Surge protection devices: UL 1449 approvals for overvoltage protection

Mersen, formerly Ferraz Shawmut, introduced its new X series line of UL 1449 third edition approved surge protection devices (SPDs). SPDs help protect people and equipment from harmful transients.

May 13, 2011

Mersen, formerly Ferraz Shawmut, introduced its new X series line of surge protection devices (SPDs), the Surge-Trap Type 1 X-Series, which provide overvoltage protection for all locations in the facility with the smallest footprints available, the company said. The new X-Series SPDs, with UL 1449 third edition approvals, have Mersen TPMOV (Thermally Protected Metal Oxide Varistor – see below) technology inside.

The introductions includes the Surge-Trap XR series, which provides overvoltage protection for distribution branch panels, control panels and equipment. The advanced performance Surge-Trap XP series provides overvoltage protection for larger distribution panels and branch panels. The Surge-Trap XT series offers advanced technology surge protection and provides high-end protection for critical locations and service entrance gear, the company said.

“Almost 80% of overvoltage problems are caused by problems generated within the facility,” said Janelle Woodfall, Mersen product manager. “To prevent damaging overvoltage problems, proper surge protection devices need to be used in a cascading method throughout the facility.”

SPDs play a critical role in helping to protect people and equipment from harmful transients. It is especially important within industries, such as agriculture, automation, pulp & paper, renewable energy, telecommunications, transportation and water treatment industries, as well as within any industrial, commercial or residential environment where overvoltage problems caused by internal power disturbances are common, the company said.

“There are many SPDs on the market that no longer meet the UL1449 standard. To know if a SPD product is in compliance, look for the UL holographic label on the device. If it has a UL holographic label, the SPD is in compliance. If it doesn’t have one, it does not meet the new UL 1449 Third Edition standard,” explains Woodfall.

The Surge-Trap Type 1 X-Series SPDs are rated for NEMA 4X enclosures and suited for system voltages from 120 V to 600 V. They have a 20 kA (In) nominal discharge current and high 200 kA short circuit current ratings (SCCR). Agency approvals include UL 1449 third edition, IEC 61643, CE, ANSI/IEEE C62.41 (XR-series), RoHS compliant, and UL 96A lightening protection master label.

https://us.ferrazshawmut.com/catalog/surge-protection/surge-trap-spd

About Mersen TPMOV: Mersen Thermally Protected MOV has been developed to assist in eliminating the failure characteristics of Metal-Oxide-Varistors. The TPMOV is a fail-safe device. It is composed of a voltage clamping device and a disconnecting apparatus that monitors the status of the metal-oxide disk. In the event that the disk is approaching breakdown it is effectively disconnected from system power, the company said.

About Mersen: Mersen, formerly Ferraz Shawmut, describes itself as a global expert in high-performance materials for extreme environments and in the reliability and safety of electrical installations. The electrical and circuit protection division provides a comprehensive line of current-limiting fuses (low voltage, general purpose, medium voltage, semiconductor, miniature and glass, and special purpose) and accessories, fuse blocks and holders, power distribution blocks, low voltage disconnect switches, surge protection, high power switches, heatsinks, thermal management and other products.

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– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, CFE Media, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com.