In the modern world, you cannot do without special protection of electrical equipment. Malfunction can come from anywhere, even from the sky in the form of lightning. And if this happens, then no device will be able to withstand such a load. An expensive home theater, washing machine, freezer, etc. - all this will burn out, and a person will irrevocably lose their favorite equipment. To save yourself from this trouble, it is enough to buy a simple device - an SPD. The product will help prevent any disaster and save the life of equipment.
And to make it easier to choose the right option, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best surge protection devices for 2020.
Content
Main purpose
Lightning is a fascinating and beautiful natural phenomenon that, in some way, contributed to the opening of fire. While it can be predicted, it is not possible to pinpoint exactly where billions of Volts will hit. Therefore, no one excludes the possibility that this point will be a country house. If this happens, then there is a possibility of failure of all household appliances and a fire.
To protect your property, it is important to install an external lightning protection, which is made from a receiver (located above the roof), as well as a tap and ground. These elements will allow you to secure the structure and electrical appliances.
It should be remembered that the discharge current, which penetrates with a small pulse through a specific section of the electrical circuit, has a high value. It causes overvoltage in nearby cables, which can melt the insulation material and damage home appliances.
It was to prevent such situations that special products were invented that nullify all the consequences formed by a lightning discharge. Lightning protection consists of sophisticated devices that are manufactured using SPD modules. The connection is made to the ground loop.
Such a system shows excellent results not only in private homes or industrial areas, in addition, it eliminates lightning discharges that strike:
- Into the power transmission line;
- Into trees or structures located near the discharge site;
- Into the soil.
The situation is clearer when lightning penetrates a power line, but what is the danger of hitting a tree or soil !? The danger is that the resulting overvoltage that occurs after the discharge can be transmitted by a short pulse to the home cable. If there are no protection devices, then the situation will be deplorable, as almost all equipment will fail.
SPD classes
Manufacturers divide devices into 3 broad categories:
- Class 1. This model is more used in networks where the pulse characteristic is 10/350 µs. In other words, in 10 microseconds the pulse will reach its maximum, and in 350 μs it will fall to the nominal value. You should also know that products of this class will withstand currents from 24 to 110 kiloamperes without problems.
- Class 2.This product assumes the use of varistors only. The product is characterized by parameters: 8/20 microseconds and 10-40 kA. For greater safety, a mechanical fuse is soldered into the electrical circuit. This decision is due to the fact that provided that the resistance of the varistor reaches its limit values or higher, it will open the circuit.
- Class 3. The principle of operation of this option is similar to the previous one, it has no distinctive characteristics. The only thing that is important to know is that the current strength is 10 kA; it is not recommended to operate the device above this value.
The protective blocks that are built into the shield have a similar circuit, and therefore function in a similar way. The only drawback is the short term of work, which makes them less popular in the factory, since safety is important there. Often, in order to compensate for a small resource, some manufacturers intentionally add class 3 SPDs. This ensures that the equipment is safe despite the overvoltage in the electrical network.
Devices that work with three classes at once are gaining more and more popularity. Such models provide greater reliability and efficiency. Such a solution is more in demand due to the fact that products of the first category will not work if the impulse is short. The opposite situation will arise with devices of the third class, only in this case it will not be able to provide protection at high voltage readings, which will entail negative consequences. The equipment connection diagram is simple and every person can handle it, just follow the instructions.
Rating of the best models of class 1
DEHNsecure DSE M 2P 60
A two-pole device that is designed to provide protection against surge voltages in the home or at work. Product connection diagram - 1 + 1. The device has a high throughput up to 25 kA. The maximum voltage is 60 V. In addition, energy coordination with class 2 is provided, which allows uninterrupted operation in various situations. There is a remote alarm that will simplify the operation of the product.
The body is made of quality material that is highly resistant to various environments. The device operates at temperatures ranging from -40 to 80 degrees. The degree of protection is IP20, which is suitable for installation in most industrial factories. Also, a distinctive feature of this element is its low weight and dimensions, which allow it to be installed with maximum comfort. The SPD has passed all tests and has the appropriate certificates that confirm this.
A positive point is the high resistance to various vibrations that may occur during operation. In addition, there is a quick release and locking system that is unique to this module. For greater convenience, the manufacturer has provided for the installation of light indication, which allows you to monitor the operating status of the device.
The average cost is 45,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- The product is made on the basis of spark gaps;
- The carrying capacity reaches 25 kA;
- There is a possibility of joint work with SPD of the second class;
- Easy replacement of modules thanks to a unique system;
- Light indication;
- Vibration resistance.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Schneider Electric PRD1 Master C1 SPN-3
A good product of a top brand that will provide protection for your home and production. There are three poles. Works well with TN-C grounding system. Rated operating voltage - 230 V. The equipment can cope with lightning discharges without any problems. Composition of signal contacts 1 SD. It is sold in anthracite color, the body is made of PBT. Thanks to the unique design, the device is easy to remove and fix, while the chance of accidentally disconnecting is minimal.
It is sold at a price of 70,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- High-quality protection in any building;
- High efficiency;
- Safety;
- Reliable and durable connection.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
OBO Bettermann MCD 50-B 3 + 1
Combined model with 4 poles for use in TN-S or TT networks. The device is completely ready for use; a person only needs to buy it and install it in the switchboard. The body is made of durable material, will not ignite from high heat generation. A well-known German company is engaged in the release of this product, which has been selling only high-quality products for decades. Current-carrying capacity - 125 kA per pole.
The average price is 87,900 rubles.
Advantages:
- High efficiency;
- High-quality performance;
- Suitable for installation in many buildings;
- Durability of work;
- Conforms to international electrical safety standards.
Disadvantages:
- Cost.
DKS NX1012
Inexpensive product designed to be placed in households or small production lines. Manufactured from quality materials that can guarantee long-term performance and reliability. The main difference of this element is that the product is made to order, which allows you not to worry about its quality. The rated discharge of the impulse current is 50 kA, which is a positive point and allows the product to be classified in the first category. The SPD has a small size and will take up minimal space in the electrical panel.
The average price is 8,700 rubles.
Advantages:
- Low price;
- Efficiency;
- Suitable for home installation;
- High-quality assembly;
- Made to order.
Disadvantages:
- Up to 50 kA.
ABB OVR T1 3N 25-255 TS (ABB 2CTB815101R0600)
High-quality model, which is made only to order. Suitable for placement in an enterprise or in a home. The design size of the product is 8 modules, therefore more free space in the switchboard is required for installation. System configuration - TT. Residual current damping capacity from 50 kA. The outer shell is made of a durable material that will not be mechanically damaged and will not deteriorate from high heat generation. The release is carried out by a proven company that has positively established itself on the market for a long period.
The average cost is 65,900 rubles.
Advantages:
- Reliability;
- Efficiency;
- High-quality assembly;
- Long service life;
- Durable body;
- Good hardware components;
- Optimal price.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Rating of quality products of class 1 + 2
3p. + N 20kA Easy9 Schneider Electric
An excellent option from a well-known manufacturer that is used in many businesses and in home sectors. With this device, household appliances will be completely safe and will not be afraid of thunderous discharges. The product is intended for a three-phase power supply network where the voltage reaches 400 V, while the maximum discharge current is 20 kA. Such technical characteristics have a positive effect on the durability of the equipment and its reliability. For more convenient operation, there is an indicator light on the front panel that indicates the status of the unit. The rated discharge of the impulse current is 10 kA, while the time indicator is (8/20).
The average price is 9,300 rubles.
Advantages:
- Reliability;
- Produced by a well-known brand;
- Durability;
- Doesn't take up much space;
- Optimal price.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
ABB OVR T2 4L 80-440s P TS QS
A popular surge protection device that will reduce the negative impact of current discharge. System configuration - IT. To ensure a high level of safety, the manufacturer has equipped the product with a special fuse that protects the SPD from overloads. The signal on the device is optical. Installation is carried out on a DIN rail, which is a more convenient way. In addition, the device will not take up much space in the panel - only 4 modules. The nominal discharge is 20 kiloamperes.
Sold at a price of 24 600 rubles.
Advantages:
- Built-in backup fuse;
- Excellent level of protection;
- Convenient system configuration;
- High-quality performance.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
RIF-E-I + II 275 / 12.5 s (3 + 1)
Qualitative model of the combined type, designed for placement in a private house. The device is made of a replaceable varistor module. The product can withstand current loads that are typical for the first and second class. Therefore, the equipment will be safe throughout the entire life of this element. Used for installation in TN-S, TT earthing systems. The nominal discharge current is 50 kA. Protection category - IP 20, which is suitable for most systems. Installation is carried out on a rail. It functions at temperatures from -40 to 80 degrees.
Sold at an average price of 12,200 rubles.
Advantages:
- There is a thermal release;
- Indicator light;
- Excellent protection;
- Simple operation;
- Easy installation;
- Long term of work.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
DEKRAFT OP101-1PN-080-B-440
An inexpensive option designed to provide reliable protection for household appliances. It is mounted on a DIN rail, while it does not take up much space, only 4 modules. The nominal voltage is 400 V. The product is intended for use with IT earthing systems. Produced by a well-known brand and has a long-term warranty, which allows you to be sure of the quality of the product. The protective voltage level is 2.2 kV.
Sold at a price of 4,100 rubles.
Advantages:
- Low cost;
- Efficiency;
- Produced by a renowned manufacturer;
- Durability.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Top best SPDs class 3 and 2 + 3
Albatros SPD 220/1000-AS
A cheap option for outdoor use. It has a robust housing and IP65 protection, so rain, snow and mud will not cause breakage. The recommended operating temperature varies: from -40 to 40 degrees. The product is completely sealed and designed for daily use.
The average cost is 940 rubles.
Advantages:
- Cheap;
- Dust and moisture resistant;
- Compactness;
- High period of work.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
OBO Bettermann V10 COMPACT 385
An excellent device from a German manufacturer, which is installed in a DIN rail without taking up much space. Equipment class - 2 + 3. There is a high-power varistor inside, there is thermal and dynamic protection in the form of a fuse. Protection degree - IP20.
Sold at a price of 12,900 rubles.
Advantages:
- High-quality performance;
- Doesn't take up much space;
- Affordable price;
- Protective voltage - 1500 V.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
RIF-E-III 320/3 (3 + 1)
Reliable component of the third class that will protect the consumer from high voltage surges. Fits on a rail and takes up little space. It is most often used for single-phase power supply networks; it is possible to jointly install it together with a residual current device. This will increase the efficiency of the device. Made in a standard plastic case.
Sold at a price of 2,900 rubles.
Advantages:
- Durability;
- Efficiency;
- Trouble-free work;
- Safety;
- Possibility of joint use with RCD.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Finally
Protecting a country house from the consequences of a lightning discharge is the first necessity of every owner. Although this will have to spend money and time, the result will be justified. If you have experience in using SPDs described in the rating, or you have chosen more reliable devices, tell us about it in the comments.