Guides · TOSUNLUX
Is a surge protective device needed, and which type?
Lightning striking a line or nearby sends into the installation a surge lasting a few microseconds, strong enough to destroy electronics. The surge protective device diverts it to earth before it reaches the appliances. TOSUNLUX (Tosun) offers the TSP7-40 type 2 surge protective device, in an alternating current version and a photovoltaic version.
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The short answer
- A type 2 surge protective device goes in the main panel: the most common case, in homes and business premises alike.
- A type 1 device is required when the building has a lightning rod: ask for advice, it is not in the catalogue.
- The device must be connected to a good earth electrode and protected by a circuit breaker.
- It does not replace a voltage protector: it handles lightning, not lasting grid variations.
Type 1, type 2: the difference
Type 1 is designed to divert a direct lightning current, when lightning strikes the building or its lightning rod. Type 2 diverts induced surges, carried by the grid after a strike at a distance: the most frequent risk.
The TSP7-40 is a type 2 device (class II, T2), compliant with IEC 61643-11: maximum discharge current Imax 40 kA, nominal discharge current In 20 kA, response time 25 ns. Its cartridges are pluggable and an indicator shows the status: green normal, red to be replaced.
Which version to choose
The photovoltaic version TSP7-40 DC protects the DC side of solar installations up to 1,000 V DC (IEC 61643-31): see protecting a photovoltaic installation.
| Reference | Supply | Poles | Uc |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSP7 2P 40kA 220V AC | 220 V AC | 2P | ≈ 275 V AC |
| TSP7 4P 40kA 220V AC | 220 V AC | 4P | ≈ 275 V AC |
| TSP7 2P 40kA 380V AC | 380 V AC | 2P | ≈ 385 V AC |
| TSP7 4P 40kA 380V AC | 380 V AC | 4P | ≈ 385 V AC |
| TSP7 2P / 3P 40kA 1000V | Photovoltaic DC side | 2P · 3P | 1,000 V DC |
When to install one?
A surge protective device is advisable as soon as the installation is exposed (overhead line, stormy area, isolated building) or feeds sensitive and costly equipment: electronics, IT, alarms, drives, solar inverters. Its cost stays low compared with that of the protected appliances.
Installing it properly
The device is mounted at the head of the panel, upstream of the circuits to protect, with connections to the earth bar as short and direct as possible: the longer the cables, the less effective the protection. It is protected by a dedicated circuit breaker upstream, which isolates it at the end of its life. It is only effective with a good-quality earth electrode.
The TSP7-40 takes 18 mm per pole on the DIN rail. Check the indicator regularly: when red, the cartridge must be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a type 1 and a type 2 surge protective device?
Type 1 diverts a direct lightning current (building with a lightning rod). Type 2 diverts surges induced by the grid; it is the usual case in a main panel.
Is the TOSUNLUX TSP7-40 a type 2 device?
Yes: type 2, Imax 40 kA, In 20 kA, response time 25 ns, in 2 and 4 poles for 220 and 380 V AC, and in a 1,000 V DC version for photovoltaics.
Does a surge protective device replace a voltage protector?
No. The surge protective device handles the very short surges of lightning; the voltage protector (TDP) cuts off on lasting grid overvoltage and undervoltage.
How do you know a surge protective device is worn out?
The TSP7-40 has an indicator: green, it is working; red, the pluggable cartridge must be replaced.
TOSUNLUX series mentioned
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