4.

5 Standards for components and protective devices International (IEC) as well as regional (Cenelec) standardizing work on components for lightning protection systems and surge protective devices has now progressed. National (DIN VDE) standards and drafts with testing authorization are also available. These standards shall be considered in the following only as far as it is necessary for the understanding of the mode of function and the possibilities of using these components and protective gear. 4.5.1 Connection components, E DIN EN 50164-1 (VDE 0185 Part 201) For lightning protection components (terminals, connectors) the standard draft E DIN EN 50164-1 (VDE 0185 Part 201) Lightning protection components. Part 1: Requirements for connection components has been available since May 1997. This specifies the requirements and tests for lightning current conductive connection components. This standard will eventually replace the national DIN-regulation DIN 48 810/8.86. The standard draft E DIN EN 50164-1 is currently under revision by the European Standardizing Committee (Cenelec). In addition to conditioning/ageing considerations (simulation of corrosion stress arising in practice) the standard also includes a test by lightning currents (10/350 s), which is as follows: Corresponding to their classification indicated by the producer, the connection components are classified as H and L and tested accordingly: H (high loading) test current 100 kA (10/350s) L (normal loading) test current 50 kA (10/350s) Criteria for the passing of the lightning current tests are, for example, a sufficiently low contact resistance, no perceptible damage, deformation or loose parts as well as requirements for the release torque of the screwed connection parts. 4.5.2 Arresters for lightning currents and surges A difference is made between lightning current arresters (tested by surge currents of wave shape 10/350s) and surge arresters (tested by surge currents of wave shape 8/20s). 4.5.2.1 Arresters for power engineering, IEC 61643-1/E DIN VDE 0675 Part 6 The German standard draft E DIN VDE 0675 Part 6 Surge arresters for use in AC supply systems with nominal voltages ranging from 100 V to 1000 V has been available since 1989. In March 1996 E DIN VDE 0675-6 A1 (VDE 0675 Part 6/A1) Amendment A1 to the draft DIN VDE 0675-6 (VDE 0675 Part 6) with testing authorization was published and in October 1996 E DIN VDE 0675-6/A2 (VDE 0675 Part 6/A2) Amendment A2 to the draft DIN VDE 0675-6 (VDE 0675 Part 6). Also in October 1996 DIN IEC 37A/44/CDV (VDE 0675 Part 601) Surge protective devices for low-voltage distribution systems. Part 1: Performance requirements and testing methods (IEC 37A/44/CDV: 1996) was introduced. This later IEC standard was valid in February 1998 as IEC 61643-1 Surge protective devices connected to lowvoltage distribution systems, Part 1: Performance requirements and testing methods. The

activities of the IEC SC 37A committee which is competent for the international standardization of arresters are shown in Figure 4.5.2.1 a.

GAMBARRRRRRRR The yellow printed E DIN VDE 0675 Part 6/A1 is based on the draft DIN VDE 0675 Part 6/1989-11. The categories and classifications of the arrester types have been mostly retained. These arresters are subdivided into four requirement classes: GAMBARRRRRRR Class A. Arresters which are installed in low voltage overhead lines and at places where they cannot be touched. Testing is made with surge currents of wave shape 8/20s (Figure 4.5.2.1 b). Class B. Arresters installed for the purpose of lightning protection equipotential bonding and controlling direct lightning strikes. These arresters are tested by a simulated lightning test current Iimp of wave shape 10/350s (Figure 4.5.2.1 b). Class C. Arresters installed for the purpose of surge protection in the fixed installation, for example, in the distribution area. These arresters are tested by the nominal discharge surge current isn of wave shape 8/20 s (Figure 4.5.2.1 b). Class D. Arresters installed for the purpose of surge protection in the fixed or mobile installation, especially in the socket outlet area or before terminals. For testing this arrester group, a hybrid generator

GAMBARRRRRRRRRR (with an apparent interior resistance 2 ) generating an open-circuit surge voltage 1.2/50s and a short-circuit surge current 8/20s is used. The open-circuit voltage Uoc of the hybrid generator, used for testing, is indicated as a parameter for these arresters. The tests/amendments in Part A1 concern above all the electrical requirements and test procedures, which will be briefly explained in the following as far as it is relevant for the user: (a) Lightning test current (Iimp) for class B arresters The lightning test current Iimp (10/350s) replaces the former lightning test current of wave shape 8/80s (Figure 4.5.2.1 b). Iimp is determined by the following parameters: peak value (Ipeak), charge (Q), specific energy (W/R), and wave shape (10/350s). For the wave shape the value 10 indicates a front rise time of10s and 350s the time to the half-value in a wave tail of 350s of the lightning wave. The lightning test current Iimp of the wave shape 10/350s conforms most closely with the first surge current of natural lightning discharges and is used worldwide for lightning simulation. (b) Determination of the measured limiting voltage: Protection level Up

The testing procedure to determine the measured limiting voltage is subdivided according to the type and class of the arrester. The measured limiting voltage is the highest value from differently carried out tests. The protection level, which has been determined with reference to the insulation coordination, must not be exceeded by the measured limiting voltage. (c) Conditioning and operating duty test, discharge capacity Here the performance of the arresters regarding their discharge and follow-current quenching capacity is tested (see Figure 4.5.2.1c). Now that the interior structure of the arrester is known, a source of voltage corresponding to its follow current is chosen(Table 4.5.2.1 a) and conditioned in accordance with its requirement class: A, B and C 15 surge currents 8/20s with isn D 15 combined surges 1.2/50s /8/20s with Uoc/2 On testing the operating duty, the arrester will be submitted to five surge currents, according to its class, in steps up to the maximum value, whereby its thermal stability will be controlled: A, C surge currents up to Imax (maximum discharge surge current 8/20s) B surge currents up to Iimp (lightning test current 10/350s) D combined surge up to Uoc/2 (d) Disconnecting device for arresters and thermal stability of arresters On testing the disconnecting device and the thermal stability of arresters, a difference is generated, whether a spark gap covered arrester or an arrester based on a varistor is concerned. The difference is generated to obtain a practice-like simulation of possible causes of fault: Arresters based on varistors. It is assumed that, over the course of years, the leakage current will increase due to repeated surge Protective measures, standards 117current loadings. This leads to a heating or increased power loss in the arrester. This thermal drift is simulated in the disconnection test. The disconnecting device must separate the arrester from the system before the enclosure becomes too hot which might present a fire hazard. Arresters with spark gaps or spark gaps in series. Here the assumed fault is that there are too frequent and too high discharge currents or too many follow-current quenching processes. The electrodes of the integrated spark gaps are welding and a short circuit is generated. On testing, this fault will be simulated by short circuiting spark gaps with a copper conductor. The maximum backup fuse certified by the producer must disconnect the arrester from the system before there is noticeable damage at the arrester or fire hazard due to the arrester.

TABELLLLLL 4.5.2.1.1 Important data for arrester selection o o Rated voltage Uc. The value Uc indicates the maximum operating voltage the arrester is rated for and at which the certified performance data are met. Protection level Up. This parameter characterizes the ability of an arrester to limit interference to a non-dangerous voltage value Up. The required protection level of the

arrester depends on the place of installation (overvoltage category) and/or on the electric strength of the device to be protected. Table 4.5.2.1 a Power frequency source of voltage for arrester conditioning : uc : continuous operating voltage of an arrester/rated voltage ;IF: follow-current of the arrester; Ip uninfluenced short-circuit current Protective measures, standards 119 o Discharge capability. This parameter is of decisive importance if the arrester must be selected according to the arising hazards (direct lightning strike, remote strike, induced surges). This value characterizes the real performance of the arrester and indicates the lightning test currents/surge currents/combined surges that cans afely be discharged without disturbing its function considerably. This indication is also reflected in the arrester classification: Lightning test currents, Iimp => Class B Surge currents, isn or Imax => Class A, C Combined surge, Uoc => Class D o Breaking capacity/follow-current quenching capability IF. This item is important for sparkgap based arresters. It indicates the limit at which the system follow-current will be quenched automatically by the arrester. o Disconnecting device/back-up fuse. These data are always of importance. This is particularly so if the arrester is overloaded or wrongly conceived, or aged due to a large number of discharges. Arresters designed according to E DIN VDE 0675-6/A1 are proving able to turn into a safe fault state in the case of an overload/defect on testing of the disconnecting device and thermal stability. 4.5.2.1.2 Coordination of the arresters according to requirements and locations. Figure 4.5.2.1.2 a and Table 4.5.2.1.2 a show the coordination of the arresters: Figure 4.5.2.1.2 a Application possibilities of arresters in the IEC-overvoltage categories 120 Overvoltage protection of low voltage systems Class B arresters (lightning current arresters). The location of the lightning current arresters is the area of the house supply where high lightning partial currents may arise. Class C arresters. The typical location of these surge arresters is in the subdistribution. This is where the residual voltages of the lightning current arresters and surge currents (8/20s) in the kA range must be safely controlled. Class D arresters. These arresters are located either between the distributor and the terminal or at socket outlets.

With regard to the requirement for class D, rather than proceeding from an impressed surge current, the concern is for the voltage liable to cause danger Uoc; this will be limited to a low value. Typical values of dangerous voltages (arising at the terminal inputs, socket outlets) are in the range 2.54kV. 4.5.2.1.3 NPE arrester E DIN VDE 0675 Part 6/A2.

In E DIN VDE0675-6/A2 (VDE 0675 Part 6/A2): 199610 Surge arresters. Part 6: Application in AC supply systems with nominal voltages ranging from 100 to 1000V. Amendment A2 for the draft DIN VDE 0675-6 (VDE0675 Part 6) NPE arresters are standardized. These will be installed between the neutral conductor (N) and the protective conductor (PE). What is the task of such NPE arresters? For reasons of personal protection, class B and C arresters are usually installed (in energy flow direction) before a fault current circuitbreaker (also see chapter 5.8.6.1.2). To safeguard the disconnection of a faulty arrester by the back-up fuse in the TT-circuit is used. The three outer conductors L1, L2 and L3 are connected to arresters and then with the neutral conductor N. Between the neutral conductor N and the protective conductor PE, the NPE arrester is installed. In the case of a defective (short-circuited) arrester (at the outer conductor), a short circuit current is generated between the concerned outer conductor L and the neutral conductor N which can be disconnected by the back up system fuse in the time provided. If the arresters were installed between L and PE, the current flowing in a TT-system over the defective arrester between L and PE would not be sufficient to trip the system fuse (further details in chapter 5.8.1.6.2.2). NPE arresters must be able to conduct the sum of the interference currents of L1, L2 and L3 , towards N. For NPE arresters the requirements listed in Table 4.5.2.1.3 a are valid. 4.5.2.2 Arresters for information technology, IEC SC 37A / E DINVDE 0845 Part 2 Since October 1993, the German standard draft DIN VDE 0845 Part 2Schutz von Einrichtungen der Informationsverarbeitungs - und Telekommunikations-technik gegen Blitzentladung, Entladung statischer Elektrizitt und berspannungen aus Starkstromanlagen. (Protection of Data Processing and Telecommunication Equipment Against Lightning Discharge, Electrostatic Discharge and Surges from Power Plants) has been available. In this standard draft a difference is made between the following surge protective devices: Table 4.5.2.1.3 a NPE arrester. Voltages and currents in accordance with EDIN VDE 0675 Part 6/A2122 Overvoltage protection of low voltage systems o o o o gaps, including: (i) surge arresters, gas-filled (or gas discharge tube);(ii) creeping discharge arresters/air spark gaps; (iii) disconnecting spark gaps; and (iv) quenching spark gaps semiconductor protective elements and varistors surge limiters protecting and isolating transformers, including reduction transformers.

As this list shows, the standard draft DIN VDE 0845 Part 2 covers components as well as surge protectors (surge limiters). In the international standardization (IEC), components and protectors are treated in separate standard drafts (Figure 4.5.2.1 a): The specifications of the components (Components for low-voltage surge protection devices) are just being worked out by committee SC 37 B. At present there are four drafts: Draft IEC 61647-1: Specifications for gas discharge tubes (GDT) Draft IEC 61647-2: Specifications for avalanche breakdown diodes (ABD) Draft IEC 61647-3: Specifications for metal oxide varistors (MOV)

Draft IEC 61647-4: Specifications for thyristor surge suppressors(TSS). The specifications for surge protection devices are currently being worked out by the committee SC 37 A / WG4. This is entitled: IEC 61644-1: Surge protection devices connected to telecommunication and signaling networks.

There are plans to work out a second part, describing the selection and the application of surge protectors. As the standardizing work is developed by committee SC 37 A, the requirements concerning tests of arresters for information technology and arresters for power technology will be ensured and coordinated with regard to their classes of requirement and the conditions of application. The yellow printed E DIN VDE 0845 Part 2 specifies requirements and tests made for surge protection devices to be used in installations of data processing and telecommunication technology. The user-relevant electrical requirements and tests for surge limiters are briefly explained later. For surge limiters, the standard draft identifies a difference between type 1 and type 2: namely, that type 1 surge limiters are provided for use against transient overvoltages (for example, caused by lightning), and that type 2 surge limiters are provided for locations where additional AC interference lasting up to 0.5 s must be taken into account. 4.5.2.2.1 Important data for arrester selection Nominal voltage UN. The nominal voltage of an arrester serves for type characterization and is usually identical to the nominal voltage of the system where the arrester will be used. Rated voltage Uc. The value Uc indicates the maximum operating voltage for which the arrester is rated, and where its specified performance data are met. This value is a support for the user in selecting an arrester for the maximum operating data of a system or equipment. Nominal current IN. The nominal current is the maximum admissible operating current that may be carried over a current path of an arrester. Operating frequency range. In the operating frequency range the arrester shows an insertion loss of 3 dB or less. As the arresters usually have a low pass characteristic, the operating frequency range is described by the cut-off frequency fG.

For use in digital transmission systems a special data transmission speed vs is required instead of an operating frequency range. The possible data transmission speed for an arrester is associated with the transmission procedure used in the system. This procedure determines the necessary cutoff frequency in a system with a low pass characteristic. In telecommunication engineering Vs = 2fG, or practically, for example,vs = 1.25 x fG. Current carrying capacity/discharge capability. Here the same criteria are valid as for arresters for power engineering (see section 4.5.2.1a).

The standard draft E DIN VDE 0845 Part 2 does not state any requirements for lightning current arresters (lightning test currents Iimp). In the present state of engineering there are also arresters for information technology equipment which are lightning current conductive (seechapter 5.8.2). Protection level Up. In the standard draft E DIN VDE 0845 Part 2 this value is also called the maximum residual voltage. This parameter characterizes the maximum voltage that can arise at the terminals of the arrester for the specified loadings. When selecting an arrester it must be borne in mind that this value is below the destruction limit of the subsequent device. Further selection criteria are described in chapter 5.8.2.

4.5.2.2.2 Arrester coordination according to requirements and locations A detailed coordination of the arresters for information technology equipment according to the requirements and locations is not given in the standard draft E DIN VDE 0845 Part 2. Only a subdivision into loading classes according to their current carrying capacity has been made. A practicable coordination of the arresters into classes of requirements and locations is described in chapter 5.8.2. 4.5.2.3 Arrester coordination Now that classes of requirements and locations of the lightning current and surge arresters are known, the user or the project organizer must ensure the coordination of the arresters with regard to the devices to be protected. This is the only way to achieve optimally harmonized protection for systems and devices. In chapter 5.8.1.6.1, consideration is given to the graded use of arresters; the principle of energetic coordination will also be explained.