UFC 3 -520-01
June 10, 2002
APPENDIX D
SURGE PROTECTOR PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
D-1
SUMMARY.
D-1.1
The most important surge protector performance and evaluation
characteristics are:
Listing in accordance with UL 1449, Standard for Transient Voltage Surge
Suppressors, Second Edition (paragraph D -2.1).
UL 1449 surge suppression rating (paragraph D -2.2 ).
Maximum continuous overvoltage rating (paragraph D -2.3 ).
Maximum surge curre nt rating (paragraph D -2.4).
Repeated surge current withs tand capability (paragraph D -2.5).
Modes of protection (paragraph D -2.6).
Internal fusing characteristics (paragraph D -2.7).
Installation capability (paragraph D -2.8).
Warranty (paragraph D -2.9 ).
Price (paragraph D -2.10).
D-1.2
Paragraphs D-2.1 through D -2.10 discuss each of the above performance
attributes. Paragraphs D -3.1 through D -3.5 discuss other commonly advertised
performance characteristics that are not as important to consider.
D-2
IMPORTANT SURGE PROTECTION ATTRIBUTES.
D-2.1
UL 1449 Listing.
D-2.1.1 UL 1449 listing is a fundamental requirement for all procured surge protectors
for use in electrical distribution systems.
D-2.1.2 The UL 1449 listing process primarily ensures that the surge protector has
passed a variety of safety tests. In parti cular, the UL 1449 fail-safe requirements are
intended to address metal oxide varistor (MOV) degradation modes in which an MOV at
end of life can conduct continuously, causing overheating. The surge suppression tests
listed in UL 1449 are not necessarily representative of actual surges that might be
encountered, but UL 1449 listing ensures the surge protector has passed some basic
D-1
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