Overvoltage protection devices
Seamless and safe
Every year, several hundred thousand cases of damage from lightning strikes and overvoltages are reported in Germany alone, with resulting costs in the multi-million euro range. Play it safe – with overvoltage protection devices from our SENTRON portfolio! These devices are part of a comprehensive protection concept for electrical installations, and reliably prevent damage from overvoltage.
The danger of lightning: Damage from overvoltage
Overvoltages are brief voltage peaks of less than a thousandth of a second that exceed by many times the allowable design operating voltage of electric devices. Such overvoltage events are usually caused by lightning strikes, electrostatic discharges or power grid switching operations, and are extremely hazardous. Such surges can cause electrical systems to fail, destroy electrical and electronic equipment, or even set entire buildings on fire. An appropriate protection concept should therefore be implemented in every building.
Protection in three levels
It's best when all electrically live cable routes in the building exposed to hazards are safeguarded by suitable protection devices according to a systematic “graded protection” concept: Beginning with the end device and all the way upstream to the entry of the power lines into the building, all power lines as well as the communication lines should be provided with overvoltage protection devices of various performance classes. The protection devices shall be selected in accordance with the electrical loads at the site of installation. This concept enables implementation of overvoltage and lightning protection measures tailored to local conditions and individual requirements.
The right device for any requirement
Among other characteristics that differentiate overvoltage protection devices is their rated surge capacity and the achievable level of protection.
- Type 1 lightning arrester: Protects against overvoltage and high currents triggered by direct or indirect lightning strikes
- Type 2 surge arrester: Protects against overvoltage triggered by electrical switching operations
- Type 3 surge arrester: Protects electrical loads (consumers) against overvoltage
50 percent of lightning current remains within the building
According to IEC 61312-1, it is to be assumed that approximately 50 percent of any lightning current is conducted via the external lightning protection system (lightning arrester) into the ground. Up to 50 percent of the remaining lightning current flows via electrically conductive systems into the building. Overvoltage protection measures are therefore absolutely essential, even if a building or installation is fitted with a lightning arrester.
Order overvoltage protection devices
Overvoltage protection devices protect against thunderstorm damage
Learn more, choose, and order: At the Industry Mall you will find detailed technical information about all of our overvoltage protection devices. You are just a few clicks away from your customized solution for protecting against damage from lighting and overvoltage.
