protection
load protection
surge arresters
function
A surge arrester is a devicedesigned to limit
transient overvoltages and to run current
waves to the ground, so as to limit the
amplitude of this overvoltage to a non
dangerous value for the installation and
electrical switchgear.
description
a few definitions
c surge arrester:
device designed to limit transient
atmospheric overvoltages as well as to run
lightning current waves to the ground
c permenant operating full withstand
current (Uc):
permissable r.m.s. value that can be
continuously applied to the surge arrestor's
terminals without affecting its operation
Uc is surge arrester data.
It must be higher than the system rated
voltage, including variations:
v for protection between active conductors
and the earth:
-TT: Uc ≥ 1.5 Uo
-TN: Uc ≥ 1.1 Uo (1.5 Uo in France)
-IT: Uc ≥ eUo
v for protection between phases and the
neutral:
-TT, TN, IT: Uc ≥ 1.1 Uo
c residual voltage (Ures):
the peak value of the voltage that appears at
surge arrester terminals when a discharge
current runs through them
c simple system voltage (Uo):
the voltage between phase and neutral
90159/2
Updated 28/03/00
c system rated voltage (Un):
value of the reference voltage which
designates the network
c level of protection (Up):
voltage that characterises the protection
performance of a surge arrester at In
c full discharge current (Imax): maximum
peak value of the discharge current with a 8/
20 µs wave form which the surge arrestor
can withstand one time
c rated discharge current (In):
peak value of the discharge current with a 8/
20 µs wave form used to designate a surge
arrester
c permenant operating current (Ic):
current that circulates in the surge arrester,
when it is supplied under permenant
operating full withstand current (Uc) in the
absence of a fault
c common mode overvoltages (MC):
overvoltages that appear between active
conductors and protective conductor
c differential mode overvoltages (MD):
overvoltages that appear between active
conductors (phase/neutral).
Merlin Gerin
protection
load protection
PRD draw-out surge arresters
function
PRD removable surge arresters enable the
rapid replacement of damaged cartridges.
Removable surge arresters with indication
(PRD 65r, PRD 40r) have visualisation as
well as the remote transfer of "cartridge to
be replaced" information.
the Uc voltage depends on:
c the earthing system
c the protection mode (MC/MD).
Each surge arrester in the range has a
specific use:
c Incomer end protection:
v the PRD 65r is recommended for a very
high risk level (highly exposed site)
v PRD 40r/PRD 40 are recommended for a
high risk level
v the PRD 15 is recommended for a low risk
level
c secondary protection:
v the PRD 8 ensures secondary protection
of loads to be protected and is placed in a
cascading configuration with surge arresters
at the incomer end.
description
common technical data for PRDs
c frequency: 50…60 Hz
c Ic:
v 1P et 3P: < 800 µA
v 1P+N and 3P+N: 0 µA
c operation indication by means of a
mechanical indicator:
v white: normal operation
v white/red: cartridge replacement to be
scheduled in the near future
v red: cartridge must be immediately
replaced
c disconnection of the short-circuited surge
arrester to be conducted with a
circuit-breaker (refer to choice table page
92506/2)
c permissible internal short-circuit current for
PRD 8 and PRD 15:
v 1P+N, 3P and 3P+N: 10 kA
v 1P (230 V): 10 kA
v 1P (400): 3 kA
c permissible internal short-circuit current for
PRD 40 and PRD 65:
v 1P+N, 3P and 3P+N: 25 kA
v 1P (230 V): 10 kA
v 1P (400): 3 kA
c downstream and upstream terminal
connection:
v 2.5 to 16 mm2 flexible cable
v 2.5 to 25 mm2 rigid cable
v ≥10 mm2 flexible or rigid cable if
installation with lightning conductor
c operating temperature:
-25 °C, +60 °C
c storage temperature:
-40 °C, +70 °C
c protection class:
v IP20 at terminals
v IP40 on front panel
c weight (g):
v 1P: 90
v 1P+N: 180
v 3P: 395
v 3P+N: 460.
PRD 65r
c Imax (8/20 µs): 65 kA
c In (8/20 µs): 20 kA
c operating back-up indicator
on front panel
c remote indication contact:
v electrical data:
DC: 12 V, ≥ 10 mA
AC: 250 V, ≤ 1 A
v connection using 0.5 mm2 to 1.5 mm2
cable.
PRD 40r/PRD 40
c Imax (8/20 µs): 40 kA
c In (8/20 µs): 15 kA
c the PRD 40r includes:
v operating back-up indicator on front panel
v remote indication contact:
- electrical data:
DC: 12 V, ≥ 10 mA
AC: 250 V, ≤ 1 A
- connection using 0.5 mm2 to 1.5 mm2
cable.
PRD 15
c Imax (8/20 µs): 15 kA
c In (8/20 µs): 5 kA.
PRD 8
c Imax (8/20 µs): 8 kA
c In (8/20 µs): 2 kA.
spare cartridges
c 40, 15, 8 kA and neutral cartridges
c the C65r, C40r and C neutral r cartridges
have operating back-up.
auxiliaries
c adaptable remote indication modules, EM/
RM (see 90159/15).
standards
c IEC 61643-11 class 2 test
c NF C 61740/95.
specific technical data
Merlin Gerin
Updated 28/03/00
90159/3
protection
load protection
PRD draw-out surge arresters
catalogue numbers
type
Un
(V)
Uc (V)
MC
Up
(kV)
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
230
230
230
230
230
230
230
230
230
230
440
275
440
275
440
275
440
275
440
275
2
1.5
1.8
1.2
1.8
1.2
1.8
1.2
1.8
1.2
16555
16556
16560
16561
16565
16566
16570
16571
16575
16576
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Un
(V)
Uc (V)
MC/MD
Up
(kV)
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
230
230
230
230
230
440/275
440/275
440/275
440/275
440/275
1.2 (1)
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
16557
16562
16567
16572
16577
4
4
4
4
4
Un
(V)
Uc (V)
MC
Up
(kV)
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
400
400
400
400
400
440
440
440
440
440
2
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.8
16558
16563
16568
16573
16578
6
6
6
6
6
PRD
1P
PRD 65r
PRD 40r
PRD 40
PRD 15
PRD 8
L
16555
type
PRD
1P+N
PRD 65r
PRD 40r
PRD 40
PRD 15
PRD 8
(1) Up: L/ =1.5
L/N=1.5
L
N
N
L
16572
type
PRD
3P
PRD 65r
PRD 40r
PRD 40
PRD 15
PRD 8
L3
L2
L1
L1
L2
L3
16558
90159/4
Updated 28/03/00
Merlin Gerin
protection
load protection
PRD draw-out surge arresters
catalogue numbers
type
Un
(V)
Uc (V)
MC/MD
Up
(kV)
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
400
400
400
400
400
440/275
440/275
440/275
440/275
440/275
1.2 (1)
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
16559
16564
16569
16574
16579
8
8
8
8
8
Uc (V)
MC
Up
(kV)
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
440
275
440
275
440
275
440
275
440
275
440
440
2
1.5
1.8
1.2
1.8
1.2
1.8
1.2
1.8
1.2
1.2
1.2
16580
16581
16582
16583
16584
16585
16586
16587
16588
16589
16590
16591
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
PRD
3P+N
PRD 65r
PRD 40r
PRD 40
PRD 15
PRD 8
(1) Up: L/ =1.5
L/N=1.5
L3
L2
L1
N
16559
N
L1
L2
type
L3
cartridges
16580
Merlin Gerin
C65r-440
C65r-275
C40r-440
C40r-275
C40-440
C40-275
C15-440
C15-275
C8-440
C8-275
C neutral r
C neutral
Updated 28/03/00
90159/5
protection
load protection
PF surge arresters
function
The PF all-contained, multiple pole surge
arrester range is especially adapted to TT,
TN-S and IT earthing systems.
PF surges arresters with indication (PF65r
and PF30r) have visualisation as well as
remote transfer of "cartridge to be replaced"
information.
Each surge arrestor in the range has a
specific use:
c incomer end protection:
v the PF65r is recommended for a very high
risk level (highly exposed site)
v PF30r/PF30 are recommended for a high
risk level
v the PF15 is recommended for a low risk
level
c secondary protection:
v the PF8 ensures the secondary protection
of loads to be protected and is placed in a
cascading configuration with surge arrestors
at the incomer end.
description
common technical data
c frequency: 50…60 Hz
c max. leakage current < 200 µA
c operation indication by means of an
orange indicator:
v not lit: ok
v flashing: surge arrester must be
immediately replaced
c disconnection upon thermal overload builtinto the surge arrester
c disconnection of the short-circuited surge
arrester to be conducted with a circuitbreaker (refer to choice table page 92506/2)
c permissible internal short-circuit
current for PF8 and PF15:
v 1P+N and 3P+N: 10 kA
c permissible internal short-circuit
current for PF30 and PF65:
v 1P+N and 3P+N: 25 kA
c operating temperature:
-25 °C to +60 °C
c storage temperature:
-40 °C to +70 °C
c protection class:
v IP20 at terminals
v IP40 on front panel
c weight (g):
v 1P+N: 475
v 3P+N: 650.
PF65r
standard
c NF C 61740/95.
specific technical data
c common mode protection:
v Imax (8/20 µs): 65 kA
v In (8/20 µs): 20 kA
v Up: 2 kV
c test button for front panel indicator
c remote indication contact:
v normally closed
v connection using tunnel terminals
2 x 2.5 mm2
c connection using tunnel terminals:
v phase and neutral: 25 mm2
v earth: 50 mm2.
v flexible or rigid cable ≥10 mm2 if
installation using lightning conductor.
PF30r and PF30
c common mode protection:
v Imax (8/20 µs): 30 kA
v In (8/20 µs): 10 kA
v Up: 1.8 kV
c test button for front panel indicator
c the PF30r has a built-in remote indication
contact:
v normally closed
v connection using tunnel terminals
2 x 2.5 mm2
c connection using tunnel terminals:
v phase and neutral: 25 mm2
v earth: 50 mm2.
v flexible or rigid cable ≥10 mm2 if
installation using lightning conductor.
PF15
c common mode protection:
v Imax (8/20 µs): 15 kA
v In (8/20 µs): 5 kA
v Up: 1.8 kV
c differential mode protection:
v Imax (8/20 µs): 8 kA
v In (8/20 µs): 2 kA
v Up: 1 kV
c connection using tunnel terminals:
v phase and neutral: 16 mm2
v earth: 25 mm2.
v flexible or rigid calbe ≥10 mm2 if
installation using lightning conductor.
PF8
c common mode protection:
v Imax (8/20 µs): 8 kA
v In (8/20 µs): 2 kA
v Up: 1.5 kV
c differential mode protection:
v Imax (8/20 µs): 8 kA
v In (8/20 µs): 2 kA
v Up: 1 kV
c connection using tunnel terminals:
v phase and neutral: 16 mm2
v earth: 25 mm2.
v flexible or rigid cable ≥10 mm2 if
installation using lightning conductor.
90159/6
Updated 28/03/00
Merlin Gerin
protection
load protection
PF surge arresters
catalogue numbers
type
Un
(V)
Uc (V)
MC
In
(kA)
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
1P+N
400
440
20
15684
14
3P+N
400
440
20
15685
14
PF65r
L3
L2
L1
N
L1
N
N
L1
N
L1
L2
L3
15685
15684
15685
PF30r
1P+N
400
440
10
15689
6
3P+N
400
440
10
15690
8
1P+N
400
440
10
15687
6
3P+N
400
440
10
15688
8
PF30
15687
L3
L2
L1
N
L1
N
N
N
L1
L1
L3
15688, 15690
15687, 15689
type
L2
Un
(V)
Uc (V)
MC/MD
In
(kA)
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
1P+N
400
440/250
5
15692
4
3P+N
400
440/250
5
15693
8
PF15
L3
L2
L1
N
L1
N
15692
N
L1
15692
Merlin Gerin
N
L1
L2
L3
15693
Updated 28/03/00
90159/7
protection
load protection
PF surge arresters
catalogue numbers
type
Un
(V)
Uc (V)
MC/MD
In
(kA)
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
1P+N
400
440/250
2
15695
4
3P+N
400
440/250
2
15696
8
PF8
L3
L2
L1
N
L1
N
15695
N
15695
L1
N
L1
L2
L3
15696
15696
90159/8
Updated 28/03/00
Merlin Gerin
protection
load protection
PE surge arresters
TN-C and IT earthing systems
function
The 4 PE surge arresters are particularly
adapted to earthing systems: TN-C and IT.
Each surge arrester in the range has a
specific use:
c incomer end protection:
v the PE65 is recommended for a very high
risk level (highly exposed site)
description
common technical data
c frequency: 50…60 Hz
c Uc: permanent operating full withstand
current: 440 V
c Ic: permanent operating current: < 1 mA
c disconnection of short-circuited surge
arrester to be conducted with a circuitbreaker (refer to choice table page 92506/2)
c permissible internal short-circuit
current: 3 kA
c connection using tunnel terminals:
v phase, neutral and earth: 25 mm2 rigid and
16 mm2 flexible
c min. phase/neutral/earth cross-section:
v 4 mm2 without lightning conductor
v 10 mm2 with lightning conductor
c protection class:
v IP20 at terminals
v IP40 on front panel
c operating temperature:
-25 °C, +60 °C
c storage temperature:
-40 °C, +70 °C
c weight (g):
v PE8: 130
v PE15: 130
v PE40: 138
v PE65: 166.
v the PE40 is recommended for a high risk
level
v the PE15 is recommended for a low risk
level
c secondary protection:
v the PE8 ensures the secondary protection
of loads to be protected and is placed in a
cascading configuration with the surge
arresters at the incomer end.
PE65
c Imax (8/20 µs): 65 kA
c In (8/20 µs): 20 kA
c Up: 2 kV
c operation indication by means of a
mechanical indicator:
v white: normal operation
v white/red: surge arrester replacement to
be scheduled in the near future
v red: surge arrester must be immediately
replaced.
PE40
c Imax (8/20 µs): 40 kA
c In (8/20 µs): 10 kA
c Up: 1.8 kV
c operation indication by means of a
mechanical indicator:
v white: normal operation
v red: surge arrester must be immediately
replaced.
PE15
standard
c NF C 61740/95.
c Imax (8/20 µs): 15 kA
c In (8/20 µs): 5 kA
c Up: 1.8 kV
c operation indication by means of a
mechanical indicator:
v white: normal operation
v red: surge arrester must be immediately
replaced.
specific technical data
PE8
c Imax (8/20 µs): 8 kA
c In (8/20 µs): 2 kA
c Up: 1.5 kV
c operation indication by means of a
mechanical indicator:
v white: normal operation
v red: surge arrester must be immediately
replaced.
auxiliaries
c adaptable remote indication modules, EM/
RM (see 90159/15).
Merlin Gerin
Updated 28/03/00
90159/9
protection
load protection
PE surge arresters
TN-C and IT earthing systems
catalogue numbers
type
Un
(V)
Uc (V)
MC
In
(kA)
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
400
400
400
400
440
440
440
440
20
10
5
2
15683
15686
15691
15694
2
2
2
2
PE
PE65
PE40
PE15
PE8
L/N
15683
L
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
PE65
Imax
In
Up
Uc
65kA (8/20)
100kA (4/10)
20kA (8/20)
2 kV
440V
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
PE65
or
Imax
In
Up
Uc
65kA (8/20)
100kA (4/10)
20kA (8/20)
2 kV
440V
if red
replace
if red
replace
15683
15683
N
90159/10
Updated 28/03/00
Merlin Gerin
protection
load protection
ST surge arresters
function
ST surge arresters are designed to protect
equipment on energy networks using TN-S
and TN-C earthing systems. They are not
recommended on TT systems and are
forbidden on IT systems.
Each surge arrester in the range has a
specific use:
c incomer end protection:
v the STH is recommended for a very high
risk level (highly exposed site)
v STMs are recommended for a high risk
level
c secondary protection:
v the STD ensures secondary protection of
loads to be protected and is placed in a
cascading configuration with surge arresters
at the incomer end.
description
common technical data
c frequency: 50…60 Hz
c Uc: 275 V
c operation indication by means of a
mechanical indicator:
v white: normal operation
v red: surge arrester must be immediately
replaced
c disconnection of the short-circuited surge
arrester to be conducted with a circuitbreaker (refer to choice table page 92506/2)
c permissible internal short-circuit
current for STD: 10 kA
c permissible internal short-circuit
current for STM and STH:
v 1P+N, 3P and 3P+N: 25 kA
v 1P: 10 kA
c upstream and downstream terminal
connection:
v flexible cable: 2.5 to 16 mm2
v rigid cable: 2.5 to 25 mm2
v flexible or rigid cable ≥10 mm2 if
installation with lightning conductor
c operating temperature:
-25 °C, +60 °C
c storage temperature:
-40 °C, +70 °C
c protection class:
v IP20 at terminals
v IP40 on front panel
c weight (g):
v 1P: 60
v 1P+N: 106
v 3P: 220
v 3P+N: 250.
specific technical data
STH
c common mode protection:
v Imax (8/20 µs): 65 kA
v In (8/20 µs): 20 kA
v Up: 1.5 kV.
STM
c common mode protection:
v Imax (8/20 µs): 40 kA
v In (8/20 µs): 15 kA
v Up: 1.2 kV.
STD
c common mode protection:
v Imax (8/20 µs): 10 kA
v In (8/20 µs): 5 kA
v Up: 1.2 kV
c differential mode protection:
v Imax (8/20 µs): 10 kA
v In (8/20 µs): 3 kA
v Up: 1 kV.
auxiliaries
c adaptable remote indication modules, EM/
RM (see 90159/15).
standard
v IEC 61643-11 class 2 test.
catalogue numbers
type
Un
(V))
Uc (V)
MC
Up
(kV)
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
230
230
230
275
275
275
1.5
1.2
1.2
16608
16604
16600
2
2
2
ST
1P
STH
STM
STD
L
L
16608
Merlin Gerin
Updated 28/03/00
90159/11
protection
load protection
ST surge arresters
catalogue numbers
type
Un
(V))
Uc (V)
MC/MD
Up
(kV)
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
230
230
230
275
275
275
1.5
1.2
1.2 (1)
16609
16605
16601
4
4
4
Un
(V))
Uc (V)
MC
Up
(kV)
cat. no.
width
in mod
of 9 mm
400
400
400
275
275
275
1.5
1.2
1.2
16610
16606
16602
8
8
8
Un
(V))
Uc (V)
MC/MD
Up
(kV)
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
400
400
400
275
275
275
1.5
1.2
1.2 (1)
16611
16607
16603
8
8
8
ST
1P+N
STH
STM
STD
(1) Up: in MD Up = 1
L
N
N
L
16605
type
ST
3P
STH
STM
STD
L3
L2
L1
L1
L2
L3
16606
type
ST
3P+N
STH
STM
STD
(1) Up: in MD Up = 1
L3
L2
L1
N
N
L1
L2
L3
16611
90159/12
Updated 28/03/00
Merlin Gerin
protection
load protection
parallel connection and series connection
PRC surge arresters
function
PRC surge arresters are designed to protect
equipment connected to analogue telephone
networks: telephone lines, current or
telephone transmitter loops (telephones,
answering machines, minitels, modems, fax
machines).
description
technical data
c frequency: 50…60 Hz
c Un: 200 V AC
c maximum voltage of the signal to be
transmitted: 220 V
c Up:
v parellel PRC: 700 V
v series PRC: 300 V
c Imax (8/20 µs): 10 kA
c In (8/20 µs): 5 kA
c pass-band:
v parellel PRC: 100 MHz
v series PRC: 3 MHz
c rated current:
v PRC series: 20 mA
c withstand 50 Hz (15 min): 25 A
c number of protected pairs: 1
c operation indication on the series PRC, by
means of a mechanical indicator:
v white: normal operation
v red: surge arrester must be immediately
replaced
c connection: using tunnel terminals for
0.5 to 2.5 mm2 cable
c operating temperature:
-25 °C, +60 °C
c storage temperature:
-40 °C, +70 °C
c protection class:
v IP20 at terminals
v IP40 on front panel
c weight (g): 65.
type
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
parellel PRC
15462
2
16593
2
catalogue numbers
auxiliaries
c adaptable remote indication modules,
EM/RM (see 90159/15).
telephon
network
telephone
network
13 5
PRC
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
TRC1
F
E
GB
I
NL/B
16420
15462
series PRC
telephon
network
telephone
network
13 5
PRC
MERLIN GERIN
multi 9
24 6
TRC1
F
E
GB
I
NL/B
16420
15493
Merlin Gerin
Updated 28/03/00
90159/13
protection
load protection
PRI surge arresters
function
PRI surge arresters are designed to protect
sensitive equipment on digital telephone
networks and automated systems (PRI
12…48 V) as well as on computer or data
networks (PRI 6 V).
description
technical data
c frequency: 50…60 Hz
c Un:
v PRI 12…48 V
v PRI 6 V
c maximum voltage of the signal to be
transmitted:
v PRI 12…48 V: 53 V
v PRI 6 V: 7 V
c Up:
v PRI 12…48 V: 70 V
v PRI 6 V: 15 V
c Imax (8/20 µs): 10 kA
c In (8/20 µs): 5 kA
c rated current: 20 mA
c max. rated current: 100 mA
c withstand 50 Hz (15 min): 25 A
c number of protected pairs: 1
c pass-band:
v PRI 12…48 V: 6 MHz
v PRI 6 V: 80 MHz
c operation indication by means of a
mechanical indicator:
v white: normal operation
v red: surge arrester must be immediately
replaced
c connection: using tunnel terminals for
0.5 to 2.5 mm2 cable
c operating temperature:
-25 °C, +60 °C
c storage temperature:
-40 °C, +70 °C
c protection class:
v IP20 at terminals
v IP40 on front panel
c weight (g): 65.
catalogue numbers
type
auxiliaries
c adaptable remote indication modules, EM/
RM (see 90159/15)
tension Un
(V)
In
(kA)
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
12…48
6
5
5
16595
16594
2
2
PRI
network
L1
L2
13 5
PRI
24 6
16594
90159/14
I1
I2
load
supply
Updated 28/03/00
Merlin Gerin
protection
load protection
EM/RM remote indication modules
function
The adaptable EM/RM remote indication
modules are made up of two optical blocks,
a transmitter and a receiver. They are
designed to remotely signal the transfer to
back-up or the disconnection of the
combined surge arrester
c the EM transmitter is mounted to the left
and the RM receiver to the right side of a
PRD, PE, PRC, PRI, STH, STM or STD
surge arrester.
c the RM receiver has an output contact for
the remote transfer of surge arrester
disconnection information
c the module can monitor up to 15 surge
arrester modules (18 mm) with a limit of 270
mm.
description
technical data
c voltage rating: 230 V AC
c frequency: 50…60 Hz
c surge arrester status indication: by means
of green and red indicators on the front
panel
c output contact:
v NO/NC (closed between terminals 2 and 4
if fault on surge arrester)
v min. power: 6 V DC and 10 mA
v max. power: 250 V AC and 5 A
v insulation between contacts: 1 kV AC
v insulation between the contacts and the
coil: 2.5 kV AC
c flexible or rigid cable connection:
v up to 2.5 mm2
c operating temperature:
-20 °C, +40 °C
c storage temperature:
-40 °C, +70 °C
c weight (g): 20.
type
cat. no.
width
in mod.
of 9 mm
16592
2+2
catalogue numbers
remode indication module
EM/RM
L
N
1 3 5
1 3 5
2 4 6
16592
additional
information
Merlin Gerin
dimensions: page 90148/2
practical advice: page 92506/2
Updated 28/03/00
90159/15