Product category:
Batteries, chargers and circuit protection
News Release from: Phoenix Contact | Subject: Flashtrab
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 18 September 2002
No need for decoupling with lightning
arresters
A new range of Class C lightning current arresters removes the need for decoupling between lightning current arresters and surge voltage protectors.
Decoupling between lightning current arresters and surge voltage protectors, normally provided by ensuring that there is at least 10m of wiring between the two types of device, is no longer necessary with the new range of Flashtrab Class C lightning current arresters from Phoenix Contact The new Flashtrab arresters can be installed directly alongside surge protectors, if necessary, on the same mounting rail, greatly simplifying the design of surge protection installations for industrial, commercial and domestic applications, as well as reducing space requirements by up to 75%
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 11 Sep 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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The new modules are available with trigger voltages of 900V, 1.5kV or 2.5kV, and can be supplied in versions for use on supplies between 230 and 500V.
The units are particularly suitable for use in railway signalling installations, mobile telephone basestations, domestic premises and other applications where wiring runs of 10m are unlikely to be encountered, and where space or cost considerations make it undesirable to fit decoupling inductors.
The new Flashtrab modules incorporate Phoenix Contact's unique active energy control (AEC) technology.
This electronic system continuously monitors the supply system and, when a transient is detected which is greater than the working value of the varistor, it instantly triggers the lightning arrester spark gap.
This method of operation provides much more effective energy limiting than is achieved by traditional products, where the spark gap is triggered by the transient itself.
Phoenix Contact offers Flashtrab modules in two families.
Flashtrab FLT 35 units feature a compact design, and are intended for use in domestic applications, as well as in commercial or industrial applications in built-up areas, where prospective lightning surge currents are comparatively low.
For large industrial installations, and in areas where higher levels of lightning surge currents are anticipated, Phoenix Contact recommends Flashtrab FLT Plus modules.
For maximum security, modules in both families incorporate a function display which provides instant visual confirmation of the correct functioning of the triggering electronics.
The same display also offers indirect monitoring of the spark gap itself. Request a free brochure from Phoenix Contact ...
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