Industrial surge suppressor protects to 200 kA
July 2007
Electrical Power & Protection
Asco Power Technologies has developed a transient voltage surge suppression (TVSS) module that provides uninterrupted protection from surge currents of up to 200 kA. This module meets the stringent requirements of the recently revised UL-1449 (2nd edition) standard, without resorting to the use of internal fuses.
The TVSS modules are designed for use in applications that require protection from lightning and power surges, including oil, gas and petrochemical equipment; power generation equipment; wind turbines; telecommunication and cable TV equipment; radar equipment; telecommunication street cabinets; medical equipment; industrial automation; control and process management electronics; variable speed drives (VSDs); uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs); and a host of other applications requiring continuous 24/7 operation because safety is critical.
The device comprises a single 80 mm diameter distribution-grade metal oxide varistor (MOV) disc in an hermetically sealed aluminium housing. This provides uniform distribution of the surge current over the total area of the MOV protection element, resulting in a high-energy handling capability combined with ultra-low let-through voltage to the protected equipment.
"Asco has designed and manufactured this module to withstand repeated surges, and thus provide the ultimate protection to telecommunication and IT infrastructure, automatic control systems and other sensitive electronic equipment. It is the only UL-1449 recognised (2nd edition) surge protection device in the industry rated for safe operation without the use of additional internal fuses. The patented design and environmentally sealed aluminium housing minimise the effects of MOV 'ageing' and completely eliminate the risk of catastrophic failure, explosion or fire," says Dennis Farge, manager of Denco Automated.
The protective device exhibits low clamping voltage and can be directly connected on the power bus bars inside the cabinet of the equipment after the main circuit breaker. Unlike other TVSS systems that employ arrays of conventional MOV components with 90 degree-angled lead wires to each varistor, Asco's unique monolithic design provides a straight electrical path to its large single disc of distribution-grade varistor material. The absence of lead wires and internal disconnect mechanisms gives the Asco extremely low contact resistance and a response time of less than 1 ns.
For more information contact Denco Automated, +27 (0)21 981 0840, [email protected], www.denco.co.za
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