The surge protection device connector (SPD IPC) is designed to protect low voltage overhead lines and electric equipment against over-voltages. It enables the current from the lightning to be led to the ground.
The surge protection device connector includes the following elements:
– An insulation piercing connector,
– A terminal outlet inserted in the end cap of the connector,
– A surge protection device (metal oxide overmoulded with silicone) screwed into the terminal outlet,
– An earth system tail welded to the surge protection device.
The surge protection device reacts:
– After a certain number of overvoltages, when the current passing through the surge protection device increases by more than 1mA,
– In the case of atmospheric discharge (lightning strike), the current exceeding 65mA.
After the surge protection device has performed, the earth system tail physically separates from the connector. The surge protection device then should be replaced with an available spare part (comprising the surge protection device and the earth system tail).
