Internal components of DC surge arrestor
A surge protector, also known as a lightning arrester or surge suppressor, is an electronic device designed to protect circuits and equipment from damage caused by transient overvoltages caused by lightning, power failure, or other causes. The type and construction of surge protectors vary depending on their application, but they usually contain at least one nonlinear voltage limiting element as their basic component. These components include discharge gaps, gas-filled discharge tubes, varistors, suppression diodes and choke coils.
The discharge gap is one of the simplest nonlinear elements in a surge protector. It consists of two metal electrodes with a certain distance between them. When the voltage exceeds a certain threshold, the air ionizes in the gap to form a conductive channel, thereby limiting the voltage increase. The discharge gap is suitable for the protection of low-voltage circuits, but its response speed is slow, so it is usually used in combination with other components.
A gas-filled discharge tube is a gas discharge tube filled with inert gas or other gases. When the voltage exceeds a certain threshold, electrons in the gas are accelerated and hit the gas molecules, causing the gas to ionize and form conductive channels. The gas-filled discharge tube has high voltage resistance and fast response speed, and is suitable for the protection of medium and high voltage circuits.
A varistor is a special resistor whose resistance value changes with changes in voltage. When the voltage exceeds a certain threshold, the resistance value of the varistor decreases rapidly, thereby limiting the increase in voltage. Varistors have the characteristics of fast response, low residual voltage and low current capacity, and are suitable for protecting low-voltage electronic equipment from lightning overvoltage damage.
A suppressor diode is a special type of diode that has a low forward voltage and a high reverse voltage. When a transient overvoltage occurs in the circuit, the suppression diode conducts quickly and guides the overvoltage to the ground, thereby protecting the circuit and equipment. Suppression diodes have the characteristics of fast response, low residual voltage and low current capacity, and are suitable for protecting electronic equipment from lightning overvoltage damage.
A choke coil is an inductor that limits the transient current in a circuit by generating a reverse electromotive force. When a transient overvoltage occurs in the circuit, the choke coil generates reverse electromotive force to offset the overvoltage, thereby protecting the circuit and equipment. Choke coils are used to limit transient currents caused by lightning and protect circuits and equipment from damage.
In addition to the above basic components, a surge protector may also contain other auxiliary components, such as filters, capacitors, and resistors. These components are used to further improve the performance of the surge protector and reduce its impact on circuits and equipment.
The type and construction of surge protectors vary depending on their use. Depending on the different requirements of the circuit and equipment, different types of surge protectors can be selected. For example, for low-voltage electronic equipment, you can choose to use a surge protector that contains a discharge gap and a varistor; for medium and high-voltage circuits, you can choose a surge protector that uses a gas-filled discharge tube or a choke coil.
Solar Photovoltaic Surge Protector
Photovoltaic equipment is exposed to the outdoors for a long time, and the electronic components of the inverter are very sensitive, effective lightning and surge protection is essential to ensure its service life. The main causes of power surges in photovoltaic equipment are inductive or capacitive coupling voltages caused by lightning discharge and switching operation of the upstream power system. Power surges caused by lightning can damage photovoltaic modules and inverters, causing serious consequences for the operation of the equipment.
Solar DC SPD (Type 2/Type II, Class 2/Class II)
Typically, DC SPD Type 2 are installed near electrical equipment to quickly direct the surge current in the event of a surge event. It withstands the induction discharge current of the 8/20 waveform.
Inspection and Maintenance of SPD
After installation, the surge protector should be tested to ensure that it is working properly without damage or failure. During operation, the status indicator of the surge protector should be checked regularly, such as green indicating normal and red indicating a fault. If the fault is found, the surge protector should be replaced in time, and the discarded surge protector should be disposed of. It is generally recommended to check the surge protector once a year and adjust the inspection cycle according to the actual situation.
Type 1+2/T1+T2(Class 1+2/B+C)
Two levels of dual protection.
SPD Accessories
Our SPD Shell
SPD Module
SPD MOV