Overvoltage Protection:

principle, design and installation

May 2022
 Overvoltage Protection

In this chapter, you will find technical reference about:

the different types of overvoltage, their characteristics and potential

impacts on electrical equipment

the lightning protection principles, to protect the building structure and the
building electrical installation

how to design the lightning protection

the characteristics of Surge Protection Devices (SPDs), how to select

them, and the important rules to follow when installing them

Overvoltage Protection 2
Contents

1. Overvoltage of atmospheric origin 4

1.1 Overvoltage definitions 4
1.2 Overvoltage characteristics of atmospheric origin 5
1.3 Effects on electrical installations 5
1.4 Characterization of the lightning wave 7
2. Principle of lightning protection 9
2.1 General rules of lightning protection 9
2.2 Building protection system 9
2.3 Lightning protection - Electrical installation protection system 11
2.4 The Surge Protection Device (SPD) 12
3. Design of the electrical installation protection system 15
3.1 Design rules of the electrical installation protection system 15
3.2 Elements of the protection system 16
3.3 Common characteristics of SPDs according to the installation characteristics 17
3.4 Selection of a Type 1 SPD 20
3.5 Selection of a Type 2 SPD 21
3.6 Selection of external Short Circuit Protection Device (SCPD) 21
4. Installation of Surge Protection Device 25
4.1 Connection of Surge Protection Device 25
4.2 Cabling rules of Surge Protection Device 27
5. Surge protection Application examples 29
5.1 SPD application example in Supermarket 29
5.2 SPD for photovoltaic applications 30
6. Surge protection technical supplements 33
6.1 Lightning protection standards 33
6.2 The components of a SPD 33
6.3 End-of-life indication of a SPD 35
6.4 Detailed characteristics of the external SCPD 36
6.5 Propagation of a lightning wave 37
6.6 Example of lightning current in TT system 38

3 Overvoltage Protection
1. Overvoltage of atmospheric origin

1.1 Overvoltage definitions

Overvoltage (in a system)

Any voltage between one phase conductor and earth or between phase conductors having a peak value exceeding
the corresponding peak of the highest voltage for equipment.

Definition from the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV 604-03-09).

Various types of overvoltage

An overvoltage is a voltage pulse or wave which is superimposed on the rated voltage of the network (see Fig. 1).

Fig. 1 – Examples of overvoltage

This type of overvoltage is characterized by (see Fig. 2):

• the rise time tf (in μs);

• the gradient S (in kV/μs).

An overvoltage disturbs equipment and produces electromagnetic radiation. Moreover, the duration of the overvoltage (T)
causes an energy peak in the electric circuits which could destroy equipment.

Fig. 2 – Main characteristics

of an overvoltage

Four types of overvoltage can disturb electrical installations and loads:

• Switching surges: high-frequency overvoltages or burst disturbance (see Fig. 1) caused by a change in the steady
state in an electrical network (during operation of switchgear).

Overvoltage Protection 4
• Power-frequency overvoltages: overvoltages of the same frequency as the network (50, 60 or 400 Hz) caused by a
permanent change of state in the network (following a fault: insulation fault, breakdown of neutral conductor, etc.).
• Overvoltages caused by electrostatic discharge: very short overvoltages (a few nanoseconds) of very high frequency
caused by the discharge of accumulated electric charges (for example, a person walking on a carpet with insulating
soles is electrically charged with a voltage of several kilovolts).
• Overvoltages of atmospheric origin.

1.2 Overvoltage characteristics of atmospheric origin

Lightning strokes in a few figures: Lightning flashes produce an extremely large quantity of pulsed electrical energy
(see Figure 4)

• of several thousand amperes (and several thousand volts),

• of high frequency (approximately 1 megahertz),
• of short duration (from a microsecond to a millisecond).

Between 2000 and 5000 storms are constantly undergoing formation throughout the world. These storms are accompanied
by lightning strokes which represent a serious hazard for persons and equipment. Lightning flashes hit the ground at an
average of 30 to 100 strokes per second, i.e. 3 billion lightning strokes each year.

The table in Figure 3 shows some lightning strike values with their related probability. As can be seen, 50% of lightning
strokes have a current exceeding 35 kA and 5% a current exceeding 100 kA. The energy conveyed by the lightning stroke
is therefore very high.

Fig. 3 – Examples of lightning discharge values given by the IEC 62305-1 standard (2010 - Table A.3)
Cumulative probability (%) Peak current (kA)
95 5
50 35
5 100
1 200

Lightning
current
Arc leader
I Subsequent arcs

I/2

t1 t2 t3 Time

Fig. 4 – Example of lightning current

Lightning also causes a large number of fires, mostly in agricultural areas (destroying houses or making them unfit for use).
High-rise buildings are especially prone to lightning strokes.

1.3 Effects on electrical installations

Lightning damages electrical and electronic systems in particular: transformers, electricity meters and electrical appliances
on both residential and industrial premises.

The cost of repairing the damage caused by lightning is very high. But it is very hard to assess the consequences of:

• disturbances caused to computers and telecommunication networks;

• faults generated in the running of programmable logic controller programs and control systems.

Moreover, the cost of operating losses may be far higher than the value of the equipment destroyed.

5 Overvoltage Protection
Lightning stroke impacts
Lightning is a high-frequency electrical phenomenon which causes overvoltages on all conductive items, especially on
electrical cabling and equipment.

Lightning strokes can affect the electrical (and/or electronic) systems of a building in two ways:

• by direct impact of the lightning stroke on the building (see Fig. 5 a);
• by indirect impact of the lightning stroke on the building:
• A lightning stroke can fall on an overhead electric power line supplying a building (see Fig. 5 b). The overcurrent
and overvoltage can spread several kilometres from the point of impact.
• A lightning stroke can fall near an electric power line (see Fig. 5 c). It is the electromagnetic radiation of the
lightning current that produces a high current and an overvoltage on the electric power supply network. In the
latter two cases, the hazardous currents and voltages are transmitted by the power supply network.
• A lightning stroke can fall near a building (see Fig. 5 d). The earth potential around the point of impact rises
dangerously.

Electrical Fig. 5 – Various types of

c installation lightning impact

Installation
earth lead

In all cases, the consequences for electrical installations and loads can be dramatic.

Lightning falls on an unprotected building. Lightning falls near an overhead line. Lightning falls near a building.

Electrical
installation Electrical Electrical
installation installation

Installation Installation Installation

earth lead earth lead earth lead

The lightning current flows to earth via the more The lightning current generates overvoltages through The lightning stroke generates the same
or less conductive structures of the building with electromagnetic induction in the distribution system. types of overvoltage as those described
very destructive effects: opposite.
These overvoltages are propagated along the line to the
• thermal effects: Very violent overheating of lectrical equipment inside the buildings. In addition, the lightning current rises
materials, causing fire, back from the earth to the electrical
• mechanical effects: Structural deformation, installation, thus causing equipment
• thermal flashover: Extremely dangerous breakdown.
phenomenon in the presence of flammable
or explosive materials (hydrocarbons, dust,
etc.).

The building and the installations inside the The electrical installations inside the building are generally destroyed.
building are generally destroyed

Fig. 6 – Consequence of a lightning stroke impact

Overvoltage Protection 6
The various modes of propagation
Common mode

Common-mode overvoltages appear between live conductors and earth: phase-to-earth or neutral-to-earth (see Fig. 7 ).
They are dangerous especially for appliances whose frame is connected to earth due to risks of dielectric breakdown.

Ph

Equipment
Imc
N
Fig. 7 – Common mode

Voltage surge
common mode
Imc

Differential mode

Differential-mode overvoltages appear between live conductors:

phase-to-phase or phase-to-neutral (see Fig. 8). They are especially dangerous for electronic equipment, sensitive
hardware such as computer systems, etc.

Imd
Ph

U voltage surge Equipment

differential mode
N
Imd Fig. 8 – Differential mode

1.4 Characterization of the lightning wave

Analysis of the phenomena allows definition of the types of lightning current and voltage waves.

• 2 types of current wave are considered by the IEC standards:

• 10/350 µs wave: to characterize the current waves from a direct lightning stroke (see Fig. 9);

I
Max.
100 %

50 % Fig. 9 – 10/350 µs current wave

t
10 (µs)
350

7 Overvoltage Protection
 • 8/20 µs wave: to characterize the current waves from an indirect lightning stroke (see Fig. 10).

I
Max.
100 %

50 % Fig. 10 – 8/20 µs current wave

t
8 (µs)
20

These two types of lightning current wave are used to define tests on SPDs (IEC standard 61643-11) and equipment
immunity to lightning currents.

The peak value of the current wave characterizes the intensity of the lightning stroke.

• The overvoltages created by lightning strokes are characterized by a 1.2/50 µs voltage wave (see Fig. 11).

This type of voltage wave is used to verify equipment's withstand to overvoltages of atmospheric origin (impulse voltage
as per IEC 61000-4-5).

Max.
100 %

50 % Fig. 11 – 1.2/50 µs voltage wave

t
1.2 (µs)
50

Overvoltage Protection 8
2. Principle of lightning protection

2.1 General rules of lightning protection

Procedure to prevent risks of lightning strike
The system for protecting a building against the effects of lightning must include:

• lprotection of structures against direct lightning strokes;

• lprotection of electrical installations against direct and indirect lightning strokes.

The basic principle for protection of an installation against the risk of lightning strikes is to prevent the disturbing energy
from reaching sensitive equipment. To achieve this, it is necessary to:

• lcapture the lightning current and channel it to earth via the most direct path (avoiding the vicinity of sensitive
equipment);
• lperform equipotential bonding of the installation;
This equipotential bonding is implemented by bonding conductors, supplemented by Surge Protection Devices
(SPDs) or spark gaps (e.g., antenna mast spark gap).
• minimize induced and indirect effects by installing SPDs and/or filters.

Two protection systems are used to eliminate or limit over-voltages: they are known as the building protection system
(for the outside of buildings) and the electrical installation protection system (for the inside of buildings).

2.2 Building protection system

The role of the building protection system is to protect it against direct lightning strokes.

The system consists of:

• the capture device: the lightning protection system;

• ldown-conductors designed to convey the lightning current to earth;
• l"crow's foot" earth leads connected together;
• llinks between all metallic frames (equipotential bonding) and the earth leads.

When the lightning current flows in a conductor, if potential differences appear between it and the frames connected to
earth that are located in the vicinity, the latter can cause destructive flashovers.

The 3 types of lightning protection system

Three types of building protection are used:

The lightning rod (simple rod or with triggering system)

The lightning rod is a metallic capture tip placed at the top of the building. It is earthed by one or more conductors (often
copper strips) (see Fig. 12).
Simple
lightning rod

Earth
down-conductor
(copper strip)

Check Fig. 12 – Lightning rod (simple rod

terminal
or with triggering system)
“Crow’s foot”
earth lead

9 Overvoltage Protection
The lightning rod with taut wires

These wires are stretched above the structure to be protected. They are used to protect special structures: rocket
launching areas, military applications and protection of high-voltage overhead lines (see Fig. 13).
2
Tin plated copper 25 mm

Meta post
d > 0.1 h

Fig. 13 – Taut wires

h

Frame grounded earth belt

The lightning conductor with meshed cage (Faraday cage)

This protection involves placing numerous down conductors/tapes symmetrically all around the building. (see Fig. 14).

This type of lightning protection system is used for highly exposed buildings housing very sensitive installations such as
computer rooms.

Fig. 14 – Meshed cage (Faraday cage)

Consequences of building protection for the electrical installation's equipment

50% of the lightning current discharged by the building protection system rises back into the earthing networks of the
electrical installation (see Fig. 15): the potential rise of the frames very frequently exceeds the insulation withstand
capability of the conductors in the various networks (LV, telecommunications, video cable, etc.).

Moreover, the flow of current through the down-conductors generates induced overvoltages in the electrical installation.

As a consequence, the building protection system does not protect the electrical installation: it is therefore compulsory to
provide for an electrical installation protection system.

Electrical
Fig. 15 – Direct lightning back current
installation

i
I

Installation
earth lead

Overvoltage Protection 10
2.3 Lightning protection - Electrical installation protection system
The main objective of the electrical installation protection system is to limit overvoltages to values that are acceptable for
the equipment.

The electrical installation protection system consists of:

• one or more SPDs depending on the building configuration;

• the equipotential bonding: metallic mesh of exposed conductive parts.

Implementation
The procedure to protect the electrical and electronic systems of a building is as follows.

Search for information

• Identify all sensitive loads and their location in the building.

• Identify the electrical and electronic systems and their respective points of entry into the building.
• Check whether a lightning protection system is present on the building or in the vicinity.
• Become acquainted with the regulations applicable to the building's location.
• Assess the risk of lightning strike according to the geographic location, type of power supply, lightning strike density,
etc.

Solution implementation

• Install bonding conductors on frames by a mesh.

• Install a SPD in the LV incoming switchboard.
• Install an additional SPD in each subdistribution board located in the vicinity of sensitive equipment (see Fig. 16).

Fig. 16 – Example of protection of a large-scale electrical installation

11 Overvoltage Protection
2.4 The Surge Protection Device (SPD)
Surge Protection Devices (SPD) are used for electric power supply networks, telephone networks, and communication
and automatic control buses.

The Surge Protection Device (SPD) is a component of the electrical installation protection system.

This device is connected in parallel on the power supply circuit of the loads that it has to protect (see Fig. 17). It can also
be used at all levels of the power supply network.

This is the most commonly used and most efficient type of overvoltage protection.

Fig. J17 – Principle of

protection system in parallel

SPD connected in parallel has a high impedance. Once the transient overvoltage appears in the system, the impedance
of the device decreases so surge current is driven through the SPD, bypassing the sensitive equipment.

Principle
SPD is designed to limit transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin and divert current waves to earth, so as to limit the
amplitude of this overvoltage to a value that is not hazardous for the electrical installation and electric switchgear and
controlgear.

SPD eliminates overvoltages

• in common mode, between phase and neutral or earth;

• in differential mode, between phase and neutral.

In the event of an overvoltage exceeding the operating threshold, the SPD

• conducts the energy to earth, in common mode;

• distributes the energy to the other live conductors, in differential mode.

The three types of SPD

Type 1 SPD

The Type 1 SPD is recommended in the specific case of service-sector and industrial buildings, protected by a lightning
protection system or a meshed cage.

It protects electrical installations against direct lightning strokes. It can discharge the back-current from lightning
spreading from the earth conductor to the network conductors.

Type 1 SPD is characterized by a 10/350 µs current wave.

Type 2 SPD

The Type 2 SPD is the main protection system for all low voltage electrical installations. Installed in each electrical
switchboard, it prevents the spread of overvoltages in the electrical installations and protects the loads.

Type 2 SPD is characterized by an 8/20 µs current wave.

Overvoltage Protection 12
Type 3 SPD

These SPDs have a low discharge capacity. They must therefore mandatorily be installed as a supplement to Type 2
SPD and in the vicinity of sensitive loads.

Type 3 SPD is characterized by a combination of voltage waves (1.2/50 μs) and current waves (8/20 μs).

SPD normative definition

Direct lightning stroke Indirect lightning stroke

IEC 61643-1 Class I test Class II test Class III test
IEC 61643-11/2011 Type 1 : T1 Type 2 : T2 Type 3 : T3
EN/IEC 61643-11 Type 1 Type 2 Type 3
Former VDE 0675v B C D
Type of test wave 10/350 8/20 1.2/50 + 8/20

Note 1: There exist T1 + T2 SPD (or Type 1 + 2 SPD) combining protection of loads against direct and indirect lightning
strokes.
Note 2: some T2 SPD can also be declared as T3 .

Characteristics of SPD
International standard IEC 61643-11 Edition 1.0 (03/2011) defines the characteristics and tests for SPD connected to low
voltage distribution systems (see Fig. 19).

Up
Fig. 19 – Time/current characteristic
of a SPD with varistor
Uc

I
< 1 mA In Imax
In green, the guaranteed operating range of the SPD.

Common characteristics

• Uc: Maximum continuous operating voltage

This is the A.C. or D.C. voltage above which the SPD becomes active. This value is chosen according to the rated
voltage and the system earthing arrangement.
• Up: Voltage protection level (at In)
This is the maximum voltage across the terminals of the SPD when it is active. This voltage is reached when the
current flowing in the SPD is equal to In. The voltage protection level chosen must be below the overvoltage withstand
capability of the loads. In the event of lightning strokes, the voltage across the terminals of the SPD generally remains
less than Up.
• In: Nominal discharge current
This is the peak value of a current of 8/20 µs waveform that the SPD is capable of discharging minimum 19 times.

Why is In important?
In corresponds to a nominal discharge current that a SPD can withstand at least 19 times: a higher value of In means
a longer life for the SPD, so it is strongly recommended to chose higher values than the minimum imposed value of
5 kA.

13 Overvoltage Protection
Type 1 SPD

• Iimp: Impulse current

This is the peak value of a current of 10/350 µs waveform that the SPD is capable of discharging of discharging at
least one time.

Why is Iimp important?

IEC 62305 standard requires a maximum impulse current value of 25 kA per pole for three-phase system. This means
that for a 3P+N network the SPD should be able to withstand a total maximum impulse current of 100kA coming from
the earth bonding.

• Ifi: Autoextinguish follow current

Applicable only to the spark gap technology. This is the current (50 Hz) that the SPD is capable of interrupting by itself
after flashover. This current must always be greater than the prospective short-circuit current at the point of installation.

Type 2 SPD

• Imax: Maximum discharge current

This is the peak value of a current of 8/20 µs waveform that the SPD is capable of discharging once.

Why is Imax important?

If you compare 2 SPDs with the same In, but with different Imax: the SPD with higher Imax value has a higher "safety
margin" and can withstand higher surge current without being damaged.

Type 3 SPD

• Uoc: Open-circuit voltage applied during class III (Type 3) tests.

Main applications
• Low Voltage SPD
Very different devices, from both a technological and usage viewpoint, are designated by this term. Low voltage SPDs
are modular to be easily installed inside LV switchboards.
There are also SPDs adaptable to power sockets, but these devices have a low discharge capacity.
• SPD for communication networks
These devices protect telephone networks, switched networks and automatic control networks (bus) against
overvoltages coming from outside (lightning) and those internal to the power supply network (polluting equipment,
switchgear operation, etc.).
Such SPDs are also installed in RJ11, RJ45, ... connectors or integrated into loads.

Overvoltage Protection 14
3. Design of the electrical installation
protection system

3.1 Design rules of the electrical installation protection system

To protect an electrical installation in a building, simple rules apply for the choice of

• SPD(s);
• its protection system.

For a power distribution system, the main characteristics used to define the lightning protection system and select a SPD
to protect an electrical installation in a building are:

• SPD
• quantity of SPD
• type
• level of exposure to define the SPD's maximum discharge current Imax.
• Short circuit protection device
• maximum discharge current Imax;
• short-circuit current Isc at the point of installation.
The logic diagram in the Figure 20 below illustrates this design rule.

Surge Protective
Device (SPD)
No Is there a lightning rod Yes
on the building or within
50 metres of the building ?

Type 1 + Type2
Type2 or
SPD Type 1+2
SPD

Risks level ? Risks level ?

Fig. 20 – Logic diagram

for selection of a
protection system
Low Medium High 12.5 kA 25 kA
20 kA 40 kA 65 kA mini.
Imax Iimp

Isc
at the installation point ?
Short Circuit
Protection Device (SCPD)

The other characteristics for selection of a SPD are predefined for an electrical installation.

• number of poles in SPD;

• voltage protection level Up;
• operating voltage Uc.

This sub-section Design of the electrical installation protection system describes in greater detail the criteria for selection
of the protection system according to the characteristics of the installation, the equipment to be protected and the
environment.

15 Overvoltage Protection
3.2 Elements of the protection system
A SPD must always be installed at the origin of the electrical installation.

Location and type of SPD

The type of SPD to be installed at the origin of the installation depends on whether or not a lightning protection system is
present. If the building is fitted with a lightning protection system (as per IEC 62305), a Type 1 SPD should be installed.

For SPD installed at the incoming end of the installation, the IEC 60364 installation standards lay down minimum values
for the following 2 characteristics:

• Nominal discharge current In = 5 kA (8/20) µs;

• Voltage protection level Up (at In) < 2.5 kV.

The number of additional SPDs to be installed is determined by:

• the size of the site and the difficulty of installing bonding conductors. On large sites, it is essential to install a SPD at
the incoming end of each subdistribution enclosure.
• the distance separating sensitive loads to be protected from the incoming end protection device. When the loads are
located more than 10 meters away from the incoming-end protection device, it is necessary to provide for additional
fine protection as close as possible to sensitive loads. The phenomena of wave reflection is increasing from 10 meters
see Propagation of a lightning wave
• the risk of exposure. In the case of a very exposed site, the incoming-end SPD cannot ensure both a high flow of
lightning current and a sufficiently low voltage protection level. In particular, a Type 1 SPD is generally accompanied
by a Type 2 SPD.

The table in Figure 21 below shows the quantity and type of SPD to be set up on the basis of the two factors defined
above.

Note: The Type 1 SPD is installed in the electrical switchboard connected to the earth lead of the lightning protection system.

Fig. 21 – The 4 cases of SPD implementation

Overvoltage Protection 16
Protection distributed levels
Several protection levels of SPD allows the energy to be distributed among several SPDs, as shown in Figure 22 in
which the three types of SPD are provided for:

• Type 1: when the building is fitted with a lightning protection system and located at the incoming end of the installation
it absorbs a very large quantity of energy;
• Type 2: absorbs residual overvoltages;
• Type 3: provides "fine" protection if necessary for the most sensitive equipment located very close to the loads.

Note: The Type 1 and 2 SPD can be combined in a single SPD

Fig. 22 – Fine protection architecture

3.3 Common characteristics of SPDs according to the installation

characteristics
Operating voltage Uc
Depending on the system earthing arrangement, the maximum continuous operating voltage Uc of SPD must be equal to
or greater than the values shown in the table in Figure 23.

Fig. 23 – Stipulated minimum value of Uc for SPDs depending on the system earthing arrangement (based on Table
534.2 of the IEC 60364-5-53 standard)

SPDs connected between (as applicable) System configuration of distribution network

TN system TT system IT system
Line conductor and neutral conductor 1.1 U / √3 1.1 U / √3 1.1 U / √3
Line conductor and PE conductor 1.1 U / √3 1.1 U / √3 1.1 U
Line conductor and PEN conductor 1.1 U / √3 N/A N/A
Neutral conductor and PE conductor [a] [a]
U / √3 U / √3 1.1 U / √3
N/A: not applicable
U: line-to-line voltage of the low-voltage system
a: these values are related to worst-case fault conditions, therefore the tolerance of 10 % is not taken into account.

The most common values of Uc chosen according to the system earthing arrangement.

TT, TN: 260, 320, 340, 350 V

IT: 440, 460 V

17 Overvoltage Protection
Voltage protection level Up (at In)
The IEC 60364-4-44 standard helps with the choice of the protection level Up for the SPD in function of the loads to be
protected. The table of Figure 24 indicates the impulse withstand capability of each kind of equipment.

Fig. 24 – Required rated impulse voltage of equipment Uw (table 443.2 of IEC 60364-4-44)

Nominal voltage Voltage line to neutral Required rated impulse withstand voltage of equipment[b] (kV)
of the derived from nominal Overvoltage category IV Overvoltage category III Overvoltage category II Overvoltage category I
installation[a] (V) voltages a.c. or d.c. (equipment with very (equipment with high (equipment with normal (equipment with reduced
up to and including (V) high rated impulse rated impulse voltage) rated impulse voltage) rated impulse voltage)
voltage)
For example, energy For example, distribution For example, distribution For example, sensitive
meter, telecontrol boards, switches socket domestic appliances, electronic equipment
systems -outlets tools
120/208 150 4 2.5 1.5 0.8

230/400[c][d] 300 6 4 2.5 1.5

277/480[c]
400/690 600 8 6 4 2.5

1000 1000 12 8 6 4

1500 d.c. 1500 d.c. 8 6

a. According to IEC 60038:2009.

b. This rated impulse voltage is applied between live conductors and PE.
c. In Canada and USA, for voltages to earth higher than 300 V, the rated impulse voltage corresponding to the next
highest voltage in this column applies.
d. For IT systems operations at 220-240 V, the 230/400 row shall be used, due to the voltage to earth at the
earth fault on one line.

Fig. 25 – Overvoltage category of equipment

• Equipment of overvoltage category I is only suitable for use in the fixed installation of
buildings where protective means are applied outside the equipment – to limit transient
overvoltages to the specified level.
Examples of such equipment are those containing electronic circuits like computers,
appliances with electronic programmes, etc.

• Equipment of overvoltage category II is suitable for connection to the fixed electrical

installation, providing a normal degree of availability normally required for current-using
equipment.
Examples of such equipment are household appliances and similar loads.

• Equipment of overvoltage category III is for use in the fixed installation downstream of,
and including the main distribution board, providing a high degree of availability.
Examples of such equipment are distribution boards, circuit-breakers, wiring systems
including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket-outlets) in the fixed
installation, and equipment for industrial use and some other equipment, e.g. stationary
motors with permanent connection to the fixed installation.

• Equipment of overvoltage category IV is suitable for use at, or in the proximity of, the
origin of the installation, for example upstream of the main distribution board.
Examples of such equipment are electricity meters, primary overcurrent protection
devices and ripple control units.

Overvoltage Protection 18
The "installed" Up performance should be compared with the impulse withstand capability of the loads.

SPD has a voltage protection level Up that is intrinsic, i.e. defined and tested independently of its installation. In practice,
for the choice of Up performance of a SPD, a safety margin must be taken to allow for the overvoltages inherent in the
installation of the SPD (see Figure 26 and Connection of Surge Protection Device).

Fig. 26 – Installed Up

The "installed" voltage protection level Up generally adopted to protect sensitive equipment in 230/400 V electrical
installations is 2.5 kV (overvoltage category II, see Fig. 27).

Note:

If the stipulated voltage protection level cannot be achieved by the incoming-end SPD or if sensitive equipment items are
remote (see Elements of the protection system#Location and type of SPD Location and type of SPD , additional
coordinated SPD must be installed to achieve the required protection level.

Number of poles
• Depending on the system earthing arrangement, it is necessary to provide for a SPD architecture ensuring protection
in common mode (CM) and differential mode (DM).

Fig. 27 – Protection need according to the system earthing arrangement

TT TN-C TN-S IT
Phase-to-neutral (DM) Recommended[a] – Recommended Not useful
Phase-to-earth (PE or PEN) (CM) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Neutral-to-earth (PE) (CM) Yes – Yes Yes[b]
a. The protection between phase and neutral can either be incorporated in the SPD placed at the origin of the installation,
or be remoted close to the equipment to be protected

Note:

• Common-mode overvoltage
A basic form of protection is to install a SPD in common mode between phases and the PE (or PEN) conductor,
whatever the type of system earthing arrangement used.

• Differential-mode overvoltage
In the TT and TN-S systems, earthing of the neutral results in an asymmetry due to earth impedances which leads to
the appearance of differential-mode voltages, even though the overvoltage induced by a lightning stroke is
common-mode.

19 Overvoltage Protection
2P, 3P and 4P SPDs

(see Fig. 28)

• These are adapted to the IT, TN-C, TN-C-S systems.

• They provide protection merely against common-mode overvoltages.

Fig. 28 – 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P SPDs

1P + N, 3P + N SPDs

(see Fig. 29)

• These are adapted to the TT and TN-S systems.

• They provide protection against common-mode and differential-mode overvoltages

Fig. 29 – 1P + N, 3P + N SPDs

3.4 Selection of a Type 1 SPD

Impulse current Iimp
• Where there are no national regulations or specific regulations for the type of building to be protected:
the impulse current Iimp shall be at least 12.5 kA (10/350 µs wave) per branch in accordance with IEC 60364-5-534.
• Where regulations exist:
standard IEC 62305-2 defines 4 levels: I, II, III and IV

Overvoltage Protection 20
The table in Figure 31 shows the different levels of Iimp in the regulatory case.

Fig. 30 – Basic example of balanced Iimp

current distribution in 3 phase system

Fig. 31 – Table of Iimp values according to the building's voltage protection level (based on IEC/EN 62305-2)
Protection level as External lightning protection Minimum required Iimp for
per EN 62305-2 system designed to handle direct Type 1 SPD for line-neutral
flash of: network
I 200 kA 25 kA/pole
II 150 kA 18.75 kA/pole
III / IV 100 kA 12.5 kA/pole

Autoextinguish follow current Ifi

This characteristic is applicable only for SPDs with spark gap technology. The autoextinguish follow current Ifi must
always be greater than the prospective short-circuit current Isc at the point of installation.

3.5 Selection of a Type 2 SPD

Maximum discharge current Imax
The maximum discharge current Imax is defined according to the estimated exposure level relative to the building's
location.

The value of the maximum discharge current (Imax) is determined by a risk analysis (see table in Figure 32).

Fig. 32 – Recommended maximum discharge current Imax according to the exposure level
Exposure level

Low Medium High

Building environment Building located in an urban or suburban Building located Building where there is a specific risk: pylon, tree,
area of grouped housing in a plain mountainous region, wet area or pond, etc.

Recommended Imax 20 40 65
value (kA)

3.6 Selection of external Short Circuit Protection Device (SCPD)

The protection devices (thermal and short circuit) must be coordinated with the SPD to ensure reliable operation, i.e.

• ensure continuity of service:

• withstand lightning current waves
• not generate excessive residual voltage.
• ensure effective protection against all types of overcurrent:
• overload following thermal runaway of the varistor;
• short circuit of low intensity (impedant);
• short circuit of high intensity.

21 Overvoltage Protection
Risks to be avoided at end of life of the SPDs
Due to ageing

In the case of natural end of life due to ageing, protection is of the thermal type. SPD with varistors must have an internal
disconnector which disables the SPD.

Note: End of life through thermal runaway does not concern SPD with gas discharge tube or encapsulated spark gap.

Due to a fault

The causes of end of life due to a short-circuit fault are:

• Maximum discharge capacity exceeded.

This fault results in a strong short circuit.

• A fault due to the distribution system (neutral/phase switchover, neutral disconnection).

• Gradual deterioration of the varistor.

The latter two faults result in an impedant short circuit.

The installation must be protected from damage resulting from these types of fault: the internal (thermal) disconnector
defined above does not have time to warm up, hence to operate.

A special device called "external Short Circuit Protection Device (external SCPD)", capable of eliminating the short circuit,
should be installed. It can be implemented by a circuit breaker or fuse device.

Characteristics of the external SCPD

The external SCPD should be coordinated with the SPD. It is designed to meet the following two constraints:

Lightning current withstand

The lightning current withstand is an essential characteristic of the SPD's external Short Circuit Protection Device.

The external SCPD must not trip upon 15 successive impulse currents at In.

Short-circuit current withstand

• The breaking capacity is determined by the installation rules (IEC 60364 standard):
The external SCPD should have a breaking capacity equal to or greater than the prospective short-circuit current Isc
at the installation point (in accordance with the IEC 60364 standard).

• Protection of the installation against short circuits

In particular, the impedant short circuit dissipates a lot of energy and should be eliminated very quickly to prevent
damage to the installation and to the SPD. The right association between a SPD and its external SCPD must be given
by the manufacturer.

Installation mode for the external SCPD

Device "in series’’

The SCPD is described as "in series" (see Fig. 33) when the protection is performed by the general protection device of
the network to be protected (for example, connection circuit breaker upstream of an installation).

Fig. 33 – SCPD "in series”

Overvoltage Protection 22
Device "in parallel”

The SCPD is described as "in parallel" (see Fig. 34) when the protection is performed specifically by a protection device
associated with the SPD.

• The external SCPD is called a "disconnecting circuit breaker" if the function is performed by a circuit breaker.
• The disconnecting circuit breaker may or may not be integrated into the SPD.

Fig. J34 – SCPD "in parallel”

Note:

In the case of a SPD with gas discharge tube or encapsulated spark gap, the SCPD allows the current to be cut
immediately after use.

Guarantee of protection
The external SCPD should be coordinated with the SPD, and tested and guaranteed by the SPD manufacturer in
accordance with the recommendations of the IEC 61643-11 standard. It should also be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations. As an example, see the Arrester Electric SCPD+SPD coordination tables.

When this device is integrated, conformity with product standard IEC 61643-11 naturally ensures protection.

Fig. J35 – SPDs with external SCPD, non-integrated (DZ47-63 + SLP40)

Summary of external SCPDs characteristics

A detailed analysis of the characteristics is given in section Detailed characteristics of the external SCPD .

The table in Figure 36 shows, on an example, a summary of the characteristics according to the various types of external
SCPD.

23 Overvoltage Protection
Fig. 36 – Characteristics of end-of-life protection of a Type 2 SPD according to the external SCPDs
Installation mode In series In parallel
for the external Fuse protection associated Circuit breaker protection Circuit breaker protection
SCPD associated integrated

Surge protection of = = = =
equipment
SPDs protect the equipment satisfactorily whatever the kind of associated external SCPD
Protection of - = + ++
installation at end
No guarantee of protection Manufacturer's guarantee Full guarantee
of life
possible
Protection from impedant short Protection from short circuits perfectly ensured
circuits not well ensured

Continuity of -- + + +
service at end of
The complete installation Only the SPD circuit is shut down
life
is shut down

Maintenance at end -- = + +
of life
Shutdown of the installation Change of fuses Immediate resetting
required

Overvoltage Protection 24
4. Installation of Surge Protection Device

4.1 Connection of Surge Protection Device

Connections of a SPD to the loads should be as short as possible in order to reduce the value of the voltage protection
level (installed Up) on the terminals of the protected equipment.

The total length of SPD connections to the network and the earth terminal block should not exceed 50 cm.

One of the essential characteristics for the protection of equipment is the maximum voltage protection level (installed Up)
that the equipment can withstand at its terminals. Accordingly, a SPD should be chosen with a voltage protection level Up
adapted to protection of the equipment (see Fig. 37). The total length of the connection conductors is

L = L1+L2+L3.

For high-frequency currents, the impedance per unit length of this connection is approximately 1 µH/m.

Hence, applying Lenz's law to this connection: ΔU = L di/dt

The normalized 8/20 µs current wave, with a current amplitude of 8 kA, accordingly creates a voltage rise
of 1000 V per metre of cable.

ΔU =1 x 10-6 x 8 x 103 /8 x 10-6 = 1000 V

Fig. 37 – Connections of a SPD L < 50 cm

As a result the voltage across the equipment terminals, U equipment, is:

U equipment = Up + U1 + U2

If L1+L2+L3 = 50 cm, and the wave is 8/20 µs with an amplitude of 8 kA, the voltage across the equipment terminals will
be Up + 500 V.

Connection in plastic enclosure

Figure 38 below shows how to connect a SPD in plastic enclosure.

Fig. 38 – Example of connection

in plastic enclosure

25 Overvoltage Protection
Connection in metallic enclosure
In the case of a switchgear assembly in a metallic enclosure, it may be wise to connect the SPD directly to the metallic
enclosure, with the enclosure being used as a protective conductor (see Fig. 39).

This arrangement complies with standard IEC 61439-2 and the Assembly manufacturer must make sure that the
characteristics of the enclosure make this use possible.

Fig. 39 – Example of connection

in metallic enclosure

Conductor cross section

The recommended minimum conductor cross section takes into account:

• The normal service to be provided: Flow of the lightning current wave under a maximum voltage drop (50 cm rule).
Note: Unlike applications at 50 Hz, the phenomenon of lightning being high-frequency, the increase in the conductor
cross section does not greatly reduce its high-frequency impedance.

• The conductors' withstand to short-circuit currents: The conductor must resist a short-circuit current during the
maximum protection system cutoff time. IEC 60364 recommends at the installation incoming end a minimum cross
section of:
2
• 4 mm 2(Cu) for connection of Type 2 SPD;
• 16 mm (Cu) for connection of Type 1 SPD (presence of lightning protection system).
Examples of good and bad SPD installations
Fig. 40 – Examples of good and bad SPD installations

Example 1: Equipment installation design should be Exemple 2 : Positioning of devices should be linked
done in accordance to installation rules: cables to installation rules: reduce length of cables < 50 cm
length shall be less than 50 cm. and keep the loop area rule of reducing impact of
magnetic fields created by lightning current.

Overvoltage Protection 26
4.2 Cabling rules of Surge Protection Device
Rule 1
The first rule to comply with is that the length of the SPD connections between the network (via the external SCPD) and the earthing term

Figure 41 shows the two possibilities for connection of a SPD.

Fig. 41 – SPD with separate or integrated external SCPD

Rule 2
The conductors of protected outgoing feeders:

• should be connected to the terminals of the external SCPD or the SPD;

• should be separated physically from the polluted incoming conductors.

They are located to the right of the terminals of the SPD and the SCPD (see Figure 42 ).

Fig. 42 – The connections of protected outgoing feeders are to the right of the SPD terminals

Rule 3
The incoming feeder phase, neutral and protection (PE) conductors should run one beside another in order to reduce the
loop surface (see Fig. 43).

Rule 4
The incoming conductors of the SPD should be remote from the protected outgoing conductors to avoid polluting them
by coupling (see Fig. 43).

27 Overvoltage Protection
Rule 5
The cables should be pinned against the metallic parts of the enclosure (if any) in order to minimize the surface of the
frame loop and hence benefit from a shielding effect against EM disturbances.

In all cases, it must be checked that the frames of switchboards and enclosures are earthed via very short connections.

Finally, if shielded cables are used, big lengths should be avoided, because they reduce the efficiency of shielding
(see Fig. 43).

Fig. 43 – Example of improvement of EMC by a reduction in the loop surfaces and common impedance in an electric
enclosure

Overvoltage Protection 28
5. Surge protection Application examples

5.1 SPD application example in Supermarket

Fig. 44 – Application example: supermarket

Solutions and schematic diagram

• The surge arrester selection guide has made it possible to determine the precise value of the surge arrester at the
incoming end of the installation and that of the associated disconnection circuit breaker.
• As the sensitive devices (Uimp < 1.5 kV) are located more than 10m from the incoming protection device, the fine
protection surge arresters must be installed as close as possible to the loads.
• To ensure better continuity of service for cold room areas:
• "si" type residual current circuit breakers will be used to avoid nuisance tripping caused by the rise in earth
potential as the lightning wave passes through.
• For protection against atmospheric overvoltages:
• install a surge arrester in the main switchboard
29 Overvoltage Protection
 • install a fine protection surge arrester in each switchboard (1 and 2) supplying the sensitive devices situated more
than 10m from the incoming surge arrester
• install a surge arrester on the telecommunications network to protect the devices supplied, for example fire
alarms, modems, telephones, faxes.

Cabling recommendations
• Ensure the equipotentiality of the earth terminations of the building.
• Reduce the looped power supply cable areas.

Installation recommendations
• Install a surge arrester,Imax = 40 kA (8/20 µs) and a iC60 disconnection circuit breaker rated at 40 A.
• Install fine protection surge arresters, Imax = 8 kA (8/20 µs) and the associated iC60 disconnection circuit breakers
rated at 10 A

Fig. 45 – Telecommunications network

5.2 SPD for photovoltaic applications

Overvoltage may occur in electrical installations for various reasons. It may be caused by:

• The distribution network as a result of lightning or any work carried out.

• Lightning strikes (nearby or on buildings and PV installations, or on lightning conductors).
• Variations in the electrical field due to lightning.

Like all outdoor structures, PV installations are exposed to the risk of lightning which varies from region to region.
Preventive and arrest systems and devices should be in place.

Protection by equipotential bonding

The first safeguard to put in place is a medium (conductor) that ensures equipotential bonding between all the conductive
parts of a PV installation.

The aim is to bond all grounded conductors and metal parts and so create equal potential at all points in the installed
system.

Protection by surge protection devices (SPDs)

SPDs are particularly important to protect sensitive electrical equipments like AC/DC Inverter, monitoring devices and PV
modules, but also other sensitive equipments powered by the 230 VAC electrical distribution n twork. The following
method of risk assessment is based on the evaluation of the critical length Lcrit and its comparison with L the cumulative
length of the d.c. lines.

SPD protection is required if L ≥ Lcrit .

Overvoltage Protection 30
Lcrit depends on the type of PV installation and is calculated as the following table (Fig. 46) sets out:

Fig. 46 – SPD DC choice

Type of Individual Terrestrial Service/Industrial/Agricultural/Buildings
installation residential production
premises plant
Lcrit (in m) 115/Ng 200/Ng 450/Ng
L ≥ Lcrit Surge protective device(s) compulsory on DC side
L < Lcrit Surge protective device(s) not compulsory on DC side

L is the sum of:

• the sum of distances between the inverter(s) and the junction box(es), taking into account that the lengths of cable
located in the same conduit are counted only once, and
• the sum of distances between the junction box and the connection points of the photovoltaic modules forming the
string, taking into account that the lengths of cable located in the same conduit are counted only once.

Ng is arc lightning density (number of strikes/km2/year).

Fig. 47 – SPD selection

SPD Protection
Location PV modules or Array Inverter DC Inverter AC side Main board
boxes side
LDC LAC Lightning rod
Criteria <10 m >10 m <10 m >10 m Yes No
Type of No need "SPD 1" "SPD 2" No need "SPD 3" "SPD 4" "SPD 4"
SPD Type 2[a] Type 2[a] Type 2[a] Type 1[a] Type 2 if Ng > 2.5 &
overhead line
a. Type 1 separation distance according to EN 62305 is not observed.

Installing an SPD
The number and location of SPDs on the DC side depend on the length of the cables between the solar panels and
inverter. The SPD should be installed in the vicinity of the inverter if the length is less than 10 metres. If it is greater than
10 metres, a second SPD is necessary and should be located in the box close to the solar panel, the first one is located
in the inverter area.

To be efficient, SPD connection cables to the L+ / L- network and between the SPD’s earth terminal block and ground
busbar must be as short as possible – less than 2.5 metres (d1+d2<50 cm).

Safe and reliable photovoltaic energy generation

Depending on the distance between the "generator" part and the "conversion" part, it may be necessary to install two
surge arresters or more, to ensure protection of each of the two parts.

31 Overvoltage Protection
Fig. 48 – SPD location

Overvoltage Protection 32
6. Surge protection technical supplements

6.1 Lightning protection standards

The IEC 62305 standard parts 1 to 4 (NF EN 62305 parts 1 to 4) reorganizes and updates the standard publications
IEC 61024 (series), IEC 61312 (series) and IEC 61663 (series) on lightning protection systems.

Part 1 - General principles

This part presents general information on lightning and its characteristics and general data, and introduces the other
documents.

Part 2 - Risk management

This part presents the analysis making it possible to calculate the risk for a structure and to determine the various
protection scenarios in order to permit technical and economic optimization.

Part 3 - Physical damage to structures and life hazard

This part describes protection from direct lightning strokes, including the lightning protection system, down-conductor,
earth lead, equipotentiality and hence SPD with equipotential bonding (Type 1 SPD).

Part 4 - Electrical and electronic systems within structures

This part describes protection from the induced effects of lightning, including the protection system by SPD (Types 2
and 3), cable shielding, rules for installation of SPD, etc.

This series of standards is supplemented by:

• the IEC 61643 series of standards for the definition of surge protection products (see The components of a SPD );
• the IEC 60364-4 and -5 series of standards for application of the products in LV electrical installations (see End-of-life
indication of a SPD).

6.2 The components of a SPD

The SPD chiefly consists of (see Fig. 49):

1) one or more nonlinear components: the live part (varistor, gas discharge tube, etc.);
2) a thermal protective device (internal disconnector) which protects it from thermal runaway at end of life (SPD with varistor);
3) an indicator which indicates end of life of the SPD;
Some SPDs allow remote reporting of this indication;
4) an external SCPD which provides protection against short circuits (this device can be integrated into the SPD).

Fig. 49 – Diagram of a SPD

33 Overvoltage Protection
Technology of the live part
Several technologies are available to implement the live part. They each have advantages and disadvantages:

• Zener diodes;
• The gas discharge tube (controlled or not controlled);
• The varistor (zinc oxide varistor).

The table below shows the characteristics and the arrangements of 3 commonly used technologies.

Fig. 50 – Summary performance table

Component Gas Discharge Encapsulated Zinc oxide varistor GDT and varistor Encapsulated spark gap
Tube (GDT) spark gap Tube (GDT) in series and varistor in parallel
Characteristics

Operating Voltage Voltage Voltage limiting Voltage-switching Voltage-switching and -

mode switching switching and -limiting in series limiting in parallel
u u
Operating
curves
I I

Application • Telecom LV network LV network LV network LV network

network
• LV network
(associated
with varistor)
SPD Type Type 2 Type 1 Type1 or Type 2 Type1 + Type 2 Type1 + Type 2

Note: Two technologies can be installed in the same SPD (see Fig. 51)

Fig. 51 – The Schneider Electric brand iPRD SPD incorporates a gas discharge tube between neutral and earth and
varistors between phase and neutral

PE

Overvoltage Protection 34
6.3 End-of-life indication of a SPD
End-of-life indicators are associated with the internal disconnector and the external SCPD of the SPD to inform the user
that the equipment is no longer protected against overvoltages of atmospheric origin.

Local indication

This function is generally required by the installation codes. The end-of-life indication is given by an indicator (luminous
or mechanical) to the internal disconnector and/or the external SCPD.

When the external SCPD is implemented by a fuse device, it is necessary to provide for a fuse with a striker and a base
equipped with a tripping system to ensure this function.

Integrated disconnecting circuit breaker

The mechanical indicator and the position of the control handle allow natural end-of-life indication.

Local indication and remote reporting

Local indication

Suger Protection Device (see Fig. 52) is fitted with local mechanical status indicators:

• the (red) mechanical indicator of the SPD;

• the (red) mechanical indicator on each cartridge indicates cartridge end of life.

Fig. 52 – SLP40-XXX/3S+1 SPD of the Arrester Electric brand

Remote reporting

(see Fig. 53)

Suger Protection Device is fitted with an indication contact which allows remote reporting of:

• cartridge end of life;

• a missing cartridge, and when it has been put back in place;
• a fault on the network (short circuit, disconnection of neutral, phase/neutral reversal);
• local manual switching.

As a result, remote monitoring of the operating condition of the installed SPDs makes it possible to ensure that these
protective devices in standby state are always ready to operate.

Fig. 53 – Installation of indicator

light with a AC SPD

35 Overvoltage Protection
Maintenance at end of life
When the end-of-life indicator indicates shutdown, the SPD (or the cartridge in question) must be replaced.

6.4 Detailed characteristics of the external SCPD

Current wave withstand
The current wave withstand tests on external SCPDs show as follows:

• For a given rating and technology (NH or cylindrical fuse), the current wave withstand capability is better with an
aM type fuse (motor protection) than with a gG type fuse (general use).
• For a given rating, the current wave withstand capability is better with a circuit breaker than with a fuse device.

Figure 54 below shows the results of the voltage wave withstand tests:

• to protect a SPD defined for Imax = 20 kA, the external SCPD to be chosen is either a MCB 16 A or a Fuse aM 63 A,
Note: in this case, a Fuse gG 63 A is not suitable.
• to protect a SPD defined for Imax = 40 kA, the external SCPD to be chosen is either a MCB 40 A or a Fuse aM 125 A,

Fig. 54 – Comparison of SCPDs voltage wave withstand capabilities for Imax = 20 kA and Imax = 40 kA

Installed Up voltage protection level

In general:

• The voltage drop across the terminals of a circuit breaker is higher than that across the terminals of a fuse device.
This is because the impedance of the circuit-breaker components (thermal and magnetic tripping devices) is higher
than that of a fuse.

However:

• The difference between the voltage drops remains slight for current waves not exceeding 10 kA (95% of cases);
• The installed Up voltage protection level also takes into account the cabling impedance. This can be high in the case
of a fuse technology (protection device remote from the SPD) and low in the case of a circuit-breaker technology
(circuit breaker close to, and even integrated into the SPD).
Note: The installed Up voltage protection level is the sum of the voltage drops:
• in the SPD;
• in the external SCPD;
• in the equipment cabling
Protection from impedant short circuits
An impedant short circuit dissipates a lot of energy and should be eliminated very quickly to prevent damage to the
installation and to the SPD.

Figure 55 compares the response time and the energy limitation of a protection system by a 63 A aM fuse and a 25 A
circuit breaker.

Overvoltage Protection 36
These two protection systems have the same 8/20 µs current wave withstand capability (27 kA and 30 kA respectively).

Fig. 55 – Comparison of time/current and energy limitations curves for a circuit breaker and a fuse having the same
8/20 µs current wave withstand capability

6.5 Propagation of a lightning wave

Electrical networks are low-frequency and, as a result, propagation of the voltage wave is instantaneous relative to the
frequency of the phenomenon: at any point of a conductor, the instantaneous voltage is the same.

The lightning wave is a high-frequency phenomenon (several hundred kHz to a MHZ):

• The lightning wave is propagated along a conductor at a certain speed relative to the frequency of the phenomenon.
As a result, at any given time, the voltage does not have the same value at all points on the medium (see Fig. 56).

Fig. 56 – Propagation of a lightning wave in a conductor

• A change of medium creates a phenomenon of propagation and/or reflection of the wave depending on:
• the difference of impedance between the two media;
• the frequency of the progressive wave (steepness of the rise time in the case of a pulse);
• the length of the medium.
In the case of total reflection in particular, the voltage value may double.

Example: case of protection by a SPD

Modelling of the phenomenon applied to a lightning wave and tests in laboratory showed that a load powered by 30 m
of cable protected upstream by a SPD at voltage Up sustains, due to reflection phenomena, a maximum voltage of
2 x Up (see Fig. 57). This voltage wave is not energetic.

Fig. 57 – Reflection of a
lightning wave at the
termination of a cable

37 Overvoltage Protection
Corrective action
Of the three factors (difference of impedance, frequency, distance), the only one that can really be controlled is the length
of cable between the SPD and the load to be protected. The greater this length, the greater the reflection.

Generally for the overvoltage fronts faced in a building, reflection phenomena are significant from 10 m and can double
the voltage from 30 m (see Fig. 58).

It is necessary to install a second SPD in fine protection if the cable length exceeds 10 m between the incoming-end
SPD and the equipment to be protected.

Fig. 58 – Maximum voltage at the extremity of the cable according to its length to a front of incident voltage =4kV/us

6.6 Example of lightning current in TT system

Common mode SPD between phase and PE or phase and PEN is installed whatever type of system earthing
arrangement (see Fig. 59).

The neutral earthing resistor R1 used for the pylons has a lower resistance than the earthing resistor R2 used for the
installation.

The lightning current will flow through circuit ABCD to earth via the easiest path. It will pass through varistors V1 and V2
in series, causing a differential voltage equal to twice the Up voltage of the SPD (Up1 + Up2) to appear at the terminals
of A and C at the entrance to the installation in extreme cases.

Fig. 59 – Common protection only

Overvoltage Protection 38
To protect the loads between Ph and N effectively, the differential mode voltage (between A and C) must be reduced.

Another SPD architecture is therefore used (see Fig. 60)

The lightning current flows through circuit ABH which has a lower impedance than circuit ABCD, as the impedance of the
component used between B and H is null (gas filled spark gap). In this case, the differential voltage is equal to the
residual voltage of the SPD (Up2).

Fig. 60 – Common and differential protection

39 Overvoltage Protection
 Wenzhou Arrester Electric Co., Ltd.
5th FL, No. 666 Yaming Road
Xiangyang Industry Park
Yueqing 325604 Zhejiang, P.R. China
Phone: +86-18905776650 (WhatsApp, WeChat)
Email: sales@[Link]
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