Tramontina's electrical materials factory is expanding its line of DPS (Surge Protective Devices) – components responsible for protection against atmospheric discharges. Tramontina's DPS TDS line is available in 15 kA, 20 kA, 45 kA, 60 kA and 90 kA versions, all with operating voltages of up to 275 V and suitable for installation in 127 V or 220 V networks.
The new models are available in classes 1 – for areas highly exposed to atmospheric discharges – and 2 – for indirect atmospheric discharges, i.e., those that occur close to the building area or electrical networks. All have a green front indicator, which changes to red to indicate when it should be replaced in the installation.
The engineering team at the Tramontina electrical materials factory highlights that the DPS has the function of protecting electronic equipment from atmospheric discharges and blackouts and instabilities in the electrical network, preventing the on-off, which usually occurs in these incidents, from burning the devices.
The equipment detects the occurrence of short-term transient overvoltages in the electrical network and diverts the surge currents to ground. Overvoltages travel along three distinct paths: the electrical network, the telephone line and the TV antenna circuit. Hence the importance of protection at all three inputs.
The DPS must interact with the grounding system to provide complete safety and protect people from electrical discharges, as well as buildings and electronic devices. The device is not only responsible for atmospheric discharges (lightning), but also for overvoltages and instabilities in the power grids.
The equipment must be installed in accordance with the requirements of Standard NBR 5410 for low voltage electrical installations, in order to guarantee the safety of people and animals, the proper functioning of the installations and the conservation of assets.
