CONTROL CONCEPTS

SURGE PROTECTIVE DEVICE

TRAINING MANUAL

INDEX
SECTION

DESCRIPTION

THEORY

II

CLASSIFICATION of
POWER PROBLEMS

III

STANDARDS

IV

PRODUCTS

SELECTION of
PRODUCTS

VI

TYPICAL QUESTIONS

(I.) THEORY
Where does electrical power come from?
Electrical power is generated in a utility power plant, producing electric current with extremely high
voltages (up to 22,000 volts). High voltages are required for transmission over long distances to reduce power
losses that occur during transmission.
Transformers in the utility plant increase the generated voltage to the limit of the transmission lines
(typically in the area of 140,000 volts but potentially as high as 700,000 volts).
Transmission line voltages are reduced through transformers to a more suitable range (around 34,000
volts) for distribution to substations, where voltages are reduced again to between 2,400 and 14,400 volts.
Many industries require power at these voltages, while business offices, homes, stores and other
facilities require power at lower voltages, usually from 120 to 240 volts. These voltage levels are obtained
through pole transformers feeding the various facilities.

What are some of the typical nominal voltages and source configurations we would deal with?
Service Entrance/Distribution Area: 277/480 Three-Phase Wye, 120/208 Three-Phase Wye, 480 Three-Phase
Delta
Office/Residential/Distribution Area: 120/240 Single Phase or Split Phase
International Service Entrance/Distribution Area: 230/400 Three-Phase Wye, 346/600 Three-Phase Wye

NOMINAL OPERATING VOLTAGE

L-N

L-L

L-G

MODEL
VOLTAGE
CODE

100
110
120
230
277
346
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
208
240
400
480
600

100
110
120
230
277
346
208
240
400
480
600

100N
110N
120N
230N
277N
346N
208L
240L
400L
480L
600L

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

208
240
400
480
600

120
120
230
277
346

208A
240A
400A
480A
600A

100
110
120
230
277
346

173
190
208
400
480
600

100
110
120
230
277
346

100S
110S
120S
230S
277S
346S

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

208
240
400
480
600

208
240
400
480
600

208D
240D
400D
480D
600D

A-N/B-N/C-N
120/208/120
240/277/240

L-L
240
480

A-G/B-G/C-G
120/208/120
240/277/240

240H
480H

100
110
120
230
277
346
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

173
190
208
400
480
600
208
400
480
600

100
110
120
230
277
346
120
230
277
346

100Y
110Y
120Y
230Y
277Y
346Y
120Y
230Y
277Y
346Y

SOURCE CONFIGURATIONS

Single Phase L-N, 2W+G

Single Phase L-L, 2W+G

Single Phase L-L, 2W+G

Split Single Phase, 3W+G

*Three Phase Delta, 3W+G

*Three Phase Delta Hi-Leg, 4W+G

Three Phase Wye, 4W+G

*Three Phase Wye, 3W+G

Please note: The Line-to-Ground voltage in a three wire Wye system differs from that of a Delta system.
Inherently, the SPD is a voltage sensitive device. Therefore, to insure proper operation it is imperative to
correctly identify the appropriate voltage configuration when ordering. Consult factory with any
questions.
4

You will hear the term AC Signal mentioned frequently; what does this mean?
AC or Alternating Current is an electrical current that changes in both magnitude and
direction. The voltage and current is produced by alternating current generators in a
sinusoidal waveform or sine wave.

AC voltage alternates in both a positive and negative direction, one complete shift from
positive to negative is referred to as a cycle or 360 electrical degrees.

The frequency of the sine wave is the number of complete cycles (positive to negative
shift) that occurs in one second. The common unit of measurement for frequency is hertz
(HZ). In the United States we commonly refer to a frequency of 60 hertz where on cycle
occurs in 1/60th of a second.
Our products are designed to address many of the disturbances that occur on an AC
signal.
5

(II.) CLASSIFICATION OF POWER PROBLEMS

What are some of the typical power disturbances our product/s will address?
We attenuate high frequency noise (3 kHz to 50 MHz) and clamp transients.
What causes high frequency noise?
High frequency noise is the most common power problem found in any facility. It is
defined as a low to high amplitude, low current, and high frequency disturbance.
Approximately, 99% of all power problems can be attributed to noise. Internally, noise
can be generated by any switching type power supply, motor controllers, arcing contacts
(when equipment is turned on and off), etc. Externally, noise may be generated by
lightning, utility switching, etc.
What causes transients?
Similar to high frequency noise transients can be generated both externally and internally.
External sources of transients are lightning, utility line work, system faults, etc. Internally,
transients may be generated by motors, arc welders, transfer switches, etc. While the
frequency of occurrence may not be as high as noise, the effects are more sudden and
devastating. A transient is defined as high voltage/high current, low frequency
disturbance.
What conduction path does high frequency noise or transients take to get to my
equipment?
The power disturbances can occur in both normal (line to neutral and or line to line) and
common (line to ground and or neutral to ground) modes. However, common mode
transients or noise, typically is generated by lightning, radio transmission, poor grounding
and shielding to name a few. Normal mode disturbances commonly occur due to utility
grid switching, computer operation, motor speed controllers, etc.

Power Conditions
Common Mode Noise
(line to ground and/or neutral
to ground)

Normal Mode Noise

(line to neutral and/or line to
line)

Impulses and
Transients

Definitions
Low to high amplitude,
low current, and high
frequency disturbances.
Consists of impulses
(amplitude of up to 50
volts) and EMI/RFI noise
(amplitude of millivolts
to several volts) measured to ground superimposed on the
power conductor.
Low to high amplitude,
low current, and high
frequency disturbances.
Consists of impulses
(amplitude of up to 50
volts) and EMI/RFI noise
(amplitude of millivolts
to several volts) measured line to neutral
or line to line superimposed on the
power conductor.

Causes

Radio transmission
Normal computer
operation
Arcing contacts
Islatrol Elite
(equipment turning Islatrol Plus
on and off)
Islatran
Lightning
Poor grounding
and shielding
Normal computer
operation
Switching power
supplies
Motor speed
controllers

High voltage/high
current, low
frequency
disturbance.

Switching loads on
and off.
Utility switching
Lightning
Amplitude of 50 volts too Fault clearing
as high as several
thousand volts. Duration
is typically less than a
millisecond.

Harmonics

A continuous distortion
of the normal sine
wave, at frequencies
lower than 3 kHz.

Product to
Recommend
Series
Product

Switching loads
Normal computer
operation

Islatrol
Islatrol Elite
Islatrol Plus
Islatran

IslaGuard
(IH,IM,IL)
Islatrol Elite
Islatrol Plus
Islatran

Nothing - our
products are
designed to
attenuate high
frequency
disturbances.

Power Conditions
Overvoltages

Undervoltages or
Brownouts

Definitions
A high-voltage
condition on one or
more phases. Voltages
above 110% of nominal
voltage. Duration is
several cycles (a few
seconds).
A low-voltage
condition on one or
more phases. Voltages
below 80-85% of
nominal voltage.
Duration is several
cycles (a few seconds).

Swells or Surges

A high-voltage
condition on one or
more phases. Voltages
above 110% of nominal
voltage. Duration is one
cycle or less.

Sags or Dips

A low-voltage
condition on one or
more phases. Voltages
below 80-85% of
nominal voltage.
Duration is greater than
one cycle.

Power Outage,
Blackout, or Power
Cut

A zero-volt condition
lasting longer than a
half-cycle.

Causes
Utility switching
Rapid load
reduction

Ground faults
Starting large
loads
Inadequate power
system capacity
Utility switching
Utility equipment
failure
Lightning
Utility switching
Rapid load
reduction

Ground faults
Starting large
loads
Inadequate power
system capacity
Utility switching
Utility equipment
failure
Lightning
Ground Faults
Equipment Failure
Accidents
Utility equipment
failure
Lightning

Product to
Recommend
Nothing in
our product
line. The
customer
needs a
voltage
regulator.
Nothing in
our product
line. The
customer
needs a
voltage
regulator
Nothing in
our product
line. The
customer
needs a
voltage
regulator.
Nothing in
our product
line. The
customer
needs a
voltage
regulator
Complete line
of Single
Phase UPS

(III.) Standards

Canadian Standards Association (CSA): Consists of a series of Canadian electrical

requirements. Including surge suppression, electrical code, filtering, and surge
arrestors.

American National Standards Institute and Institute of Electrical and Electronic

Engineers (ANSI/IEEE C62.11, 62.41, C62.45):
C62.11 - IEEE Standard for Metal Oxide Surge Arresters for AC Circuit
Power
C62.41 - IEEE Recommended Practice on Surge Voltages in Low-Voltage
(600 volts and less) AC Power Circuits. : Characterizes electrical systems in
which a surge exists including location categories and their applicable
waveform.

Location Categories C62.41

The protectors ability to survive and to achieve a suitable let thru voltage depends on the
size of the applied transient. This in turn depends on the protectors location. As
mentioned, C62.41 outlines three location categories, those categories defined in the
following manner:

Location Categories C62.41 Continued:

Each category is broken into sub categories (A1, A2, A3, etc.) with waveforms and
voltage/ ampere levels assigned to each. The following is a list of the waveforms defined
in C62.41:
Category
*C3 - Service Entrance

Volts/Amps
20 kV / 10 kA

C2 - Service Entrance

10 kV / 5 kA

B3/C1 - Service Entrance

6 kV / 3 kA

B2 - Main Distribution
Feeders
B1 - Main Distribution
Feeders
B3 - Load Centers/SubDistribution Panels
B2 - Load Centers/SubDistribution Panels
B1 - Load Centers/SubDistribution Panels
A3 - Wall Receptacles

4 kV / 2 kA

Wave Forms
Bi-wave
1.2 x 50 s, 8 x 20 s
Bi-wave
1.2 x 50 s, 8 x 20 s
Bi-wave
1.2 x 50 s, 8 x 20 s
Bi-wave
1.2 x 50 s, 8 x 20 s
Bi-wave
1.2 x 50 s, 8 x 20 s
Ring Wave
.5s - 100 kHz
Ring Wave
.5s - 100 kHz
Ring Wave
.5s - 100 kHz
Ring Wave
.5s - 100 kHz
Ring Wave
.5s - 100 kHz
Ring Wave
.5s - 100 kHz

2 kV / 1 kA
6 kV / 0.5 kA
4 kV / 0.33 kA
2 kV / 0.17 kA
6 kV / 0.2 kA

A2 - Wall Receptacles

4 kV / 0.13 kA

A1 - Wall Receptacles

2 kV / 0.07

* Category used for the multiple hit test (or endurance test)
What exactly do these waveforms look like?

1.2 x 50 us

8 x 20 us

.5 us x 100kHz

10

 C62.45 - Guide On Surge Testing for Equipment Connected to Low-Voltage

(600 volts and less) AC Power Circuits. : Test procedures for surge
suppressors are defined.

Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 94 (FIBS PUB 94) - A

guideline on electrical power for ADP installations (US Department of Commerce,
National Bureau of Standards)

National Electrical Manufacturer Association (NEMA LS-1 1992): A document that

defines specification parameters and their definitions. The document also mentions
test and evaluation procedures.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 20, 70, 75 and 780)

NFPA 20 refers to the standard for the installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps.
Mentions C62.11 and the requirement for suppression.
NFPA 70: This is the National Electric Code (See NEC listed below).
NFPA 75 Standard for the Protection of Electronic Computer/Data Processing
Equipment
NFPA 780 Lightning Protection Code: Covers requirements for lightning
protection for various types of structures including structures containing
flammable gases and vapors.

National Electric Code (NEC): Code that applies to installation of equipmentincludes specific rules regarding wire sizes, fusing, grounding, etc.)

Underwriters Laboratories (UL 1449 and UL 1283)

UL 1283 refers to safety testing of filters or products that act to filter.
UL 1449 refers to UL safety test often used to compare an SPDs ability to
clamp a transient
First Edition
Effective August 1985
Second Edition
Effective August 1997
*Effective 1998
(New Products)
(Current Products Postponed until Aug. 1998)

UL 1449 consists of the following:

Measured Limited Voltage Test
Permanently Connected
- 6kV, 1.2/50s open circuit voltage
- .5kA, 8/20s short circuit current
- Test with 6 leads external to enclosure
Surge Current Test
Permanently Connected
- 20kV, 1.2/50s open circuit voltage
11

- 10 kA, 8/20 s short circuit current

- Operation of O.C. protection is acceptable
UL 1449 Continued:
Withstand Test
- 125% Rated voltage for 7 hours
Abnormal Over-Voltage Limited Current
- Simulated lifted neutral
- Full phase voltage
- Limited current @ .125A, .5A, 2.5A, 5.0A
Abnormal Over-Voltage High Current
- Simulate miswiring
- Full phase voltage
- Rated Fault Current 5kA minimum
- TVSS instruction manual to define conditions of application

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC 801): Electromagnetic compatibility

for industrial and data process, measurement and control equipment.
International Standards Organization (ISO) Company certified ISO 9001: Quality
standard
Military Standards (MIL-220A): A military standard that defines a method of testing a
device's noise attenuation capability.
NEMA Enclosure Standards:
NEMA Type 1 Enclosure: Intended for indoor use primarily to provide a
degree of protection against contact with the enclosed equipment.
NEMA Type 12 Enclosure: Intended for indoor use primarily to provide a
degree of protection against dust, falling dirt, and dripping non-corrosive
liquids.
NEMA Type 3 Enclosure: Intended for outdoor use primarily to provide a
degree of protection against windblown dust, rain, sleet, and external ice
formation.
NEMA 3R Enclosure: Intended for outdoor use primarily to provide a degree
of protection against, rain, sleet, and external ice formation.
NEMA 4 Enclosure: Intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide
a degree of protection against windblown dust and rain, splashing water and
hose directed water.
NEMA 4X Enclosure: Intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily to
provide a degree of protection against corrosion, windblown dust and rain,
splashing water and hose directed water.

12

(IV.) PRODUCTS
What is a surge protective device?
A voltage dependent component connected in parallel with the load and limits current. It
may be connected between two lines or any line and ground. It protects the electrical
system by limiting surge voltage while diverting surge current.

Series Product Line:

Advantages
Low clamping levels
Excellent noise attenuation
Controlled lead lengths to suppression
modules.

Disadvantages
Potentially very large (dependent upon
protected load).
Larger units may be expensive
May be difficult to service due to series
connection.

The series connected product line consists of the following:

CONTROL CONCEPTS
Islatrol
Islatrol Elite
Islatrol Plus
Islatran
Islatron

Islatrol

Product Description:
High Frequency Noise Filter
Low Pass Filter
RLC Circuit/Filter
Features
Line to Neutral Filtering (Normal Mode)
Single Phase or Three Phase Applications
amp - 1200 ampere available
Attenuates (or reduces the amplitude of) noise that
occurs in a frequency range of 3 kHz to 50 MHz.

13

Islatrol Elite

Product Description:
High Frequency Noise Filter with TVSS
Low Pass Filter with TVSS
RLC Circuit/Filter with TVSS

Features
Transient Suppression/Noise Filtering - All Modes
Single Phase applications only
3 - 20 ampere available
Attenuates ( or reduces the amplitude of ) noise
that occurs in the frequency range of 3kHz to 50 MHz.
45kA Transient Suppression Total
UL1449, UL 1283, CUL, CE

Islatrol Plus

Product Description:
High Frequency Noise Filter with TVSS
Low Pass Filter with TVSS
RLC Circuit/Filter with TVSS
Features
Transient Suppression/Noise Filtering - All Modes
Single Phase applications only
2.5 - 30 ampere available
Attenuates (or reduces the amplitude) noise that occurs
in a frequency range of 3 kHz to 50 MHz.
39.9 kA Transient Suppression - Total
UL 1283, CSA

Islatran

Product Description:
High Frequency Noise Filter with TVSS
and Isolation Transformer
Low Pass Filter with TVSS
and Isolation Transformer
RLC Circuit/Filter with TVSS
and Isolation Transformer
Features
Transient Suppression/Noise Filtering - All Modes
Single Phase applications only
2.5 - 16 ampere available
Attenuates (or reduces the amplitude) noise that occurs
in a frequency range of 3 kHz to 50 MHz.
39.9 kA Transient Suppression Total
14

Parallel Product Line:

Advantages
High transient protection
Low cost
Disconnect allows unit to be taken off
line without interruption of service.
Small package

Disadvantages
Clamping levels adversely affected by
long lead lengths (installation)
Filter capability not as good as series
installed devices (no inductors)

The parallel connected product line consists of the following:

CONTROL CONCEPTS
IslaGuard Series
IH (High Exposure) IM (Medium Exposure) IL (Low Exposure)

IslaGuard

Product Description:
TVSS/SPD
Main/Sub Panel Mount Suppressor
Features
(IH) Islaguard High Exposure Series
- 100kA to 400kA Surge Current Capacity
- Replaceable Modules
- Alarm and Disconnect Available
- 5 year warranty
(IM) Islaguard Medium Exposure
- 100kA to 160kA Surge Current Capacity
- All mode and two mode protection
- Small footprint
- All voltage and phase configurations
- NEMA 12 metal enclosure
- Form C contact, (100-2 units ONLY), LED status indication
- 5 year warranty
(IL) Islaguard Low Exposure
- 25kA to 100kA Surge Current Capacity
- All mode and two mode protection
- Small footprint
- All voltage and phase configurations
- Form C contact, LED status indication
- Sand Encapsulation
- Thermal protection
- 5 year warranty
15

(V.) SELECTION OF PRODUCTS

Islatrol:
The product line is separated into six main groups.
1. Single Phase 120 volt
2. Single Phase 240 volt
3. Single Phase 480 volt
4. Three Phase120/208
5. Three Phase 277/480
6. DC (Call Application Engineer)
Each of these six main groups can be broken into sub-groups based on ampere rating (the
protected equipments current draw under normal operation).
Example: a single phase, 120-volt unit rated for a 5-amp load is an I-105
Note: The 120 volt, single phase Islatrols can be purchased as a 5 line cord/receptacle
unit or as printed circuit board mount (.25 amps) unit. We label the line cord models with
a prefix of LR (for line cord/receptacle) and add the suffix PC to the model number for
printed circuit board.
To help a customer select an Islatrol:
1. Determine Phase configuration. - Is the filter protecting a Three Phase Wye load?
Three Phase Delta configured panel? Single Phase configured panel?
2. Determine Voltage configuration - Is the filter protecting a 120/208-volt system?
480 volt system? Keep in mind if the voltage required does not match the selections
in the catalog; always choose the higher voltage. For example: If the voltage level is
higher than 120 (say 230 V) but less than 277 select the Islatrol configured for 277
volts.
3. Determine Ampere rating of protected load: Again, if the protected load is not
specifically listed in the catalog, move to the next, higher, ampere rating available.
For example: If the load under normal operation will draw 10 amps, you would chose
a unit rated for a 15-amp load.
The model #: I-3-4200
1st (I) - indicates Islatrol product line
2nd (3) - indicates a Three Phase configuration
3rd (4) - indicates the Islatrol voltage level (line to line) is 480
4th (200) - indicates the Islatrol can handle a 200-amp load.

16

Example 1:
Customer: "I have a 220/380 V Wye system but I dont see this voltage listed in the
catalogue. Which Islatrol do I select?
Control Concepts: "You would need an I-3-4 series, however, I need to know the ampere
rating of your protected load."
Customer: "The load is 100 amps per phase."
Control Concepts: You would select an I-3-4100
Example 2:
Customer: "I want an Islatrol, single phase 120 volt with a load of 10 amps."
Control Concepts: "Would you like a hard wired unit or one with a line cord/receptacle
input and output?"
Customer: "I want a line cord/receptacle type."
Control Concepts: You would select an LRI-115.
Customer: Will this unit be too large, I see its rated for 15 amps, my load is only 10
amps?
Control Concepts: This selection will be fine. Oversizing the load capability of the
Islatrol will have no affect on performance.

Islatrol Elite and Islatrol Plus

The product line is separated into two main groups.
1. Single Phase 120 volt
2. Single Phase 240 volt
Both of these two main groups can be broken into sub-groups based on ampere rating (the
protected equipments current draw under normal operation). The 120-volt single phase
Islatrol Plus is then offered in a hardwired or line cord/receptacle input/output
configuration.
The Islatrol Elite offers the following additional features:
1. Finger-safe terminals
2. UL1449, CUL and CE listings.
3. Form C contacts for remote indication.
4. DIN mountable enclosure.
**** Note: Both models MAX 20 Amp Continuous Load Current****

17

To help a customer select Either an Islatrol Plus or Islatrol Elite:

1. Confirm Phase configuration. - Is the filter in line with a true single-phase load?
Two wires and a ground?
2. Determine Voltage - Is the filter protecting a 120-volt system? 240 volt system?
Keep in mind if the voltage required does not match the selections in the catalog;
3. Determine Ampere rating of protected load: Again, if the protected load is not
specifically listed in the catalog, move to the next, higher, ampere rating available.
For example: If the load under normal operation will draw six amps, you would
choose a unit rated for a 7.5 amp load (Islatrol Series) or 10amp load (Islatrol Elite
Series).
4. Determine Any Special Features Desired: If DIN type mounting, additional
certification (UL1449, CUL, CE) or special terminals are desired then use Islatrol
Elite.
The Model #: LRIC+105
1st (LR) - indicates the input/output to the Islatrol plus is via line cord/receptacle
2nd (IC+) - indicates Islatrol Plus product line.
3rd (1) - indicates 120 volt single phase
4th (05) - indicates the Islatrol Plus can handle a 5 amp load
Example 1:
Customer: "I have a load that draws 9 amps what product do I choose?"
Control Concepts: "I need to know the voltage and phase configuration."
Customer: The voltage is 120-volt single phase.
Control Concepts: Two wires and a ground?
Customer: Yes.
Control Concepts: Would you like a hardwired or line cord/receptacle model.
Customer: Hardwired with finger safe terminals.
Control Concepts: The Islatrol Elite model number you would select is an IE-110.

18

 Islatran
The unit is separated into two main groups.
1. Single Phase 120 volt
2. Single Phase 240 volt
Both of these two main groups can be broken into sub-groups based on ampere rating (the
protected equipments current draw under normal operation).
The 120-volt single phase is offered in a hardwired or line cord/receptacle input/output
configuration (all models). A 2 and 6.25 amp model is available with a medical grade
receptacle (labeled as UL544). The 240-volt single phase Islatran is available in a
hardwired or line cord/receptacle input/output configuration for six and eight amp loads
only.
1. Confirm Phase configuration. - Is the filter in line with a true single-phase load?
Two wires and a ground?
2. Determine Voltage - Is the filter protecting a 120-volt system? 240 volt system?
Keep in mind if the voltage required does not match the selections in the catalog;
always choose the higher voltage. For example: If the voltage level is higher than 120
(say 230 V) but less than 240 select the Islatrol configured for 240 volts.
3. Determine Ampere rating of protected load: Again, if the protected load is not
specifically listed in the catalog, move to the next, higher, ampere rating available.
For example: If the load under normal operation will draw seven amps, you would chose
a unit rated for an 8-amp load.
The Model #: LRA-120
1st (LR) - indicates the input/output to the Islatran plus is via line cord/receptacle
2nd (A) - indicates Islatran product line with standard receptacle.
3rd (1) - indicates 120 volt single phase
4th (20) - indicates the Islatran can handle a 16 amp load

19

 IslaGuard Series
The unit is separated into three series: IH, IM, IL.
Choice of unit is determined by the following:
1. Surge current per phase requirements:
2. Modes of protection required: any combination of
3. Voltage Configuration
4. Phase Configuration
To help a customer select an IslaGuard:
1. Determine Modes of Protection Requirements: Are they looking for line to line,
line to ground, line to neutral, or neutral to ground - any combination.
2. Determine Surge Current Requirements: 25kA to 400 kA
3. Determine Voltage - Is the IslaGuard installed in parallel with a 120/208 system?
240 volt system? Keep in mind the voltage requirement is very important. If the
voltages present at the panel do not match any of the selections in the catalog ,
contact Applications Engineering Dept.
4. Confirm Phase configuration. - Is the IslaGuard installed in parallel with a singlephase panel? Split Phase? Three Phase Wye or Delta?
The Catalog Model #: IH277Y400R
1st (IH) - indicates Islaguard High Exposure
2nd (277Y) - indicates IslaGuard voltage/phase configuration
3rd 400 - indicates total protection of 400kA per phase / 200kA per mode L-N, L-G, N-G
4th (R) - indicates Rotary Disconnect.
Example 1:
Customer: "I have a 480 volt system, what product should I select?"
Control Concepts: "Is your 480-volt system a 277/480 Three phase Wye or a 480 volt
Three Phase Delta?"
Customer: "I am not sure."
Control Concepts: Do you have 4 wires and a ground (3 phases and a neutral + gnd) or
3 wires and a ground (3 phases + gnd)?
Customer: 4 wires and a ground.
Control Concepts: What modes do you want to protect?
Customer: "The specification I am looking at calls for all modes."
Control Concepts: What is your surge current requirement per phase?
Customer: I need 200,000 amps per phase.
Control Concepts: Do you need a disconnect ?
Customer: Yes.
Control Concepts: Our model number is IH277Y200R.
20

(VII.) Typical Questions

Q: Is there any difference between a surge and a transient or transient overvoltage?
A: The terms are typically used to describe the very short duration increases in voltage
caused by lightning. In this context surge means the same as transient overvoltage or
in its shortened form transient. However, surge is a vague term also used to describe
overvoltages up to a few seconds (swells) in duration.
Q: What is the source of electrical disturbances?
A: You can look at three main areas as a source of electrical disturbances:
1. The Utility Company- No matter where you go, commercial AC power system is
polluted with spikes, surges, and other disturbances generally called electrical
noise. Power-line noise has always been a part of the electrical utilities. Its a natural
by product of the distribution and use of electric power.
If demand for power increases beyond the capacity of the utility companys generator
in one area, or if heavy industrial use overloads the power system, the corrective
action of the utility company can cause spikes and transients to appear on the power
line.
2. Lightning - Lightning strikes may not be the most common source of power-line
noise, but they are certainly the most devastating. Even when the strike is many miles
away, surges and spikes measuring thousands of volts may show up at your service.
3. Electrical Loads - Dramatic events like lightning may get all the attention when it
comes to power line disturbances, but on a day-to-day basis, much more electrical
noise is created by noisy electrical loads.
Copiers, computers, heating ventilating and air conditioning, coffee makers, power
tools, vending machines and the like throw noise back into the electrical system when
they operate.
Q: Why are todays systems so much more sensitive than they used to be?
A: There are two reasons for this:
1. Changing Power Supplies - During the last 10 years most computer manufacturers
have changed from using linear DC power supplies to switching type power supplies.
Because the switching power supplies operate by switching on and off rapidly and
drawing a lot of current during each cycle, they can generate a lot of noise.
2. Chip Complexity - The chips themselves are more complex, smaller, and more
vulnerable to noise than they used to be.

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Questions Continued:
Q: What is Let-Thru Voltage?
A: Let-Thru voltage is simply the amount of transient voltage that is allowed to pass
through to your protected load. It is the same as the clamping level. This value is typically
based on the IEEE category B3 wave form/pulse or UL 1449 clamping level. An example
would be our let-thru voltage on an IH120Y200R is a 400-volt.

Q: What is meant by speed of response? We claim .5 ns.

A: This value is often misunderstood. The customer often believes that this value is
actually the installed response time of the surge suppresser. In reality, the speed of
response, is the component level speed of response, not the products. The term became
popular with manufacturers that employ Silicon Avalanche Diodes in their design SADs intrinsic properties give it a slight edge in response time when compared to
MOVs. However, the real world response time of a unit is better represented by its
clamping capability or the UL 1449 rating.

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Product Questions
Q: How do I determine which size Islaguard to select IH, IM, or IL.
A: Unfortunately, there is no cookbook method to selecting a parallel device. Each
customer will be unique; therefore, you will have to ask many questions to evaluate their
need. The following is a few of the things I would ask to determine an appropriate unit:
1. Determine the Exposure Level of the site. This includes the lightning activity in their
area, the distance from the power-generating source, the proximity to other transient
generating loads.
2. Examine Site History. Do they have a history of problems at the site?
3. The Protected Load. What are they trying to protect? Will the Interceptor be
protecting a new MRI wing with critical, expensive equipment or will it simply
protect a lighting panel
4. The Customers Tolerance for Risk. Is the customer willing to take a chance on a
disruption in their daily activities due to equipment failure? What is the cost of their
companys downtime? Considering this cost one can easily justify the initial
investment of a suppression device. Typically, this initial cost may be less than an
hour of downtime.
5. The Customers Budget. If the end user does not have the money to invest in a
higher end suppression system, we can value engineer a solution for them.
Q: How far away from my panel can install my Islaguard?
A: As in any parallel installation of a surge protective device, you would want to get as
close as possible to the bus you are protecting. The effectiveness of a parallel device is
dramatically reduced as the lead length increases. Optimally, the best installation would
be approximately 18 inches or less from the bus.
Q: What is the difference between the Islatrol, the Islatrol Plus/ Elite, and the Islatran?
A: The Islatrol is a normal mode high frequency noise filter. The Islatrol Plus is a normal
and common mode high frequency noise filter/transient suppresser. In addition to the IC+
features the IE model is DIN mountable, has finger safe terminals and carries both UL
1449 and 1283 certification. The Islatran is a normal and common mode high frequency
noise filter/transient suppresser with isolation transformer.

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