A new generation of Surge Protection Devices brings improved quality and performance with ergonomically designed housings.
Available from Specialist distributor Switchtec is the new DAC/DDC range of AC and DC Surge Protection Devices from Citel. Available in Type 1, Type 2 & Type 3, for use with AC, DC and PV applications the SPDs are suitable for use on all earthing system including TN, TT/TN, TNS and TN-C-S. The SPD’s are available in Single Pole, Single Phase, 3 Phase and 3 Phase & Neutral. Citel DIN rail mounted surge protectors are easy to install in any standardized distribution panel or control cabinets.
The New DAC & DDC range of SPD’s is born from Citel’s 80 years’ experience in the manufacture of high-quality Surge Protection Devices. With collaboration from Citel’s manufacturing and design locations in France, Germany, America and China, the new range was designed with key design features including Security, Performance, Design & Ergonomics, SPD Knowledge and Warranty.
As leaders in Surge Protection, Citel have designed this range to meet the most extreme constraints, beyond that asked by the IEC/EN standards. In order to ensure total safety, the DAC/DDC series are designed to provide a safe disconnection, high resistance to fire and short circuit and built with a high mechanical robustness. The DAC/DDC series utilises technology unique available to Citel, who are specialists in the manufacture of Gas Discharge Tubes (Gas Spark Gap), along with their own design of varistors to obtain the best performance and reliability for their SPD’s.
Key performance features of the new DAC/DDC range include an improved ergonomic design, which incorporates a quick release retaining clip for the replaceable SPD modules. Traditionally the modules were retained by mechanical resistance alone, which made them difficult to
remove, the new DAC/DDC uses a spring clip, designed into the modules housing which allows for quick and effortless module replacement.
Further features include, improved plastic materials used to increase the products strength and rigidity, whilst also taking into account environmental concerns with the use of Halogen free plastics. A larger disconnection indicator allows the operator to easily and quickly identify if the SPD has come End of Life. A green indicator displays a fully functioning SPD whilst a red indicator indicates immediate replacement required. This indicator is in conjunction with the built in remote signal output, a volt free contact, suitable for connection to an external signalling device. Improved identification is also provided by Citel’s use of colour coding the SPD modules enabling the user to easily identify the SPD types and function, Grey for Type 1, Red Type 2, Blue Type 3, Orange for DC applications, and Green for Neutral/PE. Also included on the side of the SPD is a QR code which when scanned will link the user directly to the instruction manual for the product.
Citel’s main objective with the new DAC/DDC Series was to design the most efficient SPD which is fully compliant with the current SPD standards but is also future proofed as much as possible to allow it to remain compliant with future amendments to the SPD standards. Citel’s experts are members of national and international standards committees, and as such had first hand knowledge of current and future SPD standards.
The DAC/DDC range has been tested in Citel’s own internal laboratories, where they can test up to 240kA, and also recognised by external laboratory including EAC, IEC, VDE and cULus.
In order to improve the surge protection efficiency, CITEL has developed a patented technology that combines a high energy varistor (MOV) network and a specific gas tube (GSG). VG Technology is a specialized circuit incorporated in certain SPD’s that can achieve a higher protection level, longer life duration (due to the suppression of leakage current), and continuous operation and power quality (no follow on current).
As well as SPD’s for AC, DC and PV applications, Citel have SPD’s for LED and telephone and data applications. The DAC/DDC range will grow over time with more announcements regarding specific components throughout the coming year.
