SC 37A - Low-voltage surge protective devices

IEC 61643-12:2020 describes the principles for the selection, operation, location and coordination of SPDs to be connected to 50/60 Hz AC power circuits, and equipment rated up to 1 000 V RMS. These devices contain at least one non-linear component and are intended to limit surge voltages and divert surge currents.
NOTE 1 Additional requirements for special applications are also applicable, If required.
NOTE 2 IEC 60364 and IEC 62305-4 are also applicable.
NOTE 3 This standard deal only with SPDs and not with surge protection components (SPC) integrated inside equipment.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2008. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
NOTE The following differing practice of a less permanent nature exists in the USA: In the USA, SPDs tested to Class I tests are not required. This exception applies to the entire document. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Scope: Deleted reference to 1 500 V dc
b) Added or revised some definitions
c) Added new clause 4 on Need for protection
d) Added new information on disconnecting devices
e) Revised Characteristics of SPD
f) Revised List of parameters for SPD selection
g) Added new information on Measured Limiting Voltage
e) Added or revised some Annexes

IEC 61643-31:2018 is applicable to Surge Protective Devices (SPDs), intended for surge protection against indirect and direct effects of lightning or other transient overvoltages. These devices are designed to be connected to the DC side of photovoltaic installations rated up to 1 500 V DC. These devices contain at least one non-linear component and are intended to limit surge voltages and divert surge currents. Performance characteristics, safety requirements, standard methods for testing and ratings are established. SPDs complying with this standard are exclusively dedicated to be installed on the DC side of photovoltaic generators and the DC side of inverters. SPDs for PV systems with energy storage (e.g. batteries, capacitor banks) are not covered. SPDs with separate input and output terminals that contain specific series impedance between these terminal(s) (so called two-port SPDs according to IEC 61643-11:2011) are not covered. SPDs compliant with this standard are designed to be permanently connected where connection and disconnection of fixed SPDs can only be done using a tool. This standard does not apply to portable SPDs.
The contents of the corrigendum of June 2022 have been included in this copy.

IEC 61643-32:2017 describes the principles for selection, installation and coordination of SPDs intended for use in Photovoltaic (PV) systems up to 1 500 V DC and for the AC side of the PV system rated up to 1 000 V rms 50/60 Hz. The photovoltaic installation extends from a PV array or a set of interconnected PV-modules to include the associated cabling and protective devices and the inverter up to the connection point in the distribution board or the utility supply point. This part of IEC 61643 considers SPDs used in different locations and in different kinds of PV systems:PV systems located on the top of a building. PV systems located on the ground like free field power plants characterized by multiple earthing and a meshed earthing system. The term PV installation is used to refer to both kinds of PV systems. The term PV power plant is only used for extended free-field multi-earthed power systems located on the ground. For PV installations including batteries additional requirements may be necessary.
The contents of the corrigendum of June 2019 have been included in this copy.

IEC 61643-22:2015 describes the principles for the selection, operation, location and coordination of SPDs connected to telecommunication and signalling networks with nominal system voltages up to 1 000 V r.m.s. a.c. and 1 500 V d.c. This standard also addresses SPDs that incorporate protection for signalling lines and power lines in the same enclosure (so called multiservice SPDs). This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2004. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- Update the use of multiservice SPDs (Article 8);
- Comparison between SPD classification of IEC 61643-11 and IEC 61643-21 (7.3.3);
- Consideration of new transmission systems as PoE (Annex F);
- EMC requirements of SPDs (Annex G);
- Maintenance cycles of SPDs (Annex I). Keywords: SPD, surge protective devices

IEC 61643-11:2011 is applicable to devices for surge protection against indirect and direct effects of lightning or other transient overvoltages. These devices are packaged to be connected to 50/60 Hz a.c. power circuits, and equipment rated up to 1 000 V r.m.s. Performance characteristics, standard methods for testing and ratings are established. These devices contain at least one nonlinear component and are intended to limit surge voltages and divert surge currents. This first edition of IEC 61643-11 cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 61643-1 published in 2005. The main changes with respect of the second edition of IEC 61643-1 are the complete restructuring and improvement of the test procedures and test sequences. NOTE: The attention of National Committees is drawn to the fact that equipment manufacturers and testing organizations may need a transitional period following publication of a new, amended or revised IEC publication in which to make products in accordance with the new requirements and to equip themselves for conducting new or revised tests. It is the recommendation of the committee that the content of this publication be adopted for national implementation not earlier than 12 months from the date of publication. In the meantime, the previous edition can still be ordered by contacting your local IEC member National Committee or the IEC Central Office.

IEC 61643-21:2000+A1:2008 is applicable to devices for surge protection of telecommunications and signalling networks against indirect and direct effects of lightning or other transient overvoltages. The purpose of these SPDs is to protect modern electronic equipment connected to telecommunications and signalling networks with nominal system voltags up to 1 000 V (r.m.s.) a.c. and 1 500 V d.c. The contents of the corrigendum of March 2001 have been included in this copy. This consolidated version consists of the first edition (2000) and its amendment 1 (2008). Therefore, no need to order amendment in addition to this publication.

IEC 61643-12:2008 describes the principles for selection, operation, location and coordination of SPDs to be connected to 50 Hz to 60 Hz a.c. and to d.c. power circuits and equipment rated up to 1 000 V r.m.s. or 1 500 V d.c. Specific change with respect to the previous edition is the incorporation of Amendment 1, which was not published separately due to the number of changes and pages.

Is applicable to devices for surge protection of telecommunications and signalling networks against indirect and direct effects of lightning or other transient overvoltages. The purpose of these SPDs is to protect modern electronic equipment connected to telecommunications and signalling networks with nominal system voltags up to 1 000 V (r.m.s.) a.c. and 1 500 V d.c. The contents of the corrigendum of March 2001 have been included in this copy.

This part of IEC 61643 is applicable to devices for surge protection against indirect and direct effects of lightning or other transient overvoltages. These devices are packaged to be connected to 50/60 Hz a.c. and d.c. power circuits, and equipment rated up to 1 000 V r.m.s. or 1 500 V d.c. Performance characteristics, standard methods for testing, and ratings are established for these devices that contain at least one nonlinear component that is intended to limit surge voltages and divert surge currents.