Device monitors surge arresters

November 2007 Electrical Power & Protection

DEHN's LifeCheck electronic tester is able to continuously monitor and control the Blitzductor CT surge arresters. It can recognise in advance a potentially hazardous overload. LifeCheck allows quick and easy SPD (surge protection device) testing without removing the module and requires no batteries or power supply. An extreme thermal or electrical load is immediately and reliably recognised and can be identified on the DEHNrecord LC (LifeCheck) reading device via non-contact RFID technology. The RFID transponders (chips) are maintenance-free and do not need a current power supply.

The LifeCheck signalling circuit is designed to ensure that a signal is generated if there is risk of an overload condition. This allows the operator to take precautionary measures in order to avoid installation downtime.

SPD modules with LifeCheck, used in conjunction with Blitzductor CT base parts, protect two single wires with common reference potential or unbalanced lines. The devices can be applied to binary signals, analogue loops and communication interfaces, such as Profibus, RS485, RS422 and TTL.

All components in the arrester module (gas discharge tubes, diodes, varistors and resistors) are in danger of thermal overloads, therefore the control of the environmental temperature of all components is necessary. If the permitted maximum temperature is exceeded, then an overload is detected.

An antenna is integrated in the arrester module for communication. The antenna senses or detects extreme surge pulses 8/20 μs) within the arrester, and if the permitted maximum surge current is exceeded, an overload is detected.

The overload detection is designed to be activated before a defect in the protection circuit is detected. This is important for taking necessary steps at an early stage, before the loss of protection. LifeCheck does not replace fail-safe operation, but adds early detection of a potential overload, while the fail-safe mode will only occur in the case of a faulty arrester.

For more information contact Paul van As, Surgetek, +27 (0)11 792 1303, [email protected], www.surgetek.co.za

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