EN 61643-11 Low Voltage Surge Protection Devices - Surge Protection Devices Connected to Low Voltage Network Systems - Rules and Test Methods

The EN 61643-11 standard, a European standard, describes the requirements and test methods for surge protective devices connected to low voltage power systems.

This standard covers devices for overvoltage protection of telecommunication and signaling networks against indirect and direct effects caused by lightning or other transient overvoltages.

The purpose of these devices is to protect modern electronic equipment connected to 50/60 Hz power circuits and telecommunications and signaling networks with nominal system voltages of alternating and direct current up to 1000 Volts on average.

The EN 61643-11 standard includes the performance characteristics of low voltage surge protection devices and standard methods and ratings for testing. These devices are designed to limit surge voltages and divert surge currents.

The configuration of said surge protection device is given as figure in this standard. Each surge protection device configuration consists of one or more voltage-limiting components and may include current-limiting components.

The EN 61643-11 standard takes into account two basic types of voltage protection devices:

• The first type of surge protective device includes at least one voltage-limiting component in a housing and no current-limiting components.
• The second type of surge protective device includes both voltage-limiting and current-limiting components in one enclosure.

Voltage protection devices may need to meet additional requirements depending on the application. These additional requirements are also included in the standard.

The requirements in this standard are organized under the following headings:

1. General requirements

• Description and documents
• Marking

2. Electrical requirements

• Voltage limiting requirements
• Current limiting requirements
• Transmission requirements

3. Mechanical requirements

• Terminals and connectors
• Mechanical strength (assembly)
• Resistance to ingress of solid objects and harmful ingress of water
• Protection against direct contact
• Fire resistance

4. Environmental requirements

• High temperature and humidity resistance
• Perimeter loop with pulsed surges
• Peripheral loop fluctuations with alternating current

The test methods offered in this standard are as follows:

1. General tests

• Description and documents
• Marking

2. Electrical tests

• Voltage limiting tests
• Current limiting tests
• Transmission tests

3. Mechanical tests

• Terminals and connectors
• Mechanical strength (assembly)
• Resistance to ingress of solid objects and harmful ingress of water
• Protection against direct contact
• Fire resistance

4. Environmental tests

• High temperature and humidity resistance
• Perimeter loop with pulsed surges
• Peripheral loop fluctuations with alternating current

5. Acceptance tests

Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides test services for impact protection devices connected to low voltage network systems within the scope of EN 61643-11 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.