Electricity + Control April 2018

abbreviations

DIN – Deutsches Institut für Normung eV (German Institute for Standardisation) GPRS – General Packet Radio Service GSM – Global System for Mobile communication ODP – Open Data Protocol PLC – Programmable Logic Controller SMS – Short Message Service SPD – Surge Protective Device TCP/IP – Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

Intelligent protection: The remote indication contact on the surge protective device is used for remote monitoring – the relay transmits status changes conveniently via SMS.

well systems and pumping stations. Wireless modems are a suitable option for such applications, enabling status information to be transmitted to superordinate automation and signalling systems. The status information of surge protection devices is displayed, transmitted and processed by: • Local display (lamp, signalling panel) • Acoustic signalling equipment (horn, buzzer) • Input of a PLC or automation system • Remote input of a fieldbus system or TCP/IP based network • Field multiplexer • Analogue modem • GSM/GPRS wireless modem (SMS, e-mail, smartphone app, ODP protocol) • Trusted Wireless networks Regular SPD testing The regular testing and maintenance of lightning and surge protection devices is required by various parties. These include legislative bodies, regulatory bodies, professional bodies, and also applicable DIN standards, such as DIN EN 62305-3 [1] Appendix E.7. The test interval for visual inspections and for comprehensive testing depend on the type of system and the lightning protection levels to be used in accordance with DIN EN 62305-3 [1] Table E.2. Comprehensive testing for lightning protection levels I and II must be performed at the latest every two years, and at least every four years for lightning protection levels III and IV. Many SPDs have a simple function display. Some smart SPDs have additional monitoring functions which enable extended SPD monitoring and diagnostics. Comprehensive testing of the devices, as stipulated in DIN EN 62305-3 [1], is not possible during ongoing operation of an electrical system. A suitable high-voltage test device is therefore necessary for testing SPDs comprehensively. Conclusion The measurement results obtained during the tests are then compared with ref- erence values and evaluated. For meaningful testing, SPDs must thus be de- signed such that it is possible to test all relevant SPD components.

Intelligent protection: The status information of the surge protective devices is transmitted and evaluated.

Surge protection device for MCR applications: The protec- tive devices of the TERMITRAB complete series (housing open) have a thermal disconnect device (1), a viewing panel for the local function display (2), and an opening for the optoelectronic remote signalling via photoelectric barrier (3).

Reference [1] DIN EN 62305-3 and VDE 0185-305-3 (2011): Protection against lightning.

• Part 3: Physical damage to structures and life hazard. • Part 4: Electrical and electronic systems within structures.

Holger Heckler is in Product Marketing Surge Protection, Business Unit TRABTECH, at Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG. Enquiries: Tony Raynor, Phoenix Contact South Africa. Tel. +27 (0) 11 801 8200 tonyr@phoenixcontact.co.za or hheckler@phoenixcontact.com

Pluggable surge protective devices for MCR applications: The devices of the PLUGTRAB IQ series provide integrat- ed status monitoring, a local function display, as well as auxiliary voltage supply and remote signalling function via a DIN-rail-integrated bus system.

Electricity + Control

APRIL 2018

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