LIGHTING/SURGE PROTECTOR CIRCUIT

LIGHTING/SURGE PROTECTOR CIRCUIT

In power lines, usually large amount of voltage is induced (typically very short time with high amplitude) due to lightning (direct or indirect strike) or Transients (Transients caused by other equipments are usually caused by the discharge of stored energy in inductive and capacitive components. Electric motors, such as those used in elevators, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration or other inductive loads, can create a continuous stream of 250V to 1000V transients. DC motor drives, variable speed AC motor drives, DC power supply switching, and portable power tools are other sources of transients.) 

The basic surge suppression circuit shown below consists of a VDR** (Voltage Dependent Resistor) and gas surge suppressor (GDT) connected in series. The protection circuit is connected between live and mains lead. Normally no current flows through GDT and VDR1. When   the voltage between the terminals is higher than the sum of voltage ratings of GDT and VDR1 (here both GDT UZ470B and VDR S20K250 has 250v 16A rating), current starts to flow through those components. If more the voltage raises then more current starts to flow through GDT and VDR1.When the current is normal, the circuit is reset and resumes it’s functioning. Thus the current cannot be raised much over that predetermined value. When the voltage again goes back to normal values G1 and VDR1, the conducting stops and the circuit remains normal.  If the flowing current is more than the specified value of main self-resettable fuse, the fuse will break and the circuit will be protected. After the current is normal, the fuse resets and continues its functioning (protection against short circuit and overload). The circuit is designed to protect sensitive electronic devices against overvoltage transients in normal mains voltage and overload/ short circuit. Two neon pilot lamps are also provided with the circuit diagram to show the status of input and load suppl

Advantages

1)      Normal working voltage = 230v AC/DC

2)      Maximum current rating=16A

3)      Cut-off current =16A

4)      Cut-off voltage= >300v R.M.S

5)      Protection against overloads

6)      Protection for short circuit

Applications

1)      Protection for sensitive components

2)      Protection for motor devices

3)      Telephone line protection

4)      SMPS protection

**A VDR (Voltage Dependent Resistor) is an electronic component with a “diode-like” nonlinear current–voltage characteristic. The name is a portmanteau of variable resistor.  VDRs are often used to protect circuits against excessive transient voltages by incorporating them into the circuit in such a way that, when triggered, they will shunt the current created by the high voltage away from the sensitive components. A VDR is also known as Voltage Dependent Resistor or VDR. A VDR’s function is to conduct significantly increased current when voltage is excessive.)