APPLICATION NOTE

Testing SPDs with an insulation tester

Supports:
MFT-X1, MFT1800, MFT1700
(also: MIT400, MIT2500, IMT100 and MTR105)

EN
ENGLISH
ENGLISH
Introduction
Surge Protection Devices (SPD) are used in electrical installations Low-voltage surge protective devices IEC/BS
to provide an additional level of protection against temporary EN 61643-11 requires the SPD body to be marked with the
over-voltages (TOV), surges and impulses. The IET Wiring following information:
Regulations 18th Edition BS 7671:2018 (section 534.4.1, Fig.
534.2) specifies three types of SPD: ■ Manufacturer’s name and model number

■ Type 1 installed at or near the origin of the electrical ■ Maximum continuous operating voltage Uc in V and
installation (e.g. main distribution board). type of current (for instance AC or ~)

■ Type 2 installed in the distribution circuits ■ Test classification and discharge parameters, for:
(e.g. sub-distribution board). ƒ Test Class I – name of class or [T1] and the impulse
■ Type 3 installed close to sensitive equipment. current Iimp in kA

All three types (Type 1, 2, 3) comprise of some kind of non- ƒ Test Class II – name of class or [T2] and the nominal
linear active components whose resistance is very high at the discharge current In in kA
nominal operating voltage (open circuit). However, in the event
of an overvoltage the impedance becomes very low (clamping ƒ Test Class III – name of class or [T3] and open-circuit
or short-circuiting), limiting the downstream energy. voltage Uoc in kV

BS 7671:18 (section 534.4.3, Fig. 534.3 and Fig. 534.4) also ■ Voltage protection level Up in kV (peak voltage across
differentiates between two Connection Types internal to SPD during the impulse test)
an SPD assembly. In Connection Type 1, all the non-linear
■ Identification of terminals or leads
components are connected from L1, L2, L3, and N to the
common of the PE conductor (4+0). In Connection Type 2 ■ Degree of Ingress Protection
they are connected from L1, L2, and L3 to the common N, and
another component from N to PE (3+1). ■ Rated load current IL for SPDs with separate input/
output terminals
There can be also additional marking, such as the maximum
discharge current Imax in kA (highest capability for a single
surge) or the follow current interrupt rating Ifi in A (maximum
short-circuit current interrupted without activation of a
disconnector).

It should be noted that the SPD types, Connection Types or

Test Classes do not define the type of components fitted
within the device. Instead, the internal protection components
are characterised by the amount of energy (impulse current
and/or impulse voltage) to be dissipated, and the exact choice
of implementation depends on the manufacturer of the SPD.

It should also be noted that the technical details provided on

the SPD body or even in their data sheets are often insufficient
to infer the type of components and their configuration. This
application note gives some guidance on the interpretation of
the test results which are likely to be obtained in the field when
applying the insulation test as the means of SPD verification.

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Types of non-linear components inside SPD Type 2
SPD Type 2 are typically installed at distribution boards and
this application note focuses on such devices. Type 1 and
Type 3 are likely to show similar behaviour but their construction
is more varied between manufacturers.

Two main types of non-linear components are typically used

inside an SPD, each activated by its own voltage threshold.
A typical diagram of an SPD is shown in Fig. 1 (but other
configurations are possible):

■ Between L-N (or L-L) there is a Metal Oxide Varistor

(MOV), which behaves similarly to a Zener diode or
Transient Voltage Suppression diode (TVS) so that
overvoltage is limited to some level (e.g. 430 V, see
Fig. 2).

■ Between N-PE there is a Gas Discharge Tube (GDT)

which behaves as a spark gap or thyristor and, once
activated, it short-circuits to a much lower voltage
(e.g. < 40 V, see Fig. 3), but opens automatically when
the voltage decreases so that there is insufficient
current to maintain the spark.

■ SPDs can be equipped with an internal thermal

Disconnector which is typically linked to an “end of
life” indicator. For example, this can be a joint which
unsolders itself due to excessive heat dissipation.
Such a traumatic event means “end of life” of an SPD.

L N L1 L2 L3 N

Disconnector
MOV
GDT
PE PE

Fig 1: Circuit diagram of typical single-phase and three-phase SPDs

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Types of non-linear components inside SPD Type 2

SPD MOV MOV

limit SPD limit
voltage inactive inactive
MOV peak

mains peak = 325 V MOV MOV

SPD limit SPD MOV RMS
limit
mains RMS = 230 V inactive
voltage inactive
MOV peak

mains peak = 325 V time

MOV RMS
mains RMS = 230 V
Fig 2: Typical voltage limiting by an MOV (e.g. between L-N)

clamping time
TheFig.
SPD2.maximum
Typical voltage
continuous operatingbyvoltage
an MOV level(e.g.
Uc isbetween L-N)
normally specified in RMS values. For example, for the nominal
mains voltage of 230 Vrms an SPD rated at Uc = 275 Vrms
could be used (between L-N conductors). However, as shown
in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, SPDs are activated by the peak voltage, not
Fig. 2. Typical voltage clamping by an MOV (e.g. between L-N)
RMS, so this RMS specification is somewhat imprecise with
respect to the expected activation threshold. For example, a
narrow impulse of overvoltage would not significantly change
the RMS value, but if its peak exceeds the SPD threshold then
it will be activated. An SPD will typically operate in any polarity
of the applied voltage.

GDT GDT
SPD short- short-
circuiting SPD
circuiting
voltage inactive inactive
GDT peak
GDT GDT
SPD short- short- GDT RMS
circuiting SPD
circuiting
voltage inactive inactive
GDT peak
time
GDT RMS

time
Fig. 3. Typical voltage short-circuiting or “crowbarring” by GDT (e.g. between N-PE)

Fig 3: Typical voltage short-circuiting or “crowbarring” by GDT (e.g.between N-PE)

Fig. 3. Typical voltage short-circuiting or “crowbarring” by GDT (e.g. between N-PE)

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Testing SPDs with an MFT
CAUTION : If the SPD is not fitted, or it is faulty Testing L-N (MOV)
or disconnected, then the full insulation test
The electronic component manufacturers (not SPD
voltage will be present on the tested circuit. This
manufacturers) often specify the limited voltage threshold as
high voltage could potentially damage equipment
the voltage at which the DC current flowing through the MOV
connected to the installation. It is recommended is 1 mA. Therefore, testing with a current of around 1.5 mA
that voltage-sensitive equipment should be correctly identifies this threshold voltage.
disconnected from the circuit before an SPD is
tested, or the SPD can be removed from the circuit The expected clamping voltage of an MOV in an SPD can
be roughly estimated from two parameters: the continuous
for testing.
operating voltage Uc (for which the device must not activate),
CAUTION : Only use insulation testers that have and the voltage protection level Up (which is the highest
built-in hardware current limits of less than 2 mA expected peak voltage across the device at the maximum
which will not damage the SPD, such as: Megger surge current during activation).
MFT1700, MFT1800, MFT-X, MIT400, MIT2500,
For the lower limit, for a typical SPD rated with Uc = 275 V rms
IMT100, MTR105.
the minimum activation voltage should be above √2 × 275 V
The ordinary insulation resistance (IR) test on an MFT (or rms = 389 V peak.
other Megger test instruments as listed above) can be used to
test SPDs. The IR test in the MFT is designed so that its output For the upper limit, a typical rating of Up = 1.2 kV, In = 20 kA
current is hardware-limited to less than 2 mA (in practice and Imax = 40 kA indicates that the MOV would exhibit up
around 1.5 mA) and therefore such a test is completely to 1.2 kV with a surge of 40 kA flowing through it. The MOV
harmless to an ordinary industrial SPD, with typical rating of behaviour is such that the maximum voltage across the device
kA. Even if the insulation test voltage is set to significantly is roughly two to four times the threshold voltage at 1 mA.
exceed the voltage rating of the given SPD, during the test the Therefore, the maximum expected threshold voltage would
MFT voltage will collapse automatically to the limited value of be 1.2 kV / 2 = 600 V, which can be detected with a 1000 V
the SPD, as dictated by the resulting current. insulation test.

Therefore, during an insulation resistance test, it is the

indicated insulation test voltage that can be used to
assess the condition of the SPD. The insulation resistance
reading will also present supplementary information.
No additional settings or accessories are required.

It should be noted that full functionality of an SPD cannot

be tested, similarly as the full functionality of any fuse
cannot be tested by an ohmmeter (only continuity and the
resistance readings can be indicated, but not if the fuse will
open with overcurrent). Therefore, similarly for the SPD, only
the performance of the active components can be detected
and measured, based on the low energy thresholds at which
they are activated. However, in practical situations this
typically provides adequate confirmation of performance and
operation.

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 Testing SPDs with an MFT
Therefore, the range of interest is √2 × Uc < V DC test < Up / Also, significant differences between the readings of the three
2 or from 389 V to 600 V for the example values used above. phases (L1-N, L2-N and L3-N) may indicate uneven degradation
Typically an activation closer to the bottom limit would be of the SPD protection in each phase.
expected for an MOV. Example: For a single-phase SPD with
an MOV component between L-N, a behaviour as shown in Testing L-L (two MOVs in series)
Fig. 4, is to be expected when tested at 500 V DC (IR test
voltage set on MFT). In this case, the SDP was rated at Uc = 275 It should be noted that when testing between L-L terminals
Vrms (so DC or peak range is expected between 389 V and there will be effectively two MOVs connected in series (refer
600 V). Indeed, the MOV was activated at 437 V (actual voltage to Fig. 1), and therefore the expected limited voltage would be
displayed on MFT during the test), which is approximately twice that of the single-phase or L-N test.
10% higher than the minimum expected value. The displayed
Example: A three-phase SPD rated at Uc = 275 V rms tested
test voltage was very stable. The insulation resistance reading
between L-L terminals would not be activated because the
was also very stable at 0.27 MΩ. This indicates typical correct
expected limited voltage would be 2 × √2 × 275 Vrms = 778 V
behaviour of an MOV in a single-phase SPD.
peak. A 500 V DC test would therefore be below the required
threshold. The test voltage would remain stable at 500 V DC,
and the measured value would likely be > 999 MΩ.

However, there is no need to test between the L-L terminals

because testing L1-N, L2-N and L3-N will activate each MOV
in a three-phase SPD, therefore verifying its correct operation.
Alternatively, performing the L-L test at 1000 V is more likely
to activate both MOV components in series. The behaviour
would then be similar to that shown in Fig. 4, but with the
limit at double the DC voltage.

Fig 4: Applying the insulation test across L-N terminals of a typical SPD rated
at Uc = 275 V rms. The marked point shows that the output voltage is limited
to 437 V when the insulation test is set to 500 V.

However, for this particular SPD rated at Uc = 275 V rms,

Fig. 4. voltage
if the Applying thelimited
were insulation
belowtest
389across L-Nnotterminals
V DC, or limited of a typical SPD rated at Uc = 275 V rms. The
marked
at all uppoint shows
to the 500 Vthat thethen
peak, output
thisvoltage
would mean that theto 437 V when the insulation test is set to 500 V.
is clamped
SPD is either incorrectly installed (voltage rating is too low/
limiting prematurely) or it is defective (no limiting at all). Either
behaviour would require further investigation, such as testing
at 1000 V in the event of no limiting. Additionally, MOVs can
degrade when subjected to high-energy events. A correctly
functioning MOV should have a negligibly low leakage
current at the nominal voltage, so an IR test at a lower voltage
(e.g. 250 V DC) should show very high resistance (typically
>999 MΩ). Lower readings could indicate degradation or
contamination on the surface.

However, if an SPD is tested at elevated temperatures (e.g.

+60 °C) the resistance reading may be reduced, without
indicating actual failure. An SPD should not be operated above
its rated temperature as the leakage current could increase to
unacceptably high values.

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Testing SPDs with an MFT
Testing N-PE terminals (GDT) Testing L-PE terminals (one MOV and one GDT in
series)
For a mains protection GDT with a high kA discharge current
rating, a small test current of 1.5 mA will be harmless to the Applying the insulation test at 500 V between the L-PE
GDT itself. The range of activation can be estimated also as √2 terminals will typically not trigger a mains-rated SPD because
× Uc < V DC test < Up / 2. The bottom limit results from the the MOV and GDT components are effectively in series (refer
conversion from RMS to peak. The upper limit is related to the to Fig. 1), and therefore the combined peak voltages of both
test being carried out at low current applied, with a relatively components are required for triggering.
slow rise time so the spark gap in the GDT is expected to ignite
at a lower voltage than that expected when carrying out fast For the examples discussed above, the combined real threshold
impulse tests. would be 432 V + 586 V = 1018 V, which could be just beyond
the capability of a 1000 V tester. If some activation took place
Example: For the same SPD as in the example above, the rating then just the insulation resistance reading could be unstable,
was Uc = 255 V rms and Up = 1.5 kV (there was a different but the test voltage may or may not fluctuate. If the GDT is
rating for the N-PE terminals than for L-N), so the expected activated, it will short-circuit itself, but on top of the limited
range was therefore from 361 V to 750 V. Applying 500 V voltage of the MOV. Thus, the voltage would typically not
did not trigger the GDT, even though the applied test voltage collapse below the limited voltage of 432 V. In some cases this
was significantly greater than the lower limit of the expected allows distinguishing between a GDT or a GDT=MOV in series
range. The MFT test voltage did not collapse and the insulation connection.
resistance reading was very high (>999 MΩ). This indicates the
correct behavior for this type of GDT device. However, there is no need for an additional test between the
L-PE terminals as testing L-N, L1-N, L2-N, L3-N and N-PE will
The activation occurred above 586 V DC (around 60% higher activate each MOV and/or GDT separately in a single-phase or
than the lower limit of the expected range), which caused the three-phase SPD.
MFT test voltage to intermittently collapse and recover when
testing continuously over several seconds (Fig. 5).

The random firing of the GDT spark gap affects the test
voltage and the insulation resistance readings in an erratic way
as expected – this indicates the correct behaviour of the SPD.

Fig 5: Erratic voltage readings caused by random firing of the spark gap. In
this particular SPD the GDT was triggered above 586 V peak (marked point).
Some readings are limited to < 10 V.

(Depending on the type of insulation tester, when the spark gap

fires, the insulation test may continue, or it might automatically
terminate and indicate a breakdown of insulation. This would
also indicate a correct detection of a GDT component.)

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Summary
The presence and threshold voltages of typical single-phase
and three-phase SPDs can be tested with the insulation test,
as available on the Megger MFT1700/1800 series, the Megger
MFT-X1 or the single function MIT400 or MIT2500 meters and
the IMT100.

The Megger insulation testers have a built in current limit of

>2 mA, harmless to typical industrial SPDs based on Metal
Oxide Varistors MOV and Gas Discharge Tubes GDT. Testing
SPDs across terminals that have Metal Oxide Varistors MOV
(typically between L-N or L-L) will produce a stable, limited
test voltage, typically between √2 × Uc < V DC test < Up / 2,
and typically closer to the lower limit. A voltage limit or large
leakage current below the lower voltage limit may indicate
incorrectly rated SPD is fitted, the SPD is faulty, is suffering
from degradation or contamination. No activation up to the
higher limit may indicate an incorrectly rated SPD is fitted,
an issue with the connection or a fault of the internal MOV
component. An MOV should always limit the voltage below
its Up rating.

Testing SPDs across terminals that have Gas Discharge Tubes

GDT (typically between N-PE) can produce erratic limited
voltages and readings, indicating correct activation because
of the random sparking in the GDT. This is typically within a
range of √2 × Uc < V DC test < Up / 2 and typically closer to the
middle of such range. Activation below the lower limit may
indicate an incorrectly rated SPD is fitted, the SPD is faulty,
is suffering from degradation or contamination. No activation
up to the higher limit might indicate an incorrectly rated SPD
is fitted, an issue with the connection or a fault within the
GDT component. A GDT should activate below its Up rating.
Performing an insulation test on an SPD below its activation
voltage of an MOV or GDT will typically produce an open
circuit reading, without any voltage clamping and with >999
MΩ resistance reading. This indicates a correct behaviour of
either SPD component.

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