Raycap's Strikesorb® TVSS Modules Meet UL 1449 2nd Edition Safety Standard
Morrisville, N.C. (April 19, 2007) - Raycap Inc.'s Strikesorb® module is the only UL Recognized surge protection device (SPD) that has been fully tested to the complete testing procedure as defined by the revised UL 1449 standard. Equipment that includes the Strikesorb module does not require further UL 1449 testing in order to meet UL Listing requirements, saving integrators and panel manufacturers time and money. In addition, Strikesorb modules have passed 3-cycle testing at available short circuit currents of up to 100,000A rms.
"The revised UL 1449 standard is a direct result of the industry's awareness of catastrophic TVSS failures," said Dr. Zaf Politis, R&D Manager for Raycap. "The UL 1449 revisions ensure that TVSS devices will not create fire or shock hazards when they are subjected to prolonged and abnormal AC overvoltage conditions that cause them to conduct continuous overcurrent values. It is this abnormal current conduction that causes many conventional TVSS devices to overheat and ignite fires."
Many TVSS manufacturers are unable to meet the revised UL requirements. Products that were UL Listed prior to February 9, 2007 are now in danger of losing that certification. Article 285 of the National Code (NEC) has required that TVSS devices be UL Listed and labeled with a short circuit current rating (SCCR) since 2005. Therefore, TVSS equipment that loses its UL Listing, or those products that can't acquire it, should no longer be used and may jeopardize the UL Listing of the equipment in which it is installed.
Strikesorb modules are offered in two variations, the 40mm Strikesorb module is rated at 140kA (8/20) and the 80mm Strikesorb module is rated at 200kA (8/20) according to NEMA LS-1. Both Strikesorb modules have also been successfully tested to the complete testing procedure specified in the IEC61643-1:2005 international standard for surge protection, which includes testing using 10/350 lightning current waveforms. The testing was conducted by the VDE Institute in Germany. Strikesorb modules are offered at ratings to fit a variety of applications including operating voltages of 120V up to 600V.
The Strikesorb module is comprised of a single distribution-grade metal oxide varistor (MOV) disc that provides uniform distribution of the surge current over the total area of the MOV protection element. This results in a high-energy handling capability combined with ultra-low let-through voltage to the protected equipment. The Strikesorb's unique monolithic design provides a straight electrical path to its large single disc of distribution-grade varistor material, unlike other TVSS systems that employ arrays of conventional MOV components with 90° angled lead wires to each varistor. The absence of lead wires and internal disconnect mechanisms gives the Strikesorb extremely low contact resistance. The Strikesorb module also exhibits low clamping voltage and can be directly connected on the power bus bars inside the cabinet of the equipment after the main circuit breaker.
Both the 40mm and 80mm modules can also be integrated inside larger systems or within Raycap's Rayvoss® stand alone TVSS system. The Rayvoss system can utilize the Strikesorb suppression module in a variety of configurations and operating voltages including single-phase, split-phase, three-phase wye and three-phase delta configurations with voltages that range from 120V to 600V respectively.
Strikesorb modules are designed for use in applications that require protection from lightning and power surges, including oil, gas and petrochemical equipment; power generation equipment; wind turbines; telecommunication and cable TV equipment; radar equipment; telecommunication street cabinets; medical equipment; industrial automation; control and process management electronics; variable speed drives (VSDs); uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs); and a host of other applications requiring continuous 24/7 operation because safety is critical.
For more information about Strikesorb, contact: Raycap Inc. at One Copley Parkway, Suite 545, Morrisville, NC 27560; call 919-200-4508, or visit raycapinc.com/strikesorb.
About Raycap Inc.
Raycap Inc., headquartered in Morrisville, N.C., manufactures advanced transient voltage surge suppression modules and systems for a broad range of applications. The company exports its Rayvoss® systems and Strikesorb® modules to more than 40 countries around the world and has operations in the U.S., Canada, Panama, Switzerland, Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia-Montenegro. Raycap Inc. is a subsidiary of Raycap Corporation, which was founded in 1987. The Athens, Greece based service provider and manufacturer provides diversified products for the telecommunications, energy, pipeline, electronics and defense industries.
