Sizing TVSS (Transient Voltage Surge Suppression) 1

[SDV3]

Can anyone give me some advice with respect to sizing and chooseing a surge suppression product?? I'm a bit confused simply because all the manufactures say they are the best. Some say clamping voltage is key some say fusing is the answer others say fusing is a weak link. I even had one manufacture tell me they were going to save me money on my power bill each month, I asked him to elaborate and tell me how this works....Im still waiting for him to call back.

Any assistance would be appreciated

 

[redtrumpet]

IEEE Std C62.41 is a recommended practice on surge voltages in low-voltage AC power circuits. IEEE Std C62.43 is a guide for application of surge protectors used in low-voltage data, communication, and/or signaling circuit application. I've never read either of them, but they might be a good place to start.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestions:
1. Visit

http://www.efinet.com/programs.html

http://www.pcitvss.com/

http://www.peidatacom.com/

http://www.northern-tech.com/

http://www.memonline.com/f09.html

http://www.poweruptech.com/

http://www.cooper-electric.net/protvss.htm

http://www.lpsnet.com/

http://www.leainternational.com/surgedev.htm

http://www.passandseymour.com/

http://www.alwaysonups.com/

etc. for more info and sizing
2. Essentially, the voltage level of the transient voltage suppressor must correspond to the voltage at the location where TVSS will be applied. Another parameter to carefully be watched is amount of energy the TVSS can absorb and withstand. This is usually rated in Joules or Wattseconds or kilo- prefix may be applicable for larger power distributions and higher power distribution system voltages.
3. There are a variety of TVSS products for various applications (this aspect is missing in the original posting). If more info is provided, more info will be posted
4. Nowadays, more manufacturers offer TVSSes; therefore, the selection is much better than used to be in the past.
5. Basic information about TVSSes is included in Fink and Beaty "Standard Handbook for Electrical Engineers". The web site literature and colorful pictures could suffice to select the right ones for your applications.