Finder 7P.13.9.500.1006 – 7P Series Surge Protection Devices

Why Choose the Finder 7P.13.9.500.1006 Type 1+2 Photovoltaic Surge Protection Device?

The Finder 7P.13.9.500.1006 is a high-performance Type 1+2 DC surge protection device (SPD) specifically designed to protect photovoltaic (PV) installations against lightning-related surge currents and transient overvoltages. Part of the Finder 7P Series, this combined lightning-current and surge arrester is suitable for solar power systems with a maximum continuous PV operating voltage (U_CPV) of 1,500 V DC.

Engineered for photovoltaic string protection, solar inverter DC inputs and renewable energy distribution systems, the Finder 7P.13.9.500.1006 features a Y-connected protection arrangement with a lightning impulse current rating (Iimp) of 6.25 kA per pole, a nominal discharge current (In) of 20 kA per pole and a maximum discharge current (Imax) of 40 kA per pole. Its combined Type 1+2 classification makes it suitable for applications requiring protection against high-energy lightning impulses and induced switching surges.

This version incorporates a remote signalling changeover contact for monitoring surge protector status through compatible alarm, supervisory and building management systems. Additional features include an optical status indicator, compact DIN rail construction, replaceable protective elements and an installation arrangement that supports inverted mounting. Designed in accordance with IEC/EN 61643-31, the device provides a practical surge protection solution for modern high-voltage DC photovoltaic installations.

Key Advantages

• Combined Type 1+2 surge protection: Provides lightning-current and transient overvoltage protection for photovoltaic DC circuits.
• 1,500 V DC PV compatibility: Supports modern high-voltage solar installations operating within the specified maximum continuous PV voltage.
• 6.25 kA lightning impulse current per pole: Handles high-energy surge currents tested with a 10/350 µs waveform.
• 20 kA nominal discharge current: Provides dependable surge handling under the 8/20 µs test waveform.
• 40 kA maximum discharge current: Offers substantial transient surge current capability.
• Y-connected protection arrangement: Supports coordinated protection of photovoltaic DC conductors and protective earth.
• Remote signalling contact: Enables integration with monitoring, alarm and supervisory systems.
• Visual status indication: Allows straightforward inspection of the surge protection elements.
• Replaceable protective cartridges: Supports maintenance without automatically replacing the complete SPD assembly.
• Compact four-module construction: Conserves installation space in photovoltaic distribution enclosures.
• 35 mm DIN rail mounting: Simplifies integration into standard electrical cabinets.
• Inverted mounting capability: Provides additional installation flexibility.
• Wide operating temperature range: Supports demanding renewable energy operating environments.
• IEC/EN 61643-31 design: Developed for surge protection in photovoltaic installations.

Key Features

• Finder 7P Series photovoltaic surge protection device.
• Combined Type 1+2 DC surge arrester.
• Maximum continuous PV operating voltage: 1,500 V DC.
• Y-connected photovoltaic protection configuration.
• Lightning impulse current (Iimp): 6.25 kA per pole, 10/350 µs.
• Nominal discharge current (In): 20 kA per pole, 8/20 µs.
• Maximum discharge current (Imax): 40 kA per pole, 8/20 µs.
• Combined lightning impulse current capability of 12.5 kA for the specified protection arrangement.
• Voltage protection level (Up): 5.4 kV.
• Integrated remote status signalling via changeover contact.
• Optical indication of protective element condition.
• Replaceable surge protection cartridges.
• Remote status connection using the compatible Finder 07P.01 connector.
• Four-module DIN rail construction.
• Standard 35 mm DIN rail mounting.
• Supports inverted mounting where required by the enclosure layout.
• IP20 ingress protection.
• Operating temperature range of −40 to +80 °C.
• Designed for photovoltaic applications in accordance with IEC/EN 61643-31.

Reliable Lightning and Surge Protection for Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic installations are particularly exposed to transient electrical disturbances because solar arrays are often installed on rooftops, open ground and other locations with extensive external cabling. Lightning activity can induce high-energy surges in DC conductors, placing solar inverters, monitoring equipment and other connected components at risk. The Finder 7P.13.9.500.1006 helps manage these risks by providing combined Type 1 and Type 2 surge protection specifically designed for photovoltaic DC systems.

Its 1,500 V DC U_CPV rating supports high-voltage photovoltaic strings, while the Y-connected protection arrangement provides coordinated surge paths between the relevant DC conductors and protective earth. The 6.25 kA Iimp rating per pole is intended for high-energy lightning impulse conditions, while the 20 kA In and 40 kA Imax ratings provide protection against transient surge currents using the standard 8/20 µs test waveform.

The integrated remote signalling contact is particularly valuable in photovoltaic installations where the DC protection equipment may be located in plant rooms, rooftop enclosures or remote inverter stations. By connecting the status output to a compatible monitoring system, operators can identify when surge protection maintenance may be required without relying exclusively on manual inspection. The optical status indication provides an additional local method for checking the condition of the protective elements.

Correct installation is essential to achieving the intended protection performance. The device must be selected according to the maximum photovoltaic open-circuit voltage under the lowest expected ambient temperature, the installation's lightning protection requirements, the prospective short-circuit current and the manufacturer's wiring instructions. Appropriate conductor routing, earthing and coordination with other surge protection devices help minimise residual overvoltage at connected equipment.

Typical Applications

• Commercial photovoltaic installations: Protection of high-voltage DC solar array circuits.
• Industrial solar power systems: Surge protection for PV strings and inverter DC inputs.
• Utility-scale photovoltaic installations: Protection within appropriately designed solar generation infrastructure.
• Solar combiner boxes: Surge protection at suitable DC collection points.
• PV inverter protection: Helping protect inverter DC inputs against lightning-related transient overvoltages.
• Rooftop solar arrays: Protection of external photovoltaic cable networks.
• Ground-mounted solar farms: Coordinated surge protection for exposed DC circuits.
• Renewable energy distribution cabinets: Integration into DIN rail-mounted DC protection assemblies.
• Remotely monitored solar installations: Status reporting through the integrated changeover contact.
• Photovoltaic systems with external lightning protection: Combined Type 1+2 surge protection where required by the installation design.