Surge Protection: Protection for Electrical Systems

Surge protective devices (SPDs) are any components that protect electrical systems from destructive voltage spikes. They are a recognized and effective solution for protection against transient overvoltages. However, to ensure the highest level of system and operational safety, surge protection must be selected and installed in accordance with the local risk assessment and in compliance with current standards (DIN VDE 0100-443 and -534).

CITEL offers a comprehensive range of surge protection devices for implementing holistic protection concepts.

Surge Protection for AC Power Supplies

Overview of CITEL SPDs for AC Power Supplies

The AC surge protection devices of the DAC and DS series meet all requirements for surge protection in low-voltage installations in accordance with the standards DIN EN 61643-11 (Requirements and Tests), DIN VDE 0100-443 (Surge Protection), and DIN VDE 0100-534 (Selection and Installation).

  • Easy Installation: Optimized for quick and secure installation on DIN top-hat rails in any distribution panel or control cabinet.

  • High Operational Reliability: High discharge capacity (Iimp / In), low protection levels (Up), and equipped with a thermal disconnect device and mechanical fault indicators.

  • Flexible use: Available in multiple protective circuit configurations for various applications, as well as for all types of power systems (TN-S, TN-C, TT, or IT systems) as Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, or combined SPDs.

Surge Protection for DC Power Supplies and PV Systems

Due to the steadily growing share of photovoltaic systems-aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy-system and output reliability have also become significantly more important. A lightning and surge protection concept that complies with standards must be considered and incorporated into the design as early as the planning phase of a PV system. This ensures system availability and safeguards investments.

  • Solutions for Every Configuration: With its DS, DPVN, and DDC series surge arresters, CITEL offers dedicated solutions for DC applications and every PV system configuration.

  • Standard-Compliant Safety: Protection of inverters and PV modules against damage caused by near-miss lightning strikes and switching operations.

Surge Protection for LED Lighting

Modern LED lighting is known for its high energy efficiency and long service life. However, the sensitive electronics are vulnerable to transient overvoltages caused by lightning strikes or switching operations in the power grid. A failure results in high repair and maintenance costs.

  • Comprehensive Compatibility: CITEL offers customized protection solutions for Protection Class 1 or 2, single- or multi-phase systems, or for installation in luminaire heads and cable junction boxes.

  • Interface Protection: Reliable protection for control line systems such as DALI or RS485.

Surge Protection for Data Technology and Communications

Communication and data networks place the highest demands on operational reliability and fault tolerance. A particular threat comes from surges that couple directly into the data lines. Triggered by distant or nearby lightning strikes, these surges generate transient overvoltages, electromagnetic fields, and potential differences that cause system failures.

  • Applications: CITEL surge protection devices safeguard critical infrastructure such as VDSL connections, Ethernet networks (PoE), serial communication systems, and PLC controllers.

  • Lossless signal transmission: High level of protection with minimal attenuation of data rates.

Surge Protection for High-Frequency Applications

Mobile communication systems, microwave radio systems, satellite communications, and antenna-based systems are highly vulnerable to lightning strikes. Without a well-designed protection strategy, a lightning strike will inevitably destroy all connected systems.

  • Future-proof technology: CITEL’s P8AX and PRC series offer optimal coaxial surge protection for every common frequency.

  • Broad spectrum: Protection for GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G systems, the TETRA band, Wi-Fi transmission technology, and IoT network technologies (e.g., LoRaWAN).