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
Further reading:
Unpacking the technoeconomic case for cleaner power in wastewater plants
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Behind every reliable wastewater plant is an electrical system exposed to the effects of harmonics, voltage distortion and overloaded networks caused by fleets of variable speed drives on pumps and aerators.Together, they steadily drive up maintenance demands and elevate the risk of failure.
Read more...
Energy strategy as a competitive advantage for African businesses
Electrical Power & Protection
Energy is no longer simply something that businesses consume. When managed effectively, it becomes a controllable asset that supports resilience and efficiency and sets the foundation for long-term competitiveness.
Read more...
World’s fastest 14 bit arbitrary waveform generator
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The ARB Rider AWG-700 from Vepac is the world’s fastest 14 bit arbitrary waveform generator, with a 20 GS/s real-time update rate and 14 bit vertical resolution.
Read more...
Transformers for mining house in Botswana
ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
LH Marthinusen is completing the manufacture of two 30 MVA transformers for a mining house in Botswana.
Read more...
DIN-rail power supplies for reliable and efficient AC/DC conversion
Conical Technologies
Electrical Power & Protection
The Claf Power AD75-2BxxS series DIN-rail power supplies are designed for industrial automation, control systems and process environments.
Read more...
Rethinking power for Africa’s data centres
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s digital economy is scaling faster than its power systems. If it wants resilient, competitive and sustainable data centres, the starting point must be a grid-to-chip architecture rather than a genset-first mentality.
Read more...
The growing decentralisation of power grids
Electrical Power & Protection
The decentralisation of power generation is changing how national grids function. For electrical engineers, several new challenges and opportunities are on the horizon.
Read more...
Custom mini substations for Zambian copper mine
Electrical Power & Protection
Recent orders to supply seventeen specially engineered mini substations for an underground copper mine in Zambia reinforces Trafo Power Solution’s track record in delivering customised electrical solutons for challenging environments.
Read more...
Unifying building information into a sea of insight
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Facility managers realise that in order to gain the most from building automation, they can longer deploy and operate technologies in isolation. Modern, integrated building management solutions address this challenge by bringing data from multiple sources and dispersed locations like HVAC, lighting, access control, lifts, generators, field devices, energy and
Read more...
Smart power solutions for a low-carbon future
ABB South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
As the world marked Earth Day 2026, ABB is highlighting the role of low-voltage smart power solutions in improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions and enabling more sustainable infrastructure.
Read more...
printer friendly version