Surge protective device for photovoltaics TYPE 1+2 1500VDC SPPVRT12-15-2+PE EP-501960

Professional surge protection for photovoltaic installations

The SPPVRT12-15-2+PE surge protective device is a device designed to protect photovoltaic installations, shielding PV systems from surges and lightning strikes. Dedicated for use in DC circuits with voltages up to 1500V, it is a type 1+2 solution occupying 3 modules on a standard DIN rail.

Construction and technical parameters

A type 1+2 device means a combination of two protection classes in one module - type 1 (protection against direct lightning strikes) and type 2 (protection against indirect surges). This design eliminates the need for two separate devices, resulting in space savings in the distribution board and a reduction in installation costs.

The rated discharge current is 20 kA for the 8/20 μs characteristic. Simultaneously, the type 1 impulse current reaches a value of 5 kA for the 10/350 μs characteristic, which is crucial for protection against direct lightning strikes.

Protection effectiveness and security levels

The device offers a protection level equal to 5 kV for modern photovoltaic installations operating at DC voltages up to 1500V. This level of protection shields inverters and other PV system components from damage resulting from surges.

The design accounts for all possible surge current flow paths:

• Protection between DC+ and DC- conductors
• Protection of each conductor relative to PE grounding
• Additional protection between L-N in mixed configurations

Operating conditions and environment

The surge arrester is designed to operate in a wide temperature range from -40°C to +85°C, allowing for installation both inside buildings and in unheated technical rooms. The IP20 protection rating provides a barrier against solid factors.

The specific energy of the device is 6.25 kJ/Ω, which defines its ability to absorb impulse energy while maintaining stable operating parameters throughout its service life.

Mounting and electrical connection

Mounting is performed on a standard TH-35 mm DIN rail in accordance with the EN 60715 standard, enabling installation in most electrical distribution boards available on the market.

The device supports various types of connections:

• Single-core wires up to 35 mm²
• Stranded wires up to 35 mm²
• Flexible wires up to 25 mm²

The configuration includes the connection of two main DC conductors (+/-) and an additional PE grounding conductor, ensuring the correct operation of the protection system.

Service functionality and signaling

The basic SPPVRT12-15-2+PE version is equipped with optical status signaling, which allows for rapid identification of worn-out limiting modules without the need to dismantle the device.

The "pluggable" design allows for the replacement of worn modules without having to remove the entire device from the DIN rail, significantly simplifying service activities and minimizing PV system downtime.

Normative compliance and certificates

The device meets the requirements of the latest IEC 61643-31:2018 standard, which defines the requirements for surge protective devices used in photovoltaic systems. Additionally, it holds the CE certificate and is RoHS compliant.

Application should be carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the IEC/EN 60364-5-53 standard, which specifies the principles for selecting and installing surge protection devices in electrical installations of residential, public utility, and industrial buildings.