

The Cirprotec PSM3-40/1000 PV transient overvoltage protector, reference 77707852, is a Type 2 device specifically designed to protect photovoltaic DC installations against transient overvoltages. It features YPV configuration with L+, L- and PE connections, a maximum continuous operating voltage Ucpv of 1060 V DC, maximum discharge current Imax of 40 kA and nominal discharge current In of 20 kA.
Its pluggable design allows the protection cartridges to be replaced when they reach the end of their service life without having to replace the base installed in the panel. It occupies 3 DIN rail modules, includes visual status indication, dynamic thermal disconnection and a reversible chassis that allows cable entry to be arranged from the top or bottom.
The PSM3-40/1000 PV is classified as a PV Type 2 transient overvoltage protector according to EN and Class II according to IEC. It has been specifically developed for photovoltaic DC circuits and complies with IEC/EN 61643-31.
Its function is to limit short-duration voltage spikes that may occur in a solar installation as a result of induced surges, switching operations or indirect effects of lightning strikes, helping protect inverters and other equipment connected on the DC side.
Although the commercial designation of the model is PSM3-40/1000 PV, Cirprotec specifies a maximum continuous operating voltage Ucpv of 1060 V DC according to IEC.
This value must be taken into account when designing the installation protection. The maximum open-circuit voltage of the photovoltaic strings, especially under low-temperature conditions, must remain within the admissible limits of the protector.
The Cirprotec 77707852 offers a high discharge capacity to withstand transient impulses with an 8/20 µs waveform:
These features are intended for DC-side protection in solar plants, photovoltaic rooftops and self-consumption installations compatible with its voltage level.
Cirprotec specifies a voltage protection level Up ≤4 kV at nominal discharge current, both between L+ and L- and between line and earth.
The Up value represents the residual voltage that appears at the protector terminals during the standardized test. To achieve properly coordinated protection, this value must be compatible with the withstand voltage of the inverter and the other equipment installed downstream.
The PSM3-40/1000 PV uses a YPV configuration made up of three protection elements and L+, PE and L- connections. The protection modes indicated by Cirprotec are:
This architecture is specifically designed for photovoltaic DC networks.
The protector has a short-circuit withstand Iscpv of 10 kA according to the IEC specifications published by Cirprotec.
The manufacturer indicates that the PSM YPV range does not require a backup fuse in photovoltaic applications within the specified conditions, thanks to its internal disconnection system and breaking capacity.
The PSM3-40/1000 PV incorporates a dynamic thermal disconnection system optimized for DC voltages. When the protective element reaches end-of-life or an abnormal operating condition, the internal mechanism disconnects it, leaving the protection circuit open.
This system is designed to safely manage the degradation conditions that may occur during the service life of a surge protection device.
The response time specified by Cirprotec is ≤25 ns. This fast operation allows it to respond to very short transient impulses before the overvoltage spreads to the protected equipment.
One of the main advantages of the PSM3-40/1000 PV is its pluggable construction. The cartridges can be removed individually from the installed base, making inspection and replacement easier during maintenance operations.
The cartridges are also mechanically coded to help prevent replacement errors with versions of an unsuitable voltage.
Cirprotec identifies the PSM-40/1000 PV cartridge, reference 77707657, as the replacement for the 1000 V version.
The individual cartridge features Ucpv of 530 V DC, Imax of 40 kA, In of 20 kA and Up ≤2 kV, forming part of the three-element YPV configuration used by the complete unit.
The protector includes visual indication to make it easier to check its status during panel inspection work:
Reference 77707852 corresponds to the standard version without remote contact. Cirprotec markets reference 77707853, PSM3-40/1000 PV IR, as the variant equipped with remote indication.
The base includes a reversible chassis that allows the conductors to enter from the top or bottom of the device. This feature provides greater flexibility when designing and wiring photovoltaic protection panels.
The Cirprotec PSM3-40/1000 PV occupies 3 modules and is designed for DIN rail mounting. Its approximate dimensions are 54 mm wide, 90 mm high and 70 mm deep.
Its modular format makes installation easier alongside disconnectors, fuses, string protection devices and other common elements in DC electrical panels.
Cirprotec specifies the following connection capacities:
The final conductor cross-section must be determined according to the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the installation and the applicable mounting instructions.
The device has an IP20 protection rating. It is intended to be installed inside an electrical panel or enclosure that provides the appropriate degree of protection for the location.
The PSM3-40/1000 PV can operate within a temperature range of -40 to +85 °C and supports relative humidity from 5 to 95%.
The insulating material is PA66 CT1 and has a UL94 V-0 flammability rating.
The PSM3-40/1000 PV version has an approximate net weight of 0.325 kg. The packaging dimensions specified for the range are 117 x 63 x 90 mm.
In addition to the IEC/EN classification for photovoltaic installations, the range is certified according to UL 1449 5th Edition. For the 1000 V version, Cirprotec specifies an MCOV of 1000 V DC, a VPR of 3000 V and an SCCR capacity of 50 kA under UL standard conditions.
These UL values must be distinguished from IEC magnitudes such as Ucpv of 1060 V DC, Iscpv of 10 kA and Up ≤4 kV.
The Cirprotec PSM3-40/1000 PV combines a Ucpv of 1060 V DC, a maximum discharge current of 40 kA, In of 20 kA and a protection level Up ≤4 kV in a compact 3-module DIN device. These features make it a dedicated solution for transient overvoltage protection on the DC side of compatible photovoltaic installations.
Its pluggable format, replaceable and coded cartridges, visual status indicator, dynamic thermal disconnection and reversible chassis make both initial installation and subsequent panel maintenance tasks easier.
Important: the commercial designation includes “1000 PV”, while the maximum continuous operating voltage specified by Cirprotec according to IEC is Ucpv 1060 V DC. This reference has visual indication, but no remote contact; for remote signaling, reference 77707853 applies.