ASTS USA
Secondary Surge Suppressors
(USSP)
Installation
Operation
Maintenance
Proprietary Notice
This document and its contents are the property of Ansaldo STS USA,
Inc. (formerly known as Union Switch & Signal Inc., and hereinafter
referred to as "ASTS USA"). This document is furnished to you on the
following conditions: 1.) That no proprietary or intellectual property
right or interest of ASTS USA is given or waived in supplying this
document and its contents to you; and, 2.) That this document and its
contents are not to be used or treated in any manner inconsistent with
the rights of ASTS USA, or to its detriment, and are not to be copied,
reproduced, disclosed or transferred to others, or improperly disposed
of without the prior written consent of ASTS USA.
Important Notice
ASTS USA constantly strives to improve our products and keep our customers apprised of
changes in technology. Following the recommendations contained in the attached service manual
will provide our customers with optimum operational reliability. The data contained herein
purports solely to describe the product, and does not create any warranties.
Within the scope of the attached manual, it is impossible to take into account every eventuality
that may arise with technical equipment in service. Please consult an ASTS USA local sales
representative in the event of any irregularities with our product.
ASTS USA expressly disclaims liability resulting from any improper handling or use of our
equipment, even if these instructions contain no specific indication in this respect. We strongly
recommend that only approved ASTS USA spare parts are used as replacements.
Revision History
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Description ................................................................................................................................... 1-1
1 . 2 Specifications ............................................................................................................................. 1-2
1.2.1 Physical/Mechanical (Typical Unit) ............................................................................... 1-2
1.2.2 Electrical ....................................................................................................................... 1-2
2. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION ......................................................................................................... 2-1
3. INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................. 3-1
4. TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE .................................................................................. 4-1
4 . 1 Visual Inspection and Troubleshooting Considerations ............................................................ 4-1
4 . 2 General Current Test ................................................................................................................. 4-2
5. PARTS LIST ...................................................................................................................................... 5-1
6. RAIL TEAM AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT ...................................................................................... 6-1
List of Figures
Figure 1-1. Typical USSP Secondary Surge Suppressor .................................................................. 1-1
Figure 1-2. USG-A Lightning Arrestor Schematic Diagram ................................................................ 1-3
Figure 3-1. USSP Battery Line, Track Circuit, and AC Line Models Typical Installation ................... 3-2
Figure 4-1. USSP Test Set Up ........................................................................................................... 4-2
Figure 5-1. USSP Assembly Drawing ................................................................................................ 5-3
List of Tables
Table 1-1. USSP Electrical Specifications – All Models .................................................................... 1-4
Table 1-2. USG-A Lightning Arrestor Specifications ......................................................................... 1-5
Table 4-1. USSP Current Test Values .............................................................................................. 4-3
Table 5-1. Common Parts ................................................................................................................. 5-1
Table 5-2. Parts List .......................................................................................................................... 5-2
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Description
ASTS USA Secondary Surge Suppressors (USSP), assist in the protection of sensitive
electrical/electronic equipment from excessive voltage surges, such as those produced by
lightning strikes. USSP models (basic part number N451552-05XX) are used in battery line,
track circuit and AC power line applications and are rated for specific equipment operating
characteristics. The battery line models are designated either USSP-10 or -11, the track circuit
models USSP-20 or -21, and the AC line USSP-30 or 31.
The USSP basically consists of a two-piece dielectric plastic case (housing and cover) containing
inductors and surge dissipation components and AAR terminals for connection of equipment
wiring and installation of lightning arresters. The internal components are attached to the
underside of the cover and the top side of the cover is marked to indicate functions and polarities
of the terminals and the maximum current ratings of the unit. Two mounting brackets are
fastened to the ends of the case.
All USSP models incorporate a transient voltage surge suppressor (TVSS) The battery line
model uses a unipolar avalanche type diode. The track circuit model uses a back-to-back or
bipolar avalanche type diode. The AC power line uses a Metal Oxide Varistor. Two coils are also
installed in each unit to limit fast rising surge currents. Schematics of the battery line, track
circuit and AC line models are shown in Figure 2.
Though certain USSP models are not equipped with primary stage lightning arresters, arresters
are ultimately used in the complete surge protection system, either mounted on the USSP or
installed elsewhere in the equipment wiring. ASTS USA low voltage USG-A lightning arresters
(N451552-0101) are installed on the nominal 12VDC battery line models. This arrester has no
polarity concerns and is wired Line-to-Line (from the positive terminal to the negative terminal).
On track circuit models, this same USG-A Low Voltage Arrester is wired across the track leads.
High voltage arresters (N451552-0201) are installed between a ground post and each of the
battery or track circuit lead wires. AC line arresters (N1451552-0401) are installed across the AC
power wires on the AC Line USSP models. Refer to Figure 1-2 for the various arrester/terminal
arrangements and to Service Manual 6108 for further information on the USG-A arresters.
Figure 1-2 shows the positions of the various USG-A arresters on the USSP models.
CAUTION
The USG-A Low Voltage Arrester (N451552-0101) is a varistor
filled gap arrester designed to be used in a Line-to-Line
application. These are NOT to be used in a Line-to-Ground
application. The USG-A High Voltage Arrester (N451552-0201) is
a true air gap arrester and is designed to be used in Line-to-Ground
applications.
1 . 2 Specifications
Width: 3 ¾ inches
Mounting: Two flat brackets, hole centers 7 ½ inches apart, for ¼ inch
diameter fasteners.
1.2.2 Electrical
T5 (GND)
-0201
T2 T4 T2 T4
+ + + +
-0101 -0101
_ _ _ _
T1 T3 T1 T3
T2 T4 T2 T4
+ + + +
-0101
_ _ _ _
T1 T3 T1 T3
USSP-10 (-0505, 0506, USSP-20 (-0527)
0507, 0508, 0517,
0518, 0519, 0520)
T2 T4 T2 T8
+ +
-0401
_ _
T1 T3 T1 T7
USSP-10 (-0509, 0510, USSP-30 (-0528)
0511, 0512, 0521,
0522, 0523, 0524)
T5 (GND)
-0201
T2 T4 T2 T8
+ +
-0401
-0101 T9
_ _ -0401
T1 T3 T1 T7
T6 (GND)
US0105.0001.00
Coil
Part No.
USSP Type Maximum Circuit Inductance Capacitor Secondary Suppression Arrestors
N451552-
(uH)
0527 20 Track Circuit 17 VAC, 7 VDC/50A 5 None 8 V Zener Transient Suppressor None
0528 30 AC Power 120 VAC/20A 8 None 140 VAC Zener Transient Suppressor Line (1)
0529 31 AC Power 240 VAC/20A 8 None 275 VAC Zener Transient Suppressor Line (2)
Low Voltage (1)
0532 21 Track Circuit 63 VDC/50A 5 None 63.2 V Zener Transient Suppressor
High Voltage (2)
0535 20 Track Circuit 44 VDC/50A 4 None 44 V Zener Transient Suppressor None
2. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The principal function of the USSP is to suppress the small "overshoot" voltages that escape the
primary arresters. These voltages are potentially destructive to sensitive components such as
transistors. When a high surge voltage is impressed on equipment lines (power or signal
transmission), the primary Line-to-Ground arresters shunt the surge to ground while the primary
Line-to-Line arrestors hold the Line-to-Line voltage to reasonable levels. However, in the
presence of surges with fast rise times (measured in thousands of volts or amperes per
microsecond), the time required to achieve complete breakdown of the primary arresters (if used
alone) is sufficient to allow some overshoot voltage into the equipment lines.
USSP models use a Zener/TVSS diode or varistor as transient voltage suppressors to shunt this
residual surge voltage before it can reach equipment components. The surge current first passes
through the inductor coils, which limit or "choke" the current to a level which will not destroy
the Zener/TVSS diode. The coils also assist in the firing of the arrester. When the surge voltage
reaches the reverse-bias Zener/TVSS value, the Zener/TVSS limits the surge voltage.
USSP track circuit models use back-to-back Zener/TVSS devices to shunt overshoot voltages in
both low voltage AC and DC track circuits. The AC line models use a Metal Oxide Varistor to
limit the surge voltages equally in both polarities.
The high voltage arresters are always wired in a Line-to-Ground configuration to shunt the surge
energy to an intentional ground path rather than through the equipment to an unintentional
ground.
3. INSTALLATION
The USSP may be installed in any location convenient for connection of equipment and
grounding wiring. However, the following restrictions and precautions should be observed to
ensure that the USSP will function properly.
WARNING
Make certain that equipment operating and/or signal current in the
vicinity of the USSP is turned off before beginning any installation
work, otherwise personal' injury may result.
I f possible avoid installing the unit in any area where it may be subjected to moisture, dirt,
corrosive agents or extremes of temperature (outside of that specified).
Make certain to use mechanical fasteners that will keep the unit securely mounted, especially
in high-vibration areas on the wayside. Avoid installing the unit upside down.
Make certain that electrical connections to the terminal posts (including leads on lightning arresters
installed in the field) are also tight. Use only eyelet terminals (crimped and soldered) on wiring to be
attached to the USSP, and keep the wiring orderly and away from the lightning arrester
bodies.
CAUTION
If USSP models without lightning arresters (USSP part number
suffix 0509, 0510, 0511, 0512, 0522, 0523 and 0524) are to be
used, they must be used in conjunction with primary arresters in
the final installation. Otherwise, damage will result to both the USSP
and other equipment when a heavy surge current is impressed on
equipment lines. Also, only ASTS USA USG-A arresters should be
attached to the USSP (per ASTS USA specification). Use of any other
arrester may lead to equipment damage.
Consult ASTS USA Engineering for USSP installations in systems already equipped with
lightning arresters. Figure 3-1 is a schematic of the three basic USSP models (battery, track circuit,
AC line) in a composite installation. For other, special installations, consult ASTS USA engineering.
1 2
5 6
USSP-21
3 4
SOLID STATE
EQUIPMENT
3 4
USSP-11
5 6
1 2
RECTIFIER
7 8 USG-A
HIGH VOLTAGE
USSP-30 ARRESTERS
1 2
120
VAC
US0105.0002.00
Figure 3-1. USSP Battery Line, Track Circuit, and AC Line Models
Typical Installation
WARNING
Make certain t h a t e q u i p m e n t operating and/or signal current
going through the USSP is turned off, before starting any hands-on
maintenance, otherwise personal injury may result.
A USSP unit which fails to provide adequate surge protection, or is apparently causing
equipment operating problems, should be removed from its installation and the cover removed to
make the following examinations:
2. Check the tightness and cleanliness of the AAR terminals on the cover, and the tightness of all
nuts securing the external wiring terminals and the lightning arresters.
3. Check the external wires and terminals and the internal components leads and terminals for
breaks, looseness, fraying or loss of insulation.
4. Check the outward appearances of the components, particularly the capacitor and/or solid state
component(s). If these have been subjected to full surge currents, there may be discoloration,
evidence of burning or destruction of the component body.
For maintenance information on the USG-A Lightning Arresters, see SM6108. If the above
examination turned up outward physical/mechanical defects, these may be corrected and the unit
put back into service, however the defect may not have been the cause of the original failure. If
the examination turns up no obvious defects, ASTS USA recommends that the unit be removed
from service and replaced with a new unit. However, the unit may also be given a general current
test; this test is described in Section 4.1. The test equipment only simulates normal equipment
operating voltages, not surge voltages. If the test suggests a faulty component, the individual
component may be checked for continuity, operating values, etc. and replaced if necessary.
CAUTION
Make certain to observe proper polarities (where applicable) when
testing or replacing the solid state voltage suppression components,
otherwise these may be damaged when power is applied.
The general current test requires assembly of a test rig consisting of a power supply or Variac
(for AC voltage control), a high impedance voltmeter, a 100 ohm/10 watt resistor and an
ammeter calibrated to read in milliamperes. The test rig is assembled as shown in Figure 4-1.
The test may be conducted with the cover on or off the case.
AMMETER
100 OHM/10 WATT TERMINAL
POWER A 2
SUPPLY RESISTOR
OR V TERMINAL
VARIAC 1
HIGH IMPEDANCE
US0105.0003.00
VOLTMETER USSP
Use Table 4-1 to select the proper input voltage for the particular USSP model being tested.
Apply this voltage to terminals 1 and 2.
NOTE
If applied voltage is DC, apply "Plus" to terminal 2 and "Minus" to
terminal 1.
For the selected voltage setting (corresponding to the "Maximum Circuit" rating of the unit), the
ammeter should show a current equal to or less than that indicated in column 3 of Table 4-1. If
the ammeter indicates a higher current, the unit should be replaced.
5. PARTS LIST
The various USSP models have certain common components and certain components exclusive
to particular models. If the voltage suppression device, coil or capacitor are to be replaced, use
only direct ASTS USA replacement parts.
CAUTION
Use of replacement components in the USSP from sources other
than ASTS USA may result in improper operation of and/or damage to the
unit and the equipment which is to be protected.
Parts common to all USSP models are given in Table 5-1 and are referenced to Figure 5-1.
Parts exclusive to certain USSP models are given in the Table 5-2 and are referenced to Figure
5-1.
17 17
12
12 WHEN CALLED FOR
DETAIL OF
TERMINALS
7,8 & 9
VIEW "X"
TERMINAL #1 16 TERMINAL #2
-1 TRACK 2+ BATTERY
#7 #8 FOR VIEWS "C" & "D"
USSP-21 USSP-11
TRACK CIRCUIT SURGE SUPPRESSOR TERY LINE SURGE SUPPRE (TYP) VIEW OF BOTTOM SIDE OF COVER
FOR ALL OTHER INFO, SEE MAIN VIEWS
MAX CIRCUIT VDC AMPS AX CIRCUIT VDC AMP
(IGNORE TERMINALS 5,6 & 9)
UNION SWITCH & SIGNAL UNION SWITCH & SIGNAL
5 -3 EQUIPMENT4+ 6 5 6
GROUND GROUND GROUND -3 EQUIPMENT4+ GROUND
30 12 OR 17 6
2 4 5
12 8
10
25
VIEW "G"
12 WHEN CALLED FOR 25
VIEW "B" 30 DETAIL OF
17 12 TERMINALS
17 1,2,5 & 6
3
-7 AC LINE 8+ 7 11 9
USSP-30
AC LINE SURGE SUPPRESSOR
-1 BATTERY 2+ -1 TRACK 2+ MAX CIRCUIT 120 VAC AMPS
USSP-10 USSP-21
BATTERY LINE SURGE SUPPRESSOR UNION SWITCH & SIGNAL
TRACK CIRCUIT SURGE SUPPRESSOR
MAX CIRCUIT VDC AMPS -10 11+
MAX CIRCUIT VDC AMPS EQUIPMENT
UNION SWITCH & SIGNAL DETAIL OF
UNION SWITCH & SIGNAL TERMINALS
-3 EQUIPMENT 4+ 5 6 3&4
GROUND -3 EQUIPMENT4+ GROUND
10 8
VIEW "C" 1
25 12 30
WHEN CALLED FOR 13
25 12 VIEW "A"
30 25 VIEW "E" 30
20
#8 #7
19
#4 #3 -1 TRACK 2+
USSP-20
15 TRACK CIRCUIT SURGE SUPPRESSOR
MAX CIRCUIT VDC AMPS DETAIL OF
14 #9
14 UNION SWITCH & SIGNAL TERMINALS
-3 EQUIPMENT 4+ 10 & 11
VIEW "Y" - FOR VIEWS "C" & "D"
#1
#2
#11 #10 FOR OTHER INFO, SEE MAIN VIEWS
VIEW "F"
US0105.0004.00
VIEW "D" 25
30
VIEW "D" BOTTOM OF COVER
(FOR -0536 TERMINAL #9 NOT INSTALLED)
End of Manual