Wall mount TPUs offer hot-swap plug-in technology

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 18, 2001

Advance-Galatrek has just unveiled its latest StrikeSafe wall mount Transient Protection Units (TPUs), featuring unique hot-swap plug-in technology.

Advance-Galatrek has just unveiled its latest StrikeSafe wall mount Transient Protection Units (TPUs), featuring unique hot-swap plug-in technology.

Many models in the range are designed to take advantage of Silicon Avalanche Diode (SAD) and Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) protection, for the ultimate in transient voltage surge suppression.

The units are intended to provide transient protection for applications within Zones B and C, as defined in BS EN6651:1992 Appendix C.

StrikeSafe's unique patent pending plug-in hot-swap technology brings about a major advantage when compared to more conventional competitor TPUs.

With standard systems, because they are hardwired, it is necessary to power down the load, in order to replace a module or effect maintenance on the TPU.

However, Advance-Galatrek's latest plug-in technology eliminates the need to power down, by allowing individual modules to be replaced while the load is connected and fully operational.

This capability is virtually essential for any 24/7 mission critical applications such as mobile base stations and railway signalling points.

A wide variety of models are available for differing applications.

For industrial use, a single phase 110V range has been launched, offering a choice of both SAD and MOV technology or, for less critical applications, an MOV only configuration.

Additionally, a 650V module is available, either as an SAD only or MOV only device, for three phase rail applications.

The SAD features a clamping voltage of 1092V per phase, while the MOV clamps at 1300V per phase.

The StrikeSafe plug-in hot swap modules all make use of Advance-Galatrek's leading edge patent pending matrix technology.

This technical breakthrough provides far better levels of transient protection than afforded by conventional Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS).

It also allows the TVSS to continue functioning in accordance with its specification, even if a voltage surge causes damage to an individual component.

A combination of StrikeSafe SAD and MOV matrices offers the ultimate in transient surge protection, because the SAD matrix reacts virtually instantaneously to the sharp rising edge of a transient infected voltage waveform.

The SAD matrix is effective at a threshold some 15% to 20% lower than traditional MOV only devices.

This results in a better dissipation of excess transient energy, while also allowing the secondary protection MOV matrix to activate as the transient energy approaches the levels at which the SADs cannot safely operate.

This has the effect of increasing the TVSS surge rating, as well as protecting the SADs from over-current.

With typical Zone C applications including mains power supplies to rural rooftop and roadside wireless comms sites, co-location sites and built-up industrial estates, Advance-Galatrek recommends that users should consider the fitment of external lightning conductors.

With Zone C devices relating to locations such as the factory floor, where transient voltage protection is focused around the main incomer and distribution boards, transients typically result from external sources including lightning, grid switching, power system faults and local industrial installations.

Appliances in Zone B, which covers engineering and communication rooms, will also experience internal transients, generated by hardware such as induction motors, generators, process control equipment, manufacturing and office based systems.

The StrikeSafe range of plug-in hot swap TPUs provides essential protection for all sensitive equipment located in these Zones.

To accompany the launch, Advance-Galatrek has produced a new catalogue containing full details of the StrikeSafe range.

The catalogue also features comprehensive information on transient protection issues, with easy product selection and specification guides.