scope:

Foreword 

This application guide was developed to assist the users of IEEE Std C62.36™-2000. The surge protectors covered are multiple-component series or parallel combinations of linear or nonlinear elements packaged for the purpose of limiting surge voltages, currents, or both.

Some tests are not suitable for all surge protectors as the test methods and criteria given apply to surge protectors with different functions and environmental performance. This guide will help manufacturers and users to decide which tests apply to a surge protector intended for a specific application and how to set up and run those tests.

The need for this application guide originated because of the following industry trends:

- A loss of expertise in protection of equipment connected to data, communications, or signaling circuits

- Decreasing awareness of the historical data and rationale on which standards have been based

- Increased use of sensitive electronic circuits that require surge protection

This substantially revised edition of the application guide now includes informative annexes covering applications as well as updated descriptions of protective devices. In addition, this revision comprehends the changes made to C62.36 in the 2000 edition. These changes include

- Tests for insertion loss and return loss, which were changed to use network analyzers in high-frequency applications

- A new test for measuring the degree of coupling between ports of a multiport surge protector

- A pulse mask test

Scope

This guide provides assistance in selecting the most appropriate type of surge protector for a particular data, communication, and/or signaling circuit application.

This guide is divided into six clauses. Clause 1 provides an overview and the scope of this guide. Clause 2 lists references to other standards. Clause 3 gives a description and the theory of the operation of surge protectors used in data, communications, and signaling circuit applications. Clause 4 and Clause 5 describe and interpret non-surge and active performance tests, respectively. Clause 6 discusses some general application principles.

This guide also contains normative Annex A, which provides a description and theory of operation of certain current-limiting devices that may be used in multiple-component surge protectors. Informative Annex B and Annex C supply examples of applications of surge protectors used in low-voltage data, communications, and signaling circuits. Informative Annex D provides guidance on the protection of digital subscriber line (DSL) systems. Informative Annex E supplies guidance on coordinating telecommunications primary and secondary protectors. Informative Annex F provides an overview of antenna feeds protection and radio-frequency (RF) surge suppression technology for communications sites. Informative Annex G contains a bibliography of the references used in developing this guide. The informative annexes provide additional information for understanding and using this guide, but they are not an essential part of the guide. This guide applies to surge protectors used in balanced or unbalanced data, communications, and signaling circuits with equal to or less than 1000 V, rms (Vrms), or 1200 V, dc (Vdc). The surge protectors covered are multiple-component series or parallel combinations of linear or nonlinear elements, packaged for the purpose of limiting voltage, current, or both.

This guide is intended to complement IEEE Std C62.36™-2000.¹ The definitions used in this application guide and the test methods standard are the same. For terms not defined in the guide or the standard, see The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms [B12].²

This guide is not intended to apply to a packaged single-component gas discharge tube (GDT) or air gap arresters/protectors, which are covered by IEEE Std C62.42™-1992 nor to packaged single component thyristor surge protective devices, which are covered by IEEE Std C62.37™-1997.