How to select and install Surge Protection Devices (SPD)

for LV electrical installations

Smart Energy Solution Provider Er. Lim Say Leong 2021 September 15
Select and install Surge Protection Devices for LV electrical installations

Synopsis:

SPD or Surge Protection Devices are necessary for electrical engineers to meet
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) requirements in applications where the
type of earthing have an impact on small and large electrical installations.

I will introduce the changes and construction so that selection of the SPD can be better
understood.
CONTENTS
• Alpha Automation
• CHINT
• Introduction to overvoltage presence
• SPD
• Why install SPD?
• IEC requirement
• Selection and erection
• Temporary overvoltage
• Illustrations
• Q&A
Presence of overvoltage in electrical system

Natural phenomena Intentional actions Unintentional events

▪ E.g. lightning strikes ▪ E.g. switching of load ▪ E.g. fault occurs in
directly or indirectly or capacitor bank; the power system.
Surge voltage protection
What are our expectations of SPD?
Outside the building
• to withstand the
prospective or the partial
lightning current flowing
through them without
being damaged.
Inside the building
• SPD at the entrance of a
structure to fulfil the the
maximum residual
voltages caused by the
lightning surges.
• SPD to prevent the main
surge energy from
entering the internal
conductive parts of the
structure or equipment.
Illustration to know the thunderstorm day
Illustration to know the thunderstorm day
Illustration to know the thunderstorm day
Illustration to know the thunderstorm day
Voltage disturbances
Why install SPD?

Surge protective device (SPD).

A device that is intended to limit transient overvoltages and divert surge currents.
It contains at least one non-linear component.
Temporary overvoltage (UTOV).
A fundamental frequency overvoltage occurring on the network at a given
location, of relatively long duration.

Note 1 TOVs may be caused by faults inside the LV system (UTOV,LV) or inside the HV system
(UTOV,HV).

Note 2 Temporary overvoltages, typically lasting up to several seconds, usually originate from
switching operations or faults (for example, sudden load rejection, single-phase faults, etc.)
and/or from non-linearity (ferroresonance effects, harmonics, etc.).
What do you want to achieve?

SPD is installed to reduce the risks due to

lightning currents.
Important that the installation of SPD
does not compromise the operation of
overcurrent and residual current devices.
What happens if there is conflict? Priority
is given to the MCB and RCD.
ms
0 0.1 100 500
What do you want to achieve?

L1
L2
L3
N

SPD
Load
Standardised waveshape

i, v, i
Lightning-impulse
10 / 350 (IEC 61024 - 1)
Overvoltage-impulse
8 / 20 (IEC 60060 - 1) 10/350 µs
1.2/50 µs
8/20 µs Overvoltage-impulse*
8 / 20 (IEC 60060 - 1)

µs
Maximum discharge current Imax

Current 8/20 µs Typical Imax

I 15kA, 40kA, 65kA

0.5 I

8µs Time
20µs
Problem associated with overvoltage

Insulation or electronic
equipment failure
giving rise to
breakdown and high
costs of of repair and
maintenance.
In summary the requirements are in:

• IEC 60364-4-44,
• IEC 60364-5-53,
• IEC 60664-1,
• IEC 61042
• IEC 61312-2 and
• IEC 61643-12.
IEC 60364-4-44
IEC 61643-12
What are the requirements?

Requirements, selection and erection of

• surge protective devices (SPDs) to achieve a limitation of transient
overvoltage of atmospheric origin transmitted via the supply distribution
system and against switching overvoltage;
• SPDs for the protection against transient overvoltage caused by direct
lightning strokes or lightning strokes in the vicinity of buildings, protected
by a lightning protection system.
Note: For special applications, other or additional requirements may be necessary
in the relevant part 7 of IEC 60364.
Additional requirements

Additional requirements may be needed such as:

– protection of SPDs against direct contact;
– safety in the event of SPD failures.
An SPD may fail or be destroyed when surges are greater than its designed maximum
energy and discharge current capability.
Failure modes of SPDs are divided into open-circuit and short-circuit mode.
– In the open-circuit mode the system to be protected is no longer protected. In this case,
failure of an SPD is usually difficult to detect since it has almost no influence on the system.
– To ensure that the failed SPD is replaced before the next surge, an indication function may be
required.
– In the short-circuit mode, the system is severely influenced by the failed SPD. The short
circuit current flows through the failed SPD from the power source. Energy dissipated during
the conduction of short-circuit current may be excessive and cause a fire hazard.
Selection and erection of SPDs

• IEC 61312-1 includes protection against the effects of direct lightning

strokes or strokes near to the supply system.
• Selection and application of SPDs according to the Lightning
Protection Zones (LPZ) concept. The LPZ concept describes the
installation of:
• test class I
• test class II
• test class III.
Information required of SPDs

a) Manufacturer's name or trade mark and model number

b) Location category
c) Number of ports
d) Method of mounting
e) Maximum continuous operating voltage Uc (one value for each mode of protection) and
nominal/rated frequency
f) Test classification and discharge parameters for each mode of protection declared by the
manufacturer:
– class I test IImp
– class II test Imax
– class III test Uoc
g) Nominal discharge current In for classes I and II (one value for each mode of protection)
h) Voltage protection level Up (one value for each mode of protection)
i) Rated load current IL (if required)
j) Degree of protection provided by the enclosure (IP code) (if IP > 20)
k) Short-circuit withstand
l) Maximum recommended ratings of overcurrent protection (if applicable)
Information required of SPDs

m) Indication of disconnector operation (if any)

n) Position of normal use if significant
o) Identification of terminals (if necessary)
p) Installation instructions (e.g. connection, mechanical dimensions, lead lengths, etc.)
q) Type of current: a.c. frequency or d.c., or both
r) Specific energy W/R for class I test only (from 7.1.1)
s) Temperature range
t) Follow current interrupting rating Ifi (except in the case of voltage limiting type SPDs)
u) The external SPD disconnector requirements shall be defined by the manufacturer
v) Residual current IPE (optional)
w) Temporary overvoltage (TOV) characteristic
Classification of SPDs

✓ Number of ports: one or two

✓ Design topology: voltage switching, voltage limiting or combination
✓ Class I, II and/or III tests
✓ Location: indoor or outdoor
✓ Accessibility: accessible, non accessible
✓ Mounting method: permanent or portable
✓ Disconnector: location (external, internal, both external and internal, none) and function
(thermal, leakage current, overcurrent)
✓ Back-up overcurrent protection: specified or not
✓ Degree of protection provided by the SPD enclosure (IP code)
Selection and erection
Distribution of lightning current

IEC 61643-1,
also describes in IEC
61312-1and 61024-1-1
Uimp category to IEC 60364-4-44 and IEC 60947

Installation

Location Origin of installation Distribution circuit Load level Special equipment

Voltage 400V 230V 230V 60V

IV III II I
Category 6 kV 4 kV 2.5 kV
1.5 kV
25 kA 10/350 10 kA 8/20 1.5 kA 8/20
• overhead lines • final circuit • portable • communi-cation
equipment equipment
• cable networks • stationary
Examples • busbars
installation • electronics

• cutouts
Selection and erection of SPDs

Protection against overvoltages of atmospheric origin

• Type 1 SPD at the origin of installation
• Type 2 SPD at sub-distribution boards
– A combined Type 1 and 2 SPD may be installed in the
Consumer unit or DB.
• Type 3 SPD installed close to load
 Multistage protection

LPZ 0A/B to 1 LPZ 1 to 2 LPZ 2 to 3

Overvoltage

Type 1 Type 2 Type 2 / Type 3

Type 1+2
Connection of SPD
IEC 60364-5-53
Connection as in IEC 60364-5-53

▪ Type 1 (a.k.a. common mode) ▪ Type 2 (a.k.a. differential mode)

L L

N N

PE PE

SPD SPD

Footnote: Footnote:
Connection to PE or Main Earthing Terminal, Connection to PE or Main Earthing Terminal,
whichever is shorter. whichever is shorter.
 Uc of SPD Design

• Determining the importance of maximum continuous operating voltage

– Reliability of long-term work
• Factors that affect determining the maximum continuous operating voltage
– Rated voltage for the distribution system
– Power distribution (neutral point grounding mode)
– Power distribution quality (voltage fluctuations, harmonics, three-phase asymmetry)
– Is the high-voltage and low-voltage sides of the distribution transformer co-ground?
– Is the neutral point grounded in the high-voltage system?

Uo:System phase voltage

Grounding system TT TN-C TN-S TN-C-S IT

Common mode Uc 1.5Uo 1.1Uo 1.1Uo 1.1Uo 1.73Uo
Differential mode Uc 1.1Uo 1.1Uo 1.1Uo 1.1Uo
Selection based on connection
Temporary overvoltage, TOV
Discharge current and impulse current

Minimum specified values

Multistage protection

LPZ0 LPZ1 LPZ2

Main power distribution room
TN-S equipment
power distribution room Terminal protection
Third level of SPD surge
head Second level of SPD surge protector
first level of SPD surge protector protector
F1
L1
L2

RCD
kWh
L3
N
PE

F2 F2
protection system
External lightning

Main grounding terminal row Partial grounding terminal row(if exist)

NU6-Ⅲ
NXU-I+Ⅱ NU6-Ⅱ
SPD technology: MOV Vs GDT

MOV Spark Gap

Graphite
electrodes

Varistor Tungsten
Copper Alloy

Features: Very high discharge capacity, slow

Features: Slow response time response time
Inter-polar gap determines operating voltage
Technology Comparison

Basic features Spark gap Zinc oxide MOV

Response time Slow Fast

Residual pressure Low Medium

On voltage High Low

Surge energy absorption High Medium

Continued flow Yes No

Methods of connection wire (TT System)

3P + N
Description:
1. Ground wire
2. Electrical switch box
3. Backup protection circuit breaker
4. Protected equipment
5. Main ground terminal
6. Total ground connection TT system using 3P + N
7. Leakage protection equipment
Methods of connection wire (TN-C System)

3P
Description:
1. Ground wire
2. Electrical switch box
3. Backup protection circuit breaker
4. Protected equipment
5. Main ground terminal
6. Total ground connection
7. Leakage protection equipment
TN-C system using 3P
 Methods of connection wire(TN-S System)

3P + N
Description:
1. Ground wire
2. Electrical switch box
3. Backup protection circuit breaker
4. Protected equipment
5. Main ground terminal
6. Total ground connection
7. Leakage protection equipment TN-S system using 3P + N
Methods of connection wire (ITSystem)

3P
Description:
1. Ground wire
2. Electrical switch box
3. Backup protection circuit breaker
4. Protected equipment
5. Main ground terminal
6. Total ground connection
7. Leakage protection equipment
IT system using 3P
8. Overvoltage limiter
Back-up short-circuit (MCB)Selection table

Maximum discharge current for surge Breaker Unbutton Model

protectorsImax Rated curve
or maximum impact currentIimp current
8-20KA (8/20us) 10A C NB1-63
40KA (8/20us) 20A C NB1-63
65-100KA (8/20us) 50A C NB1-63
35KA (10/350us) 125A C DZ158
50KA (10/350us) 160A D NM1
Note
1. Circuit breaker breaking capacity must be able to switch the maximum short-circuit
current at the installed SPD.
2. Every live conductor must be protected and isolated, e.g. 1P+N surge protector must
select a 2P MCB
NU6-IIG
Category ⅡClass

Rated voltage 230/400V AC

Number of poles 1P、2P、3P、4P、1P-N、3P-N
Maximum discharge current 40kA、65kA、

Maximum continuous operating 275V、320V、385V、440V

voltage
Voltage protection level 1.5kV、1.6kV、1.8kV、、2.0kV、2.2kV

Use ambient temperature -40 - 70℃

Standard IEC 61643-11:2011

 New model
1. Standard updates: NU6-IIG replace NU6-II, to meet the new version of IEC 61643-11:2011 (The new standard
identifies changes in test requirements for limiting voltage, motion load testing, thermal stabilization, etc., and
adds TOV test 120min, such as analog failure mode).
2. Add 1P+N、3P+N Product specifications
3. Increase Module Locking anti-loose function。 Meet IEC/EN 61643-11 ;

NU6-II NU6-IIG
Trial category ⅡClass

Rated voltage 230/400V AC 230/400V AC

Number of poles 1P、2P、3P、4P、 1P、2P、3P、4P、1P-N、3P-N

Maximum discharge current 40kA、60kA、100kA 40kA、65kA

Nominal discharge current 15kA、25kA、40kA 20kA、30kA

Maximum continuous operating 385V、460V 275V、320V、385V、440V

voltage
Voltage protection level 1.8kV、2.0kV、 1.5kV、1.6kV、1.8kV、2.0kV、2.2kV

Use ambient temperature -40 - 70℃ -40 - 70℃

Standard IEC 61643-11:2011 IEC 61643-11:2011

Customer Value: More Safe

For suppressing transient overvoltage, with L-PE、N-PE Protection Mode

⚫ Pluggable structure with permanent

disconnect from the power systemDevice

⚫ Has a window red-green degradation

indication
Customer Value: More reliable

To lock the protection module and base , anti-vibration drop

Function

The product can be used in the -40 to 70 degrees

-40℃
— Suitable for applications in new energy industries such as
extreme cold and highland areas, as well as wind photovoltaics
Customer Value: More convenient

⚫ Remote signal function with pass-off signal output interface。

⚫ TH35mm Standard Din rail installation, easily installed

Where is the product used?
Power distribution solutions for the construction industry
DZ158

NB1 NB1 NB1- NB1L NB1L NXB

63G

Lighting Plug Air-condition Kitchen "."

Backup
 Where is the product used?
PhotovoltaicIndustry Application Solutions
Centralized photovoltaic system solution Scheme ——Centralized inverters

DC

DC

. DC
DC AC AC
. filter filter
ing AC ing
.
DC NXB (AC380V) 1 to 63A

DC NU 6-IIG 20kA AC275 to 440V

Where is the product used?
Application solutions for the photovoltaic industry
Photovoltaic system solution Scheme —— AC combiner box

Input1

Input2

Input3
Total output

Input4

NXB-63 4P C1 to 63A
Input5

NU 6-IIG 20 to 30kA AC275 to 440V

Input6
Where is the product used?
Wall-mounted/Vertical AC charging pile solution

D (D/S/T) SU666 NCH8

NL1
230V/
380V

NXB

Control
NU6-IIG board
Customer value NKY1
NPM8

IcCar Show
⚫ Save space。 Suitable for d Panel
residential areas, underground AC charging pile
parking lots, conventional
charging stations, saving
installation area;
⚫ High reliability, high life, to DC

ensure the safety of the system; AC

⚫ Type A leakage products, to

ensure personal safety. NEV
Where is the product used?
Telcommunications Construction (residential, commercial, hotel, public)

• Huawei • GreenCity
• ZTE • Turkish Ministry of Education
• Reliance (India) • Hilton Hotel
• China Mobile • Constant BigReal estate
• China Unicom • Peking university

Photovoltaics Electric vehicle charging industry

• Sunpower
• Huawei
• National Grid
• Special call
• China Putian
• Norway Market
Where is the product used?
Power System Applications in the Telecommunication Industry

Mobile base
stations
Communications Hub
Building

Data Center
Where is the product used?
Products Application solution: Data Center
--ACStructure example industry mainstream - UPS Power supply
EX9A
Municipal power input
distribution cabinet

PMA700
Ex9B

Ex9U
Ex9M
Product Appliance Data Center
--Electricity Enter totalPower distribution cabinet
PMA700
Multi-function Level 1 AC
meters power
distribution mine
Full power monitoring, power protection
management tools
RS485Communication interface
Ex9U1
Back-up 10/350us Iimp=25KA
protection Ifi=50KA
circuit breakers
Ex9B 8/20us Imax-120KA

Exchange main
Normal Security redundancy
line
Protection switch reserve protection
Ex9A
Reserve

AC line Ex9M Fault

protection
switch

Excellent performance, compact

volume, complete range
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Second-level AC
PMA700 matching
Electric and mine
Multi-function protection
meters

Full power monitoring, Under GB50343Lightning protection level

power management tools
A Grade
RS485Communication Ins.,'40KA
interface B Grade
Ins.,'30KA NU 6-IIG 20kA AC275 to 440V
Back-up
protection Ex9B C Grade
Ins., 20KA
switch
8/20us In-20KA,Imax-40KA
Ex9M
Ups Output
protection
switch Ups Input
Ex9M switch
Ex9B
Actual project photo
Emerson Project

ZTE power box box

THANK
YOU
for being such a wonderful audiences