Solar Energy

Lightning and
surge protection for
photovoltaic systems
PHOENIX CONTACT –
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2 PHOENIX CONTACT
 Safeguard availability with
surge protection Contents

Surge protection:
The protective circuit principle 4

We demand top quality  6

Surge protection for roof-

mounted systems 8

Surge protection for ground-

mounted systems 10

Application examples for

protecting photovoltaic systems 12

Connection examples for PV sets 15

Product overview 16

The ideal solution for your

photovoltaic system 18

The Zuera II megawatt output solar park near Saragossa

Constructing large photovoltaic ground-mounted systems in the high megawatt range

is an investment in the future. The aim is to keep the amortization time as short
as possible. This requires a system which guarantees unlimited availability with high
performance.
String combiner boxes from Phoenix Contact are perfectly matched to the system
and have integrated lightning and surge protection, ensuring the availability of the
system and making sure it provides the yield required.

Zuera II string combiner box

PHOENIX CONTACT 3
Surge protection:
The protective circuit principle

The protective circuit principle defines

complete protection against surge voltages.
An imaginary circle is drawn around the
devices, plants, or systems to be protected. Lightning protection zones
Using a rolling sphere model, the danger
Surge protective devices that correspond zones of a photovoltaic system can be
divided into zones known as Lightning
to the nominal data of the relevant power
Protection Zones (LPZ). The LPZs to be
supply or signal type should be installed at considered for a PV system are:
all points where cables intersect with this LPZ 0A: direct lightning strike, danger
zone outside the building.
circle. In order to provide objects with
LPZ 0B: direct lightning strike,
consistent protection against conducted protected zone outside the building.
surge voltage couplings, the areas of power
supply, MCR technology, information
technology, and transceiver technology
should be taken into consideration.

Power supply
Optimally coordinated arresters
for supplies, distributors, and
terminal devices safeguard the
power supply.

MCR technology
Optimized arresters are available
for a wide variety of signal types
and measuring principles.

Information technology
High-speed protection (CAT 6+)
for data and communication
technology.

Transceiver technology
So that private mobile radio and
mobile communication, as well
as satellite or radio systems, still
have reception whatever the
weather.

4 PHOENIX CONTACT
 Surge protection for photovoltaic systems

Does a photovoltaic system on a typical 3% hail

family home need to have lightning 9% theft
protection? Is it mandatory to equip a public
building that has a photovoltaic system with
lightning protection? Is your photovoltaic
system automatically included in your
household contents or building insurance? 11% snow load 21% fire
If so: what type of damage is covered, or is
it worth taking out additional photovoltaic
insurance? These are the type of questions
you should consider when planning or 17% other damage
installing a photovoltaic system.
Some states in Germany prescribe internal 21% storm
and external lightning protection for public
buildings such as hospitals, schools or railway
stations. Although there are no suchlike
regulations for private residential buildings, 18% surge voltages
there are clear recommendations.
The German Insurance Association
recommends lighting and surge protection
for photovoltaic systems with a capacity in Source: GDV documentation
excess of 10 kW. Some insurance polices cite
the absence of surge protection as grounds
for demanding higher insurance premiums.
Before taking out an insurance policy, you
should therefore find out whether surge
protection is required.

Safeguard amortization of the system with surge Example amortization calculation

protection Usual amortization scenario
An example profitability analysis shows that system failure
has a considerable impact on the amortization time
of a photovoltaic system. Furthermore, reinvestment
costs arise which can quickly exceed 20% of the actual
procurement costs. The logical consequence is that
revenue is reduced.
The likelihood of experiencing damage caused by surge
Yield
voltages and the resulting system failures is constantly
on the increase: this applies to both exposed locations 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
as well as other sites faced with the increased prospect
of thunderstorms due to climate change. This risk is Amortization in the event of damage
reduced significantly with lightning and surge protection.
If an effective protection concept is incorporated into the
planning phase and installed with the photovoltaic system
from the outset, the associated costs are significantly
lower than a retrofit solution.

Yield

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 17 18 20

PHOENIX CONTACT 5
We demand top quality
Through its highly qualified personnel,
Phoenix Contact is actively engaged in
the work of national and international
standards bodies. This means that changes
to standards can be incorporated into the
development process for new products in
a timely manner. A high-current laboratory
with an area of approx. 1,300 sqm is
available for the testing that accompanies
the development and to provide proof
of performance prior to applications for
approval. Powerful testing technology which
is specially tuned to the requirements is
essential for modern and forward-looking
product development.
6 PHOENIX CONTACT
Standards and approvals
The requirements and tests for
surge protective devices for use in
photovoltaic installations are defined
in part 11 of standard EN 50539-11.
The standard describes low-voltage
surge protective devices for specific
applications including DC.
The surge protective devices are
approved and certified by recognized
companies with respect to their safety
for harmless use in a wide range of
applications.
The right equipment for
powerful testing
The testing systems in the
Phoenix Contact laboratory
are able to generate surge
currents and surge voltages with
different pulse shapes. Even
mains frequency short-circuit
currents and DC currents can be
generated, by means of the finely
adjustable voltage.
A special feature of the
laboratory is that the powerful
power supply system can be
coupled with surge current
generators. This enables a
realistic environment to be
created for testing surge
protective devices.
 Special features of the DC voltage side

Due to the particular electrical parameters
of the DC side of photovoltaic systems,
very specific tests are required for surge
arresters used there. The special features
in this case are, firstly, the high system
DC voltages and, secondly, a photovoltaic
generator being operated close to its
short-circuit current. This means that
typical protection mechanisms from an AC
environment, such as backup fuses, cannot
be used here.
Over time, many surge currents can
overload the surge protective device. Tests
are performed to determine whether the
device maintains the tolerance limits of an
unaffected arrester after at least 20 defined
surge currents.
After further overloading surge currents,
the integrated thermal disconnect devices
of the surge protective devices must be
able to safely disconnect from the DC
voltage without the devices heating to
impermissible levels. This is verified in an
end of life test.
The thermal disconnection must be able
to extinguish the non-self-extinguishing arc
generated by the DC voltage and by the
generator's high constant current required
by the system, without this resulting in a
fire hazard.
Surge protective devices in a Y-circuit
are designed in such a way that they can
permanently withstand the voltage load in
the case of ground faults on the system
side.
Due to these special features of the
DC side, only arresters that have been
specifically developed for photovoltaic
systems should be used.
Y-circuit for protecting the DC side of a
photovoltaic system

Direct current testing

technology
The DC testing system operates
autonomously and consists
of a powerful DC source as
well as a special pulse current
generator. This generator is
specifically designed to meet the
requirements of direct current
testing technology.
The system offers the option of
coupling power pulse currents
(8/20) μs into the DC system
in order to qualify the surge
protective devices for DC
applications. For example,
this system enables testing in
accordance with EN 50539-
11, “Requirements and tests
for surge protective devices in
photovoltaic applications”.

PHOENIX CONTACT 7
Surge protection for roof- a

mounted systems

Surge voltage couplings caused by lightning

strikes or switching operations in the
power grid can also cause significant damage Isolation distance “s”
to parts of a photovoltaic system. The The distance to be maintained between the
external lightning protection system and the
photovoltaic panels on the roof, string components of the photovoltaic system. This
avoids sparkover that may be caused by fire.
combiner boxes (SCB), inverters, and feed-in
meters may be at risk.
Installing a photovoltaic system does not
increase the risk of the building being struck
by lightning. Nevertheless, the photovoltaic
system must be incorporated into the
existing external lightning protection
measures.

1 2 3

Type 1/2 DC Type 1/2 AC/DC Type 1/2 DC

surge protection for 1 string surge protection surge protection for 2 strings

6 7

Type 1+2 Type 2 Detailed information about the

surge protection surge protection products used can be found on
page 16/17.

8 PHOENIX CONTACT
 b c
Using surge protective devices according to CLC/TS 50539-12
Without external lightning protection:
• Type 2 before inverter
• Cable length > 10 m plus
type 2 at building entry point
Isolation distance not observed:
• Cable length < 10 m,
type 2 before inverter
• Cable length > 10 m, type 1 before
inverter and at building entry point
• Type 1 AC in main distribution
1
6 / 7
With external lightning protection,
isolation distance observed:
• Type 2 before inverter
• Cable length > 10 m plus
type 2 at building entry point
• Type 1 AC in main distribution
b
1
Photovoltaic panels in the protection
zone
To avoid a direct lightning strike, all
photovoltaic panels should be inside the
protection zone (rolling sphere model).
For photovoltaic systems on buildings, the
following should be noted:
• Lightning and surge protection is essential
for inverters.
• All cables that are connected to the
inverter must be included.
c
PHOENIX CONTACT 9
Surge protection for ground- a

mounted systems

Due to their size and alignment with the

sun, ground-mounted systems and tracking
photovoltaic systems achieve high efficiency Photovoltaic panels in the protection
zone
and maximum yield. However, by virtue of
To avoid a direct lightning strike, all
their design they also have a very large area photovoltaic panels should be inside the
protection zone (rolling sphere model).
that is vulnerable to lightning strikes. For ground-mounted systems, the following
should be noted:
In ground-mounted systems and tracking Use of surge protection with local
systems consideration must also be given to equipotential bonding at:
• Inverters on DC and AC side
protecting the control electronics and data
• String combiner boxes
cables. • All incoming and outgoing cables

6 10 11

Type 1+2 Type 1/2 Surge protection for

surge protection surge protection MCR technology

12 SCB
GAK

Surge protection for String combiner box with Detailed information about the
information technology surge protection products used can be found on
page 16/17.

10 PHOENIX CONTACT
 b c d

Isolation distance “s”
The distance to be maintained between the
external lightning protection system and the
components of the photovoltaic system. This
avoids sparkover that may be caused by fire.
Grounding and equipotential bonding
All metal components must be connected
together electroconductively in order to
avoid voltage differences between the
individual module fields.
Surge protective devices
(string combiner box/inverter station)
The components of a ground-mounted system
are protected against surge voltages on both
the DC and AC side.
For distributed protection in the system,
string combiner boxes with lightning and
surge arresters are used.

SCB 11 12 6
c
d

10 10
10

PHOENIX CONTACT 11
Application examples for
protecting photovoltaic systems

The following applications show examples

of the correct protection for photovoltaic
systems.
PV sets for the DC side and the 1. Single-string system
On 1-phase inverter (< 10 m)
corresponding arresters on the AC side
create a combination that protects all PV panel

energy conducting components in a system.

To complete the protection concept, all
measuring and communication cables should
< 10 m
also be taken into consideration.
1 VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2

Inverter VALVETRAB VALVETRAB

N/PE T2

8
VAL-SEC-T2 VAL-SEC
N/PE-350-P T2-350-P

2. X-string system
For up to five strings on 1-phase inverter

VAL - MS 1 3 5 7
1000DC
UOCmax: 1000VDC

ON

VAL-MS VAL-MS VAL-MS

1000PV ST 1000PV ST 1000PV ST
U p : 2,5 kV U p : 2,5 kV U p : 2,5 kV
OFF
In : 15 kA In : 15 kA In : 15 kA
I max : 30 kA I max : 30 kA I max : 30 kA
II/C/ T2 II/C/ T2 II/C/ T2
W-139 W-139 W-139
28 05 18 5 28 05 18 5 28 05 18 5

L+ L-

8 6 4 2
> 10 m

Cable length > 10 m 4

According to the standard, surge protection 1 VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2

must be provided at the inverter. For cable

lengths > 10 m, a protective device is required
both on the generator side and on the DC
side of the inverter.
VALVETRAB VALVETRAB
N/PE T2

8
VAL-SEC-T2 VAL-SEC
N/PE-350-P T2-350-P

12 PHOENIX CONTACT
 1 3 4 7 8

Type 1/2 DC Type 1/2 DC Type 2 DC Type 2 surge Type 2 surge

surge protection surge protection for surge protection for protection, 3-phase protection, 1-phase
2 strings 5 strings

Detailed information about the products used can be found on page 16/17.

On 1-phase inverter with additional protective device On 3-phase inverter with additional protective device
(> 10 m) (> 10 m)

1 VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2
1 VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2

> 10 m > 10 m

1 VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2
1 VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2

VALVETRAB VALVETRAB
N/PE T2
L1, L2, L3, N, PE VALVETRAB VALVETRAB VALVETRAB VALVETRAB
N/PE T2 T2 T2

8 7
VAL-SEC-T2 VAL-SEC VAL-SEC-T2 VAL-SEC VAL-SEC VAL-SEC
N/PE-350-P T2-350-P N/PE-350-P T2-350-P T2-350-P T2-350-P

3. X-string system 4. Multi-string inverter system

On bridged inverter On several MPP trackers*

1
1 VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2

3 VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T
1000DC-PV ST 1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T
1000DC-PV ST 1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2

> 10 m > 10 m
1 VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2

L-

3 VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T
1000DC-PV ST 1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T
1000DC-PV ST 1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2

VALVETRAB VALVETRAB VALVETRAB VALVETRAB

N/PE T2 N/PE T2

8
VAL-SEC-T2 VAL-SEC

8
VAL-SEC-T2 VAL-SEC
N/PE-350-P T2-350-P N/PE-350-P T2-350-P

* MPP =
Maximum Point of Power

PHOENIX CONTACT 13
 2 3 5 7

Type 1/2 AC/DC Type 1/2 DC Type 1 surge protection Type 2 surge
surge protection surge protection protection, 3-phase
for 2 strings

Detailed information about the products used can be found on page 16/17.

5. Combined DC/AC protection

On 3-phase inverter with several MPP trackers On 3-phase inverter with several MPP trackers
(< 10 m) (> 10 m)

VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T
1000DC-PV ST 1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T
1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-115

L+
28 01 16 2
VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T VAL-MS-T1/T2
VAL-MS-T1/T2T
1000DC-PV ST 1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103
28 01 16 2
U p : 1,8 kV
I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T1
I max : 40 kA
C-103

L-
28 01 16 2

3
< 10 m > 10 m

2 2

L1, L2, L3, N, PE L1, L2, L3, N, PE

6. Protection of a 3-phase supply

On bridged inverter (> 10 m)

Service panel
> 10 m Counter

FLASHTRAB FLASHTRAB FLASHTRAB FLASHTRAB

5
VALVETRAB VALVETRAB VALVETRAB VALVETRAB VALVETRAB VALVETRAB VALVETRAB VALVETRAB N/PE T1 T1 T1

7 7
N/PE T2 T2 T2 N/PE T2 T2 T2 FLT-SEC-P FLT-SEC-P FLT-SEC-P FLT-SEC-P
VAL-SEC-T2 VAL-SEC VAL-SEC VAL-SEC VAL-SEC-T2 VAL-SEC VAL-SEC VAL-SEC T1-N/PE-350/100-P T1-350/25-P T1-350/25-P T1-350/25-P
N/PE-350-P T2-350-P T2-350-P T2-350-P N/PE-350-P T2-350-P T2-350-P T2-350-P

14 PHOENIX CONTACT
Connection examples for PV sets

PV-SET 2ST/1000DC/2MPP-SPD-SC
Example for the connection of a PV set with
3 two MPP trackers. L+ are L- led individually
to the inverter.
VAL-MS VAL-MS VAL-MS VAL-MS VAL-MS VAL-MS
1000PV ST 1000PV ST 1000PV ST 1000PV ST 1000PV ST 1000PV ST
U p : 2,5 kV U p : 2,5 kV U p : 2,5 kV U p : 2,5 kV U p : 2,5 kV U p : 2,5 kV
In : 15 kA In : 15 kA In : 15 kA In : 15 kA In : 15 kA In : 15 kA
I max : 30 kA I max : 30 kA I max : 30 kA I max : 30 kA I max : 30 kA I max : 30 kA
II/C/ T2 II/C/ T2 II/C/ T2 II/C/ T2 II/C/ T2 II/C/ T2
W-156 W-156 W-156 W-156 W-156 W-156
28 05 18 5 28 05 18 5 28 05 18 5 28 05 18 5 28 05 18 5 28 05 18 5

L+ L- L+ L-

PV-SET 2ST/1000DC-SPD-SD-SC
Example for the connection of a two-string
4 PV set with DC switch disconnector.
1 3 5 7

ON

VAL-MS-T1/T2 VAL-MS-T1/T2 VAL-MS-T1/T2

1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV
1000DC-PV ST 1000DC-PV ST
U p : 1,8 kV U p : 1,8 kV
OFF
I n : 15 kA PV T2 I n : 15 kA PV T2 I n : 15 kA PV T2
I lmp : 5 kA PV T2 I lmp : 5 kA PV T2 I lmp : 5 kA PV T2
I max : 40 kA I max : 40 kA I max : 40 kA
C-115 C-103 C-103
28 01 16 2 28 01 16 2 28 01 16 2
L+ L+ L- L-

L+ L-

8 6 4 2

PV-SET 1ST/1000DC/1MPP-SPD-SC
Example for the connection of a PV set for
1 small systems with a string cable.
VAL - MS
1000DC
UOCmax: 1000VDC

VAL-MS VAL-MS VAL-MS

1000PV ST 1000PV ST 1000PV ST
U p : 2,5 kV U p : 2,5 kV U p : 2,5 kV
In : 15 kA In : 15 kA In : 15 kA
I max : 30 kA I max : 30 kA I max : 30 kA
II/C/ T2 II/C/ T2 II/C/ T2
W-139 W-139 W-139
28 05 18 5 28 05 18 5 28 05 18 5

L+ L-

PHOENIX CONTACT 15
 Product overview

Type 1/2 DC lightning/surge protection set for photovoltaic systems Order No.

1 Lightning and surge arrester in IP65 housing for

protecting single-string photovoltaic systems up to
1000 V DC, box connection with SUNCLIX plugs. PV-SET 1ST/1000DC/1MPP-SPD-SC 2801529

Type 1/2 DC/AC lightning/surge protection set for multi-string systems

2 Lightning current and surge protection for the DC

side with two MPP trackers up to 1000 V DC. Surge
protection for the AC side for 3-phase connection. PV-SET 1000DC-SC/AC-3P-QPD 2801604
Box connection with SUNCLIX plugs and QUICKON
installation system.

Type 1/2 DC lightning/protection set for multi-string systems

3 Lightning current and surge protection for the DC side

with two MPP trackers up to 1000 V. Box connection
with SUNCLIX plugs. PV-SET 2ST/1000DC/2MPP-SPD-SC 2801317

Type 2 surge protection for 5 strings

4 Surge protection for the DC side for five-string

photovoltaic systems up to 600 V DC.
PV-SET 5ST/600DC 2920780

Type 1 lightning arrester

5 Type 1 lightning arrester, 3-phase

FLT-SEC-P-T1-3S-350/25-FM 2905421

Type 1 + type 2 AC lightning/surge protection combination

6 Lightning/surge arrester combination, 3 and 1-phase

FLT-SEC-T1+T2-3S-350/25-FM 2905470
for power supply networks with separate N and PE
conductor.
FLT-SEC-T1+T2-1S-350/25-FM 2905466

Type 2 AC surge protective device, 3-phase

7 8 Second protection stage in the power supply,

VAL-SEC-T2-3S-350-FM 2905340
space-saving protective device, installation location:
distributors/post-meter area, minimum protection for
the power supply, one module recommended for each
distributor. VAL-SEC-T2-1S-350-FM 2905333

16 PHOENIX CONTACT
Type 1/2 DC (monoblock)/type 2 DC (monoblock) lightning/surge protection Order No.

9 Lightning/surge arrester combination for 2-pos., VAL-MB-T1/T2 1500 DC-PV/2+V-FM 2905640

isolated DC voltage systems with 600/1000/1500 V VAL-MB-T1/T2 1500 DC-PV/2+V 2905641
DC, short-circuit proof up to 2000 A, with KEMA
approval. VAL-MB-T1/T2 1000 DC-PV/2+V-FM 2905638
With or without floating remote indication contact. VAL-MB-T1/T2 1000 DC-PV/2+V 2905639
VAL-MB-T1/T2 600 DC-PV/2+V-FM 2906292
VAL-MB-T1/T2 600 DC-PV/2+V 2906293

Surge arrester for 2-pos., isolated DC voltage systems

of 1500 V DC, short-circuit-proof up to 2000 A, with VAL-MB-T2 1500 DC-PV/2+V-FM 2905646
KEMA approval.
With or without floating remote indication contact.

VAL-MB-T2 1500 DC-PV/2+V 2905647

Surge protection for MCR technology

10 PT 5-HF-12 DC-ST 2838775

HF protective circuit for 4 signal wires
Base element 2839208
PT 2X2-24DC-ST 2838228
Protective circuit for two 2-wire floating signal circuits.
Base element 2839224

Surge protection for information technology

11 Surge protection in acc. with Class EA, for Ethernet up

DT-LAN-CAT.6+ 2881007
to 10 Gbps (incl. PoE), TOKEN RING, ISDN S0.

Attachment plug with surge protection for analog and

digital telecommunication interfaces, analog telephony, DT-TELE-RJ45 2882925
ADSL/T-DSL, ISDN U.

D-SUB 9 attachment plug with surge protection for

DT-UFB-485/BS 2920612
RS-485 interfaces, RS-485 (PROFIBUS).

String combiner box with surge protection

SCB
String combiner boxes for 8 to 32 strings are provided at the customer's request.

Type 1/2 DC (pluggable)/type 2 DC (pluggable) lightning and surge protection

Lightning/surge arrester combination for 2-pos., VAL-MS-T1/T2 1000 DC-PV/2+V-FM 2801161

isolated DC voltage systems of 600/1000 V DC, short- VAL-MS-T1/T2 1000 DC-PV/2+V 2801160
circuit-proof up to 1000 A, with KEMA approval,
UL-recognized component. VAL-MS-T1/T2 600 DC-PV/2+V-FM 2801164
VAL-MS-T1/T2 600 DC-PV/2+V 2801163

Surge arrester for 2-pos., isolated DC voltage systems VAL-MS 1000 DC-PV/2+V-FM 2800627
of 600/1000 V DC, short-circuit-proof up to 1000 A, VAL-MS 1000 DC-PV/2+V 2800628
with KEMA approval, UL-recognized component.
VAL-MS 600 DC-PV/2+V-FM 2800641
VAL-MS 600 DC-PV/2+V 2800642

PHOENIX CONTACT 17
The ideal solution for
your photovoltaic system

Whether a small roof-mounted system

on a detached house, tracking system or
ground-mounted system in the megawatt
range: for reliable and, in particular, efficient String combiner boxes
The string combiner box (SCB) collects
operation, the market requires easy and distributes string currents. It is
connection technology solutions featuring the interface between the photovoltaic
panels and the inverter. Equipped with
long-term stability, complete monitoring and surge protection, current measuring
management systems, and comprehensive modules, fuse terminal blocks, and DC
disconnectors, a SCB combines a variety
protection against surge voltages. of devices in the same compact IP65
housing.
The development of intelligent power supply
systems also shapes the electrotechnical
equipment for all aspects of photovoltaics:
communication on a consistent and uniform
basis and reliable remote control concepts
are indispensable.

Customer-oriented solutions
Individually tailored to the
application.

18 PHOENIX CONTACT
Fuse terminal blocks
Terminal blocks for protecting individual
strings against reverse currents. The
optional LED signals a blown fuse. By using
appropriate bridges, the string currents can
be connected and grouped.
• Specially designed for photovoltaic strings
• Dielectric strength up to 1000 V DC
Communication module
Fuse terminal blocks
SOLARCHECK –
detect errors, increase efficiency
SOLARCHECK provides reliable information
regarding the performance of the photovoltaic
system. This enables you to respond
immediately to power loss on individual lines
caused by dirt or damage, for example.
• Reduced costs and wiring efforts
• Easy and safe current measurement
without interrupting cables
• Easy integration in monitoring systems,
thanks to Modbus RTU communication
• Monitoring of remote indication contacts
by means of an additional digital input
• Flexible expansion, thanks to optional
voltage measurement of up to 1500 V DC
SUNCLIX –
connecting and wiring
From the photovoltaic panel and connection
box to the inverter – the SUNCLIX range
from Phoenix Contact offers numerous
cabling solutions that are optimally tailored
to the requirements of photovoltaic systems.
These were designed with durability and
quick and easy installation in mind. The DC
connectors can be mounted within seconds
without special tools.
• Conductor cross sections from 2.5 to
16 mm2
• IP65 protection for pre-assembled device
connectors and IP68 protection when
plugged in
• UV, temperature, and weather-resistant
design
• For voltages up to 1500 V
DC switch disconnector
Surge protection
SOLARCHECK
current measuring
module
PHOENIX CONTACT 19
 Always up-to-date, always available to you. Here
you'll find everything on our products, solutions
and service:

phoenixcontact.com

Product range
• Cables and wires
• Connectors
• Controllers
• Electronics housings
• Electronic switchgear and
motor control
• Fieldbus components and systems
• Functional safety
• HMIs and industrial PCs
• I/O systems
• Industrial communication technology
• Industrial Ethernet
• Installation and mounting material
• Lighting and signaling
• Marking and labeling
• Measurement and control technology
• Modular terminal blocks
• Monitoring
• PCB terminal blocks and
PCB connectors
• Power supply units and UPS
• Protective devices
• Relay modules
• Sensor/actuator cabling
• Software
• Surge protection and interference filters
• System cabling for controllers
• Tools
• Wireless data communication

© PHOENIX CONTACT 2015

Printed in Germany
MNR 5151226/2015-09-10/09

PHOENIX CONTACT GmbH & Co. KG

Flachsmarktstraße 8
32825 Blomberg, Germany
TT 04-15.000.L3

Phone: + 49 5235 3-00

Fax: + 49 5235 3-41200
E-mail: info@phoenixcontact.com
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