems.
Moreover, the cost of operating losses may be far higher than the value of the
equipment destroyed.

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 J - Overvoltage protection
1 Overvoltage of atmospheric origin

1.3.1 Lightning stroke impacts

Lightning strokes can affect the electrical (and/or electronic) systems of a building
Lightning is a high-frequency electrical in two ways:
phenomenon which causes overvoltages b by direct impact of the lightning stroke on the building (see Fig. J5a);
on all conductive items, especially on b by indirect impact of the lightning stroke on the building:
electrical cabling and equipment.
v A lightning stroke can fall on an overhead electric power line supplying a building
(see Fig. J5b). The overcurrent and overvoltage can spread several kilometres
from the point of impact.
v A lightning stroke can fall near an electric power line (see Fig. J5c). It is the
electromagnetic radiation of the lightning current that produces a high current and
an overvoltage on the electric power supply network.
In the latter two cases, the hazardous currents and voltages are transmitted by the
power supply network.
v A lightning stroke can fall near a building (see Fig. J5d). The earth potential
around the point of impact rises dangerously.
DB422463_EN.eps

Electrical
c installation

Installation
earth lead
J4
Fig. J5 Various types of lightning impact

In all cases, the consequences for electrical installations and loads can be
dramatic.

Lightning falls on an unprotected building Lightning falls near an overhead line. Lightning falls near a building.

Electrical Electrical Electrical

installation installation installation

Installation Installation Installation

earth lead earth lead earth lead

The lightning current flows to earth via the The lightning current generates overvoltages through The lightning stroke generates the same
more or less conductive structures of the electromagnetic induction in the distribution system. types of overvoltage as those described
building with very destructive effects: These overvoltages are propagated along the line to the opposite.
b thermal effects: Very violent overheating of electrical equipment inside the buildings. In addition, the lightning current rises back
materials, causing fire, from the earth to the electrical installation,
thus causing equipment breakdown.
b mechanical effects: Structural deformation,
b thermal flashover: Extremely dangerous
phenomenon in the presence of flammable or
explosive materials (hydrocarbons, dust, etc.)
The building and the installations inside the The electrical installations inside the building are generally destroyed.
building are generally destroyed
Fig. J6 Consequence of a lightning stroke impact

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J - Overvoltage protection
1 Overvoltage of atmospheric origin

1.3.2 The various modes of propagation

b Common mode
Common-mode overvoltages appear between live conductors and earth: phase-
to-earth or neutral-to-earth (see Fig. J7). They are dangerous especially for
appliances whose frame is connected to earth due to risks of dielectric breakdown.

DB422467_EN.eps
Ph

Equipment
N
Imc

Voltage surge
common mode
Imc

Fig. J7 Common mode

b Differential mode
Differential-mode overvoltages appear between live conductors:
phase-to-phase or phase-to-neutral (see Fig. J8). They are especially dangerous
for electronic equipment, sensitive hardware such as computer systems, etc.

Imd
DB422468_EN.eps

Ph

U voltage surge
Equipment
differential mode
N
Imd J5

Fig. J8 Differential mode

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 J - Overvoltage protection
1 Overvoltage of atmospheric origin

1.4 Characterization of the lightning wave

Analysis of the phenomena allows definition of the types of lightning current and
voltage waves.
b 2 types of current wave are considered by the IEC standards:
v 10/350 µs wave: to characterize the current waves from a direct lightning stroke
(see Fig. J9);

DB422469.eps
Max.
100 %

50 %

t
10 (µs)
350

Fig. J9 10/350 µs current wave

v 8/20 µs wave: to characterize the current waves from an indirect lightning stroke
(see Fig. J10).

I
DB422470.eps

Max.
100 %

50 %
J6
t
8 (µs)
20

Fig. J10 8/20 µs current wave

These two types of lightning current wave are used to define tests on SPDs
(IEC standard 61643-11) and equipment immunity to lightning currents.
The peak value of the current wave characterizes the intensity of the lightning
stroke.

b The overvoltages created by lightning strokes are characterized by a 1.2/50 µs

voltage wave (see Fig. J11).
This type of voltage wave is used to verify equipment’s withstand to overvoltages of
atmospheric origin (impulse voltage as per IEC 61000-4-5).

V
DB422471.eps

Max.
100 %

50 %

t
1.2 (µs)
50

Fig. J11 1.2/50 µs voltage wave

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J - Overvoltage protection
2 Principle of lightning protection

2.1 General rules

Procedure to prevent risks of lightning strike
The system for protecting a building
against the effects of lightning must The basic principle for protection of an installation against the risk of lightning
include: strikes is to prevent the disturbing energy from reaching sensitive equipment. To
b protection of structures against direct achieve this, it is necessary to:
lightning strokes; b capture the lightning current and channel it to earth via the most direct path
b protection of electrical installations (avoiding the vicinity of sensitive equipment);
against direct and indirect lightning b perform equipotential bonding of the installation;
strokes. This equipotential bonding is implemented by bonding conductors, supplemented
by Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) or spark gaps (e.g., antenna mast spark gap).
b minimize induced and indirect effects by installing SPDs and/or filters.
Two protection systems are used to eliminate or limit overvoltages: they are known
as the building protection system (for the outside of buildings) and the electrical
installation protection system (for the inside of buildings).

2.2 Building protection system

The role of the building protection system is to protect it against direct lightning
strokes.
The system consists of:
b the capture device: the lightning protection system;
b down-conductors designed to convey the lightning current to earth;
b «crow’s foot» earth leads connected together;
b links between all metallic frames (equipotential bonding) and the earth leads.
When the lightning current flows in a conductor, if potential differences appear
between it and the frames connected to earth that are located in the vicinity, the
latter can cause destructive flashovers.
J7
2.2.1 The 3 types of lightning protection system
Three types of building protection are used:
b The lightning rod (simple rod or with triggering system)
The lightning rod is a metallic capture tip placed at the top of the building. It is
earthed by one or more conductors (often copper strips) (see Fig. J12).

Simple
DB422472_EN.eps

lightning rod

Earth
down-conductor
(copper strip)

Check
terminal

"Crow's foot"
earth lead

Fig. J12 Lightning rod (simple rod or with triggering system)

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 J - Overvoltage protection
2 Principle of lightning protection

Tin plated copper 25 mm 2

DB422473_EN.eps
Metal post
d > 0.1 h

Frame grounded earth belt

Fig. J13 Taut wires

b The lightning rod with taut wires

These wires are stretched above the structure to be protected. They are used
DB422474.eps

to protect special structures: rocket launching areas, military applications and

protection of high-voltage overhead lines (see Fig. J13).
b The lightning conductor with meshed cage (Faraday cage)
This protection involves placing numerous down conductors/tapes symmetrically all
around the building. (see Fig. J14).
This type of lightning protection system is used for highly exposed buildings
housing very sensitive installations such as computer rooms.

J8 2.2.2 Consequences of building protection for the electrical

installation’s equipment

50% of the lightning current discharged by the building protection system rises
back into the earthing networks of the electrical installation (see Fig. J15): the
potential rise of the frames very frequently exceeds the insulation withstand
capability of the conductors in the various networks (LV, telecommunications, video
cable, etc.). Moreover, the flow of current through the down-conductors generates
Fig. J14 Meshed cage (Faraday cage) induced overvoltages in the electrical installation.
DB422475_EN.eps

As a consequence, the building protection

system does not protect the electrical
installation: it is therefore compulsory
to provide for an electrical installation
protection system. Electrical
installation
I
i

Installation
earth lead

Fig. J15 Direct lightning back current

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 J - Overvoltage protection
2 Principle of lightning protection

2.3 Electrical installation protection system

The main objective of the electrical installation protection system is to limit
overvoltages to values that are acceptable for the equipment.
The electrical installation protection system consists of:
b one or more SPDs depending on the building configuration;
b the equipotential bonding: metallic mesh of exposed conductive parts.

2.3.1 Implementation
The procedure to protect the electrical and electronic systems of a building is as
follows.
Search for information
b Identify all sensitive loads and their location in the building.
b Identify the electrical and electronic systems and their respective points of entry
into the building.
b Check whether a lightning protection system is present on the building or in the
vicinity.
b Become acquainted with the regulations applicable to the building’s location.
b Assess the risk of lightning strike according to the geographic location, type of
power supply, lightning strike density, etc.
Solution implementation
b Install bonding conductors on frames by a mesh.
b Install a SPD in the LV incoming switchboard.
b Install an additional SPD in each subdistribution board located in the vicinity of
sensitive equipment (see Fig. J16).

J9
DB422476_EN.eps

SPD

MV supply

SPD

SPD
SPD
Underground
MV supply If L >10m SPD

MV supply

SPD
SPD
Underground
MV supply If L >10m

Fig. J16 Example of protection of a large-scale electrical installation

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 J - Overvoltage protection
2 Principle of lightning protection

Surge Protection Devices (SPD) are

2.4 The Surge Protection Device (SPD)
used for electric power supply networks, The Surge Protection Device (SPD) is a component of the electrical installation
protection system.
telephone networks, and communication
and automatic control buses. This device is connected in parallel on the power supply circuit of the loads that it
has to protect (see Fig. J17). It can also be used at all levels of the power supply
network.
This is the most commonly used and most efficient type of overvoltage protection.

SPD connected in parallel has a high

DB422477_EN.eps
impedance. Once the transient overvoltage
appears in the system, the impedance of Incoming
circuit breaker
the device decreases so surge current
is driven through the SPD, bypassing the
sensitive equipment.
Lightning SPD
current

Sensitive loads

Fig. J17 Principle of protection system in parallel

Principle
SPD is designed to limit transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin and divert
current waves to earth, so as to limit the amplitude of this overvoltage to a value
that is not hazardous for the electrical installation and electric switchgear and
J10 controlgear.
SPD eliminates overvoltages:
b in common mode, between phase and neutral or earth;
b in differential mode, between phase and neutral.
In the event of an overvoltage exceeding the operating threshold, the SPD
b conducts the energy to earth, in common mode;
b distributes the energy to the other live conductors, in differential mode.
The three types of SPD:
b Type 1 SPD
The Type 1 SPD is recommended in the specific case of service-sector and
industrial buildings, protected by a lightning protection system or a meshed cage.
It protects electrical installations against direct lightning strokes. It can discharge
the back-current from lightning spreading from the earth conductor to the network
conductors.
Type 1 SPD is characterized by a 10/350 µs current wave.
b Type 2 SPD
The Type 2 SPD is the main protection system for all low voltage electrical
installations. Installed in each electrical switchboard, it prevents the spread of
overvoltages in the electrical installations and protects the loads.
Type 2 SPD is characterized by an 8/20 µs current wave.
b Type 3 SPD
These SPDs have a low discharge capacity. They must therefore mandatorily be
installed as a supplement to Type 2 SPD and in the vicinity of sensitive loads.
Type 3 SPD is characterized by a combination of voltage waves (1.2/50 μs) and
current waves (8/20 μs).

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J - Overvoltage protection
2 Principle of lightning protection

b SPD normative definition

Direct lightning stroke Indirect lightning stroke

IEC 61643-1 Class I test Class II test Class III test
IEC 61643-11/2011
Type 1: T1 Type 2 : T2 Type 3 : T3
EN/IEC 61643-11 Type 1 Type 2 Type 3
Former VDE 0675v B C D
Type of test wave 10/350 8/20 1.2/50 + 8/20
Note 1: There exist T1 + T2 SPD (or Type 1 + 2 SPD) combining protection of loads against
direct and indirect lightning strokes.
Note 2: some T2 SPD can also be declared as T3 .
Fig. J18 SPD standard definition

2.4.1 Characteristics of SPD

International standard IEC 61643-11 Edition 1.0 (03/2011) defines the

characteristics and tests for SPD connected to low voltage distribution systems
(see Fig. J19).
b Common characteristics
v Uc: Maximum continuous operating voltage
This is the A.C. or D.C. voltage above which the SPD becomes active. This value is
chosen according to the rated voltage and the system earthing arrangement.
v Up: Voltage protection level (at In)
This is the maximum voltage across the terminals of the SPD when it is active. This
voltage is reached when the current flowing in the SPD is equal to In. The voltage
protection level chosen must be below the overvoltage withstand capability of the
Why is In important? loads (see section 3.2). In the event of lightning strokes, the voltage across the
In corresponds to a nominal discharge terminals of the SPD generally remains less than Up.
current that a SPD can withstand at least v In: Nominal discharge current
19 times [1]: a higher value of In means This is the peak value of a current of 8/20 µs waveform that the SPD is capable of
J11
a longer life for the SPD, so it is strongly discharging minimum 19 times [1].
recommended to chose higher values than
the minimum imposed value of 5 kA. U
DB422478.eps

Why is Iimp important?

IEC 62305 standard requires a maximum Up
impulse current value of 25 kA per pole for
three-phase system. This means that for a Uc
3P+N network the SPD should be able to
withstand a total maximum impulse current
of 100kA coming from the earth bonding. I
< 1 mA In Imax

Why is Imax important? In green, the guaranteed operating range of the SPD.
If you compare 2 SPDs with the same
Fig. J19 Time/current characteristic of a SPD with varistor
In, but with different Imax : the SPD with
higher Imax value has a higher «safety
b Type 1 SPD
margin» and can withstand higher surge
current without being damaged. v Iimp: Impulse current
This is the peak value of a current of 10/350 µs waveform that the SPD is capable
of discharging at least one time [2].

[1] Test sequence according to standard IEC 61643-11 for

v Ifi: Autoextinguish follow current
SPD based on MOV (varistor). A total of 19 impulses at In: Applicable only to the spark gap technology.
b One positive impulse
b One negative impulse
This is the current (50 Hz) that the SPD is capable of interrupting by itself after
b 15 impulses synchronised at every 30°on the 50 Hz voltage flashover. This current must always be greater than the prospective short-circuit
b One positive impulse current at the point of installation.
b One negative impulse b Type 2 SPD
[2] for type 1 SPD, after the 15 impulses at In v Imax: Maximum discharge current
(see previous note):
b One impulse at 0.1 x Imp This is the peak value of a current of 8/20 µs waveform that the SPD is capable of
b One impulse at 0.25 x Imp discharging once.
b One impulse at 0.5 x Imp b Type 3 SPD
b One impulse at 0.75 x Imp v Uoc: Open-circuit voltage applied during class III (Type 3) tests.
b One impulse at Imp

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 J - Overvoltage protection
2 Principle of lightning protection

2.4.2 Main applications

b Low Voltage SPD
Very different devices, from both a technological and usage viewpoint, are
designated by this term. Low voltage SPDs are modular to be easily installed inside
LV switchboards.
There are also SPDs adaptable to power sockets, but these devices have a low
discharge capacity.
b SPD for communication networks
These devices protect telephon networks, switched networks and automatic control
networks (bus) against overvoltages coming from outside (lightning) and those
internal to the power supply network (polluting equipment, switchgear operation,
etc.).
Such SPDs are also installed in RJ11, RJ45, ... connectors or integrated into loads.

J12

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 J - Overvoltage protection
3 Design of the electrical installation protection system

3.1 Design rules

For a power distribution system, the main characteristics used to define the
To protect an electrical installation in a lightning protection system and select a SPD to protect an electrical installation in
building, simple rules apply for the choice a building are:
of b SPD
b SPD(s); v quantity of SPD;
b its protection system. v type;
v level of exposure to define the SPD’s maximum discharge current Imax.
b Short circuit protection device
v maximum discharge current Imax;
v short-circuit current Isc at the point of installation.

The logic diagram in the Fig. J20 below illustrates this design rule.

Surge Protective
DB422479_EN.eps

Device (SPD)
No Is there a lightning rod Yes
on the building or within
50 metres of the building ?

Type 1 + Type2
Type2 or
SPD Type 1+2
SPD

Risks level ? Risks level ?

J13
Low Medium High 12.5 kA 25 kA
20 kA 40 kA 65 kA mini.
Imax Iimp

Isc
at the installation point ?
Short Circuit
Protection Device (SCPD)
Fig. J20 Logic diagram for selection of a protection system

The other characteristics for selection of a SPD are predefined for an electrical
installation.
b number of poles in SPD;
b voltage protection level Up;
b operating voltage Uc.

This sub-section J3 describes in greater detail the criteria for selection of the
protection system according to the characteristics of the installation, the equipment
to be protected and the environment.

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 J - Overvoltage protection
3 Design of the electrical installation protection system

A SPD must always be installed at the

3.2 Elements of the protection system
origin of the electrical installation.
3.2.1 Location and type of SPD

The type of SPD to be installed at the origin of the installation depends on whether
or not a lightning protection system is present. If the building is fitted with a
lightning protection system (as per IEC 62305), a Type 1 SPD should be installed.
For SPD installed at the incoming end of the installation, the IEC 60364 installation
standards lay down minimum values for the following 2 characteristics:
b Nominal discharge current In = 5 kA (8/20) µs;
b Voltage protection level Up (at In) < 2.5 kV.
The number of additional SPDs to be installed is determined by:
b the size of the site and the difficulty of installing bonding conductors. On large
sites, it is essential to install a SPD at the incoming end of each subdistribution
enclosure.
b the distance separating sensitive loads to be protected from the incoming-
end protection device. When the loads are located more than 10 meters away
from the incoming-end protection device, it is necessary to provide for additional
fine protection as close as possible to sensitive loads. The phenomena of wave
reflection is increasing from 10 meters (see chapter 6.5)
b the risk of exposure. In the case of a very exposed site, the incoming-end SPD
cannot ensure both a high flow of lightning current and a sufficiently low voltage
protection level. In particular, a Type 1 SPD is generally accompanied by a Type 2
SPD.
The table in Fig. J21 below shows the quantity and type of SPD to be set up on the
basis of the two factors defined above.

No Is there a lightning rod on the building or Yes

J14 within 50 metres of the building ?
DB422480_EN.eps

one Type 2 SPD in the main switchboard one Type 1 and one Type 2 SPD (or one Type 1+2 SPD)
in the main switchboard

D < 10 m
Incoming Incoming
circuit breaker circuit breaker
Distance (D) separating sensitive equipment from

Type 1
lightning protection system installed

Type 2 +
SPD Type 2
SPD
in main switchboard

D D

one Type 2 SPD in main switchboard one Type 1 and one Type 2 SPD (or one Type 1+2 SPD)
one Type 2/Type 3 SPD in the enclosure close to sensitive equipment in the main switchboard
one Type 2/Type 3 SPD in the enclosure close to sensitive
equipment

Incoming Incoming
circuit breaker circuit breaker

Type 1
Type 2 +
SPD Type 2
Type 3 SPD Type 3
D > 10 m SPD SPD
D D

Fig. J21 The 4 cases of SPD implementation

Note : The Type 1 SPD is installed in the electrical switchboard connected to the earth lead of the lightning protection system.

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J - Overvoltage protection
3 Design of the electrical installation protection system

3.2.2 Protection distributed levels

Several protection levels of SPD allows the energy to be distributed among several
SPDs, as shown in Fig. J22 in which the three types of SPD are provided for:
b Type 1: when the building is fitted with a lightning protection system and located
at the incoming end of the installation, it absorbs a very large quantity of energy;
b Type 2: absorbs residual overvoltages;
b Type 3: provides «fine» protection if necessary for the most sensitive equipment
located very close to the loads.

Main LV Subdistribution Fine Protection

DB422481_EN.eps
Switchboard Board Enclosure
(incoming protection)

9% 1%
90 %

Sensitive
Equipment

Type 1 Type 2 Type 3

SPD SPD SPD

Discharge Capacity (%)

J15
Fig. J22 Fine protection architecture
Note: The Type 1 and 2 SPD can be combined in a single SPD

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 J - Overvoltage protection
3 Design of the electrical installation protection system

3.3 Common characteristics of SPDs according to

the installation characteristics
3.3.1 Operating voltage Uc

Depending on the system earthing arrangement, the maximum continuous

operating voltage Uc of SPD must be equal to or greater than the values shown in
the table in Fig. J23.

SPDs connected between System configuration of distribution network

(as applicable) TN system TT system IT system
Line conductor and neutral conductor 1.1 U / √3 1.1 U / √3 1.1 U / √3
Line conductor and PE conductor 1.1 U / √3 1.1 U / √3 1.1 U
Line conductor and PEN conductor 1.1 U / √3 N/A N/A
Neutral conductor and PE conductor U / √3[a] U / √3[a] 1.1 U / √3
[a] these values are related to worst-case fault conditions, therefore the tolerance of 10 % is
not taken into account.
N/A: not applicable
U: line-to-line voltage of the low-voltage system
Fig. J23 Stipulated minimum value of Uc for SPDs depending on the system earthing arrangement
(based on Table 534.2 of the IEC 60364-5-53 standard)

The most common values of Uc chosen according to the system earthing

arrangement.
TT, TN: 260, 320, 340, 350 V
IT: 440, 460 V

3.3.2 Voltage protection level Up (at In)

J16 The IEC 60364-4-44 standard helps with the choice of the protection level Up for
the SPD in function of the loads to be protected. The table of Fig. J24 indicates the
impulse withstand capability of each kind of equipment.

Nominal Voltage line Required rated impulse withstand voltage of equipment[c]

voltage to neutral (kV)
of the derived from Overvoltage Overvoltage Overvoltage Overvoltage
installation[a] nominal category IV category III category II category I
(V) voltages (equipment (equipment (equipment (equipment
a.c. or d.c. with very with high with normal with reduced
up to and high rated rated rated rated
including impulse impulse impulse impulse
(V) voltage) voltage) voltage) voltage)
For example, For example, For example, For example,
energy meter, distribution distribution sensitive
telecontrol boards, domestic electronic
systems switches appliances, equipment
socket-outlets tools
120/208 150 4 2.5 1.5 0.8
230/400[b][d] 300 6 4 2.5 1.5
277/480[b]
400/690 600 8 6 4 2.5
1000 1 000 12 8 6 4
1500 d.c. 1 500 d.c. 8 6
[a] According to IEC 60038:2009.
[b] In Canada and USA, for voltages to earth higher than 300 V, the rated impulse voltage
corresponding to the next highest voltage in this column applies.
[c] This rated impulse voltage is applied between live conductors and PE.
[d] For IT systems operations at 220-240 V, the 230/400 row shall be used, due to the voltage
to earth at the earth fault on one line.

Fig. J24 Required rated impulse voltage of equipment Uw (table 443.2 of IEC 60364-4-44)

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J - Overvoltage protection
3 Design of the electrical installation protection system

b Equipment of overvoltage category I is

only suitable for use in the fixed installation of
buildings where protective means are applied
outside the equipment – to limit transient
overvoltages to the specified level.
Examples of such equipment are those
containing electronic circuits like computers,
appliances with electronic programmes, etc.
b Equipment of overvoltage category II is
suitable for connection to the fixed electrical
installation, providing a normal degree of
availability normally required for current-using
equipment.
Examples of such equipment are household
appliances and similar loads.
b Equipment of overvoltage category III is for
use in the fixed installation downstream of,
and including the main distribution board,
providing a high degree of availability.
Examples of such equipment are distribution
boards, circuit-breakers, wiring systems
including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes,
switches, socket-outlets) in the fixed
installation, and equipment for industrial use
and some other equipment, e.g. stationary
motors with permanent connection to the
fixed installation.
b Equipment of overvoltage category IV is
suitable for use at, or in the proximity of,
the origin of the installation, for example
upstream of the main distribution board.
Examples of such equipment are electricity
meters, primary overcurrent protection
devices and ripple control units.

Fig. J25 Overvoltage category of equipment

J17

The «installed» Up performance should be compared with the impulse withstand

capability of the loads.
SPD has a voltage protection level Up that is intrinsic, i.e. defined and tested
independently of its installation. In practice, for the choice of Up performance of a
SPD, a safety margin must be taken to allow for the overvoltages inherent in the
installation of the SPD (see Fig. J26 and §4.1).
DB422487_EN.eps

U1

Loads
Installed
Up to be = Up + U1 + U2
Up
protected

U2

Fig. J26 “Installed” Up

The «installed» voltage protection level Up generally adopted to protect sensitive

equipment in 230/400 V electrical installations is 2.5 kV (overvoltage category II,
see Fig. J27).
Note:
If the stipulated voltage protection level cannot be achieved
by the incoming-end SPD or if sensitive equipment items are
remote (see section 3.2.1), additional coordinated SPD must
be installed to achieve the required protection level.

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3 Design of the electrical installation protection system

3.3.3 Number of poles

b Depending on the system earthing arrangement, it is necessary to provide for a
SPD architecture ensuring protection in common mode (CM) and differential mode
(DM).

TT TN-C TN-S IT
Phase-to-neutral (DM) Recommended [1] - Recommended Not useful
Phase-to-earth (PE or Yes Yes Yes Yes
PEN) (CM)
Neutral-to-earth (PE) Yes - Yes Yes[2]
(CM)
[1] The protection between phase and neutral can either be incorporated in the SPD placed at
the origin of the installation, or be remoted close to the equipment to be protected
[2] If neutral distributed
Fig. J27 Protection need according to the system earthing arrangement

Note:
b Common-mode overvoltage
A basic form of protection is to install a SPD in common mode between phases
and the PE (or PEN) conductor, whatever the type of system earthing arrangement
used.
b Differential-mode overvoltage
In the TT and TN-S systems, earthing of the neutral results in an asymmetry due
to earth impedances which leads to the appearance of differential-mode voltages,
even though the overvoltage induced by a lightning stroke is common-mode.
2P, 3P and 4P SPDs (see Fig. J28)
b These are adapted to the IT, TN-C, TN-C-S systems.
b They provide protection merely against common-mode overvoltages.

J18
DB422488.eps

Fig. J28 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P SPDs

1P + N, 3P + N SPDs (see Fig. J29)

b These are adapted to the TT and TN-S systems.
b They provide protection against common-mode and differential-mode
overvoltages.
DB422489.eps

Fig. J29 1P + N, 3P + N SPDs

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 J - Overvoltage protection
3 Design of the electrical installation protection system

3.4 Selection of a Type 1 SPD

DB422490_EN.eps

3.4.1 Impulse current Iimp

b Where there are no national regulations or specific regulations for the type of
building to be protected:
the impulse current Iimp shall be at least 12.5 kA (10/350 µs wave) per branch in
accordance with IEC 60364-5-534.
Electrical
installation b Where regulations exist:
standard IEC 62305-2 defines 4 levels: I, II, III and IV
Iph=
I/2 I The table in Fig. J31 shows the different levels of Iimp in the regulatory case.
4
Protection level External lightning Minimum required Iimp for
as per EN 62305-2 protection system designed Type 1 SPD for line-neutral
to handle direct flash of: network

I/2 I/2 I 200 kA 25 kA/pole

II 150 kA 18.75 kA/pole
III / IV 100 kA 12.5 kA/pole
Fig. J30 Basic example of balanced Iimp current distribution in
3 phase system Fig. J31 Table of Iimp values according to the building’s voltage protection level (based on IEC/EN
62305-2)

3.4.2 Autoextinguish follow current Ifi

This characteristic is applicable only for SPDs with spark gap technology. The
autoextinguish follow current Ifi must always be greater than the prospective short-
circuit current Isc at the point of installation.

3.5 Selection of a Type 2 SPD

J19
3.5.1 Maximum discharge current Imax

The maximum discharge current Imax is defined according to the estimated

exposure level relative to the building’s location.
The value of the maximum discharge current (Imax) is determined by a risk
analysis (see table in Fig. J32).

Exposure level
Low Medium High
Building environment Building located in an urban Building located in a plain Building where there is a specific
or suburban area of grouped risk: pylon, tree, mountainous
housing region, wet area or pond, etc.
Recommended Imax value (kÂ) 20 40 65
Fig. J32 Recommended maximum discharge current Imax according to the exposure level

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 J - Overvoltage protection
3 Design of the electrical installation protection system

The protection devices (thermal and short

3.6 Selection of external Short Circuit Protection
circuit) must be coordinated with the SPD Device (SCPD)
to ensure reliable operation, i.e.
b ensure continuity of service: 3.6.1 Risks to be avoided at end of life of the SPDs
v withstand lightning current waves;
v not generate excessive residual voltage. b Due to ageing
b ensure effective protection against all In the case of natural end of life due to ageing, protection is of the thermal type.
types of overcurrent: SPD with varistors must have an internal disconnector which disables the SPD.
v overload following thermal runaway of Note: End of life through thermal runaway does not concern SPD with gas
the varistor; discharge tube or encapsulated spark gap.
v short circuit of low intensity (impedant); b Due to a fault
v short circuit of high intensity. The causes of end of life due to a short-circuit fault are:
v Maximum discharge capacity exceeded.
This fault results in a strong short circuit.
v A fault due to the distribution system (neutral/phase switchover, neutral
disconnection).
v Gradual deterioration of the varistor.
The latter two faults result in an impedant short circuit.
The installation must be protected from damage resulting from these types of fault:
the internal (thermal) disconnector defined above does not have time to warm up,
hence to operate.
A special device called «external Short Circuit Protection Device (external
SCPD) «, capable of eliminating the short circuit, should be installed. It can be
implemented by a circuit breaker or fuse device.

3.6.2 Characteristics of the external SCPD

The external SCPD should be coordinated with the SPD. It is designed to meet the
J20 following two constraints:
Lightning current withstand
The lightning current withstand is an essential characteristic of the SPD’s external
Short Circuit Protection Device.
The external SCPD must not trip upon 15 successive impulse currents at In.
Short-circuit current withstand
b The breaking capacity is determined by the installation rules (IEC 60364
standard):
The external SCPD should have a breaking capacity equal to or greater than the
prospective short-circuit current Isc at the installation point (in accordance with the
IEC 60364 standard).
b Protection of the installation against short circuits
In particular, the impedant short circuit dissipates a lot of energy and should be
eliminated very quickly to prevent damage to the installation and to the SPD.

The right association between a SPD and its external SCPD must be given by the
manufacturer.

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3 Design of the electrical installation protection system

3.6.3 Installation mode for the external SCPD

b Device «in series»
The SCPD is described as «in series» (see Fig. J33) when the protection is
performed by the general protection device of the network to be protected (for
example, connection circuit breaker upstream of an installation).
b Device «in parallel»
The SCPD is described as «in parallel» (see Fig. J34) when the protection is
performed specifically by a protection device associated with the SPD.

DB422491.eps

Fig. J33 SCPD “in series”

b The external SCPD is called a «disconnecting circuit breaker» if the function is

performed by a circuit breaker.
b The disconnecting circuit breaker may or may not be integrated into the SPD.

Note:
In the case of a SPD with gas discharge tube or encapsulated spark gap, the
SCPD allows the current to be cut immediately after use.

J21
DB422493.eps
DB422492.eps

Fig. J34 SCPD “in parallel”

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 J - Overvoltage protection
3 Design of the electrical installation protection system

3.6.4 Guarantee of protection

The external SCPD should be coordinated with the SPD, and tested and
guaranteed by the SPD manufacturer in accordance with the recommendations
of the IEC 61643-11 standard. It should also be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations. As an example, see the Schneider Electric
SCPD+SPD coordination tables.
When this device is integrated, conformity with product standard IEC 61643-11
naturally ensures protection.

PB116776_EN.eps
DB422494_EN.eps

Fig. J35 SPDs with external SCPD, non-integrated (iC60N + iPRD 40r) and integrated (iQuick
PRD 40r)

3.6.5 Summary of external SCPDs characteristics

A detailed analysis of the characteristics is given in section 6.4.
The table in Fig. J36 shows, on an example, a summary of the characteristics
according to the various types of external SCPD.

Installation mode for In series In parallel

the external SCPD
J22 Surge protection of
equipment

Protection of installation = = = =
at end of life SPDs protect the equipment satisfactorily whatever the kind of associated external SCPD
Continuity of service at - = + ++
end of life No guarantee of protection Manufacturer’s guarantee Full guarantee
possible Protection from impedant short Protection from short circuits perfectly ensured
circuits not well ensured
Maintenance at end -- = + +
of life Shutdown of the installation Change of fuses Immediate resetting
required
Fig. J36 Characteristics of end-of-life protection of a Type 2 SPD according to the external SCPDs

3.7 SPD and protection device coordination table

The table in Fig. J37 below shows the coordination of disconnecting circuit
breakers (external SCPD) for Type 1 and 2 SPDs of the Schneider Electric brand
for all levels of short-circuit currents.
Coordination between SPD and its disconnecting circuit breakers, indicated and
guaranteed by Schneider Electric, ensures reliable protection (lightning wave
withstand, reinforced protection of impedant short-circuit currents, etc.)

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3 Design of the electrical installation protection system

Isc (kA)
DB422496_EN.eps

50
NG125L
C80 A / Compact Compact
NG125L NG125L NG125L
C63 A C63 A C63 A Compact NSX 100N NSX 160N
NSX*100N 100 A 160 A
100 A
36
NG125H
NG125H C80 A / Compact Compact
NG125H NG125H NSX 100F NSX 160F
C63 A C63 A C63 A Compact
NSX*100F 100 A 160 A
100 A
25
NG125N
Disconnector

iC60L NG125N NG125N C80 A /

25 iC60L
Compact
C10 A C20 A C40 A C50 A
NSX*100B
100 A
15
C120H
C80 A /
iC60H iC60H iC60H iC60H
C10 A C20 A C50 A C50 A Compact
NSX*100B
100 A Compact Compact Compact
10 NSX 100B NSX 100B NSX 160B
iQuick iQuick 100 A 100 A 160 A
PRD 8r PRD 20r
iQuick
PRD 40r C120N
C80 A /
6 iC60N iC60N iC60N iC60N
Compact
C10 A C20 A C40 A C50 A
NSX*100B
100 A
iK60N iK60N iK60N
C20 A C40 A C50 A
iQuick
PF 10

iPRD 8r iPF K 20 iPRD 20r iPF K 40 iPRD 40r iPF K 65 iPRD 65r iPRF1 12.5r PRD1 25r PRD1 Master PRF1 Master
J23
Surge protective device
Imax /
8 kA 10 kA 20 kA 40 kA 65 kA 12.5 kA 25 kA 35 kA Iimp
2.5 kA 5 kA 5 kA 15 kA 20 kA 25 kA 25 kA 50 kA In

Type 3 Type 2 Type 1

Final distribution Low risk Medium risk High risk Maximum risk
board feeding Secondary distribution boards Main distribution boards
sensitive Final distribution boards Power control centers
equipment Electrical control panels Motor control centre
when incoming Lighting control panels Outdoor distribution boards
side protected
by Type 2

All circuit breakers are C curve

(*) Compact NSX in this case is for lightning impulse current withstand.

Fig. J37 Example of coordination table between SPDs and their disconnecting circuit breakers (Schneider Electric brand). Always refer to the latest tables provided
by manufacturers.

3.7.1 Coordination with upstream protection devices

Coordination with overcurrent protection devices
In an electrical installation, the external SCPD is an apparatus identical to the
protection apparatus: this makes it possible to apply selectivity and cascading
techniques for technical and economic optimization of the protection plan.
Coordination with residual current devices
If the SPD is installed downstream of an earth leakage protection device, the latter
should be of the «si» or selective type with an immunity to pulse currents of at least
3 kA (8/20 μs current wave).

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 J - Overvoltage protection
4 Installation of SPDs

Connections of a SPD to the loads should

4.1 Connection
be as short as possible in order to reduce One of the essential characteristics for the protection of equipment is the maximum
voltage protection level (installed Up) that the equipment can withstand at its
the value of the voltage protection level
terminals. Accordingly, a SPD should be chosen with a voltage protection level
(installed Up) on the terminals of the Up adapted to protection of the equipment (see Fig. J38). The total length of the
protected equipment. connection conductors is
The total length of SPD connections to L = L1+L2+L3.
the network and the earth terminal block
For high-frequency currents, the impedance per unit length of this connection is
should not exceed 50 cm.
approximately 1 µH/m.
Hence, applying Lenz’s law to this connection: ΔU = L di/dt
The normalized 8/20 µs current wave, with a current amplitude of 8 kA, accordingly
creates a voltage rise of 1000 V per metre of cable.
ΔU =1 x 10-6 x 8 x 103 /8 x 10-6 = 1000 V
DB422497_EN.eps

U equipment
L1

disconnection U1
circuit-breaker

L2
L = L1 + L2 + L3 < 50 cm
load to be
SPD Up protected

L3 U2

Fig. J38 Connections of a SPD L < 50 cm

J24
As a result the voltage across the equipment terminals, installed Up, is:
installed Up = Up + U1 + U2
If L1+L2+L3 = 50 cm, and the wave is 8/20 µs with an amplitude of 8 kÂ, the
voltage across the equipment terminals will be Up + 500 V.

4.1.1 Connection in plastic enclosure

Fig. J39 below shows how to connect a SPD in plastic enclosure.
DB422498_EN.eps

L2 L1

Circuit breaker
L3
SPD

Earth auxiliairy
block

Earth distribution
block

to load

Fig. J39 Example of connection in plastic enclosure

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4 Installation of SPDs

4.1.2 Connection in metallic enclosure

In the case of a switchgear assembly in a metallic enclosure, it may be wise to
connect the SPD directly to the metallic enclosure, with the enclosure being used
as a protective conductor (see Fig. J40).
This arrangement complies with standard IEC 61439-2 and the Assembly
manufacturer must make sure that the characteristics of the enclosure make this
use possible.

DB422499_EN.eps
L1

L2 Circuit breaker

L3 SPD
Earth distribution
block

to load

Fig. J40 Example of connection in metallic enclosure

J25
4.1.3 Conductor cross section
The recommended minimum conductor cross section takes into account:
b The normal service to be provided: Flow of the lightning current wave under a
maximum voltage drop (50 cm rule).
Note: Unlike applications at 50 Hz, the phenomenon of lightning being high-
frequency, the increase in the conductor cross section does not greatly reduce its
high-frequency impedance.
b The conductors’ withstand to short-circuit currents: The conductor must resist a
short-circuit current during the maximum protection system cutoff time.
IEC 60364 recommends at the installation incoming end a minimum cross section
of:
v 4 mm² (Cu) for connection of Type 2 SPD;
v 16 mm² (Cu) for connection of Type 1 SPD (presence of lightning protection
system).

4.1.4 Examples of good and bad SPD installations

DB422500.eps

DB422501.eps

MCB
MCB
SPD

SPD
SPD

Example 1: Example 2:
Equipment installation design should be Positioning of devices should be linked to
done in accordance to installation rules: installation rules: reduce length of
cables length shall be less than 50 cm. cables < 50 cm and keep the loop area rule of
reducing impact of magnetic fields created
by lightning current.

Fig. J41 Example of good and bad SPD installations

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 J - Overvoltage protection
4 Installation of SPDs

4.2 Cabling rules

Rule 1:
The first rule to comply with is that the length of the SPD connections between the
network (via the external SCPD) and the earthing terminal block should not exceed
50 cm.
Fig. J42 shows the two possibilities for connection of a SPD.

DB422503_EN.eps

DB422502.eps
d1 d1
D
k PR
D Quic PD
SCP S

d2 d3

(8/20)
65kA(8/20)
Imax:
In: 20kA

SPD
1,5kV
Up: 340Va
Uc:

d3

m m
50 c 5c
+ d3 d3 3
d2 d1 +
d1 +

Fig. J42 SPD with separate or integrated external SCPD

J26

Rule 2:
The conductors of protected outgoing feeders:
b should be connected to the terminals of the external SCPD or the SPD;
b should be separated physically from the polluted incoming conductors.
They are located to the right of the terminals of the SPD and the SCPD (see Fig.
J43).
DB422504_EN.eps

Power supply Protected feeders

iQuick PRDxx

Fig. J43 The connections of protected outgoing feeders are to the right of the SPD terminals

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J - Overvoltage protection
4 Installation of SPDs

Rule 3:
The incoming feeder phase, neutral and protection (PE) conductors should run one
beside another in order to reduce the loop surface (see Fig. J44).

Rule 4:
The incoming conductors of the SPD should be remote from the protected outgoing
conductors to avoid polluting them by coupling (see Fig. J44).

Rule 5:
The cables should be pinned against the metallic parts of the enclosure (if any) in
order to minimize the surface of the frame loop and hence benefit from a shielding
effect against EM disturbances.
In all cases, it must be checked that the frames of switchboards and enclosures
are earthed via very short connections.
Finally, if shielded cables are used, big lengths should be avoided, because they
reduce the efficiency of shielding (see Fig. J44).

Clean cables are polluted Clean cables paths

DB422505_EN.eps

by neightbouring separated from

polluted cables polluted cable paths

Protected
outgoing
feeders

J27

Large frame Small frame

loop surface loop surface

Intermediate
earth terminal

Main earth
terminal

Fig. J44 Example of improvement of EMC by a reduction in the loop surfaces and common
impedance in an electric enclosure

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 J - Overvoltage protection
5 Application

5.1 Installation examples

MV/LV transformer

DB422506_EN.eps
160 kVA

Main
switchboard

iC60
40 A
iPRD
40 kA

Switchboard 1 Switchboard 2

iC60 iC60
20 A ID ID 20 A
"si" "si"
iPRD iPRD
8 kA 8 kA

Heating Lighting Freezer Refrigerator Fire-fighting system Alarm

J28 Storeroom lighting Power outlets IT system Checkout

Fig. J45 Application example: supermarket

Solutions and schematic diagram

b The surge arrester selection guide has made it possible to determine the precise
value of the surge arrester at the incoming end of the installation and that of the
associated disconnection circuit breaker.
b As the sensitive devices (Uimp < 1.5 kV) are located more than 10 m from the
incoming protection device, the fine protection surge arresters must be installed as
close as possible to the loads.
b To ensure better continuity of service for cold room areas:
v «si»type residual current circuit breakers will be used to avoid nuisance tripping
caused by the rise in earth potential as the lightning wave passes through.
b For protection against atmospheric overvoltages:
v install a surge arrester in the main switchboard
v install a fine protection surge arrester in each switchboard (1 and 2) supplying
DB422507.eps

the sensitive devices situated more than 10 m from the incoming surge arrester
v install a surge arrester on the telecommunications network to protect the devices
supplied, for example fire alarms, modems, telephones, faxes.

Cabling recommendations
b Ensure the equipotentiality of the earth terminations of the building.
b Reduce the looped power supply cable areas.

Installation recommendations
b Install a surge arrester, Imax = 40 kA (8/20 µs) and a iC60 disconnection circuit
breaker rated at 40 A.
Fig. J46 Telecommunications network b Install fine protection surge arresters, Imax = 8 kA (8/20 µs) and the associated
iC60 disconnection circuit breakers rated at 10 A.
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J - Overvoltage protection
5 Application

5.2 SPD for Photovoltaic application

Overvoltage may occur in electrical installations for various reasons. It may be
caused by:
b The distribution network as a result of lightning or any work carried out.
b Lightning strikes (nearby or on buildings and PV installations, or on lightning
conductors).
b Variations in the electrical field due to lightning.
Like all outdoor structures, PV installations are exposed to the risk of lightning
which varies from region to region. Preventive and arrest systems and devices
should be in place.

5.2.1. Protection by equipotential bonding

The first safeguard to put in place is a medium (conductor) that ensures
equipotential bonding between all the conductive parts of a PV installation.
The aim is to bond all grounded conductors and metal parts and so create equal
potential at all points in the installed system.

5.2.2. Protection by surge protection devices (SPDs)

SPDs are particularly important to protect sensitive electrical equipments like
AC/DC Inverter, monitoring devices and PV modules, but also other sensitive
equipments powered by the 230 VAC electrical distribution network. The following
method of risk assessment is based on the evaluation of the critical length Lcrit and
its comparison with L the cumulative length of the d.c. lines.

SPD protection is required if L ≥ Lcrit.

Lcrit depends on the type of PV installation and is calculated as the following table
(Fig. J47) sets out:
J29
Type of installation Individual Terrestrial Service/Industrial/
residential premises production plant Agricultural/
Buildings
Lcrit (in m) 115/Ng 200/Ng 450/Ng
L ≥ Lcrit Surge protective device(s) compulsory on DC side
L < Lcrit Surge protective device(s) compulsory on DC side

Fig. J47 SPD DC choice

L is the sum of:

b the sum of distances between the inverter(s) and the junction box(es),
taking into account that the lengths of cable located in the same conduit are
counted only once, and
b the sum of distances between the junction box and the connection points
of the photovoltaic modules forming the string, taking into account that the
lengths of cable located in the same conduit are counted only once.
Ng is arc lightning density (number of strikes/km²/year).

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5 Application

Main LV switch

DB422508_EN.eps
Array box Generator box AC box board

SPD LDC SPD SPD LAC SPD

1 2 3 4

SPD Protection
Location PV modules or Inverter Inverter AC side Main board
Array boxes DC side
LDC LAC Lightning rod
Criteria < 10 m > 10 m < 10 m > 10 m Yes No
Type of No need "SPD 1" "SPD 2" No need "SPD 3" "SPD 4" "SPD 4"
SPD Type 2* Type 2* Type 2* Type 1* Type 2 if
Ng > 2,5
&
overhead
line
* Type 1 separation distance according to EN 62305 is not observed.

Fig. J48 SPD selection

Installing an SPD
J30
The number and location of SPDs on the DC side depend on the length of the
cables between the solar panels and inverter. The SPD should be installed in the
vicinity of the inverter if the length is less than 10 metres. If it is greater than 10
metres, a second SPD is necessary and should be located in the box, close to the
solar panel, the first one is located in the inverter area.
To be efficient, SPD connection cables to the L+ / L- network and between the
SPD’s earth terminal block and ground busbar must be as short as possible – less
than 2.5 metres (d1+d2<50 cm).

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 J - Overvoltage protection
5 Application

Safe and reliable photovoltaic energy generation

Depending on the distance between the «generator» part and the «conversion»
part, it may be necessary to install two surge arresters or more, to ensure
protection of each of the two parts.

Generator
DB422509_EN.eps

-+ -+ -+
d1 N
- -
+ + L
d3
d2
iPRD-DC
d y 10 m 1

Generator Conversion

-+ -+ -+
d1 + d2 < 50 cm
d1 > 4 mm2 d1 + d3 < 50 cm
-
+ d2 + d3 < 50 cm
d3
d2

iPRD-DC
2
J31
d >10 m
d1 N
-
+ L
d3
d2

iPRD-DC
1

Conversion
Fig. J49 SPD location

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 J - Overvoltage protection
6 Technical supplements

6.1 Lightning protection standards

The IEC 62305 standard parts 1 to 4 (NF EN 62305 parts 1 to 4) reorganizes and
updates the standard publications IEC 61024 (series), IEC 61312 (series) and IEC
61663 (series) on lightning protection systems.
b Part 1 - General principles:
This part presents general information on lightning and its characteristics and
general data, and introduces the other documents.
b Part 2 - Risk management:
This part presents the analysis making it possible to calculate the risk for a
structure and to determine the various protection scenarios in order to permit
technical and economic optimization.
b Part 3 - Physical damage to structures and life hazard:
This part describes protection from direct lightning strokes, including the lightning
protection system, down-conductor, earth lead, equipotentiality and hence SPD
with equipotential bonding (Type 1 SPD).
b Part 4 - Electrical and electronic systems within structures:
This part describes protection from the induced effects of lightning, including the
protection system by SPD (Types 2 and 3), cable shielding, rules for installation of
SPD, etc.

This series of standards is supplemented by:

b the IEC 61643 series of standards for the definition of surge protection products
(see sub-section 2);
b the IEC 60364-4 and -5 series of standards for application of the products in LV
electrical installations (see sub-section 3).

J32 6.2 The components of a SPD

The SPD chiefly consists of (see Fig. J50):
1) one or more nonlinear components: the live part (varistor, gas discharge tube,
etc.);
2) a thermal protective device (internal disconnector) which protects it from thermal
runaway at end of life (SPD with varistor);
3) an indicator which indicates end of life of the SPD;
Some SPDs allow remote reporting of this indication;
4) an external SCPD which provides protection against short circuits (this device
can be integrated into the SPD).
DB422510.eps

3
2

Fig. J50 Diagram of a SPD

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6.2.1 Technology of the live part

Several technologies are available to implement the live part. They each have
advantages and disadvantages:
b Zener diodes;
b The gas discharge tube (controlled or not controlled);
b The varistor (zinc oxide varistor).
The table below shows the characteristics and the arrangements of 3 commonly
used technologies.

Component Gas Discharge Tube Encapsulated spark Zinc oxide varistor GDT and varistor in Encapsulated spark
(GDT) gap series gap and varistor in
parallel
Characteristics

Operating mode Voltage switching Voltage switching Voltage limiting Voltage-switching and Voltage-switching and
-limiting in series -limiting in parallel
Operating curves u u

I I
Application b Telecom network LV network LV network LV network LV network
b LV network
(associated with varistor)
Type Type 2 Type 1 Type 1 or Type 2 Type 1 + Type 2 Type 1 + Type 2 J33
Fig. J51 Summary performance table

Note: Two technologies can be installed in the same SPD (see Fig. J52)

N L1 L2 L3
DB422518.eps
PB116777.eps

Fig. J52 The Schneider Electric brand iPRD SPD incorporates a gas discharge tube between
neutral and earth and varistors between phase and neutral

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6 Technical supplements

6.3 End-of-life indication

End-of-life indicators are associated with the internal disconnector and the external
SCPD of the SPD to inform the user that the equipment is no longer protected
PB116778.eps

against overvoltages of atmospheric origin.

Local indication
This function is generally required by the installation codes.
The end-of-life indication is given by an indicator (luminous or mechanical) to the
internal disconnector and/or the external SCPD.
When the external SCPD is implemented by a fuse device, it is necessary to
provide for a fuse with a striker and a base equipped with a tripping system to
ensure this function.
Integrated disconnecting circuit breaker
Fig. J53 iQuick PRD 3P +N SPD of the Schneider Electric
The mechanical indicator and the position of the control handle allow natural end-
brand
of-life indication.

6.3.1 Local indication and remote reporting

DB422519.eps

iQuick PRD SPD of the Schneider Electric brand is of the «ready to wire» type with
an integrated disconnecting circuit breaker.
Local indication
iQuick PRD SPD (see Fig. J53) is fitted with local mechanical status indicators:
b the (red) mechanical indicator and the position of the disconnecting circuit
breaker handle indicate shutdown of the SPD;
b the (red) mechanical indicator on each cartridge indicates cartridge end of life.

Remote reporting (see Fig. J54)

iQuick PRD SPD is fitted with an indication contact which allows remote reporting
of:
J34 b cartridge end of life;
Fig. J54 Installation of indicator light with a iQuick PRD SPD
b a missing cartridge, and when it has been put back in place;
b a fault on the network (short circuit, disconnection of neutral, phase/neutral
reversal);
DB422520.eps

Acti 9 Smartlink
b local manual switching.
As a result, remote monitoring of the operating condition of the installed SPDs
makes it possible to ensure that these protective devices in standby state are
always ready to operate.

6.3.2 Maintenance at end of life

14

11 When the end-of-life indicator indicates shutdown, the SPD (or the cartridge in
question) must be replaced.
In the case of the iQuick PRD SPD, maintenance is facilitated:
1
N L b The cartridge at end of life (to be replaced) is easily identifiable by the
Maintenance Department.
iSD b The cartridge at end of life can be replaced in complete safety, because a safety
device prohibits closing of the disconnecting circuit breaker if a cartridge is missing.

91 6.4 Detailed characteristics of the external SCPD

94
6.4.1 Current wave withstand
iQuick PRD The current wave withstand tests on external SCPDs show as follows:
iPRD b For a given rating and technology (NH or cylindrical fuse), the current wave
withstand capability is better with an aM type fuse (motor protection) than with a gG
type fuse (general use).
b For a given rating, the current wave withstand capability is better with a circuit
14 breaker than with a fuse device.
11
Fig. J56 below shows the results of the voltage wave withstand tests:
Fig. J55 Remote indication of SPD status using Smartlink b to protect a SPD defined for Imax = 20 kA, the external SCPD to be chosen is
either a MCB 16 A or a Fuse aM 63 A,
Note: in this case, a Fuse gG 63 A is not suitable.
b to protect a SPD defined for Imax = 40 kA, the external SCPD to be chosen is
either a MCB 40 A or a Fuse aM 125 A,
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DB422521_EN.eps
Fuse gG 125 A
MCB 63 A
MCB 40 A

Fuse aM 63 A
Fuse gG 63 A
MCB 16 A

10 30 50 I kA
20 40 (8/20) µs

Withstand Melting or tripping

Fig. J56 Comparison of SCPDs voltage wave withstand capabilities for Imax = 20 kA and Imax =
40 kA

6.4.2 Installed Up voltage protection level

In general:
b The voltage drop across the terminals of a circuit breaker is higher than that
across the terminals of a fuse device. This is because the impedance of the circuit-
breaker components (thermal and magnetic tripping devices) is higher than that of
a fuse.
However:
b The difference between the voltage drops remains slight for current waves not
exceeding 10 kA (95% of cases);
b The installed Up voltage protection level also takes into account the cabling J35
impedance. This can be high in the case of a fuse technology (protection device
remote from the SPD) and low in the case of a circuit-breaker technology (circuit
breaker close to, and even integrated into the SPD).
Note: The installed Up voltage protection level is the sum of the voltage drops:
v in the SPD;
v in the external SCPD;
v in the equipment cabling.

6.4.3 Protection from impedant short circuits

An impedant short circuit dissipates a lot of energy and should be eliminated very
quickly to prevent damage to the installation and to the SPD.
Fig. J57 compares the response time and the energy limitation of a protection
system by a 63 A aM fuse and a 25 A circuit breaker.
These two protection systems have the same 8/20 µs current wave withstand
capability (27 kA and 30 kA respectively).

s
DB422522_EN.eps

A²s

In green color,
the impedant
short circuit area

104

0,01

350 2000 A 350 2000 A

MCB 25 A Fuse aM 63 A
Fig. J57 Comparison of time/current and energy limitations curves for a circuit breaker and a
fuse having the same 8/20 µs current wave withstand capability
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6.5 Propagation of a lightning wave

Electrical networks are low-frequency and, as a result, propagation of the voltage
wave is instantaneous relative to the frequency of the phenomenon: at any point of
a conductor, the instantaneous voltage is the same.
The lightning wave is a high-frequency phenomenon (several hundred kHz to a
MHz):
b The lightning wave is propagated along a conductor at a certain speed relative to
the frequency of the phenomenon. As a result, at any given time, the voltage does
not have the same value at all points on the medium (see Fig. J58).

DB422523_EN.eps Voltage wave

Cable

Fig. J58 Propagation of a lightning wave in a conductor

b A change of medium creates a phenomenon of propagation and/or reflection of

the wave depending on:
v the difference of impedance between the two media;
v the frequency of the progressive wave (steepness of the rise time in the case of
a pulse);
v the length of the medium.
In the case of total reflection in particular, the voltage value may double.
Example: case of protection by a SPD
J36 Modelling of the phenomenon applied to a lightning wave and tests in laboratory
showed that a load powered by 30 m of cable protected upstream by a SPD at
voltage Up sustains, due to reflection phenomena, a maximum voltage of 2 x Up
(see Fig. J59). This voltage wave is not energetic.
DB422524_EN.eps

Cable
Ui Uo

V
Uo
2000

Ui

0
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Ui = Voltage at SPD level µs

Uo = Voltage at cable termination

Fig. J59 Reflection of a lightning wave at the termination of a cable

Corrective action
Of the three factors (difference of impedance, frequency, distance), the only one
that can really be controlled is the length of cable between the SPD and the load to
be protected. The greater this length, the greater the reflection.
Generally for the overvoltage fronts faced in a building, reflection phenomena are
significant from 10 m and can double the voltage from 30 m (seeFig. J60).
It is necessary to install a second SPD in fine protection if the cable length exceeds
10 m between the incoming-end SPD and the equipment to be protected.

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Up

DB422525.eps
2

0
0 10 m 20 m 30 m 40 m 50 m

Fig. J60 Maximum voltage at the extremity of the cable according to its length to a front of
incident voltage =4kV/us

6.6 Example of lightning current in TT system

Common mode SPD between phase and PE or phase and PEN is installed
whatever type of system earthing arrangement (see Fig. J61).
The neutral earthing resistor R1 used for the pylons has a lower resistance than
the earthing resistor R2 used for the installation.
The lightning current will flow through circuit ABCD to earth via the easiest path. It
will pass through varistors V1 and V2 in series, causing a differential voltage equal
to twice the Up voltage of the SPD (Up1 + Up2) to appear at the terminals of A and
C at the entrance to the installation in extreme cases.
DB422526_EN.eps

I J37

I
I
SPD

Fig. J61 Common protection only

To protect the loads between Ph and N effectively, the differential mode voltage
(between A and C) must be reduced.
Another SPD architecture is therefore used (see Fig. J62)
The lightning current flows through circuit ABH which has a lower impedance than
circuit ABCD, as the impedance of the component used between B and H is null
(gas filled spark gap). In this case, the differential voltage is equal to the residual
voltage of the SPD (Up2).
DB422527_EN.eps

I
SPD

Fig. J62 Common and differential protection

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