CONTENTS

The danger of overvoltage to wiring systems and electrical devices ........................................4

Induction of transient overvoltages by direct discharges .........................................................8
Lightning and surge protection of structures .......................................................................10
External protection of structures from the direct inuence of a lightning current...................12
Surge arrester systems in electrical systems ........................................................................17
Division of the electrical system into the impulse strength categories coordination
of insulation.....................................................................................................................18
Surge arresters in electrical systems ..................................................................................19
Classication of surge arresters ........................................................................................21
Class A surge arresters for overhead lines ........................................................................22
ETITEC B Type 1 (class B) surge arresters for indoor applications .....................................29
The ETITEC C- Type 2 (class C) surge arresters for indoor applications...............................33
The ETITEC D Type 3 (class D) surge arresters for indoor applications ..............................33
Connection of surge arresters in networks of different topologies .........................................36
Back-up protection of the surge arresters ............................................................................37
The SRF special fuses for protection of the surge arresters ..................................................40
Limiting voltage drops on conductors of surge arresters ......................................................42
Distribution of lightning current in systems of a structure ....................................................43
Two-step and multi-step protection systems........................................................................45

Structures requiring a two-level (T1+T2) surge protection system ...............................48

Systems of the ETITEC WENT (T1+T2) 3-phase arresters ..........................................50
Two-stage surge arresters ETITEC B T1+T2 (B+C), integrated in a single module............... 51

Example applications of surge arresters........................................................................ 52

Surge protection of photovoltaic systems (PV) ............................................................ 56
Surge protection in signal transmission lines (in telecommunications, control,
automation and measurements)..................................................................................... 61
Examples of protection systems for analog and digital transmission lines....................66
Example applications of ETITEC surge arresters......................................................... 68

ETI Polam Sp. z o.o. zastrzega sobie prawo do wprowadzania zmian podyktowanych staym postpem technicznym bez wczeniejszego powiadomienia.

 Current electro-technical environment needs lightning protection

The danger of overvoltage to wiring systems and electrical devices
It is hard to imagine contemporary industry without electrical and electronic devices such as power supply and
control systems. Sophisticated electronic devices facilitate, and sometimes even save our lives. However, they are
vulnerable to incidental voltage rise, i.e. overvoltage. Weather anomalies and storms with atmospheric discharges
appear more and more often, contributing to many damages including destruction of electronic devices and other
equipment, signicant material losses, and casualties among people and animals. Due to those sad experiences,
special attention was turned to equipping the structures with lightning and surge protection. The problem becomes
more signicant with growth of the scale of integration of electrical and electronic devices.
Wykres 1
Devices of larger scale of integration are more vulnerable to current
and voltage kicks. (see: Diagram 1).
These systems consume marginal
power, what considerably reduces
their resistance to the external electromagnetic factors. Electromagnetic
impulses are especially dangerous
for devices and systems as they can
negatively inuence devices even
in large distances from the point of
origin. The impulses, characterized
by very high peak intensity and short
rise time and duration, are generated
by the aforementioned atmospheric
discharges. Due to the parameters
of a lightning pulse, the atmospheric
discharges can act on the devices and
1950
1970
2000
their power cables in many ways. The
inuences include not only damages to the devices caused by the ow of lightning current but also disturbances in
their functioning, caused by the Lightning Electromagnetic Pulses (LEMP) of intensities comparable to intensities
of signals consumed and produced by the devices during operation.
The current owing in the discharge path generates a LEMP impulse, which may disturb electronic devices even
at a distance of several kilometres from the place where the lightning stroke. The LEMP inuences the devices
either directly or by inducing overvoltage wave in power and telecommunication lines, both overhead and underground. By moving to the supply and signal systems of the structures, the wave Wykres 2
may cause malfunction or even
permanent damage of the devices installed inside the structures. Such impulses may appear
every time a discharge occurs,
even if the lightning stroke far
from the structure where the
electric devices are installed.
The main danger, however, is
connected with discharge in a
close distance, and especially
with the cases when a thunderbolt strikes a structure directly.
This may result in generation of
both voltage and current surges
of high peak value, and impulse
electromagnetic elds.
The danger is connected with
direct inuence of the lightning
1950
1970
2000
current penetrating to the electronic devices circuits and with the inuence of the resistance voltage drops. Induction of overvoltage in bunches
of cables and the potential differences occurring inside structures constitute another danger. Communications and
data networks with the increasing information ow are more and more frequently aficted by the disturbances or
malfunctions of the supply networks, data transmission lines and terminal devices.

Figure 1 As shown above, atmospheric discharges do not miss even the

most important structures on the planet.

Overvoltages are the most common cause of damage to electronic devices. Computer networks, nowadays well
protected against viruses or intrusion, are still vulnerable to overvoltages in the supply networks and signal
transmission systems, that may damage the devices or block the network. The reaction of electrical devices to
impulse disturbances is unpredictable. Moreover, if the overvoltages in the supply network repeat, the lifetime of
the failure-free operating of electrical system is expected to shorten.
Overvoltages in low voltage power systems
Dangerous overvoltages in low voltage power systems are usually caused by:
- operation of other switching devices in the system (internal overvoltages Switching Electromagnetic Pulses /
SEMP/)
- ESD Electrostatic Discharge
- atmospheric discharges (external overvoltages)
Peak values of these overvoltages may exceed
electric strength of the devices insulation, which may
cause their damage or put people and animals lives
in danger. It is necessary to use appropriate safety
devices to prevent such situations.
Internal switching overvoltage may be caused by:
- fast and frequent changes of load of inductive
devices (engines, transformers, electromagnets) or
capacitive devices (capacitor banks)
- disconnecting of circuits by the fuses (Figure 2)
- switching on and off the inductive and capacitive
receivers by means of switches (e.g. thyristor switch)
which switch off the AC load before the current
reaches zero.
These overvoltages may reach dangerous values,
multiply exceeding nominal voltages of the devices
and often constitute serious danger to the insulation
of the switching system. Overvoltages caused by
static electricity come into existence as a result of
electrostatic charging of the devices, what leads to the
Figure 2. The voltage and current on a fuse in case of the creation of strong electric elds inside them, which
again may have negative inuence on operation of
circuit disconnection caused by short-circuit
the devices because of the ow of surface currents
(equalization of the potentials) or inducing voltage
and current noise.

Figure 3. Representation of various overvoltage levels in an electrical grid.

In case of electrostatic discharge, usually a spark discharge from a charged person to casing of an electronic
device containing highly integrated logic circuits, extremely vulnerable to discharges, ow of a transient current
may damage the device. The most effective method of protection against the electrostatic charge is leading the
charge to the ground. In order to achieve that, two types of technical solutions are applied:
- for objects of good conductance (> 10-4 S/m) equipotentialization based on earthing of all possible conductive
elements of the equipment
- for objects of smaller surface conductance equipotentialization is complemented (if possible) by increasing
their conductance by means of covering the objects with conductive substances - antistatic agents, especially in
the case of dielectrics.
In surroundings of a discharge-sensitive devices, i.e. in computer rooms, electronic laboratories, control rooms,
operating theatres, etc. the relative humidity of about 50% should be maintained to prevent discharges. Another
good idea is to screen the protected devices by means of electrostatic screens made from metal net or sheet.
Reasons for the transitory overvoltages caused by direct discharges
The reasons mentioned above appear in two cases:
When the atmospheric discharge strikes an earthed conductor of the external lightning protection system or earthed roof of the structure, and the discharge current is lead to the ground. The earthings impedance together with
the high discharge current cause difference of potentials an overvoltage. The overvoltage propagates into the
structure by wires and other conductive elements, damaging the more vulnerable devices inside the structure.
In case of atmospheric discharge to the overhead power line of the structure, high discharge current will ow
through the power line, making its way to the structure, and causing signicant overvoltages inside it. Damages
caused by the ow of such a high current are usually very vast and dangerous (e.g. open re in the switchgear or
the explosion of a switchgear).

Direct discharge between a cloud and a roof element

Direct discharge between a cloud and the structures

supply network

Direct discharge between a cloud and the structures supply network

The abovementioned transient overvoltages are also created in result of atmospheric discharge between
a cloud and the structures neighbourhood. They are caused by a sudden rise of the earths potential in
place of the discharge. Similarly, a rapid rise of intensity of the magnetic and electrostatic eld caused by
a discharge between a cloud and a neighbouring object such as a tree or a discharge between two clouds
may generate an overvoltage in the structure. These overvoltages, although of a lower level, may still
endanger the vulnerable electrical and electronic devices in the structure.

Discharge between a cloud and the structures

neighbourhood

Discharge between a cloud and a high object neighbouring the structure (magnetic coupling)

___ _ __ __ _ __ _ _ _
_ _ __ _
___ _ __ _ ______ ____
_
_ _
_ __ __ _ __
_ _

+
+
++
+ +
+ ++
+ +
+ +

Discharge between a cloud and a high object neighbouring the structure (electrostatic coupling)

Induction of transient overvoltages by direct discharges

As it has been already mentioned, in the case of a direct lightning cloud-to-ground discharge, a lightning electromagnetic pulse (LEMP) is generated. The magnetic component of the impulse is much more capable of generating
overvoltages inside the structure than its electric component. The LEMP generates induced overvoltages. There
are three basic mechanisms of transient overvoltage induction caused by direct inuence of the electromagnetic
lightning impulse:
1. Coupling by a common impedance galvanic interaction; e.g. caused by the earthings resistance or the resistance of the cables screen. In result of a lightning striking a structure, current ows through the structure to the
ground. The current may generate voltage between the elements of an external lightning protection system and a
distant earthing.
Depending on the earthings resistance, the generated voltage may reach several hundred kV. Similarly, the spreading of the lightning current in the external conducting elements like cables or pipes, which are connected with
the structures construction and lead to earth, might cause dangerous voltages. Moreover, owing in the cables,
the lightning current creates voltages between the conductor of a table and a screen.

2. Magnetic eld coupling in the system; (e.g. caused by loops marked L in the above picture). Flowing
in the lightning path as well as in the conductor of the Lightning Protection System, the lightning current creates a magnetic eld, which is proportional to the current rate-of-rise (di/dt) at a distance of about 100 meters.
The magnetic eld strength H(t) is inversely proportional to the distance from the centre of the discharge path
leading to the ground r. Penetrating the conductor, the magnetic eld induces voltage in the circuit created by
this conductor proportionally to the magnetic induction dH/dt.
3. Electric eld coupling; e.g. masts, aerials, etc. The electric eld intensity, which is equivalent to intensity of
initial discharge eld, reaches up to about 500 kV/m. After the main discharge to the ground, the electric eld
intensity suddenly decreases and the order of magnitude of the changes can reach 500 kV/s. This can result in
generation of spark-overs caused by considerable potential differences between the elements of the structures
system.
Things that inuence the electromagnetic eld penetration:
earthings
equalizer connections
screening
conducting elements of all systems in the structure and their topology

Similar mechanisms enable propagation of the overvoltages between structures, systems of which are connected.

Galvanic coupling
The overvoltages move over common impedances by galvanic path from the place the
discharge took place to another structure.
High lightning current causes overvoltage
on the earthings resistances, which moves
over the equipotential bonding to the connected conductors. Additional overvoltage
is generated mainly in inductive elements
(in accordance with the equation UL = L x
di/dt) because of the high rate of current rise
in the conductors transferring the lightning
current.

Inductive coupling
The inductive coupling acts through the
magnetic eld of a leading conductor,
according to the electromagnetic induction
principle. The overvoltage in a conductor
causes a sudden ow of a surge current
of high rate-of-rise di/dt. Simultaneously,
a strong magnetic eld is created around
the conductor. Voltage or overvoltage is
induced in any conductors in the coverage
of this eld. The overvoltage affects the
structure that is connected to the affected
system.

Capacitive coupling
The capacitive coupling acts through the
electric eld between two points of a large
potential difference. A high potential is put
to the conductive element of a device (1),
e.g. an air terminal in the time of an atmospheric discharge. An electric eld between
the element (1) and other parts of a lower
potential (e.g. supply or the data transmission conductor) (2) is created. The voltage
between (1) and (2) causes compensation
of the potentials and relocation of electric
charge in (2). This leads to the voltage rise
or overvoltage in conductor (2) and the
structure connected to it.

Lightning and surge protection of structures

LPZ - Lighting Protection Zone Concept
Basic means of the lightning and surge protection, dened in Polish and European standards are:
Isolating gaps, mainly between the conductors leading the lightning current to the ground and electric system
conductors or metal elements that can be directly touched
Equipotentialization together with equalizer connections and connections between the lightning arrester
device and all systems (earthing) and devices, on which no permanent electric potential may be found.
Additional protections such as protectors and lightning arresters on the entry point of the line to the struc
ture
Screening of conductors, apparatuses, rooms
To ensure a failure-free functioning of the devices and electric systems, their surge protection system should be
design with consideration of possible exposition of the devices to the external and internal noises of various character and level.
To design the surge protection according to the zone-based concept of protection, zones, in which overvoltages
and LEMPs of certain intensities are allowed, must be defined.
The following measures are used to isolate the zones:
screens (LEMP attenuation)
overvoltage arresters
cable ducts (cables) in and among the structures
The Lighting Protection Zones (LPZ) principle is shown below.
The apparatuses and devices to work in particular zone must feature surge resistance level higher than the peak
value of spurious signals permissible in a given LPZ. The most endangered zone is the 0 zone. Each subsequent
zone is characterized by lower permissible disturbance level.

10

Zone 0A
0A Zone
Electrical devices or systems working in the 0A zone are exposed to direct lightning stroke and inuence of the
lightning current of unlimited amplitude, and unlimited electromagnetic eld. It is assumed that a lightning current
from which the system has to be protected reaches 100 kA in 10ms.
The duration of the current pulse is 350 ms. The danger concerns technical devices that work in the open air and
are unprotected from voltage and current surges. Analyzing the aforementioned dangers, one should take under
consideration also the lightning current of parameters shown in Table 1 for various protection classes.
The class of the lightning protection corresponds to the effectiveness of the whole lightning protection system.
Effectiveness of the lightning protection system for the particular lightning protection classes has been shown in
Table 1.
Table 1

Lightning protection level

Parameter

Symbol

Unit

II

III - IV

Imax

kA

200

150

100

Duration of the rising edge

10

10

10

Pulse duration T2

350

350

350

Current peak value

Total charge

Qtotal

300

225

150

Pulse charge

Qimp

100

75

50

Specic energy

W/R

kJ/

10 000

5 600

2 500

Average steepnes

di/dt

kA/s

200

150

100

0,98

0,95

0,90 - 0,80

Effectiveness of the lightning protection system

Zone 0B
The devices that work in 0B zone are exposed to the direct inuence of the electromagnetic eld caused by the
lightning current (similarly as in the 0A zone) and voltage and current surges induced by the lightning currents.
However, they are not exposed to the direct lightning stroke. These devices are installed in unscreened structures,
deprived of their own electromagnetic screens (e.g. metal cover or housing) and unprotected against the voltage
and current surges.
Zone 1
This area is not exposed to direct lightning strikes but might be exposed to reduced lightning currents. The lightning current is reduced by the elements creating the rst level of the surge protection. The devices and systems
working in zone 1 are exposed to reduced electromagnetic eld.
Pulse electromagnetic eld is reduced when, penetrating into the 1 zone from the 0B zone, it hits a screen barrier
made of conducting elements of the structure such as:
- reinforced concrete walls
- solid room screens
- metal covers or housings of the devices.
Similarly, by introducing additional screens and voltage and current surge protection levels, depending on the
demand for the devices availability, the successive zones of the lightning protection are created. Surge arresters
should be installed between the zones in the electrical system and in the signal transmission lines.
Surge resistance of the technical equipment to be installed in a given zone should be higher surge than the permissible peak values of surges appearing in that zone. In most of the structures equipped in electronic devices or
systems, a two- or three-stage surge protection in an electrical systems and one- or two-stage protection in signal
transmission lines is used.
The lightning protection levels shown in Table 1. were dened in Polish norm PN-IEC 60124 and correspond to
the following requirements:
- IV-th level of lightning protection basic protection
- II-rd level of lightning protection restricted protection
- II-nd level of lightning protection structure threatened with explosion
- I-st level of lightning protection ground container threatened with explosion

11

External protection of structures from the direct inuence of a lightning current

In the time of a lightning directly striking a structure, a correctly designed and implemented external Lightning
Protection System (LPS) should take over the lightning current and effectively lead it to the ground. The ow of
a lightning current should not cause any damage to the protected structure and it ought to be safe for people and
animals both inside and outside the structure.
The design of external lightning protection system should meet the requirements of the Euro-norm EN 62305,
which comprehensively presents the issues of lightning protection. Other binding norms (in Poland) are: PN.../E-05003 - Lightning protection of structures and EN 60124 under the same name. Both of the norms came into
operation as obligatory rules.
From the norms mentioned above it can be concluded that:
- while evaluating the overvoltage threat to a structure and its wiring system, one should consider not only
the possibility of lightning directly striking the structure, its power line or elements of its lightning protec
tion system but also the possibility of atmospheric discharge near the structure and its power line (the latter
one causes overvoltage in the wiring system in result of inductive and resistive coupling);
- induced overvoltages exceeding the breakdown voltage of insulation of the protected devices can be caused
by lightning striking even at a distance of several kilometres from the protected structure;
- voltage drops caused by the ow of a lightning current on the earthing of particular structure result in
overvoltages in all interconnected systems (including wiring, plumbing and gas piping), also in neighbouring structures;
- presence of high objects (towers, trees, etc.) near the structure increases probability of overvoltage in its
wiring caused by a lightning striking the high objects. The overvoltage can occur even though the structure
is protected by individual lightning protection systems;
- overhead power lines are more exposed to lightning strikes and resulting overvoltages than underground
lines;
- the overvoltages generated in power systems by atmospheric discharges are not sufciently attenuated and
overcharge correctly coordinated insulation of electrical and electronic devices;
- the decision on the need of application of a lightning protection system and its design depends on the location of the structure, type (topology) of its systems, devices connected to the systems and their use the
decision should be taken on the basis of an assessment of the possible damage and its probability;
- in some cases protection from overvoltages caused by indirect discharges (sometimes frequent, but more temperate) may have a priority over protection from much higher but less frequent overvoltages generated by direct
discharges.
Conducting the risk assessment according to the aforementioned norm EN 62305 one should consider all possible
damages to the structure and its equipment by assessment of the possibility of:
a) exposure of living creatures to electric shock, caused by step and touch voltages generated by lightning
directly striking the structure or element of a system to which the structure is connected
b) physical (mechanical, thermal, explosive) damage caused by a ashover or lightning directly striking the
structure or element of a system to which the structure is connected.

Fig. 1 Average quantity of lightning strikes in Slovenia

12

c) electrical and electronic equipment failure caused by overvoltages resulting from resistive and inductive
couplings with direct discharges, discharges between a cloud and systems to which the structure is connected
and nearby discharges
One of the aspects that should be taken into consideration while estimating the danger is the local lightning ash
density to ground Ng (number/ km2/ year) either published by institutions registering lightning discharges (see
picture Fig 1-page 12: Lightning ash density to ground per square kilometre per year for Slovenia; isokeraunic
level) or assumed on the basis of coefcients specied in norms for particular latitudes.
After deciding on application of the external lightning protection system, one should design the system considering the aforementioned norms. The possibility of a lightning discharge penetrating the protected space is much
lower if the lightning protection system, and especially its elements such as terminals, conductors, etc. are well
designed.

Fig. 1 An appartment structure with an external lightning protection system.

When designing the terminals one, can be applied the following methods - independently or in any combination):
a) Method of the protection cone
b) Rolling sphere method
c) Mesh dimensioning
The method of protection cone refers to an imaginary cone ,
attached by its apex to the top of the air terminal and enclosing the protected structure. The method is based on dening
height of the cone and angle between its axis and generatrix
(a line segment joining the apex and any point on the boundary of the base) in such a way that the solid encloses the
protected structure. The protecting solid should reduce the
probability of lightning discharge penetrating to the protected
space to a sufciently low level corresponding to the protection level. Size of the terminal should be consistent with
the dependencies presented in table 2 on page 14.
Figure 2 Creating protection space by means of a single air terminal
13

Table 2 Basic parameters characterizing the protection properties of terminals on roof a structure.
Protection angle
Protection
level

Radius of
the sphere
R (m)

Grid width
R (m)

(o) 80
70

20

5x5

II

30

10 x 10

III

45

15 x 15

60
50
40
30
20

III

II

IV

10

IV

60

20 x 20

10

20

30

40

60

50

h(m)

Example of denition of protection space by means of a single air terminal on a building.

Angle 1 beside the structure depends on height of the air terminal(measured from the ground level)
Angle 2 on the structures roof depends on the height of the air terminal (measured from the roofs level)

Picture beside: An example of the protection zone created by two air terminals

14

The norms mentioned above, consider the possibility of determining of the protection zone with the use of the
rolling sphere method:
- in the neighbourhood of the analyzed building (Figure 1.)
- on the structures roof, on which technical devices (e.g. air conditioning elements, photovoltaic cells, etc,) are
installed (Figure 2.)
Places touched by the surface of the rolling (marked red in Figure 1) sphere are threatened with direct lightning.
Radii of the spheres for particular protection levels are shown in Table 2 on page 14. If all exposed points lie on
the lightning rod (Figure 2), then the protection system has been well designed. Otherwise, external protection
should be improved and another trial should be conducted. The protected area in the surrounding of the building
can also be dened by means of this procedure.

R
R

R
h

Figure 1. The principle of dening the protec

tion zone by the rolling sphere
method.

Figure 3. The principle of the rolling sphere

applied to a sloping roof.

Figure 2. The protected area is located under the line

joining the tops of the air terminals.

Figure 4. The principle of the rolling sphere

applied to a at roof.

Examples of realization of the protection zone by means of lightning rods

15

Method of dening protected areas by means of mesh dimensioning is used for designing lightning protection of
at roofs. Air terminals in forms of lightning rods and wires are arranged to create a net of precisely dened mesh
dimensions. During the creation of the net one should remember that:
- it is necessary to keep safe distances from the protected devices and systems,
- the air terminal may be lied directly on the roof or right above it under the condition that the owing lightning
current will not damage the roong or put it on re,
- if the roong is ammable the air terminals should have the form of either raised insulated horizontal wires or
vertical rods
- the dimensions of a single net mesh of the horizontal air terminal may not exceed the limits shown in Table 2
on page 14.
The vertical air terminals are used in places where:
- horizontal air terminals may not be applied due to technical reasons
- it is necessary to create a protection zone (e.g. above fuel tanks).
Air terminals, both natural and articial, are directly exposed to the lightning current. Every element of the lightning protection system must withstand ow of current specied by the parameters in Table 1 on page 11.
Figure 1. An example of mesh air terminal on a at roof.
Surge arrester systems in electrical systems
As it has been mentioned, voltage surges, current surges and electromagnetic pulses penetrating the low voltage
power systems of the protected structure should be reduced to levels permissible in the entered zone when passing
zone boundaries.

Grid width

Figure 1. An example of mesh air terminal on a at roof.

16

Surge arrester systems in electrical systems

As it has been mentioned, voltage surges, current surges and electromagnetic pulses penetrating the low voltage
power systems of the protected structure should be reduced to levels permissible in the entered zone when passing
zone boundaries.
During designing the surge arrester systems one should dene:
- the required protection level in an analyzed structure
- all possible ways of penetration of the protected devices and systems by surges
- the approximate values of voltage and current surge permissible in a given zone
- the level of surge resistance of the protected devices
- parameters of the surge arresters placed on the borders of particular protection zones.
General principles of creating such systems have been shown on Figure 1 on page 18.

Figure 1. Multistage system of the surge arresters and the division of the power system into protection zones,
required protection levels and categories.
17

Principles of design of surge protection systems

Basic parameters of an electrical installation

rated voltage and frequency
topology of the network
location of conductors
of the electrical installation in the structure

Level of surge hazard of

electrical installation and
devices
hazard posed by the
flow of a fraction of the
lightning current
hazard generated by
overvoltage of all kinds

Resistance of the devices

to:
current-voltage surges
(1,2/50 8/20)
one-time damped
sinusoidal waveforms
quick, repeated impul
ses

Definition of requirements concerning particular systems of arresters and

their placement

Selection of arresters that meet the defined requirements

Design of the surge protection system

Installation of the surge arresters in the electrical system

Figure 1. Design principles for surge protection systems

Division of the electrical system into the impulse strength categories coordination of insulation
Figure 1, page 17, shows the multi-level surge protection system and the division of the electrical system:
into protecting zones, required protection levels in the zones, and four impulse strength categories according to the
norm PN-IEC 60364-4-443. The categories were introduced to group the electrical devices with respect to requirements concerning reliability and damage risk level. If the electrical devices are chosen properly, the insulation of
the electrical system is said to be coordinated.
The coordination of the insulation with respect to transient overvoltage consists in limiting the overvoltage levels
through application of different means of protection, depending on the overvoltage category. Thanks to this the risk
of damage of the devices connected to the system is reduced. The principles give guidelines for dening where in
the electrical system the overvoltage of given values may appear for particular category of installation.
Surge strength category IV includes devices located in the beginning of the electrical system, e.g. before the
main switchgear, which are exposed both to switching overvoltage and to overvoltage resulting from atmospheric
discharges. These devices should be designed for 6 kV surge strength of the insulation.

18

Surge strength category III includes devices exposed to switching overvoltage and overvoltage reduced by
(class A) arresters and generated by atmospheric discharges. These devices include: power transmission network,
switchgears, elevator power supplies, lighting of corridors, stairways, maintenance rooms, etc.

Electrical
devices

Required protection level

Up = 1,8 kV to 2,5 kV

Kat. IV

Electrical devices with

sensitive electronic
elements

Very sensitive elekctronic

devices

Sensitive elekctronic
devices

Required protection level

Up = 1,5 kV to 1,8 kV

Required protection level

Up = 1 kV to 1,5 kV

Kat. III

Kat. II

Required protection level

Up = 0,5 kV to 1 kV
Kat. I

Fig. 1 Example division of devices with respect to the required surge strength and protection level.
Surge strength category II includes devices connected to the mains (including portable devices) and exposed to
switching overvoltage and reduced atmospheric discharges, for example domestic appliances and devices required
to offer high availability. Acceptable overvoltage is lower than for category III.
Surge protection category I contains devices particularly protected, with requirements of high reliability, such
as computer systems, telecommunications and medical systems. (Figure 1.)
Devices of higher categories have more surge strength and enable more methods of surge protection to be
applied. Surge arresters applied to overhead lines (A class) are aimed at protecting IIIrd category the systems.
Surge arresters in electrical systems
Varistor surge arresters ETITEC (Fig. 2) protect electrical devices and systems from the effects of both atmospheric and switching overvoltage. Varistor (Fig. 2, p. 20) is the only active element of an arrester of this type. It is a
resistor, made of zinc oxide (ZnO) sinter (Fig 4, p. 20). It has a strongly nonlinear voltage-current characteristics
(Fig. 1, p. 20).
Several points of operation of the varistor can be distinguished in the characteristics. The rst one is the permanent
operation point. It is characterized by the permanent operation voltage (Uc) the root mean square (RMS) of the
alternating voltage than can be permanently delivered to the arrester. In practice this is the voltage that causes a
small leakage current (over a dozen micro amperes) ow through the varistor. Under these conditions the arrester
has a very large resistance.
When overvoltage appears on the terminals of the arrester, its resistance rapidly drops and the surge discharge
current starts owing through the arrester. The discharge voltage (voltage drop on the terminals of the arrester
resulting from the ow of the discharge current) determines the protection level of the arrester and effectiveness of
the protection.

Figure 2 Surge arrester with a

varistor and a thermal fuse.
Figure 3 ETITEC surge arresters
19

Two protection levels: lightning and switching have been marked in the characteristics of the varistor (Figure 1).
The lightning protection level species the voltage drop resulting from the ow of the lightning current surge through the arrester (characteristic shape 8/20 s), while the switching protection level determines the voltage drop
caused by the ow of a switching current surge (shape 20/60 s). After the discharge current has owed through
the arrester, which led the discharge energy to the ground, the arrester returns to the previous point of operation and
is able to handle another overvoltage.

Figure 2 Varistor elements of ETITEC

surge arresters.

Figure 1 Voltage-current characteristics of the

varistor surge arresters.

The ZnO varistors are crystal semiconductors composed of grains of ZnO and other metal oxides (e.g. Bi2O3,
CoO, MnO) in various quantities. They are mixed carefully and pressed (see: Fig. 2.). Apart from ZnO grains,
which are 5-20 m in diameter, and additional solid or melted elements, there are also numerous defects (holes) in
the crystal structure.

Figure 4. Internal structure of a ZnO varistor

Figure 3. A diagram of varistor microstructure

with the current path marked
Both impurities and defects may be jonized by an external electric eld; the generated spatial charge create a barrier of potentials with negative charges on the boundary of the ZnO grains (Fig. 3). This barrier plays major role in
the mechanism of conduction of the discharge current.
Current ow in the material goes through numerous parallel paths consisting of many grains and contacts between
grains connected in series. Therefore the total current consists of many components owing simultaneously between
the terminals of the varistor. With voltage growth consecutive paths are activated resulting in increase of the current. ( Fig. 4).

Figure 4 A diagram of the current paths

creation in an oxide varistor
20

Figure 5 The discharge voltage and current during operation of a varistor surge arrester.

The time from the moment when voltage on the varistor reaches certain level to activation (entering the conducting
state) of the arrester is usually a few tens of nanoseconds. Such a short time of activation of the varistor arresters is
a signicant advantage over the spark gap arresters. A varistor arrester conducts the current with the whole volume
of the varistor and thus it has the capability of absorbing high energies and resisting current surges.
Because after activation and conducting the discharge current varistor arresters return to the isolating state in a very
short time, they are free from the phenomenon of follow currents which aficts the spark gap arresters. Moreover
the varistor elements can be connected in parallel to increase the current-carrying capacity of the resulting arrester,
which again is a huge adventage.
Every arrester contains a thermal fuse which disconnects the varistor when the discharge current exceeds maximum
allowed level.
Classication of surge arresters
The surge arresters applied to electrical systems of voltages below 1000 V can be classied with respect to the
possible threats and required protection levels. Applications of surge arresters of various classes and their places in
topology of the electrical systems are shown in Table 1.
Table 1 Classication of surge arresters applied to low voltage power systems.

Name of the arrester

Class
Type
(according
to IEC
61643-11)

Surge arresters applied

to overhead lines

II (A)

Lightning arresters
(SPD)

I (B)
Type 1
II (C)

Surge arresters (SPD)

Type 2
III (D)
Type 3

Application

Point of application

Protection from atmospheric and switlow voltage overhead power lines

ching overvoltage
Protection from the direct inuence of
Point of entry of the electrical system to a
the lightning current (equalization of
structure with lightning protection system.
potentials inside structures), from atmoTerminal, main switchgear
spheric and switching overvoltages
Protection from induced atmospheric
overvoltage, switching overvoltage Nodes of the electrical system of the strucand all kinds of overvoltage that can be
ture, main switchgear
passed unltered by class I arresters.
Secondary switchgears, switchgears in
Protection from induced atmospheric
ats, electrical sockets, junction boxes,
overvoltage and switching overvoltage
directly in devices

The IEC 61643-1 1 norm denes three classes of tests of surge arresters. The classes dene the discharge current
and the shape of the pulse applied to the arresters during the test. The classes dened in the norm are:
- Class I (type I). Arresters of this class are tested with current Iimp of the form 10/350 s (corresponding to
direct lightning current) Fig. 1
- Class II (type 2) arresters are tested with current In of the form 8/20 s (corresponding to indirect inuence
of the lightning current reduced by class I arresters) or with switching overvoltage Figure 1.
- Class III (type 3) arresters are subjected to the same test current as for class II and additionally to voltage
pulse U of the shape 1,2/50 s

Iimp
10/350 s
50% Iimp
Imax
8/20 s

50% Imax

t (s)
20

Figure 1 The shapes of test impulses 10/350 and 8/20

350

) - The standard IEC 61643-1 has been already replaced for standard 61643-11
21

Imax and Iimp are the highest values of surge current which can be lead to ground through a surge arrester:
- Imax maximal surge current of 8/20 shape, applied for class II (or C) arresters Type 2
- Iimp maximal surge current of 10/350 shape, applied for class I (or B) arresters Type 1
Class I (or B) arresters should be resistant to ve rising surges (0,1 Iimp, 0,25 Iimp, 0,5 Iimp, 0,75 Iimp, Iimp) of
10/350 shape
Class II (or C) arresters should be resistant to ve rising surges (0,1 Iimp, 0,25 Iimp, 0,5 Iimp, 0,75 Iimp, Iimp) of
8/20 shape
Class A surge arresters for overhead lines
The division of arresters into classes A, B, C, and D, used in the German norms VDE, is still present in the professional nomenclature. Surge arresters marked in Table 1, p. 21, as class A are intended for protecting the overhead power lines and transformers.
They are characterized by the rated current (In) and limiting discharge current (Imax) of a 8/20 shape. This is equivalent to the danger created by atmospheric discharges in the neighbourhood of the overhead lines (gure 4,
page 23) or a direct discharge in line in a signicant distance from the place in which class A surge arresters are
installed. (Figure 3, page 23)
Unfortunately, during the direct discharge between a cloud and the external lightning protection system (gure 1,
page 23) or the overhead line (Figure 2, page 23) in the neighbourhood of the arresters, currents highly exceeding
their surge strength reach the arresters. The arresters are damaged and destructive surges of unlimited values
penetrate the structure. Danger occurs also inside objects supplied from a short cable line.

Figure 1. ETITEC A-O surge arrester

with a disconnector

Figure 3. Section of ETITEC AQ

Figure 2. ETITEC AQ surge
surge arrester without
arrester without
a disconnector
a disconnector
Within the framework of the surge protection, it is purposeful to install a class A overhead arrester (Figure 1.) as
the rst level of protection. The offer of surge arresters is systematically complemented with new products featuring better parameters. Therefore, while analysing possible designs of the surge protection system, one should
take this level of protection into consideration. Class A arresters remarkably improve the low voltage power lines
operating conditions and enable harmonious cooperation of the next levels (arresters of class B, C, ... etc.) of a
multi-level surge protection.

Figure 4. An arrangement of the ETITEC A surge arresters in an overhead low voltage power line.
22

Figure 1. Direct atmospheric discharge

between a cloud and an air
terminal.

Figure 2. Close atmospheric discharge

between a cloud and conductors of
an overhead line.

Figure 3. Distant atmospheric

discharge between a cloud
and conductors of an overhead line.

Figure 4. Atmospheric discharge in

the neighbourhood of an
overhead line.

23

The designer of a surge protection system for a power line of voltage less than 1000 V should choose suitable class
A arresters and arrange them in an appropriate manner. The task of the arresters is to protect overhead lines, switching station devices, and electrical systems in the structure. In the lines of a distribution network, class A surge
arresters should be installed:
- in the end of every section of the overhead line
- in places where the overhead line changes into the cable line
- in supply lines to which the building is connected. In this case, the class A arresters should be installed on support
of the closest overhead power line, or in the point of entry to the building, in the neighbourhood of the on-wall
insulators outside the building
- on the low voltage side of the transformers, which are protected by the surge arresters on the high voltage side.
Maximal distance between the surge arresters is about 500 m (Figure 4, page 22). On areas with high local lightning
ash density to ground, distance of about 300 m is recommended. Topology of connection of the surge arresters
depends on the conguration of the low voltage power system (Figure 1).
L1

L2

L1

L2

L3

PEN

L3

Figure 1. The arrangement of ETITEC A arresters on

a pole supporting an overhead power line.
Direct atmospheric discharge between a cloud and an overhead power line is one of the most dangerous cases. To
assess the danger of overvoltage, it can be assumed that the discharge is a current source (generating current ib)
connected to the conductor of the overhead line (see: Figure 2.). Because the lightning current ows in both directions, surge current ib/2 has to be considered in the assessment.

UV
ib
i_b
2

ib
_
2

Figure 2. Direct discharge in the overhead line simulation.

Assuming that the wave impedance Z of the overhead power lines conductor is about 400 , the voltage generated
by the surge current U= Z x ib/2. For example, for the lightning current of a peak value I=20kA and wave impedance Z=400 , the resulting voltage U = 4000 kV. Due to the limited surge strength of the stand-off insulators
in the real overhead lines, an overvoltage lower than 4000 kV causes a breakdown of the insulator, after which the
voltage level between the conductor and the ground depends on the voltage drop on the conductors inductance and
the resistance of the earthing of the supporter, on which the breakdown took place.

Figure 3. A scheme of the

ETITEC A Q connection on the overhead
power line supporter.
24

i (kA)
5

a)

4
3
2
1
t (s)
0

10

15

20

25

Discharge current 5 kA , 8/20 s

Um (kV)
60

b)

50
40
30
20
t (s)
10

10

15

20

25

Max. voltage Um = 55 kV
Figure 1. The distribution of the voltage on an overhead
power line.

c)

Um = Up + i Rz + Ldi/dt

Figure 1 shows the distribution of the voltage on an overhead line in the case of an atmospheric discharge of 5 kA
(8/20). According to c) the total voltage Um consists of:
- the nominal level of arrester protection Up; about 2kV
- voltage drop on the earthings inductance L, (Ldi/dt); at discharge current of 5 kA, 8/20 s and for rate of rise (di/
dt) about 1kA/s, maximal voltage drop is about 10 kV
- voltage drop on the earthings resistance Rz (iRz); about 50 kV.
Diagram b) Um = f(t) shows the maximal value of the voltage Um about 55 kV. Of course, the A class surge arresters cannot effectively protect the systems of the building at the rated discharge current. Their task is to protect the
low voltage overhead power lines.

Figure 2. ETITEC AQ surge arresters installed on an overhead nn line.

Selection of the ETITEC AQ arresters according to the conditions of operation
Selection of the surge arresters should be made with consideration of at least:
- continuous operating voltage Uc
- voltage protection level Up
- rated discharge current In (8/20)
- maximal discharge current Imax (8/20)
Continuous operating voltage (Uc)
The permanent duty voltage Uc is the highest root-mean-square value of the constant or alternating voltage, which
might be applied permanently to the arrester. The voltage Uc of the surge arresters installed between the phase and
the neutral conductor N should full the following condition:
Uc 1,1 Um/3
Where Um is the highest power voltage.
25

In the TN or TT networks, apart from installing the surge arresters between the L phase and the neutral conductor N
and the neutral conductor and earth, surge arresters of continuous operating voltage Uc=280V should be installed.
The continuous operating voltage should full the following condition:
Uc 1,1Um.
The surge arresters of continuous operating voltage Uc =500V should be installed in the TT networks, TN phasephase protection, and the IT systems by the phase-neutral conductor and phase-phase protection. (see: Table 1.)
Table 1. Selection of continuous operating voltage Uc of the ETITEC AQ arresters depending on the type
of network and the way the arrester is installed
Network topology/method of connection
TN-S
TN-C
TNC-S
TT
IT
Between the phase (L1, L2, L3) and con280 V
280 V
280 V
280 V
500 V
ductor PEN or PE and N
Between phases L1, L2, L3
500 V
500 V
500 V
500 V
500 V

Voltage protection level Up

Voltage protection level Up is a parameter characterizing the arresters effectivity in limiting voltage on its terminals during the flow of discharge current In. This value is specified by the producer. In practice the protection level
of surge arresters is determined through examination of the ratio of voltage protection level to continuous operating
voltage Uc. The lower the quotient, the wider the protection range of insulation of the protected devices. If the
required protection level cannot be reached through a single surge arrester, additional systems of arresters should
be applied.
Rated discharge current In
Rated discharge current In is the peak value of the current of 8/20 s shape, owing through the arrester. It is
used in the classication of arresters tests for the class II. Average value of the currents stemming from the atmospheric discharges is about 30 kA. When the lightning strikes the overhead line, this current will ow in three
phases (often in four conductors) in both directions.
With certain approximation it might be assumed that the current owing through the arrester comes to In=I/6,
where I is the value of the lightning current. Then the current owing through the arrester will come to In = 30
kA/6 = 5 kA
From the above it might be concluded that the surge arrester of the rated discharge current In=5 kA and Imax=10
kA sufciently protects the low voltage system or transformer. On the areas where local lightning ash density to
ground is higher than average (Figure 1, page 12) we strongly recommend to use surge arresters of the discharge
current In=10kA and Imax=15kA.
Maximal discharge current Imax
Maximum discharge current Imax is the peak value of a current of 8/20 waveform, which can be safely discharged by a class II device. Selection of this parameter is in fact a secondary matter as it is derived from the choice
of the preceding parameter, In. The Imax of ETITEC A surge arresters is on the level of 40 kA.
Table 2. Basic parameters of the surge arresters nn ETITEC AQ
Technical parameters
Technical parameters
Continuous operating voltage Uc
Rated discharge
current In
Maximum
discharge current
Imax
Protection level Up
at current In
Working temperature range
Equipped with a
disconnector

26

ETITEC A

ETITEC A

ETITEC A

ETITEC A

ETITEC A

ETITEC A

ETITEC A-O

ETITEC A-O

ETITEC A-O

ETITEC A-O

ETITEC A-O

ETITEC A-O

ETITEC A-O

ETITEC A-O

ETITEC A-O

ETITEC A-O

ETITEC A-O

ETITEC A-O

280/5

500/5

660/5

280/10

500/10

660/10

280/15

500/15

660/15

280

500

660

280

500

660

280

500

660

10

10

10

15

15

15

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

950

1500

1750

950

1500

1750

1600

2000

2200

no/yes

yes

yes

yes

from - 40 to + 80
no/yes

no/yes

no/yes

no/yes

no/yes

The structure of ETITEC AQ surge arresters and installation directions

L or N terminal

Disconnector
Fault indicator
PE - terminal
Figure 1. ETITEC A-O surge arrester with the breakdown indicator (isolator) dropped off.

Figure 2. The system of internal connection in

ETITEC A-O surge arrester.

As it has been shown in Figure 1, in the lower part of the ETITEC A-O arrester there is an isolator, which:
- identies the arrester to be exchanged through exposure of the characteristic red part
- disconnects the surge arrester that needs to be exchanged from the earthing, what prevents permanent short-circuit to ground in case of damage to the varistor
The connections of the surge arresters dedicated to installation on overhead lines should conform to the directions
included in the document issued by the PTPiREE (Polish Association of Transmission and Distribution of Electric
Energy) entitled The Surge Protection of the Power Systems executive instructions (issued in Pozna in 1999).
The cross-section of the conductors connecting the arrester, the phase conductors and the earthing should not be
less than 10 mm2 (Cu) and 16 mm2 (Al). The conductors should be as short as possible to prevent generation of
considerable voltage drops by the ow of discharge current (Figure 1 c, page 25)
We recommend the ETITEC A arresters to be installed in earthing points of the PE or PEN conductors. In other
cases a dedicated earthing should be implemented for the arrester. The resistance of the ETITEC A surge arresters
earthings should not be higher than 10 .
Attention: The versions of ETITEC A-O with an isolator must be connected to the earthing with a exible
conductor (cord). Cooperage or stiff conductors are not allowed.
Table 1. Specication of line terminals in the ETITEC AQ surge arresters
Specication
Line terminal type
Application
ETITEC
ETIT
AQ.../.../A

Corrosion-resistant metal clamp

Overhead lines with uninsulated

conductors

Double clamp piercing the insulation from both sides

Overhead lines with insulated conductors.

Designed for overhead line connections with insulated conductors.
May work as a single clamp.
Conductors cross-sections to 95
mm2.
Tightening torque - 22 Nm.

ETITEC AQ.../.../B

27

Table 1 Specication of liner clamps in the ETITEC AQ surge arresters

Specication
Liner clamp type
Application
ETITEC AQ.../.../C

One-side insulation piercing double

clamp

Overhead lines with insulated

wires.
Suitable for overhead terminals
with insulated wires. May be
used as a single clamp.
Wire cross-section: up to 95
mm2
Tightening torque - 22 Nm.

ETITEC AQ.../.../D

16 mm ASXSn conductor,
600 mm long

Adapted to application on
overhead lines with insulated
conductors with most double
insulation-piercing clamps (e.g.
ERICO, ENSTO, MALICO).

M8 bolt

Multi-purpose version; may be

used in the case when an arrester
has to be replaced but there is
no need to replace complete set
together with the line terminal.

M8 bolt

Multi-purpose version.
An ETITEC A arrester with ejectable wire linking the PE terminal with earth.
The wire is ejected when the
varistor element of the arrester is
damaged

ETITEC AQ .../.../E

ETITEC AQ .../.../ - OL

Example of a catalogue indication:

Specication of continuous operating voltage (V)

Specication of the
liner clamp

ETITEC AQ 500 / 15 / A - O
Specication of
nominal discharge
current In (kA)
28

Varistor damage indicator, isolator (option)

A line terminal for uninsulated conductors

B double clamp piercing the insulation from
two sides, up to 95 mm2 (may work as a
single clamp)
C double clamp piercing the insulation from
one side, up to 120 mm2
D 16 mm2 ASXSn conductor, 600 mm long
E terminal in form of M8 bolt
F ENSTO SL. 9. 21 clamp

ETITEC B Type 1 (class B) surge arresters for indoor applications

A system of surge arresters, as the rst step of surge protection of a structure, should protect the systems and devices in the building from consequences of:
- Direct atmospheric discharge between a cloud and the structure
Remote signalization (RC)
- Lightning striking overhead power lines to
of fault varistor
which the structure is connected
- Lightning striking near low voltage underground lines
- Switching overvoltage and overvoltage
induced by atmospheric discharges
ETITEC B Type 1 surge arresters meet the
requirements of class I (B) test and are intended for lightning protection and equipotentialization of category IV systems. The arresters
of different types should be able to take overr
particular lightning currents without suffering
any damage. Type 1 (class B) surge arresters
are applied in points of entry of a power
network (Fig. 1 page 17) or in the main Figure 1. ETITEC B surge
switchgear of a building equipped with
arrester.
external lightning protection system. Type
1 (class B) arresters of rated continuous
operating voltage Uc between 150V and 300V
are required to provide protection level Up not
exceeding 4kV (zone 1). In case of ETITEC
B surge arresters applied to cable connections
there is no need for any safety gaps because
varistor arresters, on the contrary to some spark
gap arresters, do not generate electric arc when
extinguishing pulse of a lightning current.
ETITEC B surge arresters should be connected between conductors of low voltage power
network while earthing should be connected in
the following manner (Fig. 1 page 30):

Figure 2. Topology of ETITEC

Bs internal circuit.

- In networks of TN and TT topology

Figure 4. Topology of the
If the neutral conductor is earthed at the
circuit of ETITEC B
point of origin of the installation, between Figure 3. ETITEC B 230/100G
surge
arrester-spark
230/100G spark gap.
every unearthed phase conductor and
gap
earthing
If the neutral conductor is not eartherd
at the beginning of the installation, between every unearthed phase conductor
and earthing and between neutral conductor and earthing
- In a TT network
Between every phase conductor and earthing and between the neutral conductor (if any) and earthing
When selecting arresters of the first level of protection type 1 one should consider the possibility of lightning current
surge to ground of the peak value of about 200 kA and of the shape of 10/350 s. Thus, rated currents of type 1
(class B) arresters should also have the shape of 10/350 s and amplitudes about several tens of kA depending on
the expected distribution of lightning current.
As it has been mentioned before, surge arresters type 1 (class B) should be applied when the structure is equipped
with external lightning protection system. The arresters should have the following parameters:
Minimum surge current Iimp = 12,5 kA and maximum protection level Up = 4000 V.
Minimum surge current Iimp = 12,5 kA has been assumed on the basis of calculations presented in Fig. 3, page 30.
Discharge current of 100 kA has been assumed for the purpose of above calculations.

29

Figure 1. Example distribution of current surge of 100 kA resulting from a direct lightning strike
During a direct discharge between a cloud and lightning protection system 50% of the current surge flows directly
to earthing and 50% to other systems of the structure (wiring, plumbing, gas piping). For the calculation to be safe
it has been assumed that part of the current flows to the electrical system. In case of TNC-S and TT network topologies the current equals 12,5 kA (50kA/4) for every conductor. A detailed analysis of distribution of the discharge
current is going to be conducted in one of the following chapters.
Topology of connection of ETITEC B type 1 arresters to mains
Main distr. box

Sub distr. box

B1
L1
L2

kWh

L3
PEN

B2

PE

3 x ETITEC B
( 3+0)

Figure 2. Connection of ETITEC B arresters to a TNC-S (3+0) topology network.

MEB

Type TNC-S

Sub distr. box

Main distr. box

B1

L1

kWh

L2
L3
N
PE

B2

4 x ETITEC B
(4+0)

Type TNS

30

MEB

Figure 3. Topology of connection

of ETITEC B arresters to a
TNS (4+0) network.

Figure 1. Connection of ETITEC B arresters to a TT (3+1) network.

Figure 2. Connection of ETITEC B arresters to an IT (3+0) network.

From the diagrams it is apparent that ETITEC B surge arresters diminish the increase of potential by conducting
the lightning current. These arresters decrease difference of potentials between conductors and provide protection
of the electrical system and connected devices.
Distribution of current in a branch with surge arresters before and after their activation is shown in Figure 3.

a)

b)

L1

L1

Discharge
current

L2

ETITEC B

Discharge
current

L2

L3

L3

PEN

PEN
ETITEC B

EB

Earthing

EB

Earthing

Figure 3. Distribution of lightning current in a system with surge arresters after direct discharge between a
cloud and an air terminal of the structure
a) before activation of the arresters
b) after activation of the arresters

31

Discharge current
E
ETITEC
B
Type 1
T

Up

Protected
device

U [V]

6000
5000

U [V]
2500

4000

2000

3000

1000

Up

2000

500

500

0
2

8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 t[ms]

-500

8 10 12 14

16 18 20 t[ms]

-500

Figure 1. Current ow through an arrester in the direction of the mains

During the ow of the lightning current through the ETITEC B arrester the voltage drop on the arrester Up constitutes the level of voltage protection of the arrester and, in the same time, the voltage on the protected structure.
On the basis of the principle of distribution of the lightning current and its peak values (Table 1 page 11) it can be
assumed that, in case when there are no systems other than the mains, half of the lightning current specied for
particular protection levels can ow into the system of arresters.
Therefore, currents that ow through particular ETITEC B arresters can be estimated using the data from the below
table 1, where n denotes the number of conductors which can conduct lightning current. For example in a TN-S
network these are L1, L2, L3, N and PE, and thus n=5.
Table 1 Current that can ow through ETITEC B type 1 surge arresters.
Current
Protection level

TN network

TT network

TT network*
with arresters

TT network** with
spark gaps 230/100 G

IT network

100 kA/n

100 kA/n

100 kA/n

100 kA

100 kA/n

II

75 kA/n

75 kA/n

75 kA/n

75 kA

75 kA/n

III and IV

50 kA/n

50 kA/n

50 kA/n

50 kA

50 kA/n

* - system of four ETITEC B surge arresters (4+0)

** - system of three surge arresters and one spark gap ETITEC B 230/100 G (3+1)

32

The ETITEC C- Type 2 (class C) surge arresters for indoor applications

The varistor surge arresters of Type 2, that meet the requirements of the class II (C) test, are intended for protection against surges of values corresponding to the surge strength category I or II. (Figure 1, page 17) Their task is
to protect the electrical system from overvoltage caused by switching activities of connected devices and distant
or close but reduced atmospheric discharges.
The discharge capacity of the surge arresters
Remote signalization (RC)
of Type 2 (C) is measured for surges no lower
of fault varistor
than 5 kA, with rising time of 8 s, and time
to half value of 20 s (Figure 1, page 21) They
are installed as a second level of protection in
structures equipped with external lightning
protection system or connected to an overhead
power line, or as a rst level of protection in
structures which do not need multi-stage protection, i.e. structures without external lightning protection system and with a cable power
line (at least 200m long).
The ETITEC C Type 2 arresters have the current strength In=5 20 kA (8/20 s) and the
level of reduced voltage (protection level)
Up<1,3 kV, and thus meet the requirements of
2nd zone and category II of impulse strength.
Most of the devices of everyday use, featuring Figure 1.ETITEC C 275/20
Figure 2. Internal structure of the
surge voltage withstand capacity below 2,5
ETITEC C 275/20 Type
Type 2 varistor surge
kV belong to this zone and category.
2 varistor surge arrester
arrester.
The ETITEC D Type 3 (class D) surge arresters for indoor applications
ETITEC D Type 3 varistor surge arresters, which meet the requirements of class III (D) test, are intended for
precise overvoltage protection of receivers particularly sensitive to short-time overvoltages. The insulation of these
devices can withstand surges not exceeding 1,5 kV. (Figure 1, page 17) In electrical systems the Type 3 arresters
usually cooperate with the arresters of Type 1 and 2 (B and C), forming a multi-level surge protection system. Most
commonly, the two-level system comprised of the systems of arresters of Type 1 and 2 ensures satisfactory protection of the devices, the arresters of Type 3 serving as the systems complementation. They are designed for the
supply networks of the devices vulnerable to overvoltages, i.e. computer, telecommunication, or radio-television
equipment. They are also intended for protection
of devices located too far from Type 2 arrester.
For the ETITEC D arresters we advice the length
of the conductors between the Type 2 arresters
and Type 3 arresters to be no shorter than 5m. In
an electrical system, Type 3 surge arresters are
installed after the residual current devices, which
enables to eliminate their inuence on the RDC.
This requirement is met by ETITEC D surge arresters meet this requirement thanks to an integrated
spark gap which reduces overvoltage and eliminates leakage current between phase conductor L
or neutral conductor N and the protective wire P.
It also reduces the overvoltage between the phase
and neutral conductor without unnecessary activation of RCD.
Figure 3. ETITEC D
275/3 Type 3 varistor
surge arrester

Figure 4. Internal structure

of the ETITEC D 275/3
Type 3 varistor surge
arrester

33

Signalling of varistor damage in surge arresters

The varistor surge arresters are designed to be capable of long operation without any service. In nominal rating,
their estimated lifetime is about 200 thousand hours. During this period they are able to earth the system innitely many times. As it has been already mentioned, the ETITEC varistor surge
Failure indicator
arresters present high resistance during normal operation in absence of disturbances. In reaction to an overvoltage wave they switch to conducting state in
several microseconds. The pressure shock, especially after it has exceeded
the nominal values (e.g. amplitude and duration), may damage (blow) the
varistor and switch it off from the circuit. This is the moment when the protecting activity of the surge arrester ends. The user or the service staff have
to be informed as soon as possible. All surge arresters have visual signalling
of varistor damage. Damage of the varistor is signalled by a red colour in the
control window. The varistor cartridge should be replaced without dismantling of the arresters base from the TH35 rail. All replaceable varistors have
a specially proled blocking element in their contact part (Figure ...), which
makes it impossible to connect cartridge of the wrong class or type to the base.
Visual control (especially after every storm with atmospheric discharges) of
large number of arresters installed e.g. in a multi-storey building of a big
company, is extremely troublesome. That is why the ETITEC surge arresters
are equipped with additional contacts for remote signalling of their varistor
damage. The RC series of arresters is equipped with aforementioned external Figure 1. Signalling of varistor
contacts (Figure 2.) for connecting an external circuit for signalling (acoustic
damage in surge arrester
or visual) varistor damage or removal of the cartridge by unauthorized person.
Type 2. Damage indicator
A conductor of maximum cross-section of 1,5 mm2 may be attached to the
signalling contacts (RC). The maximum load of
the signalling contacts is 0,5 A/ 250V~. The contacts are marked with numbers 14, 11, 12, where
the pair 11-12 indicates a break contact (NZ) and
11-14 marks a make contact (NO). Figure 2 presents an example circuit of the external acoustic
and visual signalling of damage or removal of the
ETITEC surge arresters varistor element. A diagram of the contacts that signal the damage of the
varistor is shown in Figure 3. A bell or a signalling lamp (also available from ETI Polam) may
be used as the signalling element. The possibility
of removing the varistor module from the arresters base (Figure 3.) is a huge advantage over the
integrated arresters. It is connected not only with
the necessity of the replacement of the varistor in
case of failure. Thanks to a special element identifying the cartridge (Figure 3.), the construction
of both the base and the cartridge makes it impossible to connect the elements if their parameters
do not match. An arrester correctly installed in the
supply network disturbs measurements of resistance of systems insulation and of short-circuit
loop. While service measurements of the installa- Figure 2. Circuit for signalling varistor damage
tion are performed, all varistor cartridges of the
surge arresters should be removed from the bases
to avoid counterfeit results.

Figure 3. Replaceable varistor cartridge of

the ETITEC C surge arrester
34

Inside every surge arrester there is a thermal protection (Figure 3.). When, in normal operating conditions (at the
nominal voltage of the system), the current owing through the arrester exceeds some threshold value, the protection disconnects the arrester from the circuit. Thanks to this solution the arrester will not disturb the protected
system in case of varistor damage or deterioration of its technical state. In cases when the current of 20 -50 A

Figure 1. ETITEC C2 275/30

surge arrester

Figure 2. Internal construction

of the ETITEC C2 275/30
surge arrester with a microspark-gap.

Figure 3. A varistor of the surge

arrester, thermal protection visible

owing through the arrester at a nominal voltage constitutes a problem, arresters made of varistor and a gas spark
gap connected in series may be used. ETITEC C2 275/30 (Figure 1.) is an example of such apparatus. The value
of the current owing through this surge arrester at the nominal voltage does not exceed 1 A. To correctly select
Type 2 (class C) surge arresters for the surge protection system under design one should consider not only the technical parameters of the apparatuses, but also the topology of the protected system. In case of second level of surge
protection in the TNC topology, one of the most commonly used topologies, and nominal voltage of 230/400 V,
all phase conductors require protection. Three surge arresters should be used in a three-phase TNC system. Each
of the arresters is connected between one of the phase conductors and the PEN (Figure 3, page 36). For the threephase system in a TNS network four surge arresters are used. Three arresters are attached in between the phase
conductors (L1, L2, L3) and the protective conductor PE, and one arrester in between the neutral conductor N and
the protective conductor PE (Figure 2, page 36). We recommend the surge arresters to be installed before the RCD.
This connection has two advantages: the RCD is protected, and the currents that ow through the surge arresters at
a nominal voltage do not cause unnecessary activation of the RCD. In the case of surge protection in the three-phase
system of 230/400 V voltage and in TT network, a 3+1 arrangement should be employed (three varistor arresters
and one spark gap). Three varistor arresters are attached in between the phase conductors (L1, L2, L3) and the
neutral conductor, and the spark gap is incorporated in between the neutral conductor N and the protective earth PE
(Figure 4, page 36). It should be added that the varistor surge arresters for a TT network should have continuous
operating voltage no lower than 440V. The ETITEC 440/20 surge arresters and ETITEC 255/20G (Figure 6.) are
designed for TT networks.

Figure 4. Surge arrester

ETITEC C 275/20 G 4p for
the TNC-S network

Figure 5. Spark gap

ETITEC C 255/20 G for
a TT network

Figure 6. Internal construction of

the spark gap C 255/20 G for
the TT network
35

Connection of surge arresters in networks of different topologies

Figure 1.
The connection diagram of ETITEC
B and ETITEC C arresters in a
TNC-S (3+0) network.

Figure 2.
The connection diagram of ETITEC
B and ETITEC C arresters in a TNS
(4+0) network.

Figure 3.
The connection diagram of ETITEC
B and ETITEC C arresters in a TNC
(3+0) network

Figure 4.
The connection diagram of ETITEC
B and ETITEC C arresters in a TT
(3+1) network

36

Figure 1.
Connection diagram of the arresters
ETITEC B and ETITEC C in an IT
(3+0) or IT (4+0) network.

Back-up protection of the surge arresters

In the above diagrams, B2 and B3 fuses were connected in series in the branches of surge arresters. The main
protective device, B1, is also shown in the diagram. As it has been mentioned, ETITEC surge arresters have no
short-circuit protective device embedded. This function must be performed by an external fuse. The surge arresters
parameters, especially the nominal and maximum discharge current, should be selected depending on the required
protection level (Table 1, page 11), so that the probability of exceeding the parameters is as low as possible. Of
course, it is impossible to precisely predict the parameters of atmospheric discharges. It is not impossible that a
discharge will generate current many times higher than maximum discharge current of the arresters. This would
lead to the varistor damage (short circuit). Short circuit of the varistor is also possible in consequence of repeated
ow of discharge current of values close to nominal. Short circuit of a varistor inside the surge arrester is a line-toearth short-circuit between the phase and protective conductor L-PE. In the TN and TT networks the overcurrent
and residual current devices should automatically turn off the power supply because of danger of electric shock.
The power supply should be disconnected in no more than 5 s, as this is the requirement for distribution circuits, in
which Type 1 and 2 (class I and II) surge arresters are installed. The task of the fuse protecting the arrester is to turn
off the power supply in case of continuous short circuit in the arrester or in other point of the transverse branch with
the arrester. In a TN network, short circuit of a varistor in an L-PE arrester creates a low-resistance (metallic) short
circuit loop comprised exclusively of conductors (Figure 2.). In this case the fault current is high and it is easy to
provide automatic disconnection of the power supply in the required time by means of B1 or B2 fuses.

B1

L1
L2
L3
N
PE

PEN
B2

TN-C

B3

TN-S

Figure 2. Low-resistance short circuit current loop in case of short circuit in the surge arrester in a
TN-C (3+0) or TN-S (4+0) network
37

To eliminate the possibility of unnecessary activation of the main residual current device (RDC) every time the
lightning arresters work, they should be connected to the grid before the RCD. In a TT network, a ground loop
closes through earth (Fig. 1) and the short circuit current is too low to blow the initial fuses B1 or B2.

Fig. 1
Lightning arresters in 4+0 conguration, in
a TT network. The fuse does not switch off
the damaged arrester, resulting in dangerous
voltage in PE protective wire

The lightning arresters installed in this part of the installation might cause short circuits (during leading the lightning current to the ground) or, in the case of the varistor damage, may cause permanent short circuit. Therefore,
lightning arresters in a 4+0 conguration, in a TT network (Fig.1) might create a shock danger.
The best option is a 3+1 conguration (Fig. 2), where three varistor arresters are connected in between every phase
conductor and the neutral conductor, and the fourth spark gap is incorporated in between the neutral conductor N
and the protective conductor PE.
When the short circuit occurs, high current, sufcient to trigger the short circuit protection, ows in the L-N arrester

Fig. 2
Lightning arresters in 3+1 conguration, in a
TT network. The fuse switches off the damaged arrester, there is no danger of a shock.

in a low-ohm loop comprised of wires. As it can be seen from the diagram above, without the simultaneous L-N
short circuit, L-PE short circuit is impossible. Spark gap incorporated in between N-PE assures reliable separation
of the N and PE conductors. Its rated discharge current should be higher than that of varistor arresters (50, 75 or
100 kA depending on the protection level) as it may lead the sum of discharge currents owing through two or three
arresters.

Fig. 3 Lightning arresters ETITEC C in 4+0 conguration, installed in a home switchgear

38

The inuence of the surge arresters on overcurrent protection

In the electrical system of a structure, the surge arresters of Type 1 (class I) should be installed after
the main overcurrent protection, in the origin of the electrical installation. In this arrangement, after
activation of the surge arresters (e.g. during conduction of the lightning current caused by direct atmospheric discharge between a cloud and the structure or conductors of the electrical system), lightning
current owing through the overcurrent protection will be close in magnitude to the current owing
through the arresters.
The ow of such currents may activate or even damage the overcurrent device. Behaviour of a fuselink of gG characteristic undergoing the ow of 10/350 s lightning current is shown in Figure 1.
Hold region of fuse link

Melting of the fuse element

and arc ignition

Figure 1.
The behaviour of the gG fuse-links of the
nominal voltage of 500V, subjected to the
10/350 s lightning current of various values

Explosion
250A/1/gG
200A/1/gG
160A/00/gG
100A/00C/gG
63A/00C/gG
35A/00C/gG
20A/00C/gG

20

40

60

80

Iz
kA 100

115

250A/1/gG
200A/1/gG
160A/00/gG
100A/00C/gG
63A/00C/gG
35A/00C/gG

Hold region of fuse link

38,9
25,4

86,2
67,6
Melting of the fuse element
and arc ignition

14,7

20

40

60

80

Figure 2.
The behaviour of the gG fuse-links of the
nominal voltage of 500 V, subjected to the
8/20 s lightning current of various values.

Iz
100 kA 120

The over current devices are tested in laboratory conditions by subjecting them to current surges simulating the lightning current. Results of research on behaviour of different fuse-links while conducting
the 10/350 s surge current may be especially helpful in estimating the danger created by the lightning
current.
Exemplary results of these tests are shown in Table 1.
The fuse holds currents lower than surge tripping current given in Table 1.
Tripping current
[kA]

of the fuse-link
In

Melting Joule
integral I2t
at 50 Hz

Joule integral of the

lightning current
multiply held by
overcurrent devices

A 2s

kA

kA

kA

25

1210

2,2

9,3

32

2500

3,2

13,4

40

4000

1,3

4,0

16,9

50

5750

2,0

4,8

20,3

63

9000

3,2

6,0

25,4

Nominal
Tabela
1 current

10/350 s

8/20 s

80

13700

5,0

7,5

31,3

100

21200

8,0

9,5

38,9

125

36000

12

12,1

50,7

160

64000

22

16,1

67,6

200

104000

39

20,6

86,2

250

185000

69

27,5

115,0

39

While selecting the fuses for protection of surge arresters installed in a transverse branch in systems of high reliability, one should consider the value of Joule integral of the lightning current many times held by the fuses. The
value should be compared to the Joule integral of the lightning current. In extreme case, when the tripping current
exceeds some value, the fuse-element is melted and the electric arc is permanently ignited. The fuse is not capable of breaking the current ow or limiting its value. From the comparison of current (shown in Table 1, page 32)
which may ow through a Type 1 (class I) arrester and the current which may ow through a fuse (Figure 1, page
39) it may be concluded that the fuse-link of a nominal current 200A may be activated by a lightning current a little
higher than 20kA. The fuses of a nominal current of 63A-100 A may even explode when subjected to such current,
which can result in damage to the switchgear and other neighbouring electrical apparatuses. Even if the maximum
permissible discharge current Imax is exceeded only once, an irreversible damage of the varistor may have place.
However, the base of the arrester, its casing or the neighbouring devices should not be damaged. In order not to
exceed the short circuit strength of the surge arresters (25 kA), which would cause its damage, it should be protected with a fuse of a gG characteristics and the nominal current given by its producer. Usually, a B1 fuse of a 125A
or 250A current, depending on the arresters type, is chosen. Dening the need for additional fuse in a transverse
branch of the arrester, the nominal values of the Ib1 current of the main overcurrent devices (in the origin of the
electrical installation) should be compared to the values of the current advised by the producer of the IB2 or IB1.
Depending on the results, two systems may be applied:
- when InB1 InB2 no additional fuses protecting the surge arresters are needed (Figure 1a)
- when InB1 > InB2 additional fuses protecting the surge arresters are needed (Figure 1b)

a)

b)

Figure 1. Connection diagram of the arresters of Type 1

a) without additional back-up fuse link
b) with additional back-up fuse link
Nominal breaking capacity of the safety fuses is about 100 kA. In case when the conditions enable ow of such
a high short-circuit current, the B2 fuse should limit the current to the value below the short-circuit strength of the
arrester, i.e. 25 kA. The value of the current limited by the fuse may be read from the characteristics of the limited
currents of the gG fuse-links, which are available in the ETI Polam catalogue. The conditions presented above are
valid for both Type 1 and Type 2 arresters.
The SRF special fuses for protection of the surge arresters
The interest in surge arresters has been growing in the last few years. What is more, this is one of the fastest developing segments among the equipment for power lines protection. Among the ETI Polam products there is a novelty
designed especially for introductory protection of the surge arresters, i.e. the series of the cylindrical fuses SRF
(Surge Rated Fuses). As it has been already mentioned, the varistor element of the Type 2 arrester after taking over
too high discharge current may be damaged and cause a short-circuit. The short-circuit current path is shown on
Figure 1, page 41 (red dashed line). This current constitutes a danger since it may exceed the short-circuit strength
of the 25 kA arrester. The ow of this current can damage the arrester and neighbouring devices in the switchgear,
or even cause a re. To protect the arrester and the branch in which it is connected from short circuit, current fuses
B2-SRF should be applied in series. However, this should be done only in case when the main protection of the
power supply (e.g. in the origin of the electrical installation) is constituted by the safety fuses of gG characteristics
and of nominal current higher than 125 A.

40

Figure 1. Cylindrical fuse SRF 14 x 51

protecting the ETITEC C surge
arresters.
SRF ferrule cartridge fuses size 14x51 mm have been designed especially for initial protection of type 2 (class
C) surge arresters, tested with a 8/20s trial impulse. The fuses are guaranteed to withstand 8/20s impulse of
discharge current, owing through the arrester when it is conducting in response to overvoltage. In order to properly choose an SRF fuse one should keep in mind that the maximum 8/20s surge current of the fuse should be
greater than the rated (8/20s) discharge current of the arrester isn. SRF fuses have the capacity of limiting the short
circuit current and guarantee breaking the protected circuit when malfunction of the varistor element results in a
ow of short-circuit current. Precise parameters of the SRF fuses are presented in Table 1. The values of limited
short circuit current Ipeak for the unlimited current of 130 kA are shown in column 6. In case when the main protection of the system contains a fuse with rated current lower than 125 A, applying an additional fuse to protected
the arrester is pointless. The ferrule fuses can be installed in VLC 14 1p or 3p circuit breaker, intended for application with 14x51 mm cartridge fuses (Fig. 2). VLC 14 is a modular device that can mounted on a TH 35 bus, like
ETITEC C modular surge arresters.
Table 1

Type

8/20 s
Maximum
surge
current (A)

SRF10

10.000

SRF20

20.000

SRF30

30.000

SRF40

40.000

size

Pre-arc
melting
integral I2t
(A2s)

Clearing
integral I2t
(A2s)

IPEAK at
130kA

2.360

10.370

8.320

14 x 51

5.490

17.700

10.430

16.750

39.880

13.540

33.680

72.800

17.480

Advantages of the cylindrical 14x51 mm SRF fuses :

- nominal voltage
- nominal breaking capacity
- available for maximum surge currents
- strong capabilities of limiting the fault currents
- possibility of application in modular equipment - in VLC 14 fuse-switch

Figure 2.
A fuse-switch for the cylindrical
fuses SRF 14 x 51 protecting
surge arresters.

41

Limiting voltage drops on conductors of surge arresters

Despite application of the surge arresters in the protected structure, the load is exposed to Uodb voltage (g. 1). The
voltage is equal to the sum of U1 and U2 voltages appearing on the protective (PE) and supply conductors in result
of the ow of discharge current. Overvoltage on the conductors can cause damage to the devices installed at the
point of entry of the power system to the structure, for example: equipment of the junction, measuring switchgear
or surge arresters of consecutive stages.
To avoid the aforementioned damage one should consider not only locations of the surge arresters, but also the
way the are connected to the protected system. The supply and PE connectors should have a relevant cross-section.
The cross-connections should be realized by connectors as short as possible (not exceeding 0,5 m from each side
g. 1). Loops and sharp curves should be avoided.

Figure 1. Voltage drop on the ETITEC B arrester

In a connection of the surge arrester (Fig. 1) the Uodb voltage on the protected load is equal:
Uodb = Uogr + U1 + U2
where Uogr is the voltage on the arrester (Up)
U1 is the voltage drop on the conductor connecting the arrester with phase or neutral conductor
U2 is the voltage drop on the conductors connecting the arrester to the PE conductor
In case of the surge currents voltage drops due to the inductance of the conductors are of major importance. The
expression for the voltage on the protected load has the form of:
Uodb= Uogr + L d1 di1/dt + L d2 di/dt [kV]
where L unit inductance of the conductors in [H/m]
d1, d2 lengths of the conductors connecting the arrester with the phase conductors and PE conductor
di1/dt, di/dt slopes of the rising edge of the surge current owing in the conductors connecting the arrester with
the phase and PE conductors in [ kA/s].
L1
L2
L3
PEN

U1

I1

L1
L2
L3
N
PE

Uogr

U2

Figure 2. Distribution of current and voltage drops on a three-phase connection of ETITEC B arresters
42

In a three-phase protection circuit (Fig. 2 page 42) for a uniform distribution of current in the conductors connecting
the arrester with phase conductors the voltage on the protected structure can be expressed in the following form:
Uodb=Uogr+L(d1/3+d2)di/dt
However, the major factors of voltage generation are voltage drops on the inductance of the conductors connected
to the arrester.
It can be assumed, for the purpose of rough threat estimation, that the flow of the surge current with 1kA/s rate
of rise causes voltage drop of 1 kV on a one meter long conductor. In reality, the rate of rise of discharge current
reaches from several to around a dozen kA/s.
While estimating the threat one should consider voltage drops in the conductor connecting the arresters with the
PE bonding. Current flowing in this conductor is a sum of the currents flowing in the conductors connecting the
arresters with phase conductors. In order to diminish the threat the arresters should be applied in places where they
can be connected by as short as possible conductors.
The abovementioned problems of exposure of the electrical system to overvoltage can be dealt with easily in case
of a classical connection without fuses protecting the arresters. The so-called V-connection, that eliminates the
transverse branch (and thus the voltage drop), can be used for that purpose.
L1
L2
L3
PEN

L1
L2
L3
N
PE

Figure 1 V connection of arresters (3+0)

Thanks to double terminals of the ETITEC arresters, two conductors can be connected to each arrester from the
side of the phase conductors L1, L2, L3. These terminals are intended for connecting conductors of much larger
cross-section than in the case when arresters are connected in a separate transverse branch. These are mainly
L1, L2 and L3 conductors delivering power to the electrical system, conducting the work current in the state of
normal operation and demanding protection from consequences of short-circuits and overcurrents.
Conductors of a separate transverse branch (Fig. 2 page 42) do not conduct under conditions of normal operations
and demand protection only from short circuits resulting from damage of the varistor element. Voltage drop on
the earthing conductors between the arrester and the ground can be diminished by use of a V connection on the
PE side and an additional earthing bonding as the protective PE conductor.
The arresters featuring double terminals and adapted for V connection enable connecting conductors of maximum
cross section of 35 mm2, which is sufficient for conductors protected with fuses of nominal current up to 125A.
Connecting conductors of larger cross-section (protected by fuses of nominal current larger than 125A) requires
application of an adapter.
Distribution of lightning current in systems of a structure
The largest threat of overvoltage to electrical systems and surge arresters of a structure equipped with external
lightning protection system occurs during a direct discharge between a cloud and the structure. Estimation of the
threat according to the probability of discharge of a particular amplitude (Fig. 2) is not easy and requires application of signicantly simplied models.

Figure 2. Probability of atmospheric

discharges of a particular
amplitude
43

During a discharge the lightning current flows through a conductor of the lightning protection system to the equalizer connections, to which other natural and artificial earthings should be connected together with the PE or PEN
conductors of a TN electrical Network (Fig. 1). The flow of this current generates surge voltage between the system
of earthings of a structure and all telecommunications and power lines entering the structure.
When this voltage reaches the value for which the varistor elements of surge arresters start conducting the lightning
current (normally 800 to 1500V) the power conductors become temporarily connected to the main equipotential bonding. The lightning current distributes among these conductors and flows beyond the protected structure
(Fig. 2). Precise estimation of distribution of the lightning current is impossible and also requires some simplifications.

100% - 200kA (10/350)

(wg IEC 61643 - 1)
Iimp= 200 kA

100 kA

50% - 100 kA

Electrical installation - 25 kA
Tele-, IT installation - 25 kA
Water installation - 25 kA
Gas installation - 25 kA

GPW
PE

50% - 100 kA

Figure 1 Distribution of the lightning current over all systems of the protected structure in result of a direct
discharge between a cloud and the structure.
Electrical installation

~3,2 kA

L1

~3,2 kA

L2

~3,2 kA
~3,2 kA

Discharge
current

L3
N

PEN

PE

GPW

12,5 kA

Earthing

Figure 2 Distribution of a lightning current in an electrical system of the protected structure in result of a
direct discharge between a cloud and the structure
44

The following assumption (the 50% principle) is made in the standard - IEC 61312-1:2001: the largest lightning
current that can penetrate into the lightning protection system Iimp = 200 kA. The probability of occurrence of
current of this value in the LPS is very low (Fig. 2, page 43) but such event is possible.
50% of this current (100 kA) enters the earthing of the lightning protection system and the remaining part distributes uniformly over all metal systems entering the structure, that are capable of conducting lightning current (conductors of the mains, pipes of the water supply system and gas Pipes, screens of the telecommunications and data
lines). The above principle make sit easier to select surge arresters for protection of an electrical system.
Assuming that all conductors in a TNC Network (4 conductors) connected to the buildings point of entry (Fig. 2
page 44) conduct equal portions of the lightning current, the current flowing through a particular arrester does not
exceed about 3,2 kA. In such situation it is possible to apply a surge arrester of a nominal discharge current Iimp
(10/350) = 5 kA.
However it should be emphasized that the value of the nominal current of the arrester has been selected the under
assumption of discharge current Iimp = 200 kA that is very rarely encountered in reality. For the most common
values of discharge current overtaken by external lightning protection system (10 35 kA) the current flowing
through a single arrester would be even lower.
One encounters a different situation when facing a need of selecting surge arresters for protection of an electrical
system in a structure equipped only with three-phase four wire system. Then the 50% lightning current of 100 kA
is distributed only over four conductors after it enters the electrical system through the lightning protection system.
In consequence each conductor and surge arrester conducts current of about 25 kA.
In such case a surge arrester of rated impulse current Iimp of at least 25 kA should be applied to every phase of the
system. The problem is even more difficult if the protected structure contains only one phase system with two conductors: L and N. Then the lightning current distributes over two conductors and two arresters, the nominal impulse
current of which should not be lower than 50 kA.
Two-step and multi-step protection systems
A two step protection system of surge arresters is based on type 1 (I) and type 2 (II) arresters connected to the
protected system simultaneously (g. 1).

Figure 1. An example of a two-step protection: decreasing overvoltage in a stepwise manner

This especially concerns protection required by systems and devices of insulation surge strength on the level of
1,5 2,5 kv (category I or II of surge strength) working in structures equipped with external lightning protection
system or especially exposed to atmospheric discharges.
Multi-step protection system should be used also in structures without external lightning protection system but connected to an overhead power line or when devices of low insulation surge strength below 1,5 kV work inside.
Coordination of operation of type 1 and type 2 or type 3 arresters is required in case of multi-step surge protection
system. Surge arresters type 1 (ETITEC B) and type 2 (ETITEC C) are properly coordinated if they are separated
by a section of conductor belonging to the operational part of the electrical system of at least 10 metres length (g.
1 page 46).
45

Sub distribution box.

Internal installation

Main distr. box

ETITEC COAX
l < 10 m

l5m

l < 20 m
ETINET

ETITEC B

ETITEC D

ETITEC C

Protected
device

MEB
Class I (Type 1)

Class A

Class II (Type 2)

Class III (Type 3)

Figure 1. Multi-stage protection system with ETINET induction coil

The 10 m distance between the arresters of Type 1 and Type 2 is necessary as the Type 2 (2nd stage) arrester should
be activated as the first one in case of the overvoltage wave coming from the power line side. The voltage on the
protected device is then equal to the protection level Up of the Type 2 surge arrester. Voltage drop on the ten meter
conductor caused by the flow of discharge current, incremented by the voltage drop on the varistor element of the
Type 2 (ETITEC C) arrester reaches certain threshold value. After exceeding this value, the varistor of the arrester
of Type 1 (ETITEC B) activates, i.e. the varistor switches into the conduction state and it conducts the discharge
current to the main earthing busbar. If the 10 m section was not there, the voltage drop created by the flow of
discharge current through the Type 2 (ETITEC C) arrester would not activate the varistor of Type 1 arrester. Type
2 arrester would be damaged and dangerous overvoltage would penetrate the protected device. In case when there
is no technical possibility to keep the 10 m distance between the arresters of Type 1 and Type 2, and the arresters
have to be installed in one switchgear side by side, an intermediary element induction coil ETINET (also called
decoupling coil; Figure 2) should be installed in series between the arresters. This enables generation of voltage
drop on the coil, and the voltage drop allows the varistor of the Type 1 arrester to activate. The ETINET induction
coil may be used for nominal currents of up to 35A and 63A. In case when the installed capacity of the receivers
forces the flow of a current higher than 63A, it is necessary to use coils connected in parallel.
The inductance of the ETINET coupling coil is L=15 H.

Power

3 x Coils ETINET

Consumer

L1
L2
L3
PEN

L1
L2
L3
N
PE

3 x ETITEC B (I)
T1
3 x ETITEC C (II)
T2

Figure 2. Application of ETINET induction coil

46

Analysis of the multi-stage systems presented above may be concluded in the following way:
- Multi-stage protection systems comprised of Type 1 and Type 2 (B and C) arresters should be used in structures with external lightning protection system or in structures powered by overhead lines. This is due to the fact
that approx. 50 per cent of the lightning current can penetrate the internal installation of the structure through the
earthing, reinforcement, or other installations, e.g. water supply system. This types of installations are exposed to
direct lightning currents.
- Also structures with no external lightning protection system, which are powered by cable line, and situated near
structures facilitating direct penetration of the installation by the lightning current or current from internal overvoltage need multi-stage protection systems. A neighbouring structure (situated within a radius of less than 100m),
which is equipped with an external lightning protection system, high metal structure, mast, metal structures construction or a switchgear can be examples of such structures.
- In structures with no external lightning protection system (multi-apartment or single-family buildings) to which
power is delivered by a cable wire (no shorter than 150m) Type 2 (C) arresters may be applied as the first stage in
point of entry of the power supply system to the structure. In case of extensive installations the arresters of Type
2 should be installed every 20 m. (Figure 1, page 46). In multi-storey buildings sufficient protection is achieved
by installation of the arresters of Type 2 (C) in every storey switchgear (Figure 1.). In low and extensive buildings
arresters of Type 2 (C) should be installed in local switchgears (e.g. supplying power to very sensitive electrical
devices) no further than 200m from the protected devices.
- While applying two-level protection, one should assume that the second protection level, i.e. 2nd (II) class arrester, protects a 20m long section of the installation. In case when there is a three-level protection system, one should
pay attention to install the 3rd level arresters of Type 3 (D) not too close to the point of installation of the arresters
of Type 2. Minimum distance between these two classes is no less than 5m of conductors of an operational system.
(Fig. 1 page 46)

ETITEC C

ETITEC C

ETITEC B

Figure 1. Surge arresters arrangement in two-level protection of a multi-storey building

with an external lightning protection system.

47

Structures requiring a two-level (T1+T2) surge protection system

Figures below present the technical conditions that make it necessary to apply two-stage surge protection in structures.

Figure 1. Protected structure with an external light

ning protection system, fed with cable

Figure 2. Protected structure with no external lightning

protection system, situated in the neighbourhood
of a high structure (building, tower, etc.) and fed
with cable

Figure 3. Protected structure with steel construction Figure 4. Protected structure with no external lightas the lightning protection system
ning protection system, fed with cable

Figure 5. Protected structure with an external light

ning protection system, fed with overhead
line.
48

Figure 6. Protected structure with no external lightning

protection system, fed with cable and situated
near the feeder station.

ETITEC WENT integrated two-stage surge arresters, Type 1 (B+C)

The two-level lightning protection system with coupling inductances presented above has a very good
properties of leading surge currents generated by a lightning discharge. In an ETITEC B - ETINET ETITEC C set of surge arresters the voltage on the output, equal to the protection level Up, is lower than
N
L1
L2
L3

N
L1
L2
L3

Consumer
Surge arrester
Type 2 (C)

Surge arrester
Type 1 (B)

Decoupling inductance
PE

(energetic coordination)

ETINET

Figure 1. Two-level system of the arresters ETITEC B (2m) ETINET (2m) ETITEC (1m)

1200-1400V, for any shape of voltage surge.

This level of protection guarantees protection of devices belonging to the I category of surge strength.
However, application of systems containing coupling inductances requires solving the following problems:
- in a 3-phase TNC-S system, place for 20 (5m x4) modules of arresters and induction coils has to be
reserved, which considerably increases the cost of electical system,
- increasing power of the frequently installed devices requires coupling inductances of increased current
carrying capacity,
- higher current carrying capacity of coupling inductance means increased dimensions of the coil.
Only the systems with coils of current carrying capacity of 35A and 65A are widely applied.
The ETITEC WENT integrated two-level surge arresters, Type 1 +Type 2 (B+C) with no coupling induction coils (Figure 1 and 2) are designed for protection of devices working in small structures, where there
is no possibility of keeping required distances between the given types of arresters.
They have similar properties to the two-level arrester systems T1 and T2 with coupling inductances.
The ETITEC WENT arresters were constructed as 3-phase and 1-phase apparatuses for four types of
networks: TNC-S, TNC, TT and IT, which makes their installation easier. These arresters are equipped

Figure 2.
2 Two-level
Tw
woo leve
levell arresterr ETITEC
le
ETI
TITEC
WENT TNC-S RC (4+0)

Figure 3. Two-level
Two--leve arrester ETITEC
Tw
Two
Two-leve
WENT TNC-S (4+0)
(new series)

with optical damage indicator of the varistors. The RC version (gure 2.) is also equipped with external
contacts for signalling varistor damage.
The modular width of the ETITEC WENT arresters is 4 modules for the 3-phase arresters and 2 modules
for the 1-phase ones. From analysis of the two-level protection system described above, it can be concluded that the ETITEC WENT surge arresters occupy 5 times less space in the switchgear, which means
that the costs of the surge protection are lower. The initial protection of the ETITEC WENT arresters is
provided by means of fuses in the same way as for the ETITEC B and ETITEC C arresters. If the rated
current of the F1 fuses is higher than 125A, the ETITEC WENT arrester should be protected with a 125A
gG fuse.
49

Systems of the ETITEC WENT (T1+T2) 3-phase arresters

Figure 2. In a TNC network

Figure 1. In a TN-S network

F1

F1

L1
L2
L3
N
PE

L1
L2
L3
PEN

F2

F2

L1

L2

L3

L1

L2

L3

PE

Figure 4. Internal structure of

ETITEC WENT TNC

Figure 3. Internal structure of

ETITEC WENT TN-S

Figure 6. In an IT network

Figure 5. In a TT network

F1

F1
L1
L2
L3
N

L1
L2
L3
N
PE

F2

L1

L2

L3

PE

F2

L1

L2

L3

PE

Figure 7. Internal structure of

ETITEC WENT TT
50

Figure 8. Internal structure of

ETITEC WENT IT

The ETITEC WENT arresters are based on varistor elements, while the arresters designed for TT network
contain a closed spark gap (Figure 1.) which isolates the neutral conductor N from the protective earth
PE. Maximum surge currents Iimp (10/350) corresponding to a single phase are 12,5 kA and 5 kA. Their
protection level (reduced voltage) is lower than 1,2 kV (at Iimp).

1. Summary spark gap (gas discharge tube)

2. Varistor with thermal elements

Figure 1. ETITEC WENT TT integrated

surge arrester
Two-stage surge arresters ETITEC B T1+T2 (B+C), integrated in a single module
The ETITEC B integrated surge arresters are apparatuses which ensure two-level protection (Type 1 and Type 2) of the system from overvoltage and consequences of direct lightning strike. The single-module ETITEC B surge arresters
(275/8U, 275/12,5U, 440/8U, 440/12,5U) are made in varistor technology and
do not need additional induction coils. They do not have a replaceable varistor
plug-in unit. To ensure comprehensive protection of multi-conductor systems
several surge arresters should be applied.
Example of an order:
For TNC network 1-phase ETITEC B 275 or 440/12,5 or 8 U 1 piece
For TNS network 1-phase ETITEC B 275 or 440/12,5 or 8 U 2 pieces
For TNC network 3-phase - ETITEC B 275 or 440/12,5 or 8 U 3 pieces
For TNS network 3-phase - ETITEC B 275 or 440/12,5 or 8 U 4 pieces
Integrated ETITEC B 275 and 440 surge arresters should be additionally protected with F2-160A/gG fuse only when the F1 initial protection (e.g. in the
point of origin of the electrical installation) contains fuses of nominal current of
160A/gG or higher .
Figure 2. ETITEC B 275/...U
L
N
PE

F1

surge arrester

F1

PEN
F2

F2

TNC network

TNC-S network

PEN
GSU

Figure 3. Connection of the surge arrester

ETITEC B 275/... U
in TNC-S network

Figure 4. Connection of the ETITEC B

275/... U surge arrester in TNC network
51

Example applications of surge arresters

Multi-storey buildings, both residential and office

ETITEC C 275/20
ETITEC C 275/20 4p
ETITEC C 275/20U
ETITEC C 275/5
ETITEC C 275/5 4p
ETITEC C 255/20 G

ETITEC D 275/3
ETITEC D 275/3 RC

To be sure that the arresters are chosen properly, one should consider the
following factors: number of phases in the electrical system, topology of
the system, number of conductors, distance between the switchgears, length
of the power line, etc. In case when the structure does not have an external
lightning protection system and is fed with a cable line longer than 200m,
use of ETITEC C Type 2 arrester is recommended in the main switchgear
instead of the ETITEC WENT or ETITEC B arresters. The ETITEC D arrester should be used only for the protection of sensitive receivers.

ETITEC WENT TNC-S 12,5/50

ETITEC WENT TNCS 5/20
ETITEC WENT TNC 12,5/37,5
ETITEC WENT TT 12,5/50
ETITEC WENT TT 5/20
ETITEC WENT IT 12,5/50
ETITEC WENT IT 5/20
ETITEC B 275/12,5 U
ETITEC B 275/8 U

52

Example applications of surge arresters

Single-family buildings

T1 + T2
(B+C)

Distr. box
Main distr. box

L<50 m

T1 + T2
(B+C)
Distr. box
Subdistribution box

ETITEC Went B+C

ETITEC WENT TNC-S 12,5/50
ETITEC WENT TNCS 5/20
ETITEC WENT TNC 12,5/37,5
ETITEC WENT TT 12,5/50
ETITEC WENT TT 5/20
ETITEC WENT IT 12,5/50
ETITEC WENT IT 5/20
ETITEC B 275/12,5 U
ETITEC B 275/8 U

T1 + T2
(B+C)

Main distr. box

Distr. box

53

Example applications of surge arresters

Industrial buildings

For industrial buildings equipped with an external lightning protection

system and fed with an overhead line, we recommend using T1 + T2 ETITEC
WENT or ETITEC B (T1+T2) surge arresters in the main switchgear. In case
when the structure does not have an external lightning protection system and
is fed with cable line longer than 200m, ETITEC B (T1) is recommended
instead of T1+T2 arresters.
It is important to remember that in such case the distance to the nearest
ETITEC C (T2) arrester (located in a storey switchgear) should be no shorter
than 10m. The ETITEC D arresters should be used only for protection of
sensitive (e.g. medical) devices. For protection of measurement equipment
ETITEC SIG (yellow line) and COAXIAL/RF arresters should be used.

ETITEC WENT TNC-S 12,5/50

ETITEC WENT TNCS 5/20
ETITEC WENT TNC 12,5/37,5
ETITEC WENT TT 12,5/50
ETITEC WENT TT 5/20
ETITEC WENT IT 12,5/50
ETITEC WENT IT 5/20
ETITEC B 275/12,5 U
ETITEC B 275/8 U
ETITEC B 275/25
ETITEC B 275/15

54

Examples applications of surge arresters

For buildings in close neighbourhood (L<50m) of a building equipped with an
external lightning protection system or from a high building (H>20m), and for
buildings situated near (L<250m) a building equipped with an external lightning protection system and fed with overhead line we recommend using T1 +
T2 ETITEC WENT or ETITEC B (T1 + T2) arresters in the main switchgear.

Neighbouring buildings

ETITEC WENT TNC-S 12,5/50

ETITEC WENT TNCS 5/20
ETITEC WENT TNC 12,5/37,5
ETITEC WENT TT 12,5/50
ETITEC WENT TT 5/20
ETITEC WENT IT 12,5/50
ETITEC WENT IT 5/20
ETITEC B 275/12,5 U
ETITEC B 275/8 U

55

Surge protection of photovoltaic systems (PV)

Photovoltaics - is the eld of technology focused on acquisition of electric energy from the radiation of the
sun. Its fast development is motivated by depletion of natural resources and progressing degradation of natural
environment, connected with conventional methods of energy
acquisition. Photovoltaic systems contain devices of low surge
strength. The PV panels, often located on a roof of a structure,
are exposed to overvoltage resulting from direct lightning strike
and switching overvoltage. The PV panels should be protected
from direct lightning strike by means of an external lightning
protection system. The ETITEC B and ETITEC C-PV (Fig.
1, 2, 3 and 4 page 57) surge arresters provide for protection
of the PV systems from overvoltage. The PV panels contain
monocrystalline or polycrystalline semiconductor photovoltaic
cells that generate electric energy when exposed to sunlight.
Cells of the size of 12,5x12,5 cm generate voltage of about
0,6 V and maximum current of 3,5 A. In order to obtain higher
voltages (usually 400V) the cells are connected in series. Parallel connection results in increased current supply capabilities.
Photovoltaic cells connected in parallel or in series are offered
by the producers in form of ready-made modules. The modules
may have a surface of 1,5 to 2,5 square meters. Such a module
generates DC voltage of 30 to 60 V. The diagram (Fig. 2) presents a set of chains of PV panels connected in series.
Such photovoltaic system can generate DC voltage of 500 to 700V. The voltage can change in time and depends
on the exposure of the panels to sunlight.

Fuse links DC

max . 1000 V d.c.

Cilindrical fuse
links 10 x 38

Fuse links
WT/NH 1C 750V DC

Inverter
C/AC

Fuse links
AC

Counter

F1

String 1

Isc
F2

String 2

In

F3

String 3

Surge arrester
ETITEC B-PV

Surge arrester
ETITEC C-PV
C PV

F(n)

String N

30V d.c./ 3 - 6A d.c.

Figure 1. Electrical scheme of the PV photovoltaic system with ETITEC B-PV and ETITEC C C-PV
arresters.
Every PV panel generates an output current of 4A to 7A, depending on the PV module type. In order to obtain
higher currents the PV modules are usually connected in parallel. Batteries created this way output current of 250A
to 300A. This current feeds an inverter, a device that changes direct electric current to alternating currents. The
generated alternating current is delivered to a power network or to particular devices.
56

ETITEC B-PV (T1+T2)

Figure 1. ETITEC B-PV

550/12,5 (10/350)
surge arrester

Figure 2. ETITEC B-PV

1000/12,5 (10/350)
surge arrester

Figure 3. Example of nternal connections of

the ETITEC B-PV
surge arrester

The ETITEC B-PV surge arresters for protection of photovoltaic systems are supplied as integrated units
containing Type 1 and Type 2 (B+C) arresters. Their nominal impulse current Iimp = 12,5kA for one pole,
and their maximum pulse current Imax = 40kA. The RC series is equipped with external terminals for
signalling varistor damage.
Back-up of surge arrester PV
with fuse link
F1
250A gG*

F2

ETITEC B-PV

connection of the C-PV

arrester rrester B-PV

V Network
of surge arrester B-PV

Min. cross section

wires recomended - 16 mm2

* F2 required if F1 > 250A

ETITEC B-PV
Type

Code No

ETITEC B-PV 550/12,5 (10/350)

ETITEC B-PV 1000/12,5 (10/350)
ETITEC B-PV 550/12,5 (10/350) RC
ETITEC B-PV 1000/12,5 (10/350)RC
RC - Remote signalization contacts

002445202
002445203
002445204
002445205

Uc
[V DC]
550
1000
550
1000

Iimp
[kA]
12,5

Weight Packaging
[g]
[pcs]
300
350
1/3
310
360

57

Technical data
ETITEC B-PV xxxx/12,5 (10/350)
1000 V
550 V

Type
Standards
Maximum Continuous Operating
Voltage Uc (DC)
Nominal discharge current In (8/20)
Maximum discharge current Imax
(8/20)
Surge current Iimp (10/350)
Specic energy
Charge
Protection level Up at In (8/20)
Protection level Up at Iimp (10/350)
Follow current If
Response time
Leakage current at Uc < 2,5
Thermal cut-out
Maximum additional protection of
the arrester (if F1 > 250A)
Max. allowable short-circuit current
Working temperature
Cross-section of the terminals
Tightening torque of the screw
Installation on a TH35 rail
Protection level IP20
Housing material

IEC-61643-1
550 V

1000V

20 kA

20 kA

40 kA

40 kA

12,5 kA
39 kJ/
6,25 As
< 2,0 kV
< 1,7 kV

12,5 kA
39 kJ/
6,25 As
< 2,6 kV
< 2,4 kV
No
< 25 ns
< 2,5 mA
Yes
250 A gG

25 kA/ 50 Hz
- 40oC ... +80oC
35 mm2(solid)/25 mm2 (stranded)
Max. 4,5 Nm
DIN rail (35 mm)
IP20
Thermoplastic, extinguishing degree acc. Ul
94 V-0
Width
4 moduls
RC... External terminals for damage signalling
Nominal current
AC 250V/0,5A; 125V/3A
Cross-section of terminals
Max. 1,5 mm2
Tightening torque of the screw
0,25 Nm
Dimensions
108mm x 79mm x 76mm

ETITEC C-PV (T1+T2)

The ETITEC C-PV surge arresters for protection of photovoltaic systems are made as T2 (C). Their nominal current In = 20kA (8/20) for one pole, and their maximum current I max = 40kA (8/20) for a pole. The RC series is
equipped with external terminals for signalling varistor damage.
The rule of additional protection of the ETITEC C-PV arrester with a fuse is the same as for ETITEC B-PV (page
57).

Figure 4. Diagram of inter

nal connections of the
ETITEC C-PV surge arrester
Figure 1. ETITEC C-PV
100, 550/20 (8/20) surge
arrester
58

Figure 2. ETITEC C-PV

1000/20 (10/350) surge
arrester

Figure 5. Internal connection

diagram of the ETITEC C-PV
surge arrester

T connection of the
C-PV arrester

V connection of the
C-PV arrester

Technical data
ETITEC C-PV xxxx/20 (8/20)
550 V
1000V
100 V

Type

Standards
Maximum Continuous Operating
Voltage Uc (DC)
Nominal discharge current In (8/20)
Maximum discharge current Imax
(8/20)
Surge current Iimp (10/350)
Specic energy
Charge
Protection level Up at In (8/20)
Protection level Up at Iimp (10/350)
Follow current If
Response time
Leakage current at Uc < 2,5
Thermal cut-out
Maximum external protection
(if F1 > 250A)
Max. allowable short-circuit current
Working temperature
Cross-section of the terminals
Tightening torque of screw
Installation on a TH35 rail
Protection level IP20
Housing material
Width

IEC-61643-1
100 V

550V

1000V

20 kA

20 kA

20 kA

40 kA

40 kA

40 kA

< 0,7 kV
-

< 2,1 kV
No
< 25 ns
< 1,5 mA
Yes

< 4,0 kV
-

125 A gG
25 kA/ 50 Hz
- 40oC ... +80oC
35 mm2(solid)/25 mm2 (stranded)
Max. 4,5 Nm
35 mm top-hat rail
IP20
Thermoplastic, extinguishing degree Ul
94 V-0
2 TE
2 TE
3 TE

RC... External terminals for damage signalling

Nominal current
Cross-section of terminals
Tightening torque of screw
Dimensions

AC 250V/0,5A; 125V/3A
Max. 1,5 mm2
0,25 Nm
108mm x 79mm x 76mm

108 mm
x 79 mm
x 76 mm
59

The principle of application of the B-PV (T1+T2) arresters in a photovoltaic system in a structure equipped with an external lightning protection system (LPS).
In case when the distance between the PV panels and the AC/DC convertor is larger than 7 m, two ETITEC B-PV
(1) and (2) (Figure 1.) arresters should be applied in this part of the system. If the distance is 7m or less, arrester
(2) is not necessary.

Figure 1

The principle of using the C-PV (T2) arresters in a photovoltaic system in a structure with no external
lightning protection system (LPS)
In case when the distance between the PV panels and the AC/DC convertor is larger than 7 m, two arresters
ETITEC C-PV (1) and (2) (Figure 2.) should be applied in this part of the system. If the distance is 7m or less,
arrester (2) is not necessary.

Figure 2

60

Surge protection in signal transmission lines (in telecommunications, control, automation and
measurements)
Surge protection in signal transmission lines of industrial automation, measurement equipment, telecommunication, data transmission etc., similarly as in power supply systems, should be based on the
zone concept of the lightning protection. The surge protection is appropriate only if all conductors of the electrical system and signal and data
transmission lines are connected to the main equipotential bonding on the
borders of protection zones .
The protecting devices must be chosen with consideration of the type
and strength of the data signal and expected level of noise. Various combinations of the protecting elements, the functions and properties of
which complement one another, are used in the protective devices. That
is because surge arrester alone would not ensure short response time tA,
high discharge current capacity In, and low protection level Up. Three Figure 1. ETITEC SIG surge
basic elements are used in practice:
arresters
- gas spark-gaps
- varistors
- suppression diodes.
All elements mentioned above have a characteristic feature used for surge
protection, i.e. their impedance accepts wide range of values depending
on the value of the applied voltage. The impedance of the protecting
elements during normal operation at nominal voltage is very high and
decreases rapidly when an overvoltage occurs. After the overvoltage
extinguishes the impedance of the arrester increases to its initial value,
providing the device has not been damaged by the ow of discharge current exceeding its nominal maximum level.
Multi-level protection systems
Multi-level protection systems are applied to signal transmission linesFigure 2. ETITEC SIG surge
when single protecting elements do not guarantee proper surge protecarresters
tion or do not limit the overvoltage to the required protection level. A
typical multi-level protection system comprises of protecting elements
(Figure 3.) connected by decoupling elements such as resistances, inductances, capacities, lters, etc.

Couple elements
R

GDT

LINE

BD
GDT
R

Spark gaps
1-st level of protection
(GDT - Gas Discharge Tube)

EQUIP.

BD
GDT

BD
R

Spark gap or varistor

II-nd level of
protection

Suppression diodes
III-th level of protection

Figure 3. Typical multi-level system for protection of a signal transmission line consisting of
spark gaps or varistors and suppression diodes.
61

Figure 1. Multi-level protection system characteristic features of particular protection levels

Low (1 s )

Low (1 s )

I Level

II Level

Spark gap

Varistors

operating speed

Energy transfer capacity

III Level

Suppression diodes-duodirections

High (1 ps )

High (1 ps )

A typical multi-stage system, based on spark gaps or varistors and suppression diodes and intended for
protection of signal transmission lines is shown in the above drawing. The speed of operation of particular stages of the system and their capacity of carrying energy of the discharge current are shown below
the diagram. Multi-stage systems of arresters consisting of a gas-lled lightning arrester and a diode or a
gas-lled lightning arrester and a varistor provide the right protection for devices with surge strength not
exceeding 1000V.
Systems protected by the arresters include:
-Signal transmission and measurement lines
-Telecommunications lines XDSL, ADSL digital and analog
-DC power supplies
-Data protocols PLC controllers
-Computer networks
-Screened signal lines video, TV-SAT
In order to choose the right arresters from the yellow-line series one should consider the following parameters of the protected device:
-Current (A)
-Voltage (V)
-Transmission mode symmetrical or asymmetrical
-Frequency

62

a)

b)

Figure 1. Surge arresters:

ETITEC SIG EM- TD
ETITEC SIG EMH-TC
ETITEC SIG EMS-TC

Figure 2. ETITEC COAX

surge arrester

Figure 3. Surge arresters:

a) ETITEC 24 NET 19
b) ETITEC LZ NET

ETITEC SIG surge arresters (Fig. 1) for protection of data transmission networks have the following
parameters:
- Rated voltages: Un 5V, 12V, 15V, 24V, 30V, 48V, 60V, 110V, 120V, 230V
- rated discharge current In (8/20) - 60A, 100A, 300A, 5kA, 10kA, 20kA
- cut-off frequency fg - from 0,6 MHz to 2600 MHz
- operating temperature range 0d - 40oC up to 80oC
They are supplied as a modular devices to be installed on a TH35 (DIN Rail) rail and consist of a basis
(to which a gas spark gap may be plugged in) and a replaceable protective module. The arresters protect
devices which transmit or receive signals over conductors such as: shielded and non shielded twisted
pair, or other conductors with cross-section below 6mm2. The ETITEC SIG arresters signalize damage or
removal of the protective module visually or by means
of external terminals. The EM-TD overvoltage protector modules provide coarse and precise protection.
They are also equipped with an overcurrent device
TD (Figure 4) disconnecting the line in case the temperature of the gas-lled lightning arrester exceeds some
threshold (e.g. in result of short-circuit of a signal line
with a conductor of the mains). This way ignition of the
insulation of arresters housing is avoided. Coarse surge
protection is provided by a three-electrode gas-lled
arrester, which dissipates major part of the surge energy.
Due to relatively long response time of the lightning
arrester, a fast-rising impulse may damage more vulne- Figure 4. Internal connection diagram of
ETITEC SIG EM-TD 24V surge
rable electronic devices.
arrester
This makes it necessary to use additional stages of protection. In the EM-TD overvoltage protectors precise
protection is provided by a system of three varistors (110V) or three diodes (5-60V). A PTC element
has been applied in the 5-60 V version in order to limit the peak current owing through devices of the
second stage (the diodes), facilitate ignition of the lightning arrester (tripping coordination) and provide
protection from overcurrent.

63

The EM-TS overvoltage protectors, on the contrary

to the EM-TD protectors, contain arresters with
factory-made thermal protection. In case the maximum
temperature is exceeded the electrodes of the lightning
arrester contact. This functionality is based on the effect
of thermal expansion of metals.
Properties:
Protector modules, protecting two conductors, to be
used between 0B-1, 0B-2 and 1-2 zones
Dimensions: h=90 mmm, width = 17,5 mm,
depth = 68 mm
Figure 1 Internal connection diagram
Versatility: suitable for protection of both
of ETITEC SIG EMS-TC 110V
symmetrical and asymmetrical lines
surge arrester.
Rated voltages: 5V, 12V, 15V, 24V, 30V, 48V, 60V,
110V
Rated current: EM-TD-145 mA, EMS-TC 1A
Cut-off frequencies: from EM-TD, EMS-TC: 0,6 MHz up to 10MHz
Three types of the basis: with direct earthing of the screen, with earthing of the screen through a
lightning arrester, with damage signalling RC
Earthing contact to the TH rail
Replaceable protective module
Thermal disconnector TD
Overcurrent element PTC in the 5-60V version
Damage signalling: visual and through external contacts (RC)
Earthing through the TH35 rail
COAX surge arresters (Fig. 2, page 63) are intended for protection of devices which transmit and receive
analog signals over conductors, concentric and screened cables. The COAX arresters are equipped with
various connectors: BNC, N, 7/16, UHF, F, TV. Their design enables transmission of high frequency
RF signals of up to 3000 MHz. This has been achieved thanks to low level of attenuation. Resistance of
insulation of the arresters is greater than 10 G.
Surge arrester with RJ45 connectors (Fig. 3 page 63) are usually used for protection of computer networks
and telecommunications devices, such as fax machines, telephones, hubs, TN-SAT, etc. They have a
form of protectors for installation on a single line or on multiple lines, similarly to the ETITEC 24 NET
protectors (Fig. 3). The latter ones are intended for installation in Rack 19 switchgears. Arresters with
RJ45 connectors are also produced in a combined system i.e. they protect the signal and the power
supply lines, for example in case of TV equipment, computers, telephones, etc. ETITEC 24 NET 19 and
ETITEC LZ NET are examples of such devices (Fig. 3, page 63).

Figure 2 Protection of a temperature measurement system, consisting of a passive sensor and a

PLC controller.
64

Surge protection of automation systems

Due to location near devices of high power electrical engines, heaters, contactors and frequency
convertors the automation and measurement systems are particularly exposed to overvoltage generated
in the moment of switching of these devices. Controllers (PLC), receiving signals (data) from sensors
distributed over large areas and connected with other controllers and control equipment with long lines,
are particularly threatened.
Large number of signal conductors screened and non-screened is used for interconnecting elements
of automation systems. The are laid in buildings and outside, and are frequently of signicant lengths
(Figure 1 and 2). These conductors carry analog and digital signals in symmetrical and asymmetrical
lines. For protection of a single line consisting of two conductors an asymmetrical arrangement is applied,
in which varistor elements and diodes are connected between the signal conductors and the gas-lled
spark gap leads energy to the PE conductor (Fig. 4 page 63). Arresters in which all protective elements are
connected between the signal lines and the PE conductor are applied in symmetrical arrangements.

Figure 1 Protection of a temperature measurement system with a passive sensor and a PLC
controller, connected with a screened cable.

Figure 2 Protection of a temperature measurement system with a PT-100 sensor and a PLC
controller
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Examples of protection systems for analog and digital transmission lines

Digital signals are signals transmitted over two-conductor lines with a common reference potential,
required e.g. by controllers, sensors and actuators. Usually these signals have a common reference level,
which follows from connection to earth or without such connection, depending on the type of protection.
Analog signals are most common in measurement circuits. They are implemented as current loops with
use of two-conductor lines and do not have a common reference potential.
There are current and voltage versions of the circuits. Current loops for 0 20 mA are intended for
transmission of analog signals over large distances. Voltage circuits, e.g. for voltages of 0 10 V are
intended for analog transmission over short distances. Temperature measurement circuits with Pt 100
or Pt 1000 sensors (Fig. 1, 2, page 64) often have three of four conductors. Additional conductors are
used for measuring the voltage drop on the sensor. All conductors of the measurement circuit should be
protected.

Figure 1 Protection of a 110V telecommunications line by means of the ETITEC SIG EMH-TC
protector

Figure 2 Protection of a data transmission

line (LAN) by means of a LZ 24
NET 19 protector

66

Figure 3 Protection of a computer

supply network and data trans
mission line (LAN) by a ZE
200 NET arresters

Examples of protection of measurement and control systems

EM-TD 110B multi-purpose

arrester for protection of data
transmission lines, for example
ISDN lines.
ZE 200 NET multi-purpose arrester
(adapter) for protection of data
transmission lines and main power
lines as Type 3 (class C)

Anemometer
External temperature
measurement

Control panel
switchgear
Measurement of temperature of the PV modules

MODEM

EMC-TC 24V
Surge arrester for protection
of measurement and control
lines, e.g. for analog transmission via 4 to 20 mA current
loops - anemometer

PC

EM-RS 485
Arrester for protection of
measurement and control
elements in 4-cable lines;
e.g. the RS 485 interface

IMH-TC 12V
Surge arrester for protection of the Pt 100 temperature sensors

Figure 1. An example protection system for temperature and wind measurement system, based on
ETITEC SIG surge arresters.

67

Example applications of ETITEC surge arresters

ETITEC COAX
90-F75-FF

ETITEC C 275/20
ETITEC C 255/20G

ETITEC COAX
90-BNC-FF
TV SAT

VIDEO Camera
ZE 200 NET

ETITEC WENT
(3+0, 4+0, 3+1)
ETITEC B, ETITEC B
/
230/100G

ETITEC COAX
230-N-FF
230-N-MF

Coaxial cable
Telecommunication line - ISDN

ETITEC SIG
EM-TD 110V
EMH-TC 110V
EMO-110V

Figure 1. An example of a comprehensive protection of electrical, telecommunications and data systems in a single-family building by means of ETITEC, ETITEC COAX and
ETITEC SIG surge arresters.

68

Example applications of ETITEC surge arresters

ETITEC C 275/20
Universal arrester
Adapter

Distr. box
LZ 24 NET

Figure 1. An example of protection of a local area network in an ofce

ETITEC C 275/20
Antenna-signal releay
ETITEC COAX 90-N-FF
ETITEC COAX 90-N-MF

Head
Divider

Coaxial cable - screened

Figure 2. An example of protection of a cable TV system

69

Example applications of ETITEC surge arresters

EMH-TC 24V
Control and measurement systems
(measurement of the wind speed and
rotor speed) of regulators, transceivers, etc.

VM-RS 485
Control and measurement
systems, four-conductor lines
RS 485 interface

ETITEC WT 690/20
surge arrester generaETITEC C 275/20 (2+0)
Surge arrester auxiliary 400V tor output of 690V

EMH-TC 5V
Control and measurement
systems, for example the RS
422 interface

power network

ETITEC C 275/20 (2+0)

Surge arrester auxiliary
400V power network

ETITEC WT C 690/20 (3+0)

Before the switch
disconnector

ZE 200 NET
Arrester (adapter) for
protection of data transmission lines and main power
lines as Type 3 (class C)

ETITEC WT 690/20
surge arrester behind
the switch disconnector

ETITEC SIG EMO 110V

surge arrester in the
ISDN line

Earthing system
ETITEC SIG EMO 110V
surge arrester in the
ISDN line

Figure 1. An example protection system for a wind turbine

70

ISDN Line

Remote monitoring
Earthing system
ISDN line

Example applications of ETITEC surge arresters

Photovoltaic installation in a building equipped with

external lightning protection system

External lightning
protection system

EMH-TC 24V
Analog transmission lines 4 to
20 mA

Anemometer
Temperature of
the PV panel

EMH-TC 12V
Temperature measurement
by means of PT 100 sensors
Conductor of the
lightning protection
system

External
temperature
Diagnostic panel
switchgear

ETITEC WENT TNC-S

12,5/100 (4+0)
Main switchgear

ETITEC B-PV 12,5

Photovoltaic installation in a building equipped without
external lightning protection system

ETITEC WENT TT
25/100 (3+1)
Main switchgear

EM-RS 485
Arrester for protection of
measurement and control
elements in 4-conductor
lines (e.g. the RS 485
interface)

ETITEC C-PV 40

Diagnostic panel
switchgear
DC circuit
breaker

DC to AC
inverter

ZE 200 NET
Arrester (adapter) for protection of
data transmission lines and main
power lines as Type 3 (class C)

Figure 1. An example of a comprehensive protection of a structure with photovoltaic installation

71

Notatki

WORKS CONSULTED
1. IEC 61643-1 Surge protection devices connected to low-voltage power distribution system
2. IEC 61643-11: Low-voltage surge protective devices Part 11: Surge protective devices connected
to low-voltage power distribution systems
3. IEC 61643-12 (2002-02): Low-voltage surge protective devices - Part 12: Surge protective devices
connected to low-voltage power distribution systems - Selection and application principles.
4. IEC 60364-4-44: Electrical installations of buildings Part 4-44: Protection for safety Protection
against voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances.
5. IEC 60364-5-53: Electrical installations of buildings Part 5-53: Selection and erection of
electrical equipment Isolation, switching and control.
6. IEC 61312-1 - Protection against Lightning Electromagnetic Impulse (LEMP). General principles
6. IEC 61312-3: Protection against Lightning Electromagnetic Impulse (LEMP). Surge Protective
devices (SPD)
7. IEC 62305-1:2006 General principles
8. IEC 62305-2:2006 Risk management
9. IEC 62305-3:2006 Physical damage to structures and life hazard
10. EN 60071-2: 1996 Insulation Co-ordination. Part.2 Application Guide
11. IEC 99-5 Surge Arresters Part.5: Selection and Application Recommendation
12. IEC 1024-1 Protection of structures against lightning. Guide A - Selection of protection levels for
lightning protection systems
13. IEC 664-1 Insulation coordination
14. ETI Polam - General Catalogue
15. ISKRA ZASCITE - General Catalogue
WORDS OF THANKS
The author wants to thank the employees of ISKRA ZASCITE Company in Lubljana:
- Monika Podpecan
- Igor Juricev
- Ales Golob
for remarks concerning this publication and for sharing of graphical materials

All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form is forbiden without our consent
We reserve the right to introduce changes in performance, dimensions and meterials in the course of technical progres.
Pictures are not binding
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