SPD Intro

The “Wave Breaking Factor” and it’s Vital
Role in Surge Protection Device

Coordination
Hans Slagter, DEHN + SOHNE
Earthing, Bonding & Surge Protection

Conference, Auckland 2012
© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE
Discussion topics
1. Introduction to IEC 61643, SPD product standards

2. Comparing lightning current parameters between
IEC and AS/NZS 1768
3. Demonstrating difference between Imax and Iimp
4. Lightning current distribution, 50%/50% Rule
5. Defining minimum and maximum rating of SPDs
6. Coordination of more than one SPD and
introduction the “Wave Breaking Factor”
7. Conclusion

Introduction to IEC 61643 series 98
Introduction to IEC 61643 series 154

Introduction to IEC 61643-11 & 12
There are basically 3 Different Classes of SPD
Class I Type
Spark-gap Type
Triggered Spark-Gap Type
Varistor Type
Combined Class I + II Type
Spark-gap Type
Triggered Spark-Gap Type
Varistor Type

Class II and III Type

Varistor Type
Suppressor Diode Type
IEC 61643-11 addresses safety and performance tests for surge

protective devices (SPDs).
For the different Classes of SPD different impulse tests

waveshapes are specified:
 The Class I test is intended to simulate partial conducted

lightning current impulses. SPDs subjected to Class I test
methods are generally recommended for locations at points
of high exposure, e.g., line entrances to buildings protected
by lightning protection systems.
• SPDs tested to Class II or III test methods are subjected to

impulses of shorter duration, induced surges.

Table F.1 – Rated impulse voltage for equipment energized directly
from the low-voltage mains
IEC 60664-1, Ed 2: 2007
Nominal voltage of the Voltage line to neutral Rated impulse voltage

supply system based derived from nominal
on IEC 60038 voltage a.c. or d.c. up to
and including
Overvoltage category
Single
Three phase V I II III IV
phase
50 330 500 800 1 500
100 500 800 1 500 2 500
120-240 150 800 1 500 2 500 4 000
230/400
300 1 500 2 500 4 000 6 000
277/480
400/690 600 2 500 4 000 6 000 8 000
1 000 1 000 4 000 6 000 8 000 12 000
AS/NZS 1768:2007
In AS/NZS 1768:2007 Continuous reference is made to IEC

AS/NZS 1768:2007 Lightning protection
SECTION 5 - PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND EQUIPMENT WITHIN

BUILDINGS
5.1 SCOPE OF SECTION ............................................................................... 66

5.2 NEED FOR PROTECTION........................................................................ 66
5.3 MODES OF ENTRY OF LIGHTNING IMPULSES..................................... 66
5.4 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROTECTION............................... 69
5.5 PROTECTION OF PERSONS WITHIN BUILDINGS................................ 70
5.6 PROTECTION OF EQUIPMENT............................................................... 73
Lightning Current Parameters

Lightning Current Parameters –
IEC & AS/NZS lightning protection standards
LPL I 3 kA (>99%) (<99%) 200 kA
LPL II 5 kA (>97%) (<98%) 150 kA
LPL III 10 kA (>91%)

(<97%) 100 kA
LPL IV 16 kA (>84%)
(<97%) 100 kA
Ipeak/kA
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220
Maximum values of lightning parameters according to

lightning protection levels – IEC 62305-1 Table 5
IEC 62305-1 : 2010
First Stroke Lightning protection level
Current parameters Symbol Unit I II III IV
Peak current I kA 200 150 100
Short stroke charge Qshort C 100 75 50
Specific energy W/R MJ/Ω 10 5.6 2.5
Time parameters T1 / T2 µs/µs. 10/350
NOTE: One of the possible test impulses which meet the above
parameters is the 10/350 wave shape proposed in IEC 62350-1

Section 5 Protection of persons and equipment
within buildings : AS/NZS 1768:2007
5.6.3.7 Application of SPDs.
(c) Surge ratings – (iii)...........While table 5.1 gives a surge rating for
SPDs in the case (Category C3) using the 8/20 s wave shape, it should
be acknowledged that the IEC standards make reference to a 10/350 s
wave shape for this use in this case, and the symbol given to the current
rating using this wave shape Iimp
It has been found that a factor of 10 may loosely be used to provide an

indication of the equivalence between these two waveshapes for typical
SPD ratings. For example, an SPD withstanding a 100 kA 8/20 μs
impulse might be expected to withstand a 10 kA 10/350 μs impulse.
Comparison between Iimp and Imax test currents
100 kA 1 2
Wave form µs 10/350 8/20
80 kA I kA 40 40
I (kA)
60 kA
50 kA
40 kA
20 kA 1
2
20 µs 200 µs 350 µs 600 µs 800 µs 1000 µs

t (µs)

(c) Surge ratings – iii) the lightning surge current to be handled by a point-of-entry
SPD has traditionally been considered to come into the building via the service
conductors.
However, another mechanism is now understood to exist. If lightning strikes the

building LPS, or even the ground or an object nearby, a local EPR occurs. The
incoming service conductors are typically referenced to a distant earth (such as the
neutral conductor grounded at the secondary transformer some distance down the
street, with the phase conductor also being referenced to that distant earth by
virtue of the transformer winding).
The effect of the local EPR is that a proportion of the lightning current flows
OUT through the point-of-entry SPDs on its way to reaching the distant earth. The
surge current in the SPDs in this case is very large, being a significant proportion of
the lightning current itself.
Assumed Current Distribution of a Lightning Strike
100%
external lightning
protection system
telecommunication system
50% power supply system PEB

metal pipelines
50% earth-termination system
Ref: IEC 61643-12

Lightning Current Distribution LPL I
Service Building
Transformer
External Lightning Protection
200 kA
25 kA per Line
25 kA each
100 kA
100 kA
100 kA
Ref: IEC 61643-12
Lightning Current Distribution LPL III or IV

Service Building
Transformer
External Lightning Protection
100 kA
12.5 kA per Line
12.5 kA each
50 kA
50 kA
50 kA
Ref: IEC 61643-12

Minimum Requirements for SPDs in accordance
with IEC Standards
Maximum Rating Minimum Rating

For SPDs connected Class I Type SPD Class I Type SPD
between
Iimp Iimp
L-N 25.0 (10/350 ųs) 12.5 (10/350 ųs)
Single Phase N-PE 50.0 (10/350 ųs) 25.0 (10/350 ųs)
Three Phase N-PE 100.0 (10/350 ųs) 50.0 (10/350 ųs)
Use of more than one set of SPDs in power supply systems

IEC 62305-4

Coordination of more than one
SPD and the need for „Wave
Breaking Factor“

(d) Coordination Often the approach taken is to have the primary SPD
handle the bulk energy (surge current) and not be too concerned about
the Up value for that protector.
A secondary protector that will not need to handle such a high value of
surge current, can be installed close to the equipment and can be
chosen to have an acceptable Up value.
However, to achieve this result, careful coordination between the two

devices needs to be undertaken. This is quite a complex matter, and a
total examination of the issues is beyond the scope of this Standard.

Coordination of more than one SPD
Design of Class I - ZnO varistor-based arresters
Typical products: Class 1 - ZnO varistor-based arresters
Company 1 Company 2 Company 3
Class I - ZnO varistor-based arresters have one thing in common:

The actual protective element consists of a ZnO varistor or ZnO
varistors connected in parallel that were tested for lightning current
carrying capacity (10/350 impulse currents)

Design of Class 1 - ZnO varistor-based arresters
Company 1 Company 2 Company 3
Iimp 12.5 kA (10/350) Iimp 12.5 kA (10/350) Iimp 12.5 kA (10/350)

Uc 280 V Uc 335 V Uc 280 V
Up < 1.3 kV Up < 1.2 kV Up < 1.5 kV
T1, T2 T1, T2 T1, T2, T3

Design of Class 1 – ZnO varistor-based arresters
Impulse current and voltage protection level

12.5 kA (8/20)
8/20 µs
impulse generator SPD V
USPD
A
ISPD
A
Itotal
Class 1 – ZnO varistor-based SPD: Equivalent circuit diagram: Measurement of

the voltage protection level (acc. to IEC 61643-11)
Application conflict Spark Gap & Varistor Type SPDs

Typical varistor type curve (8/20µs)
i [kA] 12.0
10.0
8.0 impulse
6.0 current
4.0
2.0
0.0
u [V] 900
700 voltage across

the SPD
500
300
100
t [µs]
5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0
Type 1 varistor-based SPD: Oscillograms - Measurement of the voltage protection level

Design of Class 1 - ZnO varistor-based arresters
Class 1 - ZnO varistor-based SPD:
 Measurements in accordance with IEC 61643-11 were carried out
for different products.
 The specified impulse currents (12.5 kA 10/350) were discharged.
 The specified voltage protection level values were adhered to.
What about the coordination with downstream

terminal devices or type 3 arresters?
According to the manufacturers, the arresters are classified as fully energy
coordinated for terminal equipment T1/T2 or T1/T2/T3
Energy coordination
Initial interference
Lightning impulse current 10/350 µs
Residual interference
uncritical to terminal
device
Class I+II arrester
230 / 400 V
Cable length max. 5m
terminal
device
230 / 400 V
Cable length > 5m
?
Class I arrester Class 3 arrester

Coordination with the varistor of a terminal device
Coordination of a Class1 SPD with a ZnO varistor with a 20 mm disc (S20K275)
Why coordination with a S20K275?
 Most Class 1 ZnO varistor-based arresters are T1, T2 or T1, T2, T3 classified.
These arresters must be combinable with the downstream terminal devices or
type 3 arresters.
 20 mm ZnO varistors are typically used for protection
Typical
levels within terminal devices and type 3 arresters.
protective circuit
 In 230/400 V low-voltage systems these S20 ZnO varistors in a terminal device
are usually rated with 275 V.
 Therefore S20K275 is typically used for
terminal devices.
Varistor
S 20 K 275
Coordination of a Class 1 ZnO varistor with the varistor

of a terminal device
0.1... 1.0 x Iimp
1.25 kA … 12.5 kA (10/350) ≤ 0.5m
10/350 µs
impulse generator SPD V V
USPD Uvar
Energy coordination
of SPDs in accordance with
EN 61643-12 A S20K275
Annex J: Coordination of SPDs ISPD
and relevant test methods A A
Itotal Ivar
Coordination of a typical Class I varistor with the varistor of a terminal device:

Equivalent circuit diagram for a minimum decoupling length

ZnO varistor of the type 1 SPD
ZnO varistor of the

terminal device
current measuring equipment
Coordination of a typical Class 1 varistor with the varistor of a terminal device:

Test set-up for a minimum decoupling length

Load:
1.0 x limp (12.5kA 10/350µs)
Result:
Varistor of the terminal
device exploded!
High speed video for a minimum decoupling length

Coordination with the varistor of a terminal device
Coordination of a Class 1 varistor with the varistor of a terminal device
0.1... 1.0 x Iimp
1.25 kA … 12.5 kA (10/350) 10 m
10/350 µs
USPD Uvar
A S20K275
Energy coordination
of SPDs in accordance with
ISPD
EN 61643-12 A A
Itotal Ivar
Repetition of the test with a decoupling length of 10 m

Load:
1.0 x limp (12.5kA 10/350µs)
High speed video for a decpoupling length of 10 m

Load:
1.0 x limp (12.5kA 10/350µs)
Result:
The varistor of the

terminal device is
totally destroyed even
with a decoupling
length of
10 m
High speed video for a decpoupling length of 10 m
Coordination between Triggered Spark-gap and the

ZnO varistor of the terminal device
0.1... 1.0 x Iimp
1.25 kA … 12.5 kA (10/350) 0.5m / 10 m
10/350 µs
USPD Uvar
Energy coordination
of SPDs in accordance with S20K275
A
EN 61643-12 ISPD
Annex J: Coordination of SPDs
and relevant test methods A A
Itotal Ivar
Class 1 spark-gap-based SPD:

Circuit diagram for minimum decoupling and a decoupling length of 10 m

Class 1 spark-gap-
based SPD
varistor of the terminal device
Coordination of a Class 1 spark gap with the varistor of a terminal device:

Strommessung
Test-set up for a minimum decoupling length

Result:
No overload in case of a
minimum decoupling
length.
No overload in case of a
decoupling length of
10 m.
Coordination of a Class 1 spark gap with the varistor of a terminal device:
Test-set up for minimum decoupling and a decoupling length of 10 m

Comparison of the coordination behaviour
Comparison of the coordination behaviour of a spark gap and a varistor

Class 1 varistor-based SPD Class 1 spark-gap-based SPD
i [kA] i [kA]
1.50 1.50
total current Redution of the impulse

1.25 total current 1.25
time
1.00 1.00
“wave breaker function“
current flowing through
0.75 0.75
the varistor of the current flowing through the
0.50
terminal device 0.50 type 1 SPD (spark gap)
0.25 0.25 current flowing through the

current flowing varistor of the terminal device
0.00 0.00
through the type 1 SPD (varistor)
-0.25 -0.25
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2
t [ms] t [ms]
Current characteristics for a decoupling length of 10 m

Load: 0.1 x limp (1.25kA 10/350μs)
Comparison of the coordination behaviour

Comparison of the coordination behaviour of a spark gap and a varistor
Impulse current characteristic Energy load in the varistor of the
terminal device
Class 1 varistor- Surge current is flowing through Destructive energy overload

based type the varistor of the terminal device even in case of low impulse
arrester for almost the entire duration of current amplitudes
the impulse current
Class 1 spark-gap- After the spark gap has triggered, Almost no energy load through
based type arrester hardly any current flows through the varistor of the terminal dev.
the varistor of the terminal dev. even in case of the maximum
 “Reduction of the impulse specified impulse current
“time” / “wave breaker
function“

New SPD parameter: Wave breaker factor
Diagram of the wave breaker factor *
Class 1 arrester limits the current-time area (Charge Q) of the 10/350µs
impulse current
Measurement of the impulse current characteristic at Iimp
* Wave breaker factor: Amount of energy absorbed by the SPD which is not affecting the downstream equipment
i [kA] A10/350 – AWB

Wave breaker factor =
A10/350
AWB Wave breaker area

Current-time area of the
current which is let
through by the Class 1
arrester and which
A10/350 reaches the downstream
protective element.
A10/350 Total current-time area

AWB of the 10/350 impulse
current
t [ms]
Example DEHNventil: Load Iimp (12.5kA 10/350µs) minimum decoupling
A10/350 – AWB
i [kA]

12.0
A10/350
10.0
total current
8.0
 99.5 %
6.0
4.0
2.0
current flowing through the
0.0
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 t [ms]

Example Class 1 varistor-based SPD: Load Iimp (1.25kA 10/350µs)
decoupling length of 10 m
A10/350 – AWB
i [kA]
1.50
A10/350
1.25
total current
1.00
0.75
 36 %
0.50
0.25
current flowing through the
0.00
-0.25
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 t [ms]
Conclusion
 There are basically 3 types of SPDs, Class I, II & III

 Coordination between SPD is vital as most downstream terminal
devices have some form of built-in surge protection, this has to be
considered in the overall design!
 Coordination between two sets of Voltage limiting type (Varistor)
SPDs including those in downstream terminal devices is extremely
difficult when considering long duration lightning impulse wave
shape as a result of direct or nearby lightning strokes!
 Coordination between SPDs for long and short duration lightning
impulse wave shape should be carried out using Voltage Switching
(Triggered Spark-gaps) type SPDs in conjunction with voltage limiting
type SPDs.

Conclusion
 To ensure proper coordination between SPDs the “Wave Breaking
Factor” must be established, the higher the factor the better the
protective effect for downstream electrical and electronic equipment.
Spark-gap-based DEHNventil®
 99.5 %
Class 1 varistor-based SPD
36 % 
Conclusion
 There is a urgent need for Australia and New Zealand to
adopt the IEC 61643 series as an SPD product standards
in order to establish a systematic, cost effect approach to
the implementation of Surge Protection
HANS SLAGTER DEHN + SÖHNE

GMBH + CO.KG
Marketing Executive
Australia
eMail: [email protected]
www.dehn.com.au

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The “Wave Breaking Factor” and it’s Vital

Role in Surge Protection Device

Earthing, Bonding & Surge Protection

1. Introduction to IEC 61643, SPD product standards

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

Introduction to IEC 61643 series 154

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

There are basically 3 Different Classes of SPD

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

Introduction to IEC 61643-11 & 12

There are basically 3 Different Classes of SPD

Combined Class I + II Type

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

There are basically 3 Different Classes of SPD

Class II and III Type

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

Introduction to IEC 61643-11 & 12

IEC 61643-11 addresses safety and performance tests for surge

For the different Classes of SPD different impulse tests

 The Class I test is intended to simulate partial conducted

• SPDs tested to Class II or III test methods are subjected to

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

Nominal voltage of the Voltage line to neutral Rated impulse voltage

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

In AS/NZS 1768:2007 Continuous reference is made to IEC

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

SECTION 5 - PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND EQUIPMENT WITHIN

5.1 SCOPE OF SECTION ............................................................................... 66

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

Lightning Current Parameters

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

LPL I 3 kA (>99%) (<99%) 200 kA

LPL II 5 kA (>97%) (<98%) 150 kA

LPL III 10 kA (>91%)

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

Maximum values of lightning parameters according to

First Stroke Lightning protection level

Current parameters Symbol Unit I II III IV

Peak current I kA 200 150 100

Short stroke charge Qshort C 100 75 50

Specific energy W/R MJ/Ω 10 5.6 2.5

Time parameters T1 / T2 µs/µs. 10/350

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

It has been found that a factor of 10 may loosely be used to provide an

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

Comparison between Iimp and Imax test currents

20 µs 200 µs 350 µs 600 µs 800 µs 1000 µs

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

However, another mechanism is now understood to exist. If lightning strikes the

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

Assumed Current Distribution of a Lightning Strike

50% power supply system PEB

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

Ref: IEC 61643-12

© Copyright 2012 DEHN + SÖHNE

Lightning Current Distribution LPL III or IV

12.5 kA per Line

Ref: IEC 61643-12