MCF Compact and new arrestor series
A strong team to combat surge voltages
Surge protection is mandatory: Due to continually increasing numbers of damage cases, surge protection measures in low-voltage systems are becoming ever more important. Damage from surge voltages occurs not only from direct lightning strikes, which can cause significant destruction. Serious damage to electronic devices and systems is more commonly caused by surge voltages from lightning strikes within a radius of two kilometres. To prevent damage to property and injury to people through surge voltages, surge protection in accordance with VDE 0100-443 has been mandatory since October 2016 in all new or extended buildings and for all new electrical installations.
With the new "team" against surge voltages, OBO Bettermann has developed 3 new arrestor families, with which buildings and systems of various requirements can be protected effectively according to the new VDE 0100-443 and E VDE NAR 4100. The surge protection devices MCF Compact and V50 of type 1 + 2 and V20 of type 2 reliably prevent surge voltages through lightning events and switching actions, which can permanently damage electronic devices or data cables. State of the art semiconductor and spark gap technologies allow a high arresting capacity. The modular structure of the V50 and V20 arrestors allow the implementation of various variants of 1 to 4-pin devices. The new generation of arrestors can be used to prevent the sometimes huge costs from data loss or production downtime. The quality of the new devices is VDE-certified according to EN 61643-11 by an external testing institute. All the devices of course have a 5-year guarantee.
The compact items for industry – lightning current combination arrestor (T1+T2) MCF Compact 75/100
The strongest items in the team, the combination arrestors MCF Compact 75 and 100, which were developed for universal use in buildings of lightning protection classes I–IV, have a total arresting capacity of up to 100 kA (25 kA/pin). The devices are used in buildings with external lightning protection or overhead line supply. Besides offices, commercial real estate and residential buildings, these surge protection devices are also particularly suitable for industry. The combination arrestors are available in 3-pin (TNC network) and 3+1-pin (TT and TNS network) versions. They are installed at the supply point of the building and offer system protection up to 315 A without a separate back-up fuse and are short-circuit-protected up to a line follow current of 50 kA. With a width of just 105 mm, the devices have a compact structure and, in comparison to standard devices, are around 25% smaller and are thus more space-saving and easier to insert in the supply/in the switchgear cabinet.
The compact items for commercial and residential buildings – V50 – lightning current combination arrestor type 1 + 2
The surge protection devices of the V50 series for lightning protection equipotential bonding according to VDE 0185-035 (IEC 62305) are designed for lightning protection classes III–IV. They have a lightning current discharge capacity of 50 kA (12.5 A/pin). With the V50 arrestors, offices, commercial real estate and housing with an external lightning protection system or overhead line supply can be protected securely and in a standard-conformant manner against surge voltages. These arrestors are also installed at the supply point of the building and offer system protection up to 160 A without a separate back-up fuse. The devices are available in one to four-pin versions in 280 V, but also in the voltage variants 150 V, 320 V and 385 V.
The reliable rearguard – V20 series – surge arrestor type 2
The type 2 V20 arrestor series for surge protection according to VDE 0100-443 (IED 60364-4-44) is designed for buildings without an (external) lightning protection system and is used in the main distributor and in subdistributors/switchgear cabinets of the building. With the total arresting capacity of 60 kA (20/40 kA/pin), the V20 surge protection devices are also suitable for use in systems with increased safety requirements according to DIN VDE 0100-534. The V20 arrestors offer system protection of up to 160 A without a separate back-up fuse. These devices are also available in one to four-pin versions in 280 V, and also in the voltage variants 75 V, 150 V, 320 V, 385 V, 440 and 550 V.
This is the hallmark of all team players
Besides the excellent technical equipment, all the surge protection devices can be mounted simply and in an uncomplicated manner by snapping them onto the hat rail in the switchgear cabinet. In addition, the V50 and V20 arrestors can, due to the universal structure, be installed turned through 180°, meaning that cables can be connected either at the top or bottom, depending on the available space.
Remote signalling with a potential-free changeover is available for all devices. In addition, a coloured, leak current-free status display also signals to the end customer whether the devices are still functioning. In addition, the arrestors are VDE and UL-tested and thus correspond to the highest international standards.
A QR code on the devices helps to recall technical information from the OBO website quickly using various terminals such as a smartphone or tablet PC, e.g. if the mounting instructions included with the product are not to hand.
