TC 37 - Surge arresters

IEC 61643-341:2020 specifies standard test circuits and methods for thyristor surge suppressor (TSS) components. These surge protective components, SPCs, are specially formulated thyristors designed to limit overvoltages and divert surge currents by clamping and switching actions. These SPCs are used in the construction of surge protective devices (SPDs) and equipment used in Information & Communications Technologies (ICT) networks with voltages up to AC 1 000 V and DC 1 500 V. This document is applicable to gated or non-gated TSS components with third quadrant (-v and –i) characteristics of blocking, conducting or switching. This document contains information on
- terminology;
- letter symbols;
- essential ratings and characteristics;
- rating verification and characteristic measurement;
This document does not apply to the conventional three-terminal thyristors as covered by IEC 60747-6. This second edition of IEC 61643-341 cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2001. This edition constitutes a technical revision.This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: Addition of performance values.

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 61643-331:2020 is available as IEC 61643-331:2020 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 61643-331:2020 is a test specification for metal oxide varistors (MOV), which are used for applications up to 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC in power lines, or telecommunication, or signalling circuits. They are designed to protect apparatus or personnel, or both, from high transient voltages. This document applies to MOVs having two electrodes and hybrid surge protection components. This document also does not apply to mountings and their effect on the MOV’s characteristics. Characteristics given apply solely to the MOV mounted only in the ways described for the tests. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- a Varistor MCOV rating assurance test;
- an energy rating test (2ms);
- revised Dielectric strength and insulation resistance tests.

IEC 60099-6: 2019 applies to non-linear metal-oxide resistor type surge arresters with spark gaps designed to limit voltage surges on AC power circuits with system voltages Us above 1 kV up to and including 52 kV. This document basically applies to all metal-oxide distribution class surge arresters with internal series and/or parallel gaps and housed in either porcelain or polymeric housings. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2002. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) A new concept of arrester classification and energy withstand testing was introduced: the line discharge classification was replaced by a classification based on repetitive charge transfer rating (Qrs) and thermal charge transfer rating (Qth). The new concept clearly differentiates between impulse and thermal energy handling capability, which is reflected in the requirements as well as in the related test procedures.
b) Power-frequency voltage versus time tests – with and without prior duty – were introduced as type tests.
c) Requirements and tests on disconnectors were added.
d) Definitions for new terms have been added.
e) Clause 10 contains particular requirements for polymer-housed surge arresters. These are indicated in the form of replacements, additions or amendments to the original clauses or subclauses concerned.
Keywords: testing of metal-oxide surge arresters

IEC 60099-5:2018 is available as IEC 60099-5:2018 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 60099-5:2018 provides information, guidance, and recommendations for the selection and application of surge arresters to be used in three-phase systems with nominal voltages above 1 kV. It applies to gapless metal-oxide surge arresters as defined in IEC 60099-4, to surge arresters containing both series and parallel gapped structure – rated 52 kV and less as defined in IEC 60099-6 and metal-oxide surge arresters with external series gap for overhead transmission and distribution lines (EGLA) as defined in IEC 60099-8. In Annex J, some aspects regarding the old type of SiC gapped arresters are discussed. Surge arrester residual voltage is a major parameter to which most users have paid a lot of attention to when selecting the type and rating. Typical maximum residual voltages are given in Annex F. It is likely, however, that for some systems, or in some countries, the requirements on system reliability and design are sufficiently uniform, so that the recommendations of the present standard may lead to the definition of narrow ranges of arresters. The user of surge arresters will, in that case, not be required to apply the whole process introduced here to any new installation and the selection of characteristics resulting from prior practice may be continued. Annexes H and I present comparisons and calculations between old line discharge classification and new charge classification. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2013. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition regarding the new surge arrester classification introduced in IEC 60099-4:2014:
a) Expanded discussion of comparison between the old and new classification and how to calculate or estimate the corresponding charge for different stresses.
b) New annexes dealing with:
- Comparison between line discharge classes and charge classification
- Estimation of arrester cumulative charges and energies during line switching
Keywords: selection and application of surge arrestors, nominal voltages above 1 kV

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 61643-352:2018 covers the application of surge isolation transformers (SITs) that are used in telecommunication transformer applications with signal levels up to 400 V peak to peak. These transformers have a high rated impulse voltage with or without screen between the input and output windings. SITs are components for surge protection and are used to mitigate the onward propagation of common-mode voltage surges. This document describes SITs' selection, application principles and related information. This document does not cover power line communication transformers.

IEC 60099-8:2017 is available as IEC 60099-8:2017 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 60099-8:2017 covers metal-oxide surge arresters with external series gap (externally gapped line arresters (EGLA)) that are applied on overhead transmission and distribution lines, only to protect insulator assemblies from lightning-caused flashovers. This document defines surge arresters to protect the insulator assembly from lightning-caused over-voltages only. Therefore, and since metal-oxide resistors are not permanently connected to the line, the following items are not considered for this document:
- switching impulse spark-over voltage;
- residual voltage at steep current and switching current impulse;
- thermal stability;
- long-duration current impulse withstand duty;
- power-frequency voltage versus time characteristics of an arrester;
- disconnector test;
- aging duties by power-frequency voltage.
Considering the particular design concept and the special application on overhead transmission and distribution lines, some unique requirements and tests are introduced, such as the verification test for coordination between insulator withstand and EGLA protective level, the follow current interrupting test, mechanical load tests, etc. Designs with the EGLA's external series gap installed in parallel to an insulator are not covered by this document. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
The Lightning discharge capability test has been completely re-written and re-named to Test to verify the repetitive charge transfer rating, Qrs with lightning discharges to reflect changes introduced in IEC 60099-4 Ed.3 (2014) regarding new methods for rating the energy and charge handling capability of metal-oxide arresters. In addition to testing to evaluate the performance of the MO resistors, procedures for evaluating the performance of the EGLA series gaps have been introduced.
- Omissions from Ed. 1 of this standard have been included, notably an RIV test and a means for determining the thermal time constant of the SUV portion of the EGLA.
- Definitions for new terms have been added
- A number of NOTES in Ed. 1 have been converted to normative requirements
Keywords: externally gapped line arresters (EGLA), lightning-caused over-voltages

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 61643-351:2016 defines test circuits and test methods for determining and verifying the SIT surge parameters. Preferred performance values for key parameters are given. Surge isolation transformers (SITs) are used for signal transformer applications with signal levels up to 400 V peak to peak. SITs are transformers, with or without an internal-winding screen, with a rated impulse withstand voltage greater than the peak voltage of the expected common-mode surge environment. SITs are applicable to components for surge protection against indirect and direct effects of lightning or other transient overvoltage. SITs are used to mitigate the onward propagation of common-mode voltage surges. This part of IEC 61643 does not cover SIT operation under differential-mode lightning surge conditions. Keywords: Surge isolation transformers (SITs)

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 60099-4:2014 applies to non-linear metal-oxide resistor type surge arresters without spark gaps designed to limit voltage surges on a.c. power circuits with Us above 1 kV. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2009. This edition constitutes a technical revision. The numerous changes between the second and third editions are listed in the Foreward of the document. Keywords: testing of gapless metal-oxide surge arresters for a.c.power systems

IEC 60099-9:2014 applies to non-linear metal-oxide resistor type surge arresters without spark gaps designed to limit overvoltages in HVDC converter stations of two terminal, multiterminal and back-to-back type up to and including an operating voltage of 1 100 kV. The standard applies in general to porcelain-housed and polymer-housed type arresters but also to gas-insulated metal enclosed arresters (GIS-arresters) solely used as d.c. bus and d.c. line/cable arresters. Arresters for voltage source converters are not covered. Arresters applied on the a.c. systems at the converter station and subjected to power-frequency voltage of 50 or 60 Hz principally without harmonics are tested as per IEC 60099-4. The arresters on a.c.-filters are tested according to this standard. Keywords: testing of gapless metal-oxide surge arrestors for HVDC converter stations

IEC 60099-5:2013 is not a mandatory standard but provides information, guidance, and recommendations for the selection and application of surge arresters to be used in three-phase systems with nominal voltages above 1 kV. It applies to gapless metal-oxide surge arresters as defined in IEC 60099-4, to surge arresters containing both series and parallel gapped structure - rated 52 kV and less as defined in IEC 60099-6 and metal-oxide surge arresters with external series gap for overhead transmission and distribution lines (EGLA) as defined in IEC 60099-8. In Annex H, some aspects regarding the old type of SiC gapped arresters are discussed. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1996 and its amendment 1 published in 1999. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- Expanded discussion of different types of arresters and their application, including additions of discussion on transmission of line arresters, arresters for shunt capacitor switching arresters for series capacitor protection, application of arresters between phases connecting arresters in parallel;
- Addition of section on asset management, including: managing surge arresters in the power grid, arrester maintenance, significantly expanded discussion of performance diagnostic tools, end-of-life considerations;
- New annexes dealing with: arrester modelling for system studies, example of data needed for specifying arresters. Key words: selection and application of surge arrestors, nominal voltages above 1 kV

IEC 61643-312:2013 is applicable to gas discharge tubes (GDT) used for overvoltage protection in telecommunications, signalling and low-voltage power distribution networks with nominal system voltages up to 1 000 V (r.m.s.) a.c. and 1 500 V d.c. They are defined as a gap, or several gaps with two or three metal electrodes hermetically sealed so that gas mixture and pressure are under control. They are designed to protect apparatus or personnel, or both, from high transient voltages. This standard provides information about the characteristics and circuit applications of GDTs having two or three electrodes. This standard does not specify requirements applicable to complete surge protective devices, nor does it specify total requirements for GDTs employed within electronic devices, where precise coordination between GDT performance and surge protective device withstand capability is highly critical. Keywords: gas discharge tubes (GDT), overvoltage protection in telecommunications, signalling and low-voltage power distribution networks, nominal system voltages up to 1 000 V (r.m.s.) a.c. and 1 500 V d.c. The contents of the corrigendum of July 2013 have been included in this copy.

IEC 61643-311:2013 is applicable to gas discharge tubes (GDT) used for overvoltage protection in telecommunications, signalling and low-voltage power distribution networks with nominal system voltages up to 1 000 V (r.m.s.) a.c. and 1 500 V d.c..They are defined as a gap, or several gaps with two or three metal electrodes hermetically sealed so that gas mixture and pressure are under control. They are designed to protect apparatus or personnel, or both, from high transient voltages. This standard contains a series of test criteria, test methods and test circuits for determining the electrical characteristics of GDTs having two or three electrodes. This standard does not specify requirements applicable to complete surge protective devices, nor does it specify total requirements for GDTs employed within electronic devices, where precise coordination between GDT performance and surge protective device withstand capability is highly critical. This second edition of IEC 61643-311 cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2001. It constitutes a technical revision. Specific changes with respect to the previous edition are: Addition of performance values. Key words: gas discharge tubes (GDT), overvoltage protection in telecommunications, signalling and low-voltage power distribution networks, nominal system voltages up to 1 000 V (r.m.s.) a.c. and 1 500 V d.c.

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 60099-8:2011 covers metal-oxide surge arresters with external series gap (externally gapped line arresters (EGLA) that are applied on overhead transmission and distribution lines, only to protect insulator assemblies from lightning-caused flashovers. This standard defines surge arresters to protect the insulator assembly from lightning-caused overvoltages only. Designs with the EGLA's external series gap installed in parallel to an insulator are not covered by this standard.

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 avalanche breakdown diodes (ABDs) which represent one type of surge protective device component (hereinafter referred to as SPDC) used in the design and construction of surge protective devices connected to low-voltage power distribution systems, transmission, and signalling networks. Test specifications in this standard are for single ABDs consisting of two terminals. However, multiple ABDs may be assembled within a single package defined as a diode array. Each diode within the array can be tested to this specification. This standard contains a series of test criteria for determining the electrical characteristics of the ABD. From the standard test methods described herein, the performance characteristics and ratings of the ABD can be verified or established for specific packaged designs.

Is a test specification standard for thyristor surge suppressor (TSS) components designed to limit overvoltages and divert surge currents by clipping and crowbarring actions. Such components are used in the construction of surge protective devices, particularly as they apply to telecommunications. This standard contains information on -terms, letter symbols, and definitions -basic functions, configurations and component structure -service conditions and fault modes -rating verification and characteristic measurement.

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.

Gives the basic principles of artificial pollution testing of non-linear resistor type (valve type) surge arresters, together with details of pollutant compositions and methods of application and the procedures associated with each mode of pollution.