Safeguarding Modern Infrastructures: OBO Bettermann’s Surge Protection Devices

The company has unveiled three innovative arrester families tailored to shield buildings and systems, adhering to the stringent guidelines of IEC 61643.

In an era heavily reliant on electronic systems, safeguarding against power surges has never been more crucial. The damage caused by these surges extends beyond direct lightning strikes to surges induced by strikes within a two-kilometre radius. To prevent damage to property or personal injury caused by transient voltages, surge protection has been mandatory in all new or extended buildings and electrical installations since October 2016 by IEC 62305-4.

Addressing this growing demand for robust surge protection measures, OBO Bettermann has unveiled three innovative arrester families tailored to shield buildings and systems, adhering to the stringent guidelines of IEC 61643. The MCF Compact, V50 (Type 1 + 2), and V20 (Type 2) surge protection devices reliably prevent overvoltages caused by lightning events and switching operations that can cause lasting damage to electronic devices or data lines.

MCF Compact 75/100: Industry’s shield against lightning currents

The MCF Compact 75 and 100 combination arresters, developed for universal use in buildings in lightning protection classes I – IV, have a total dissipation capacity of up to 100 kA (25 kA/pole). These devices are used in buildings with external lightning protection or overhead line feed-in and are particularly suitable for industry. In addition to offices, commercial properties, and residential buildings, these surge protection devices are installed at the supply point of the building and provide system protection up to 315 A without a separate backup fuse and are short-circuit-proof up to a mains follow-up current of 50 kA. With a width of only 105 mm, the devices are compact and 25 percent smaller than conventional devices, making them more space-saving and easier to use in the feed/control cabinet.

V50 – lightning combined arrester Type 1 + 2 for commercial and residential buildings

The V50 series surge protection devices for lightning protection equipotential bonding, according to IEC 62305, are designed for lightning protection classes III – V. They have a lightning current dissipation capacity of 50 kA (12.5 A/pole). Offices, commercial properties, and residential buildings with an external lightning protection system or overhead line supply can be protected from transient voltages safely and by standards with the V50 arresters. These arresters are also installed at the feed point of the building and provide system protection up to 160 A without a separate backup fuse.

The reliable rearguard – V20 Series – Type 2 surge arrester

The V20 type 2 arrester series for surge protection according to VDE 0100-443 (IEC 60364-4-44) is designed for buildings without an (external) lightning protection system and is used in the main distribution board and sub-distributions/control cabinets of the building. With a total dissipation capacity of 60 kA (20 kA/pole), the V20 surge protection devices are also suitable for use in systems with increased safety requirements by IEC 61643. The V20 arresters offer a system fuse of 160 A without a separate backup fuse.

The distinguishing feature of surge protection devices

All surge protection devices can be easily installed by snapping them onto the DIN rail in the control cabinet. Due to their universal design, the V50 and V20 arresters can also be installed and rotated by 180° so that cables can be connected at the top or bottom, depending on the space available. Remote signalling with potential-free changeover is available for all devices. In addition, a coloured, leakage-free status display ensures constant monitoring of device functionality. In addition, the arresters are VDE- and UL-tested and thus meet the highest international standards.

The new arresters help to reduce data loss or production downtime costs. The quality of the new devices is VDE-certified by an external testing institute, according to IEC 61643-11. Of course, all devices have a 5-year warranty. A QR code on the devices helps to quickly retrieve technical information from the OBO website using smartphones or tablets, e.g., if the assembly instructions are included with the product.

To conclude, surge protection measures are becoming increasingly important in low-voltage systems. OBO Bettermann has developed three new arrester families to protect buildings and systems with a wide range of requirements by the new IEC 61643. The MCF Compact, V50 (Type 1 + 2), and V20 (Type 2) surge protection devices reliably prevent overvoltages caused by lightning events and switching operations that can cause lasting damage to electronic devices or data lines. These devices are VDE and UL tested and meet the highest international standards. With easy installation and a 5-year warranty, OBO Bettermann provides reliable and efficient surge protection solutions for all buildings and systems.

Spokesperson: Arul Prakash K, Managing Director- OBO Bettermann India