Source：CITEL

Since 1937, CITEL has been protecting installations around the world from transient overvoltages that result from switching events and lightning strikes.

With a thorough understanding of local standards and regulations, along with continuous investment in R&D, CITEL designs, manufactures and sells millions of SPD’s each year.

CITEL develops many critical protection components internally.

Our teams all over the world are proud to help bring the market a comprehensive product range of surge protectors with our unique client-focused service & quality.

Unique, like each of our clients.
Unique, as our strategic vision that places financial independence, international technical collaboration and strong individual commitment, at the forefront.

ROOF TOP INSTALLATIONS

For low power PV applications, i.e. residences and small offices, it is necessary to consider surge protecting the AC output of the Inverter that connects directly into the electric power grid as well as the DC input side of the Inverter fed by the PV modules.

Additional Surge Protectors
If the equipment to be protected (inverter or PV modules) is located more than 10 meters away from the initial surge protector, the guide imposes the insertion of a complimentary surge protector to improve the level of protection.  

INDUSTRIAL AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Medium to large power PV systems can be installed on industrial and service facilities.
In order to avoid very costly downtime and lost productivity resulting from a direct or indirect lightning strike, it is critical, and in some cases mandatory, to install surge protection at key points within your facility and its vital power and communication networks.

Type 2 surge protector
If the building is not equipped with a lightning rod system then a Type 2 surge protector is necessary or compulsory on the AC and DC inputs of the inverter. On the PV side, for cable lengths greater than 10 meters it is mandatory to install additional surge protectors at each end of the cable run.   

Type 1 surge protector
If the installation is equipped with lightning rod systems, Type 1 surge protectors are compulsory at the AC input.
The same on the DC side, Type 1 surge protectors are compulsory in case of not isolated ligtning rod installation. Depending on the level of protection of the lightning rod, the total discharge current (Itotal) required can reach 20 kA. (See guide CLC / TS50539-12). 

PV POWER PLANTS
PV power plants present a high risk of direct lightning impact and surges due to the large exposed area and the long lengths of the electric conductors. In order to avoid problems leading to costly damage and downtime, it is compulsory to install surge protectors at key points in the PV system.

Type 1 surge protector
If the PV field is equipped with lightning rod systems (rods, open air wiring…) Type 1 surge protectors are compulsory at the AC input.  
On the DC side, Type 1 surge protectors are compulsory at the inverters DC output as defined by CLC/TS 50539-12. Due to the long lengths of cabling required to connect numerous strings running throughout the PV farm, additional surge protectors are required at the input of the PV modules as well.