Advanced Protection SPDee DC - Manual (Page 4)

NORMAL OPERATION
Green LED Indicator – The LED indicator illuminates
when the SPD is energized and operating correctly.
Indicator operation: Every suppression element
is connected via logic to the green LED. Should
any suppression element fail, the green LED will
extinguish. Be aware that LED requires sufficient
voltage to operate. Photovoltaic applications having
limited sunlight may not generate enough power to
illuminate the LED.
Microswitch Option
A UL Listed ‘M’ option allows a user to monitor the
operational status of internal MOVs. This is similar
to a dry contact, but does not require that the
SPD remain fully energized. Note that many SPD
diagnostic circuits require power to operate. This
becomes problematical on a PV application when
there is no sunlight, and consequently no power.
The diagnostics and/or contacts would change
state every time the sun goes up or goes down. In
turn, this could falsely indicate problems (sun went
down, as opposed to SPD is failed).
The ‘M’ option monitors each MOV’s integral
microswitches via logic. Two 20 AWG wires exit
the pipe nipple for customer connection to remote
sensing equipment. Power must be limited to 50mA
at 12VDC. Power inputs above 50mA at 12VDC will
damage the microswitches and will not be covered
under warranty. At the ends of the 20 AWG wires,
correct operational state is Open circuit. If any
MOV fails, the microswitch will Close. In simplest
terms: Open = Good, Closed/short = problem. The
‘M’ option consumes the microswitch contacts that
would normally be used by the LED circuitry. The
diagnostic LED is not available with the ‘M’ option.
(The ‘M’ option also requires the ‘R’ option, which
removes the LED and its power supply circuitry.)
In most instances, a different label is used such
that visual inspection is easier. Each MOV includes
small pop-up tabs, which are not visible under
the standard label. A revised label allows visual
inspection under the clear polycarbonate enclosure
lid. Please contact APT Tech Support with any
questions at (800) 237-4567.
Maintenance
SPDs require minimal maintenance. We recommend
periodic inspection of diagnostic indicators to ensure
proper operation. We also recommend keeping the
SPD clean as appropriate.
Troubleshooting & Service
Please contact us for any service related issues.
We want to take care of any problems.
Quality SPDs withstand severe duty and attempt to
protect their load until failure. There are electrical
anomalies that SPDs cannot protect against.
These are generally Sustained Overvoltages also
known as Temporary Overvoltages (TOVs). In this
context, Sustained Overvoltages may be relatively
short duration (on AC systems, could be only a few
cycles). Failed SPDs tend to be symptoms, not
root causes. We suggest treating a failed SPD as
a ‘canary in the coalmine’ as there may be larger
issues at play. Be aware that photovoltaic systems
generate maximum voltage at coldest temperatures
and brightest light. For example, full sunup after
a cool/cold night produces maximum voltage on
photovoltaic systems. The system’s maximum
voltage rating should take this into account.
As a generalization, the single largest ‘killer’ of
SPDs is reference to ground issues. If the SPD
shows problems on startup, there is reasonable
chance of bonding/grounding/misapplication
issue. This permanently damages the unit. If not
corrected, it will happen again.
Any returns need a Return Authorization (RA)
number.
4
WARNING
!
VERIFY THAT ALL POWER CIRCUITS ARE
DEENERGIZED BEFORE MAKING CONNECTIONS
All electrical connections should be performed by a qualified
(licensed) electrician or technician. All wiring must comply with
the National Electrical Code (NEC ® ) and applicable local codes.
V
WARNING
▪
Do Not Hi-Pot Test
▪
Resulting Damage is not Covered Under Warranty