PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASCEPTS

SECTION 13 PROTECTION AGAINST VOLTAGE DISTURBANCES,

ELECTROMAGNETIC DISTURBANCES AND VOLTAGE SURGES

1 SCOPE
This section deals with protection against requirements for the safety of electrical installations in
the event of voltage disturbances, electromagnetic disturbances and voltage surges generated for
different specified reasons. It is based on Clause 5.5 of IS 732, which is a basic safety standard that
applies to the safety of persons, livestock and property against dangers and damage which may arise in
the reasonable use of electrical installations and to provide for the proper functioning of those
installations.

2 PROTECTION OF LOW-VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS AGAINST TEMPORARY

OVER VOLTAGES DUE TO EARTH FAULTS IN THE HIGH-VOLTAGE SYSTEM
AND DUE TO FAULTS IN THE LOW-VOLTAGE SYSTEM

Refer clause 4.5.2 of IS 732.

3 PROTECTION AGAINST TRANSIENT OVERVOLTAGES OF ATMOSPHERIC

ORIGIN OR DUE TO SWITCHING

Refer clause 4.5.3 of IS 732.

3.1 Risk Assessment to determine protection against transient over voltage of

atmospheric origin.

3.1.1 Terms and Definitions

3.1.1.1 Urban Environment — Area with a high density of buildings or densely populated
communities with tall buildings (for example, A town centre is an example of an urban
environment).

3.1.1.2 Suburban Environment — Area with a medium density of buildings (for example, Town
outskirts are an example of a suburban environment).

3.1.1.3 Rural Environment — Area with a low density of buildings.

3.1.1.4 Surge Protective Device (SPD) — Device that contains at least one non-linear
component that is intended to limit surge voltages and divert surge currents.

3.1.1.5 Calculated Risk Level (CRL) — Calculated value of risk used to evaluate the need for
transient overvoltage protection.

3.1.1.6 Rated Impulse Voltage (UW) — Impulse withstand voltage value assigned by the
manufacturer to the equipment or to a part of it, characterizing the specified withstand
capability of its insulation against transient over voltages.
3.1.1.7 Overvoltage Control — Protection against transient overvoltage shall be provided
where the consequence caused by overvoltage affects:

a) human life, for example, safety services, medical care facilities;

b) public services and cultural heritage, for example, loss of public services, IT centers,
museums; and
c) commercial or industrial activity, for example, hotels, banks, industries, commercial
markets, farms.

For all other cases, a risk assessment according to 3.2.8 shall be performed in order to determine
if protection against transient overvoltage is required. If the risk assessment is not performed,
the electrical installation shall be provided with protection against transient overvoltage.

Protection against switching over voltages should be considered in the case of equipment likely
to produce switching over voltages or disturbances exceeding the values according to the
overvoltage category of the installation for example, where a LV generator supply the
installation or where inductive or capacitive loads (for example, motors, transformers,
capacitor banks, etc.), storage units or high current loads are installed.

NOTE
Annex C provides guidance for overvoltage control where utility provided SPDs are installed on overhead lines.

For a low-voltage installation supplied from a high-voltage distribution network through a

separate transformer (i.e. an industrial application), additional means for protection against
overvoltages due to lightning should be installed on the high-voltage side of the transformer.

3.2 Risk Assessment Method — Calculated risk level (CRL) is used to determine if protection
against transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin is required.

NOTE — For protection of a structure and its electrical systems against lightning and surges of atmospheric origin,
IS/IEC 62305 applies.

The CRL is found by the following formula:

CRL = fenv/(Lp x Ng)

where
a) fenv is an environmental factor and the value of fenv shall be calculated according to
Table 3.
Table 3 Calculation of fenv
[Clause 3.2.8 a)]

Sl No. Environment fenv

(1) (2) (3)
i) Rural and suburban environment 85 x F
ii) Urban Environment 850 x F

The value of coefficient F shall be taken equal to 1 for all installations. However, National
Committees may adjust the value of coefficient F from 1 to 3 for dwellings.

b) Ng is the lightning ground flash density (flash per km2 per year) relevant to the location
of the power line and connected structure;
 NOTE — According to IS/IEC 62305-2:, Clause A-1, 25 thunderstorm days per year are equivalent to a value
of 2.5 flashes per km2 per year. This is derived from the formula Ng = 0.1 × Td, where Td is the number of
thunderstorm days per year (keraunic level).

c) the risk assessment length LP is calculated as below:

LP = 2 LPAL + LPCL + 0.4 LPAH + 0.2 LPCH

Where,
LPAL = the length (km) of low-voltage overhead line;
LPCL = the length (km) of low-voltage underground cable;
LPAH = the length (km) of high-voltage overhead line; and
LPCH = the length (km) of high-voltage underground cable.

The total length (LPAL + LPCL + LPAH + LPCH) is limited to 1 km or by the distance from the first
overvoltage protective device installed in the power network to the entrance of the installation,
whichever is the smaller.

If the distribution networks lengths are totally or partially unknown then LPAL shall be taken
equal to the remaining distance to reach a total length of 1 km.

For example, if only the distance of underground cable is known (for example, 100 m), then
the LPAL shall be taken equal to 90 m. An illustration of an installation showing the lengths to
consider is given in Fig. 3.

Key
1 — Origin of the installation
2 — LV/HV transformer
3 — Surge arrestor (overvoltage protective device)
Fig. 1: illustration of an installation showing the lengths to consider

If CRL ≥ 1 000, no protection against transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin is needed;

If CRL < 1 000, protection against transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin is required.

NOTE — Examples of calculations of CRL are given in Annex B.

4.0 Measures against electromagnetic influences

 Refer clause 4.5.4 of IS 732.

4.1: Segregation of circuits

4.1.1 General

Power supply cables (or conductors) and information and communication technology cables
which share the same cable management system or the same route, shall be installed according
to the requirements of 4.1.

NOTE For the purposes of this subclause, cable management systems are considered to include
busbar trunking systems.

Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility may produce different requirements for
electrical segregation and electrical separation. Electrical safety always has the higher priority.

4.2 Design requirements

The following requirements apply unless 4.3 applies.

Where the specification and/or intended application of the information and communication
technology cable is not available, the cable separation distance between the power and
information and communication technology cables shall be not less than 200 mm in free air,
provided:

− the total current in a LV cable or in a bundle of LV cables does not exceed 600 A,
− the applications supported by the cabling are designed to operate using the information
and communication technology cabling installed or to be installed, and
− the information and communication technology cables are: balanced cables having
electromagnetic immunity performance in accordance with IEC 61156 (all parts) for
Category 5 and above, or coaxial cables having electromagnetic immunity performance
in accordance with IEC 61196-7.

In all other cases, the requirements and recommendations of ISO/IEC 14763-2:2012, 7.9.2,
apply.

The 200 mm separation distance may be reduced according to Table 4.1.

Where a screened power cable is used, the separation distance may be reduced in accordance
with the specification provided by the screened power cable manufacturer, provided that the
screen is earthed at both ends.

Power cables that also carry information and communication technology applications are not
considered to be information and communication technology cables.

Table 4.1 – Summary of minimum separation distances where the specification and/or intended
application of the information and communication technology cable is not available

Containment applied to the power supply cabling

Separation without Open metallic Perforated metallic Solid metallic
 electromagnetic Containment containment containment
barrier A B C
200 mm 150 mm 100 mm 0 mm
A. Applicable to containment with screening performance (DC-100 MHz) equivalent to
welded mesh steel basket of mesh size 50 mm x 100 mm. This screening performance is
also achieved with steel tray even if the wall thickness is less than 1,0 mm and/or the
evenly distributed perforated area is greater than 20 %.
B. Applicable to containment with screening performance (DC-100 MHz) equivalent to
steel tray of at least 1,0 mm wall thickness and no more than 20 % evenly distributed
perforated area. The screens or armouring of power cables are considered to act as
perforated metallic containment if they do not meet this constructional equivalent of
solid metallic containment.
C. Applicable to containment with screening performance (DC-100 MHz) equivalent to a
steel conduit of at least 1,5 mm wall thickness.

The minimum separation between the information and communication technology cables and
power supply cables shall include all allowances for cable movement between their fixing
points or other restraints (see example in Figure 2).

Fig. 2 – Example of cable separation distance

The minimum separation requirement applies in three dimensions. However, where

information and communication technology cables and power supply cables are required to
cross and required minimum separation cannot be maintained then the angle of their crossing
shall be maintained at approximately 90° on either side of the crossing for a distance no less
than the applicable minimum separation requirement.

4.3 Conditions for zero segregation

No segregation is required between information and communication technology cabling and

power supply cabling (other than clause 5.2 of IS732) provided that the information and
communication technology cabling is application(s)-specific and the application(s) support(s)
a zero segregation relaxation.

No segregation is required between information and communication technology cabling and

power supply cabling where all the following conditions are met:
 − the information and communication technology cables are in accordance with IEC
61156 (all parts) for Category 5 and above, or are coaxial cables having electromagnetic
immunity performance in accordance with IEC 61196-7,
− the environmental classification of the space containing the information and
communication technology cabling complies with electromagnetic classification E1 of
ISO/IEC TR 29106 (or ISO/IEC 11801-1), and
− the power supply conductors comprising a circuit are either:
 within an overall sheath and provide a total current no greater than 100 A, or
 twisted, taped or bundled together and provide a total power no greater than 10 kVA.

5 PROTECTION AGAINST UNDERVOLTAGE

5.1 General Requirements
5.1.1 Where a drop in voltage, or a loss and subsequent restoration of voltage could imply
dangerous situations for persons or property, suitable precautions shall be taken. Also,
precautions shall be taken where a part of the installation or current-using equipment may
be damaged by a drop in voltage.
An undervoltage protective device is not required if damage to the installation or to current-
using equipment is considered to be an acceptable risk, provided that no danger is caused to
persons.
5.1.2 The operation of undervoltage protective devices may be delayed if the operation of
the appliance protected allows without danger a brief interruption or loss of voltage.
5.1.3 If use is made of contactors, delay in their opening and reclosing shall not impede
instantaneous disconnection by control or protective devices.
5.1.4 The characteristics of the undervoltage protective device shall be compatible with the
requirements of the relevant standards for starting and use of equipment.
5.1.5 Where the reclosure of a protective device is likely to create a dangerous situation, the
reclosure shall not be automatic.
6 PROTECTION AGAINST VOLTAGE SURGES

Refer clause 5.3.5 of IS 732.

6.1 SPD location and SPD test class

SPDs shall at least be installed as close as possible to the origin of the installation. For
protection against effects of lightning and against switching overvoltages, class II tested SPDs
(Type T2) shall be used.

Where the structure is equipped with an external lightning protection system or protection
against effects of direct lightning is otherwise specified, class I tested SPDs (Type T1) shall be
used.

Where the structure is not equipped with an external lightning protection system and where the
occurrence of direct lightning strike to the overhead lines between the last pole and the entrance
of the installation is to be taken into consideration, class I tested SPDs at or near the origin of
the electrical installation may be also selected according to Annex D.
NOTE:
− The origin of the installation could be the location where the supply enters the
building or the main distribution board.
− Following the product standard, the marking of the product is as follows:
 for test class I: "test class I" and/or Type "T1" (T1 in a square);
 for test class II: "test class II" and/or Type "T2" (T2 in a square);
 for test class III: "test class III" and/or Type "T3" (T3 in a square).

Additional class II tested or class III tested SPDs may be needed to sufficiently protect the
installation according to 534.4.4.2 and shall be located downstream in the fixed electrical
installation, for example in the sub-distribution boards or at the socket outlets. These SPDs
shall not be used without SPDs being installed at the origin of the installation and shall be
coordinated with SPDs located upstream.

If a class I tested SPD is not able to provide voltage protection to an equipment lower than its
rated impulse withstand (UW), it shall be accompanied by a coordinated class II tested or class
III tested SPD to ensure the required voltage protection level.

Additional class II tested SPDs or class III tested SPDs may be needed close to sensitive
equipment to sufficiently protect the equipment and shall be coordinated with SPDs located
upstream.

Additional SPDs may be necessary to provide transient overvoltage protection regarding

threats coming from other sources such as:

– switching overvoltages produced by current using equipment located within the

installation;
– overvoltages on other incoming services such as telephone lines, internet connections;
– overvoltages on other services feeding other structures such as secondary buildings,
– external installations/lighting, power lines feeding external sensors;

in which case one should consider installing SPDs located as close as possible to the origin of
such threats. More information may be found in IS 16463-12.

At or near the origin of the Distribution circuits Close to sensitive equipment

installation e.g. sub-distribution board
e.g. Main distribution board
 Type 1 T1 Type 2 T2 Type 2 T2
And/or or or
Type 2 T2 Type 3 T3 Type 3 T3
Fig. 3 – Example of installation of Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 SPDs

The presence of SPDs installed downstream of a distribution board (e.g. in a socket-outlet)

shall be permanently indicated (e.g. by a label) in this distribution board.

6.2 Transient overvoltage protection requirements

Protection against transient overvoltages may be provided:

– between live conductors and PE (common mode protection);

– between live conductors (differential mode protection).

NOTE
− Connection type CT1 provides primarily common mode protection. If differential mode
protection is also necessary, this will in most cases require additional SPDs between
live conductors.
− Connection type CT2 provides a combination of common mode protection and
differential mode protection.

Protection between live conductors and PE (including neutral to PE if there is a neutral

conductor) is compulsory.

Protection between line conductors and neutral (if there is a neutral conductor) is recommended
to ensure equipment protection.

Protection between line conductors (in the case of multiple phases) is optional.

Some equipment may require both common mode protection (for impulse withstand) and
differential mode protection (for impulse immunity).

NOTE
− For example, electronic class I equipment or class II equipment with FE-connection
requires common mode as well as differential mode protection to ensure overall
protection against transient overvoltages due to switching or from atmospheric origin.
Fig. 4 – Connection type CT1 Fig. 5 – Connection Fig. 6 – Connection type CT2
(4+0-configuration) for a three- type CT1 (3+0- (e.g. 3+1-configuration)
phase system with neutral configuration) for a for a three-phase system with
three-phase system neutral
 ANNEX A
(Clause 2)
LIST OF STANDARDS
IS No./Other Publication Title
1. IS 732: 2019 Code of practice for electrical wiring installations
2. IEC 60364-4-44: Low-voltage electrical installations - Part 4-44: Protection for safety —
Protection against voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances
3. IS 1885 (Part 70): International electrotechnical vocabulary - Chapter 604: Generation,
transmission and distribution of electricity – Operation.
4. IS/IEC 60479-1: Effects of current on human beings and livestock - Part 1: General aspects.
5. IEC 60664-1: 2007 Insulation co-ordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part
1: Principles, requirements and tests.
6. IS 13252 (Part 1) /IEC 60950-1: Information technology equipment - Safety - Part 1: General
requirements.
7. IEC 61000-2-5: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 2: Environment - Section 5:
Classification of electromagnetic environments - Basic EMC publication
8. IS 14700 (Part 6 / Sec 1): 2019/ IEC 61000-6-1: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)- Part
6-1: Generic standards - Immunity for residential, commercial and light-industrial
environments
9. IS 14700 (Part 6 / Sec 2): 2019 IEC 61000-6-2: Electromagnetic compatibility EMC: Part 6
Generic standards, Section 2 Immunity standard for industrial environments (first revision)
10. IS 14700 (Part 6 / Sec 3): 2018 Electromagnetic compatibility EMC: Part 6 Generic standards,-
Section 3 Emission standards for residential commercial and light-industrial environments(first
revision)
11. IEC 61000-6-4: 2018 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-4: Generic standards -
Emission standard for industrial environments
12. IEC 60050- 195: 1998 International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) - Part 195: Earthing
and protection against electrical shock
13. IEC 60050-826: International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Chapter 826: Electrical
installations of buildings
14. IEC 61000-2 (all parts) Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 2: Environment
15. IEC 61000-5 (all parts) Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 5: Installation and
mitigation guidelines
16. IS 14493 (all parts) Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communication
17. IS16205 series, Conduit systems for electrical installations
18. IEC 62066: Surge overvoltages and surge protection in low-voltage a.c. power systems -
General basic information
19. IS/IEC 62305-1 to 4: Protection against lightning – (All parts)
20. IS16463 (Part 11): 2016 and IS 16463 (Part 12)): SPD’s connected to low voltage power system
21. IEC 61663-1: 1999 Lightning protection - Telecommunication lines - Part 1: Fibre optic
installations
22. IEC 61936-1: Power installations exceeding 1 kV a.c. - Part 1: Common rules
23. IEC 62020: Electrical accessories - Residual current monitors for household and similar uses
(RCMs)
24. ISO/IEC 30129: Information technology - Telecommunications bonding networks for buildings
and other structures
 ANNEX B
(Informative)
Examples of Calculated Risk Level CRL for the Use of SPDs

A-1 EXAMPLE 1 – BUILDING IN RURAL ENVIRONMENT

Ground flash density Ng = 1

Environmental factor fenv = 85

Risk assessment length LP = 2 LPAL + LPCL + 0.4 LPAH + 0.2 LPCH

= (2 × 0.4) + (0.4 × 0.6)
= 1.04
Where,

LPAL = the length (km) of low-voltage overhead line= 0.4;

LPAH = the length (km) of high-voltage overhead line= 0.6;
LPCL = the length (km) of low-voltage underground cable = 0; and
LPCH = the length (km) of high-voltage underground cable = 0.
CRL = fenv / (LP × Ng) = 85 / (1.04 × 1) = 81.7

In this case, SPD protection shall be installed as the CRL is less than 1 000.

A-2 EXAMPLE 2 – BUILDING IN RURAL ENVIRONMENT POWERED IN HV

Ground flash density Ng = 0.4

Environmental factor fenv = 85

Risk assessment length LP = 2 LPAL + LPCL + 0.4 LPAH + 0.2 LPCH

= 0.2 × 1
= 0.2
Where,

LPAL = the length (km) of low-voltage overhead line = 0;

LPAH = the length (km) of high-voltage overhead line = 0;
LPCL is the length (km) of low-voltage underground cable = 0; and
LPCH is the length (km) of high-voltage underground cable = 1.

CRL = fenv / (LP × Ng) = 85 / (0.2 × 0.4) = 1 062.5

In this case, SPD protection is not mandatory as the CRL is greater than or equal to 1 000.

A-3 EXAMPLE 3 – BUILDING IN URBAN ENVIRONMENT POWERED BY OVERHEAD LINES

Ground flash density Ng = 1

Environmental factor fenv = 850

Risk assessment length LP = 2 LPAL + LPCL + 0.4 LPAH + 0.2 LPCH

= 2 × 0.4 + 0.4 × 0.6
= 1.04
Where,
LPAL = the length (km) of low-voltage overhead line = 0.4;
LPAH = the length (km) of high-voltage overhead line = 0.6;
LPCL = the length (km) of low-voltage underground cable = 0; and
LPCH = the length (km) of high-voltage underground cable = 0.

CRL = fenv / (LP × Ng) = 850 / (1 × 1.04) = 817

In this case, SPD protection shall be installed as the CRL is less than 1 000.

A-4 EXAMPLE 4 – BUILDING IN URBAN ENVIRONMENT POWERED BY UNDERGROUND CABLES

Ground flash density Ng = 0.5

Environmental factor fenv = 850
Risk assessment length LP = 2 LPAL + LPCL + 0.4 LPAH + 0.2 LPCH
=1
Where,

LPAL = the length (km) of low-voltage overhead line = 0;

LPAH = the length (km) of high-voltage overhead line = 0;
LPCL = the length (km) of low-voltage underground cable= 1; and
LPCH = the length (km) of high-voltage underground cable = 0.

CRL = fenv / (LP × Ng) = 850 / (1 × 0.5) = 1 700.

In this case, an SPD is not mandatory as the CRL is greater than or equal to 1 000.
 ANNEX C
(informative)

GUIDANCE ON OVERVOLTAGE CONTROL BY SPDS APPLIED TO OVERHEAD

LINES
Where an installation is supplied by, or includes, an overhead line and an SPD is required for
over voltage control, the protective control of the overvoltage level may be obtained either by
installing surge protective devices directly in the installation close to the origin of installation,
or with the consent of the network operator, in the overhead lines of the supply distribution
network.

As an example, the following measures may be applied:

a) in the case of overhead supply distribution networks, overvoltage protection is erected
at network junction points and especially at the end of each feeder longer than 0.5 km.
Surge protective devices should be erected at every 0.5 km distance along the supply
distribution lines. Nevertheless, the distance between surge protective devices should
in no case exceed 1 km;

b) if a supply distribution network is erected partly as overhead network and partly as

underground network, overvoltage protection in the overhead lines should be applied
in accordance with a) at each transition point from and overhead line to an
underground cable;

c) in a TN distribution network supplying electrical installations, where the protective

measure automatic disconnection of supply is applied, the earthing conductors of the
surge protective devices connected to the line conductors are connected to the PEN
conductor or to the PE conductor; and

d) in a TT distribution network supplying electrical installations, where the protection

measure automatic disconnection of supply is applied, surge protective devices are
provided for the line conductors and for the neutral conductor. At the place where the
neutral conductor of the supply network is effectively earthed, a surge protective
device for the neutral conductor is not necessary.
 Annex D
(informative)

Installation supplied by overhead lines

Where overvoltage protection according to Clause 4.5.3 of IS732 is required, where the lines
entering the building are overhead and where the case of lightning strike to the last pole of the
overhead lines close to the building is taken into account, SPDs at the origin of the installation
shall be selected according to Table D.1.

Further information can be found in IS/IEC 62305 (all parts).

Table D.1 – Selection of impulse discharge current (Iimp)

Iimp (kA)
Supply system
Connection Single phase Three phase
CT1 CT2 CT1 CT2
L-N 5 5
L-PE 5 5
N-PE 5 10 5 20
NOTE This table refers to lightning protection levels III and IV.