|
Featured Article: Are you ready for 1449 3rd Edition?
|
| ISO 9001:2000
Certified Manufacturing
Facility
| |
|
|
Surge Suppression Incorporated Newsletter |
ANSI/UL 1449-2006 Standard for Surge Protection Devices
(also known as 1449 3rd Edition)
and what it means to you
|
|
|
On September 29, 2009 the 3rd Edition of the UL1449 Standard will go into effect. It is no longer just a UL Standard, it is now an ANSI/UL Standard and its proper name is ANSI/UL 1449 - 2006.
You will find some significant changes in the new version and it will almost certainly require revision of existing engineering specifications that are written to the current UL 1449 (2nd Edition) standard.
There is a letter that is being distributed by a competitor of ours which flatly states that 3rd Edition listed products can't meet existing specs. This is not exactly true. Depending on how the spec. is written, it is very possible for a 3rd Edition listed product to meet an existing spec. If you have any doubts or questions on the issue, we invite you to call us and let us assist you. SSI has the answers you need; so, give us a call and we will be happy to discuss your particular issues and requirements with you. After all, surge suppression is what we do and we do it well.
For those of you who use Surge Suppression Incorporated products regularly, rest assured that SSI will have a complete line of products listed to the ANSI/UL 1449-2006 (3rd Edition) standard. The exact date for release of these products has not as yet been determined, but you will be notified. You may also be assured that we will take care of you through the change and will not leave you "holding the bag" in the transition or put you in a position where prices are "jacked up" because the job was written and quoted based on the current revision of UL 1449 2nd Edition.
Some of the details of the new standard (ANSI/UL1449 - 2006) are as follows:
- Changes in terminology:
o No longer will surge suppression products be referred to as TVSS devices but now they will be call Surge Protective Devices (SPD's) o The term Suppressed Voltage Rating (SVR) now becomes Voltage Protection Rating (VPR) and is determined by tests conducted using a different waveform (6 kV/3 kA Combination wave) at a different level than in the second edition (6 kV/ 500 A Combination wave).
- There is also a new term to which we are going to have to pay particular attention. That term is "Nominal Discharge Current" and it is listed on spec. sheets as "IN". This rating will also be required on the product label. The test is performed in conjunction with the VPR test and basically it is a test demonstrating an amount of current that a SPD can tolerate on a repetitive basis and still survive and function properly. There are several different current levels to which the manufacturer may have the test performed based on the SPD Type. These levels start at 20kA and 10 kA (for Type 1 devices) and down to 3 kA for Type 2 devices. Type 3 devices do not undergo the Nominal Discharge Current Test, unless they are tested as a Type 2 device. Please DO NOT confuse this term with "Peak Surge Current". They are totally different terms in both definition and purpose.
- SPD Types: ANSI/UL 1449-2006 introduces various "types" of SPD. Briefly stated,
o Type 1 SPD: is an SPD that is applied to the Line side of the main overcurrent protective device. These also include watt hour meter type of suppression devices. Type 1 devices may also be applied on the Load side of the main overcurrent protective device. o Type 2 SPD: is an SPD that is applied to the Load side of the main overcurrent protective device. Practically speaking, these are the permanently connected devices that are now reflected in UL 1449 2nd Edition. o Type 3 SPD: is an SPD that is a cord connected or directly connected plug in type of device. o Type 4 SPD: is a component level SPD or a partial assembly SPD which is tested in accordance with the location to which it is to be applied (Type 1,2,3).
One of the main reasons for the new standard, revolves around the Secondary Surge Arrester. Prior to ANSI/UL 1449-2006, Secondary Surge Arresters were tested only in accordance with the guidelines of IEEE C62.11. Effective September 29, 2009, those devices that are manufactured as a listed device MUST be listed as a Type 1 device under ANSI/UL 1449-2006. This is particularly important when specifying for UL Certification of lightning protection systems.
As you can see, these changes can have a significant effect on surge suppression specifications and how they are written in the future. SSI is here to assist you, in any way possible, to assure that you get what is specified and what meets the needs of your clients.
For more information or assistance please contact your local Surge Suppression Incorporated representative or contact us at 888-987-8877.
|
| About Us |
|
Surge Suppression Incorporated and our affiliated companies are manufacturers and suppliers of multiple lines of quality Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS) devices for AC and DC power, data, and telecommunications with voltages from .5V to 7200V. We started business in 1982 as an independent distributor of TVSS devices. Over the years, we have provided both quality TVSS devices and quality service to our customers. Due to the original TVSS manufacturer's sale to a foreign corporation, we decided to found Surge Suppression Incorporated. Starting with a core group of experienced and dedicated TVSS industry professionals, our stated purpose was the manufacture of TVSS devices which would not only exceed the standards of the products we sold before, but set a new standard for quality, performance and design ingenuity. Hard work, dedication and the continuing addition of experienced TVSS professionals and resources have all contributed to our rapid growth and industry leadership position.
Surge Suppression Incorporated has extensive application experience across a full range of industrial, commercial and Department of Defense sectors. We value each customer and are committed to providing only the highest level of service and product quality. This commitment can be seen in the success we have achieved with the most demanding and discriminating of customers. After extensive research and testing, an affiliated company was awarded a 2.8 million dollar contract with the U.S. Navy in 2001 to provide TVSS devices for shipboard applications. We have also provided TVSS devices for a number of U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force installations throughout the United States and overseas. We are very proud to be an active participant in these vital efforts.
Surge Suppression Incorporated has grown and expanded throughout the U.S. and international markets. We currently have sales offices located across the U.S. and in various locations in Europe, Asia, Central America, South America and the Middle East. During this period of rapid growth, we have maintained our commitment to customer service, technical support and responsiveness. |
|
Surge Suppression Incorporated will match or beat any price for comparable surge protection devices.
For more information or assistance, please contact your local Surge Suppression Incorporated representative or contact us at 888-987-8877
or e-mail dkertz@surgesuppression.com. Thank you for your consideration. | |
|