Solar Lattice

Component

Surge protection device

ID
comp:surge-protection-device
IRI
https://solarlattice.org/kb/comp/surge-protection-device
Status
active
Also known as
SPD, DC SPD, AC SPD, surge arrester, Surge Suppressor

A surge protection device protects the inverter from voltage spikes and surges on the PV DC lines or the AC grid lines. On the DC side, these surges come mainly from lightning. It holds down the voltage reaching the inverter by blocking voltages above a safe threshold or by shorting them to ground. Some inverters have the SPD built in, and it reports surge events and faults to the monitoring platform. Some inverters can be fitted with optional type 2 or type 1+2 surge protection devices on the AC side, the DC side or both. Surge protection should suit the local site. For example, measuring cables may need their own surge arrester where they enter a building, and sensors should be included in the lightning protection concept. Communication and device power lines, such as RS-485 and 24 VDC field wiring, can also have their own surge suppressors.

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